IN the beautiful end-of-summer sunshine, residents of Monxton and Amport villages came together for a socially distanced Harvest Celebration last weekend.

The event, organised by the ladies’ walking group, was set up to raise funds for a number of charitable causes.

It was orginally to be held at Monxton Village Green on Sunday, September 20.

However, due to ongoing government guidelines, residents were instead invited to sell their products from their driveways.

Local people then walked round the area, stopping at the various points across the village.

At each station, produce was set up in stalls, ready to sell.

A vast range of healthy and nutritious products were available, kindly donated by local stores and farmers or prepared by the many local kitchen chefs.

The colourful stalls boasted an array of different treats to try, from fresh, locally grown produce, to delicious home-baked cakes, and even refreshing Monxton apple juice.

George Bacon, of Monxton, said: “Time stood still and the sun shone over Monxton and Amport last weekend as a Harvest Celebration took place.

“Conceived as a simple but, most effective plan by the local village ‘minx’s’ of the exclusive ladies morning walking group, to raise funds for good causes through the fruits of the local bumper harvest.”

The event raised over £800, a “considerable achievment” which will be put towards three main causes in need of funding.

These are the Village Hall, Church, and the ‘School of Hope’ in Nairobi, Kenya.

Local people of all ages took part, bringing the community together in a way they haven’t been able to for many months.

“Perhaps even more noteworthy and rewarding however, was the opportunity to re-connect with friends and neighbours, many of whom had been housebound for much of the summer, in an open COVID-19 compliant, informal and healthy manner,” said Mr Bacon.

“A priceless opportunity which remains critical to the wellbeing of all our communities. Such positive efforts are to be commended and it was a privilege to have become an honorary, if temporary member to help the Minx’s team!”