Kingsclere vicar's last church fete raises £6,000 for church funds

Last church fete for Rev Lucy Thirtle

A KINGSCLERE vicar's last church fete before she leaves the village proved a huge success on bank holiday Monday, raising more than £6,000 for church funds after hundreds turned out, despite the miserable weather.

Vicar of the combined parish of Kingsclere and Ashford Hill with Headley, Rev Lucy Thirtle, had a fantastic send-off as the fete was opened by Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, in the grounds of St Mary's Church.

More than 200 people braved the rain to attend.

And there was plenty to do, including giant games, childrens crafts, plants, second-hand books, a coconut shy and bell tower tours.

Tasty treats were to be found at a barbecue, with cakes, a raffle and tombola.

The money raised for the church was up on last year, and one of the organisers, Amanda Hatcher, said: "We made full use of the space with the ever-popular tea room inundated with visitors all afternoon, serving cream teas and home-made cakes and savoury scones."

The fun dog show proved popular, with classes such as fancy dress, dog most like owner and sweetest pup.

It was judged by Karl Jones from Kennel & Paddock in Ashford Hill and sponsored this year by Canine Education from Chieveley.

Class winners included: Sweetest puppy - Nettle, Sam Salm; Prettiest bitch - Saffie, Caroline Hughes; Most handsome dog and best in show - Little Bear, Joel Scatford; Most like owner - Bugsby, Caroline Hughes; Fancy dress - Hettie, Noah Kemp; Old age pooch - Bramble, Lynne Jordan.