Downton Abbey star opens Highclere church fete

Actress, Phyllis Logan, who plays Mrs Hughes in the award-winning period drama, Downton Abbey, opened Highclere church fete, from 2pm, in the grounds of St Michael and All Angels church.
The actress thanked the people of Highclere for allowing one of the ‘downstairs staff’ to come and open the fete and encouraged everyone to ‘spend spend spend.’
She was introduced by master of ceremonies, Clive Sanders, the leader of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and visitors included the MP for North West Hampshire, Sir George Young.
The Countess of Carnarvon was also among the crowd and stopped to chat to the actress, a regular on the Downton film set at nearby Highclere Castle, the Carnarvon family estate.
Main organiser, Highclere villager, Jo Walsh, said the fete raised a total £4,817 for church funds, after volunteers battled rain and lightning that morning - before the sun shone down in the afternoon, on games and stalls including: bottles, cakes, teas, plants, raffles, gifts, toys and books.
Over in Ashford Hill, organisers of another church fete, on Ashford Hill Common, were also counting their blessings as the weather improved later in the day: "We all felt a higher power was looking after us,” said Rev Lucy Thirtle, adding it proved, she said: “A fun occasion with a real village feel.”
Attractions included belly dancers and music by Berkshire Maestros, along with a historic fire engine, however planned displays by Spin City Pole Fitness, based at Greenham Business Park and JLD School of Dance, Kingsclere, were cancelled, due to the earlier rain.
The Ship Inn, Ashford Hill, provided a licensed van selling drinks and the barbecue and tea tent both did roaring trade.
Groups involved with stalls included: Cubs, Scouts and Brownies, while Jiminy Crickets pre school, Ashford Hill, ran a bouncy castle.
Proceeds of the Ashford Hill fete were still being totted up, to benefit St Paul’s church, Ashford Hill and St Peter’s church, Headley.