Residents' new lounge allows Peterhouse Fair to beat the weather

Good advance planning meant that while the decision not to risk staging the fair in the grounds of the National Advertising Benevolent Society's retirement complex in Old Town was taken on Friday, those attending on Saturday had a programme detailing the location of every attraction.

David Spinx, who plays Keith Miller in television's Eastenders, was the celebrity opener.

He was introduced by general manager Lesley Crisford.

She told the gathering: "It is really nice to see everyone here. Hopefully, you have brought a lot of money - for our residents, for the Friends of Peterhouse and for our social club."

She thanked all those who had worked hard to make the event possible, especially the staff.

David Spinx told supporters: "Spend your money - because it is all for a good cause."

There was plenty on which to spend money.

Visitors were greeted with a parked Smart car packed with balloons. A bottle of champagne awaited the person who guessed the correct number of balloons.

The marquee accommodating the barbecue and hog-roast had been erected close to the extended lounge, completed only in June and the hub of Saturday's activities.

Stalls included tombola, mix and match, linen and clothes, jewellery and accessories, toiletries, home-grown fruit and vegetables, books and DVDs, china and glassware, bric-a-brac, cakes, toys, cream teas and bottles.

The lounge bar was open, Pimms drinks were on offer, Peterhouse's day centre had its own stall.

Bexhill Carnival Court was in attendance. Pupils of the Amanda Lacey School of Dancing gave a performance as did the Peter House Band and Sea Gipsies.

The morning's heavy rain had given place to fitful sunshine over the sodden grounds. But indoors, the wash-out summer of 2008 was put well and truly out of mind.