THE sun shone, around 1,500 people attended and £6,000 was raised for a village church.

St Peter’s Country Fayre in Bishop’s Waltham, now in its second year, was opened by local resident and BBC presenter Tony Husband and his wife Helena.

Malcolm Wearn, chairman of the organising committee, said holding such an event after the Autumn Equinox was high risk weather-wise but it paid off.

With more than 40 stalls and displays ranging from a dog show, racing pigs, dipping ducks, human fruit machine, coconut shy – where Tony dislodged two coconuts with three balls.

There was also a bottle stall, a grand raffle and a treasure hunt. Sustenance was provided in the church, by a ‘catering corps’ drawn from church groups with sandwiches, wraps, cakes and a continuous flow of tea and coffee.

Outside, a large barbecue provided an array of hot food with an adjacent beer stall with straw bales on which to rest. There were classic cars spanning nearly 100 years of motoring. Alternative vehicles were there allowing adults and children to clamber over a vintage tractor and the local fire engine. ‘Trips up the Tower’ were very popular with a view from the top, providing a 360 degree vista.

There were musical performances by church choirs, handbells and Maypole dancing by Upham Primary School and later by Roynon Dance.

Tony showed his personable style, by wandering amongst the stall holders and interviewing them using a roving microphone.

The event was staged for local charities to raise funds, for local people to enjoy a great day out and to raise funds to maintain the beautiful 900 year-old church.

Mr Wearn said: “We saw a 30 per cent increase in attendance, as so many families came to enjoy the sunshine and fun in the beautiful St Peter’s churchyard.

“The smiles on the faces of young (and not so young) enjoying the rich community spirit that lies of the heart of Bishop’s Waltham was a joy to behold. The presence of Tony Husband added greatly to the occasion and his common touch, illustrated by his walkabout with a microphone, won great admiration from all of those who came to the fayre. A truly wonderful day!”