THE SUN shone all morning as tables groaned with home-made cakes in all sizes and flavours, from gluten-free brownies to sugar-laden meringues, from Guinness and chocolate, to beetroot, and even marmalade, cake.

The annual Macmillan coffee mornings got underway on Friday throughout the country, raising money for the charity which provides nurses and care for cancer patients.

Nutmeg in Pages Court, Petersfield, set out the tablecloths, and pretty cups and saucers for the event, raising a delicious £602 for Macmillan.

Owner Jenny Rawlins said; “Everyone was so kind and so generous. It was such a good day.”

The Harrow Inn at Steep held its annual event, which included a bring and buy stall, flowers, fruit and preserves, and a raffle.

The pub was packed, and a separate car park in a field off Harrow Lane had to be created to accommodate all the visitors.

The total raised was £1,681, an increase on last year’s.

Organiser Selina Garstin said: “There were about 200 people. It was our biggest and best ever.”

“One taxi driver who dropped someone off to the pub donated his fare, and the postman also put his hand in his pocket.”

Mackarness and Lunt solicitors in Petersfield High Street also noticed a big increase in the funds this year. Sam Small said: “We are over the £538 mark, with donations still coming in, which is really great.

“There wasn’t a lot of cake left by the end!”

A group of Petersfield mums had reason to smile over at the social club in Station Road, as their Macmillan event, complete with children’s entertainers who donated their time free of charge, facepainting, a raffle, cakes and coffees, was all in memory of a dear friend.

Lisa Cook, one of the organisers of the event, said: “Macmillan supported our friend and her daughter so much through it all that we wanted to give something back.”

As part of the fundraiser, Laura Bibb had her head shaved.

She said: “Losing my hair is nothing compared to what our friend went through. She had a wicked sense of humour and would have found it hilarious that I’m doing this.”

Sue Mulcaster, who was kept busy facepainting all morning, said: “It was amazing. We were all so thrilled with the turnout and there was a real buzz on the day.

“We raised a whopping £1,626 in total and thank goodness the sun has come out now to keep Laura’s head warm!

“If anyone still wants to donate, they can on Laura’s Just Giving Page – https://bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/laura-bibb”

The Children’s Family Trust in Station Road, a fostering service which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, raised £104 for Macmillan at its coffee morning.

The charity held its open day yesterday (Tuesday) and is looking for more foster carers in the area.

If you are interested and would like to find out more about fostering, call 01730 770750 or Karen Blackman on 079503 454747.

Meanwhile, just over the road at Life Church, the members raised £323.16, slightly up on last year.