THE small Church of St Mary’s in Upper Froyle was a hot spot for a stream of visitors who came to see its amazing collection of 18th Century European church vestments.

A display on the life of Sir Hubert Miller explained how this collection had been amassed by him during his time in Venice in the early 20th Century. The church now conserves these delicate textiles.

The star attraction was the set of a chasuble and two dalmatics in goldwork and embellished with garnets, believed to date from around 1700. Other chasubles showed the quality of hand stitching in couched or shaded silks.

‘Stitchers’ were on hand to demonstrate their embroidery skills, stitches which are still in use today.

Tony Riley provided magnificent floral displays which complemented the vestments as well as celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Visitors who had come from all over Hampshire and surrounding counties were suitably impressed, said an event spokesman.