TILFORD’S village fete has raised more than £3,000 for hospice care charity Phyllis Tuckwell. The fete, which first took place over 40 years ago, has now become a popular annual event, this year drawing in crowds of around 1,000 from Tilford and the surrounding area.

Nearly half the money raised on the day was by the fete’s hugely popular auction, organised by committee member Colin Jones, which included two hot air balloon rides, vouchers from local businesses including John Goodridge, Elphicks, Majestic Wines and Squire’s Garden Centre.

The fete was held on the village green, where an arena set up in the centre of the green, played host to a dog show, a gymnastic display from students of Waverley Abbey and a Zumba performance from All Saints Infant School.

The fete went on throughout the afternoon and into the evening, as locals picnicked to live music from ‘Down at Dino’s’, and local pub and main sponsor of the fete, The Barley Mow, helped keep everyone topped up with liquid refreshments - and kindly donated a percentage of its takings from the day towards the total raised by the fete.

Ashleigh Tennent, community fundraising manager at Phyllis Tuckwell, said: “We would like to thank the Tilford Fete Committee and all those who attended on the day for their generous donation to Phyllis Tuckwell. Donations such as this are vital to us, as the funding which we receive from the NHS/Government only covers 20 per cent of our costs, leaving us to raise over £15,000 a day.”

The fete committee – a small team of dedicated volunteers – would like to thank everyone who was involved in the organisation and running of the day, especially Colin Jones, who sourced all the prizes for the auction, which contributed hugely to the total amount raised.

Thanks also go to All Saints School which loaned the stage, and to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community at Islamabad who loaned their PA system and manpower, and who also brought along their samosa stall, which was very well received.