MORE than 100 visitors stepped inside the Alresford Eel house at the first open day of the year.

The first Open Day of the 2018 season proved a success, despite the wintry conditions.

Around 150 people visited donating £138 towards further work on the 19th century building.

Visitors were able to see the newly erected Donors Board containing 92 names and highlighting the efforts of the late David Goodman.

Dorothy Hamilton organised the roster of six volunteers who together with stalwarts David Woods and Paddy Walshe, opened the Eel House starting with visitors from Southampton at 11am.

There was a constant flow of visitors locally as well as far afield as Solihull and elsewhere, who were first enchanted by the quaint notice boards, by Ellie the resident eel, and by the Eel House built in the 1820’s and refurbished over the last 10 years.

The next Open Day is May 20. New volunteers are always welcome as are all visitors – contact Dorothy on (01962) 734619 or email dorothy.wales1@btinternet.com.

Entrance is free but donations are welcome.