SOMETHING different was happening at All Saints’ Church as a steady drift of visitors came to view and wondered at the hidden talent of Tilford and The Bourne.

This broad ranging exhibition of art and photography marked the 150th birthday of the church.

Every available space was filled with a whole variety of interesting and spectacular artwork from people of all ages and all levels of ability. More than 100 paintings and photographs on a wide variety of subjects were on show during the four-day festival.

The show was spread over the two last weekends in September, delighting all comers from a wide area. On top of which, delicious cake and a warm welcome made their visit to All Saints memorable.

Entry was free to the exhibition and no charge made for refreshments – with donations towards church upkeep requested.

Canon Heather Humphrey, said: “Heartfelt thanks are due not only to the artists but to the valiant souls who turned up on the day before the exhibition opened to display the work. No mean task.

“Thanks also go to visitors who gave so generously. It was a worthwhile enterprise which may be repeated.”

The art festival is part of the year-long celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the consecration of Tilford Parish Church in 1867.

Following an organ recital, a flower festival and a village lunch earlier in the year, the festivities will continue with a visit from the Bishop of Guildford to All Saints Patronal Festival on Sunday, October 29; a Christmas Oratorio presented by Tilford Bach Society on Saturday, November 18; a special party for all local schoolchildren on Saturday, November 25; and a Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday, December 9.