CHARLTON villagers held a Community Day jointly organised by the parish council and St Thomas’ Church at the weekend.

The event took place on Saturday, July 9, at Charlton Lakes Park. The day was opened by the Rev Elliot Grove, the new Curate of the Pastrow Family of Churches.

More than 1,200 people attended, and there were numerous stalls provided by local businesses and organisations and side shows run by the church congregation.

A programme of events was run in the arena, with Test Valley Brass and Ruby Slippers School of Dancing performing and a Dog Agility demonstration.

These were followed by a fun dog show with several categories, which were judged by Rod Mason, the Test Valley Borough Council animal warden.

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A highlight of the afternoon was a low flypast by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire which made three passes over the arena with the distinctive roar of its Merlin engine.

Kit Malthouse MP, recently appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, drew the rand Raffle which had a £200 cash prize and numerous other prizes of experiences or memberships kindly donated by local businesses.

A Pastrow Family of Churches spokesperson said: “Overall everyone had a wonderful afternoon of fun in glorious sunshine.”

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