IT WAS a family affair and all hands to the pump at The Harrow Inn at Steep for its annual Macmillan coffee morning.
A happy throng of more than a hundred villagers and visitors gathered outside the historic pub to enjoy coffee and cake in the warm sunshine, and browse the bric-a-brac and produce stalls.
The family of organiser Selina Garstin, who has put the event on there for more than a decade, was out in force to help raise cash for the cancer care charity.
Her 96-year-old mum Stella Doughty, of Petersfield, her sister Susie Oliver, of Southsea, and her son’s partner Rachel Firth, from London, were all lending a hand. Family friend Jackie Lewis, of Petersfield, had been roped in too.
Stella, dressed in an eye-catching hat, looks forward to the occasion each year.
“It’s wonderful. People always make a point of coming here,” she said.
Last year’s event raised around £1900, and Claire and Nisa McCutcheon, who run the inn, were hoping to match or top that this year.
Lots of people had donated jams, produce, cakes and raffle prizes, and Sam Hughes-Stanton of the Petersfield removals company had given home wares and bric-a-brac to sell.
Selina started up the event in memory of her mother-in-law Joy Garstin who died of cancer, and for all those who have been cared for by Macmillan nurses.
“We know lots of people who have had Macmillan care and they do such a brilliant job,” she said.
The vicar of Steep, Rev John Owen, was tucking into the refreshments and enthused: “It’s such a good community event, and it creates such good support for Macmillan Cancer, in terms of the sheer fundraising and the support created by the community. It’s a real fixture in the calendar. Claire and Nisa have such a good involvement with the cause and they really bring the community together here at the pub.”