The committee and some of the dedicated volunteers behind Milton Lilbourne’s Summer Fayre have presented a cheque for £2,210.77 to fundraisers from Prospect Hospice to mark the final staging of the event, which was held last summer for the tenth and final time.

In a bittersweet ending, 2018’s staging of the popular local fair meant that the village’s popular event had left a fantastic legacy of over £14,500 raised for Prospect Hospice and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. The final Milton Lilbourne Summer Fayre was held in last summer – the tenth annual gathering in the village since its launch in 2009.

"It was a brilliant day," said organiser Carol Parsons. "The sun shone and everyone had a wonderful time. But with the Fayre taking so much time to organise, I felt it was time for a break."

Happily, the charitable support will continue despite the Fayre ending. "The committee and I will still be organising smaller events, such as skittles and race nights," added Carol.

The Summer Fayre has supported Prospect Hospice and Wiltshire Air Ambulance since 2012. "At least four of our committee have friends and family that have used Prospect Hospice, so we're very keen to support the wonderful work they do. Wiltshire Air Ambulance is also a fantastic local charity that deserves all the help it can get."

Since 2009, the Fayre has played host to many wild, wonderful – and weird – acts. "We've had dog shows, drummers, belly dancers, camels, bonsai displays, and the 'Milton Major Mishaps': local chaps dressed in majorette uniforms and dancing with pom-poms," laughed Carol.

"Big thanks go to our sponsors who have been there since day one – Wadworth Brewery

and Cadley Garage – and to everyone for their support over the years."

Prospect Hospice’s community fundraiser Hollie Ricketts said: “We are hugely appreciative of the incredible support that we have had from the people of Milton Lilbourne over the years. We hope that the incredible support of Carol and everyone in the village will continue to enable us to bring our unique care across north east Wiltshire in the years ahead. Thank you for your amazing support for Prospect Hospice.”