MORE than 120 guests attending Romsey Chamber of Commerce’s annual president’s reception enjoyed an English summer’s evening in an idyllic setting.

Once more the event was held in the Mill Water Gardens, by kind permission of the owners Tim and Jill Bath, and the beautiful waterside setting was specially lit for the event.

Chamber president Peter Speirs said : “It was one of the best events we have held during my time with the chamber. We’ve had plenty of positive feedback.”

Mr Speirs said he was relieved the event had turned out to be a success as the weather in the run up to the reception had been damp.

He thinks a gloomy forecast and the fact that the event was held during carnival week may have contributed to numbers being slightly down on 2014.

Romsey mayor Dorothy Baverstock and the Mayor of Test Valley Iris Andersen were both among those attending.

Guests enjoyed a hog roast by Hunts Caterers and the bar was stocked by the chamber and run by Romsey brewery Flack Manor.

Entertainment was provided by local singer Kim G who also helped compere the event.

A raffle held on the night raised more than £600 for the chamber’s adopted charity for the year, Solent Dolphin, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy sailing trips, and that figure will be matched by the Romsey branch of Santander.

Pictures by Habibur Rahman.