THIS year Liphook’s biggest Macmillan Coffee Morning changed venues and was held for the first time at the Millennium Centre, raising in excess of £4,000, which will go directly to the charity’s palliative care services.

After staging the event for the last eight years in the late Susan Davies’ private gardens, off Longmoor Road, organisers decided to open the annual fundraiser to all members of the public – which proved to be very successful.

Thanks to the support and co-operation of Stu Purdey, the manager of Sainsbury’s store and town crier Terry Burns, who announced the event to customers and passers by, the venue in Otario Way was a hive of activity and attracted a large crowd over two hours.

An amazing raffle, exciting tombola, homemade cakes and produce as well as craft stalls proved to be very popular, accompanied by the accordion playing of Alistair Halliday – providing a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere.

The team of Clare Rouse, Penny Swayne, Rita Holden and Veronica Gandy gave warm thanks to all volunteers for their enthusiastic and unwavering support and to the many businesses who continue to donate so generously to the event every year.

This year their thanks also go to all members of staff at the Millennium Centre, especially Daniel Saunders and Karen Feeney.

Over the last eight years, the event has managed to raise a total of more than £25,000 for Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Services based in Midhurst.