Highclere Fete welcomes Downton Abbey actress

Downton star opens event

A CLOUDY sky failed to dampen the spirits of the organisers of this year’s Highclere village fete as they put together the usual array of stalls and games to welcome visitors.

The fete was officially opened at 2pm by actress Lesley Nicol, better known to fans of ITV’s as the doyenne of the kitchens Mrs Patmore.

As she welcomed everyone to the fete, the popular actress encouraged visitors to spend, spend, spend and help raise money towards the upkeep of the parish church.

She was then presented with a bouquet of flowers by Imogen Duly.

Among the most popular attractions was the crockery-smashing stall where old china was displayed, only to be smashed to pieces by enthusiastic youngsters, including brother and sister, Louisa, 10, and Freddie Neil, seven.

Plants and books were snapped up, cakes were bagged and there was the usual queue for the bottle tombola, heaving with tempting beverages.

Fete organiser Jo Walsh said: “This is always such a great village event with lots of people giving up their time to ensure that visitors enjoy the afternoon.

“We were particularly grateful to Lesley for coming along and opening the fete. She was amazing – she stayed the whole afternoon, talking to people and visiting all the stalls and handing out the raffle prizes at the end.”

It seems Ms Nicol’s rallying cry to encourage people to spend paid off, as Mrs Walsh went on to say: “It was all worthwhile as we raised just over £5,000, which was terrific.”