DEREK Shapland and Margaret Tucker opened the garden of their home in Victoria Crescent in Crediton for an Afternoon Tea event, which raised £364 for one of the town doctors’ practices, Chiddenbrook Surgery.

The money will go towards the cost of a new screen which patients use to announce their arrival at the surgery.

The weather stayed fine, until around 4.30pm, when everyone went inside ready for the raffle.

The couple thanked all who supported the event, which turned out like an afternoon party! They said they enjoyed catching up with old friends and acquaintances, and meeting new people.

There was an excellent cake stall, most items made by Paddy Dornom. There was a plant stall, a grand raffle, and lots of bric-a-brac.

Pat Beetlestone and Di Steen helped in the kitchen making tea and washing up.

David Dornom took the admission money, Dave Adams looked after the plant stall, Paddy Dornom ran the draw and Margaret and Derek kept busy delivering the teas.

Keith Beetlestone was a general help, especially when more chairs were needed!

Margaret expressed thanks to Andrew Drayton at Crediton Tesco and Hazel Evely at Crediton Morrisons and Adams Home Hardware of Crediton for draw prizes and the Crediton Garden Centre and Clara for plants.

She also thanked all those who made generous donations and all who attended to make the event a success.

Alan Quick