ST PETER’S Church was packed to the rafters after its fete had to decamp inside with all the rain on Saturday.

Everything but the archery and the bouncy castle were moved into the church in Petersfield Square, and Sam Martell bravely manned the barbecue under a gazebo outside, cooking home-made sausages which went down a treat. She is training to be ordained and is an amateur butcher.

“It was like two different worlds,” said the Rev Will Hughes. “Wet and rainy outside, and light and bright and full of fun inside.”

It certainly didn’t put off the hordes of visitors, and the impressive sum of £2,850 was raised, to go towards a new boiler, the old one was given the “last rites”, according to Will. There are enough funds now to replace the boiler before winter sets in.

Other fete highlights were Hugo Deadman’s ‘doughnut bobbing tree’, a ukulele band, and cake, book, bottle and craft stalls.