A?RECORD?number of stalls filled the village green for this year’s Medstead fete.

An the wide variety of goodies and games available at the traditional village event “is what we aim for every year”, according to fete committee member Duncan Pate.

“And we aim for an event that is not too expensive. We don’t charge an entry fee, as it is not about making money but to provide something that is for the people of the village,” he added.

Saturday was a special day for Medstead as there was a parade to mark the opening of the pond walkway project and, said Mr Pate, “after the opening they came and joined the crowds already at the fete”.

“As always, Stan Witcher produced an eye-catching float in the parade,” he added.

Among the stallholders at the fete were the Mid Hants Watercress Line and myriad organisations and charities, as well as a car show with both classic and modern cars on display.

Lasham Gliding Association arrived with a glider in tow, and a crowd gathered round to watch a demonstration of how to fly without an engine.

And Punch and Judy and circus tricks kept younger visitors amused.

There was food and drink galore with Roedowns Women’s Institute providing cream teas with fresh baked scones, Medstead Scouts ran the barbecue, while the beer tent had a selection of local ales which were so good they sold out. Music was provided by Joe Murrell.

Although not a money-raising venture, Mr Pate thinks the fete made more than £4,000 which will go to charity. Last year, some of the cash raised went to Medstead Riding for the Disabled and Treloar School and College in Alton.