A 600-year-old barn in Old Alresford was the scene of loud music, feasting and dancing as charity fundraisers from Home-Start Winchester staged a nostalgic night of music and good food to raise much-needed cash for the charity’s coffers.

Special guests included the Mayor of Winchester Councillor Derek Green and his family who dined under swathes of bunting and fairy lights.

Hampshire Chronicle: Lady Wakeham tries out the racing car for size

The Kasbah Swing Band supplied musical treats not just from the big band era, but gave much-loved standards the big band sound. Although full of a hog roast prepared by Sole Butchers, guests were quickly on their feet, truly getting into the spirit. More culinary treats followed with home-made chocolate roulades, fresh fruit salads and cheesecakes made by Home-Start’s volunteers.

Hampshire Chronicle: Ben Tyler, Mollie Stannard and Jacob Hodgkiss

“We are so grateful to our Patron Alison Wakeham for letting us use her wonderful old barn at Pinglestone,” said Home-Start’s event organiser Chrissie Barlow, “and to our sponsor Bill Rawles Classic Cars for making the night possible. The Bill Rawles racing team supplied a 290 BHP 1961 Austin Healey 3000 Mk1 racing car and the boys couldn’t resist taking a look under the bonnet!”

Hampshire Chronicle: The Kasbah Swing Band get ready to play

Barry Page, chairman of Home-Start Winchester praised all the hard work by the events team and Lady Wakeham declared that she would be happy to do it all again in 2023.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.