BRAMDEAN Fete raised more than £4,500 for the church’s repair fund, despite some rain.

Held in the five-acre garden of Bramdean House, widely renowned for its herbaceous borders, long paths and a working kitchen garden, the fete attracted hundreds of visitors.

Joint organiser Alex Hardie said: “There was a fantastic turnout, despite the rain later in the afternoon.

“Fortunately all the stalls were under gazebos so it wasn’t really a big problem, although one village resident did say he couldn’t remember the last time it rained on fete day.

“The gardens looked beautiful, and the fete is gaining a reputation as a really good traditional one.

“The whole village pulls together to put it on, the men put up all the gazebos in the morning and we all take them down the next day.”

During the day there was fun for all the family with children’s games and races and lots of classic fete stalls such as cakes, books and gifts, and a bottle stall.

There was also a tea tent and a bar at the fete, which was held on May 12.

Alex said: “We need to raise thousands of pounds to help repair the 12th century village church of St Simon and St Jude.

“The east wall is being held up with scaffolding at the moment, and work on it is due to start in June.”

There are also plans to try to reveal more of the church’s original features, some of which were covered up during a Victorian refurbishment, added Alex.

Located just off the A272 Petersfield Road, Bramdean House garden is overseen by Victoria Wakefield and is regularly open to the public under the National Garden Scheme.