TABLES borrowed from the Village Hall, china cups and saucers, and a large and lovely garden all contributed to a friendly, family afternoon at Hittisleigh on Sunday, May 7 for the Coronation picnic and cream tea.

Surprisingly the sun shone even though there were plenty of grey clouds when John and Sue Painter opened their garden at Grove Cottage, helping to raise £740 towards renovating the hall.

More than 60 people went along, taking their own chairs, there was a garden-themed raffle and a plant stall plus lots of homemade cakes, and on one table photographs of local families long gone.  

The day was organised by the Village Hall Committee, chairman Kate Hudson, and thanks went to those who had donated cakes, scones and raffle prizes.  

The Village Hall roof needs work, so do the timber windows and the heating upgraded in this Grade Two listed building which used to be the village school.