A RECORD crowd of more than 1,500 people were treated to a colourful display at Milland’s bonfire and fireworks evening on the village recreation ground.

Organised by the bonfire and fireworks committee on behalf of the parish council, the event has been an annual fixture in the Milland calendar for more than 50 years.

Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, this year’s bonfire fun attracted people from beyond the village, with visitors coming from as far afield as Farnham and Guildford.

Organiser John Collier said: “For the first time in many years we enjoyed perfect weather both on the day and for a number of weeks before the event and as a result, the recreation ground was in perfect condition.

“We always receive a lot of positive feedback about the quality of our firework display and once again increased our budget for fireworks so that the crowd would not be disappointed.

“The display had been planned by local company, Aurora Fireworks who also trained our firework firing team and advised us on all of the necessary safety measures to ensure a risk free event.

“The best guy and best carved pumpkin competitions for children attracted a higher standard this year and the winners were: Milland Nursery School, and James Vigar in the best guy categories and Ellan Hart and Lucy Wrigley in the carved pumpkin categories.

Food and drink was in high demand with the hog roast proving particularly popular with two whole pigs being consumed in little more than 90 minutes.”

A number of village based groups used bonfire night as an opportunity to raise funds. The Sports Club ran the bar and sold mulled wine, the Village Hall team sold homemade soup and hot chocolate as well as organising a raffle.

Hollycombe School sold an array of sweets, homemade cakes and glow-sticks and Milland Stores was selling hot dogs and coffee as well as all their usual range of products.

The organising committee would like to thank the many people from the village who helped so tirelessly and in so many ways with organising and running the event. Some 30 volunteers helped on the night as safety marshals, ticket collectors, food servers or by providing specialist electrical and catering services.

All profits from the event will be distributed to Milland-based charities, voluntary organisations and good causes.

In the past they have included the Village Halls, Sports Club, Hollycombe School, the Community Shop, the village recreation ground and the wildflower meadow fund.

PHUNDREDS of spectators enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display and traditional bonfire at the Links Tavern, Portsmouth Road, in Liphook.

Now in its third year, the free event attracted many local families, who enjoyed the 20-minute display, which drew excited gasps form children and applause all round.

The event was organised by Stuart Midgley and his wife Vicky, whose children enjoyed the exciting party atmosphere and who now manage two Fuller’s pubs between them.

Vicky said: “We had some help with the fireworks display, but it was mainly me and Stuart who put it all together. We were really pleased that it attracted not only our regular customers, but many people from the surrounding areas.

“Stuart has now taken on Cams Mill, in Fareham, after Fullers offered us to manage a pub each, due to the success The Links Tavern has enjoyed, which is hard work, but very exciting. I am staying in Liphook for now and have a great assistant manager in James Vincent, who is very popular with the customers.”

The Links is also showcasing regular live music events which feature local acts. Grove Shark will be performing on Monday, November 28, Organix on Thursday, December 8, the Mike Newfield Duo on Thursday, December 15, The Outlasts on Thursday, December 22. May Contain Nuts are booked for New Year’s Eve.