CHARITY fundraisers have managed to raise more than £350 for Home-Start Winchester with a coffee morning.

Held at Rick Stein on Winchester High Street on July 14, the event was open to members of the public.

Event organiser and Home-Start trustee Chrissie Barlow said that the event was a success despite the wet weather, saying: “The rain didn’t put customers off, or maybe they were just thankful for somewhere dry to sit and enjoy some excellent coffee and cake!

Hampshire Chronicle: Customers enjoying coffee and cake at Rick Stein in aid of Home-Start WinchesterCustomers enjoying coffee and cake at Rick Stein in aid of Home-Start Winchester (Image: Home-Start Winchester)READ MORE: Charity barn dance raises more than £3,000 for Home-Start Winchester

“We are so grateful to Rick Stein for allowing us to take over the restaurant for the morning and special thanks must go to lovely staff Jess, Kit and Assistant Manager Ellie Grigg, who made us all feel so welcome. The team were helpfulness personified.

“It is a very generous gesture on their behalf, and they bent over backwards to make everyone feel at home.

“We must raise over 90 per cent of our income every year to continue our work in and around the city, which is why we are so appreciative of this kind gesture.”

The next fundraising event for Home-Start Winchester is the upcoming car boot sale in Wood Lane, Bramdean. Starting at 8am on August 13, it will be the 36th sale in the village in 38 years.

Hampshire Chronicle: The upcoming Bramdean car boot sale in August will be in aid of Home-Start WinchesterThe upcoming Bramdean car boot sale in August will be in aid of Home-Start Winchester (Image: Home-Start Winchester)SEE ALSO: Chocolate shop targeted by vandals, months after its windows were last smashed

Chrissie said: “Over the last two years we experienced first a deluge of rain in 2021 and then boiling heat in 2022 but still eager booters and buyers made their way to us.

“As always, we are very grateful for the support of Hellards estate agents in helping us to stage this event.”

Refreshments, disabled parking and a portaloo will be available on site and seller fees are £10 per car, £15 per van or trailer or double pitch (cash only), while buyers will give a donation at the gate to enter.

More information about Home-Start Winchester can be found on the charity’s website.