Hampshire village fete: Swanmore's annual event put on by Lions

Swanmore Village Fete, run by Meon Valley Lions Club, took over the recreation ground in New Road on Saturday, July 13. 

Despite a forecast of rain, the event got into full swing with a classic car show, motorbike parade, live music, stalls, games, fairground rides and lots more. 

@hampshire_chronicle The human fruit machine a#run by Swanmore Amateur Dramatic Society at #Swanmore Village Fete run by Meon Valley Lions Club #Hampshire ♬ original sound - Hampshire Chronicle

By the time the heavens opened, 30 minutes ahead of its 2pm prediction, most of the village had arrived and was enjoying a good time. 

Under one umbrella! (Image: Kimberley Barber)

Most people were able to find shelter until a marquee or tree until the weather cleared up and celebrations could continue - albeit a little soggier. 

Newly-elected Winchester MP Danny Chambers was at the event with Winchester city councillors Anne Small, who represents Whiteley and Shedfield, and Jonathan Williams, who represents Bishop's Waltham. 

Danny said: "What a brilliant community event, there is a fantastic atmosphere. It's really nice to be so welcomed by so many people who all are so happy to see change." 

He commended the organisers Meon Valley Lions Club for putting on such a great event. 

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MP Danny Chambers on the right (Image: Kimberley Barber)

There were many stalls at the event, including a pitch from Swanmore Parish Council, and also many charities such as the Rose Road Association, St John Ambulance, Bishop's Waltham First Responders, Bishop's Waltham Gateway Club, the Friends of PICU, and more. 

Kerry Houghton, operations manager from the Friends of PICU, a charity that support 27 hospitals raising money for life-saving equipment for critically ill children, said the event was great for the charity.  She said: "It's an absolutely fantastic event and a great opportunity to raise the profile of our charity." 

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Meon Valley Lions Club on the barbecue (Image: Kimberley Barber)

Performances were put on by Roynon Performing Arts, Swan Samba, the Soberton Strummers, The Bernie Boozle Band and Swanmore Wind Band. 

Money raised will go towards the Meon Valley Lions, which supports many local good causes. 

Many of its members and helpers were volunteering at the event, working as marshals, manning the barbecue or organising a raffle, which had many top prizes donated by a raft of local businesses. 

To see pictures from the event, click the top image.