GOOD timing was the secret behind the success of the annual summer fete in the grounds of St Lawrence’s Church, Alton.

Held on July 7, the fete began midway through the morning and ended an hour before England’s World Cup quarter-final tie with Sweden in Russia.

So any football fans who dropped in on the fete had plenty of time to see the match, which England won 2-0.

The fete was held in sizzling weather and was opened by Alton mayor Derek Gardner, who earlier had been welcomed by the Reverend Andrew Micklefield before touring the grounds which were filled with a variety of stalls selling things such as plants and homemade cakes. There was also a tombola.

There were games, a bouncy castle and refreshments, including burgers cooked by Clive Muller and the Rev Micklefield assisted by his son Dan and daughter Emily.

Gleaming in the sunshine were four vintage cars whose owners Alan Armstrong and Tony Westall were on hand to answer visitors’ questions about the vehicles, while other attractions included tours of the church and the tower.

As a reminder of a violent time in the church’s past, Tony Cullan and Bill Davies from the English Civil War Society came dressed in Commonwealth Army uniforms.

The church still has the bullet marks on its doors and walls from when Cromwell’s men attacked it during the Battle of Alton in 1643.

One of the organisers, Tim Codling, said he was pleased to see so many people as the annual fete.

“It isn’t just about raising money for the church but bringing the community of Alton together,” he said.

“It might have been a bit too hot but it was better than the rain we have had at previous fetes, and it was a fun day which raised £1,800 for both the church, the Anna Chaplaincy for the Elderly, Alton College Chaplin, and The Covenant Youth Choir.”

And Mr Codling concluded: “I would also like to thank the council workmen who cut the grass for us and made the grounds look lovely on the day.”