Christmas comes to Rogate

Rogate School carol singers got the event off to a festive start entertaining the crowd waiting for the doors to open outside the village hall.

Inside, the smell of mince pies and mulled wine filled the air and the hall was filled with gifts, crafts and stocking fillers. The ever popular home-made produce stall did a roaring trade. Visitors tried their luck at the bottle tombola and the grand raffle where prizes included £100 cash, a luxury food hamper, beauty treatments and vouchers for meals.

The Children’s Activity Corner was popular, with its lucky dip and traditional games and the highlight was the arrival of Father Christmas with his Elf and sack of gifts.

I am overwhelmed by the generosity of all those involved” said The Rev Edward Doyle, one of the organising committee “the businesses who helped cover the costs, people, who give up their time and talent and donated gifts and produce, all the raffle prize donors and those who came along to support the causes.”

The charities benefitting are Rural Refugee Network – an initiative in Petersfield, Children’s Relief Bethlehem and the Parish Church Emergency Fund.

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/christmas/