Bumper turnout for Weldmar Fete attended by Martin Clunes

The Weldmar Summer Fete takes place in the meadow and gardens of the charity's Inpatient Unit in Dorchester where hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the sunshine and activities.

The event was also attended by charity patron, TV star and west Dorset resident Martin Clunes, who as ever, was a huge hit with the crowd, taking the time to chat with people and take photos before visiting the inpatient unit.

Roy Jeffrey with Martin Clunes (Image: Sarah Jeffrey)

Martin Clunes said: “I attended my first Weldmar fete when my daughter was one and I have been coming ever since – she’s 25 now.

“It’s a treasure of our county and I spend time here and then I will take Murray (my dog) into the woods for a walk afterwards.

“It’s always a pleasure to meet people and the first thing that they say is how lucky they are

“People do praise Weldmar in the community and they even come on a sunny day like this when they could have gone to the beach.”

Our reporter Hollie with Martin Clunes  (Image: Hollie Carr) There were plenty of popular stalls and attractions to visit including the human fruit machine, a bubble show, animals from the Ranch as well as a tombola.

Dave and Di Lee were at the fete ‘having a wonderful time’ with their grandchildren.

Dave and Di Lee and their grandchildren (Image: Hollie Carr)

Di explained that her daughter works for Weldmar and that her grandchildren had loved ‘the bubble man’ and the raffle, adding, ‘there is so much for kids to do.’

Not long after the doors opened at 11am, the staff had already seen ‘hundreds of people through the gates’

A spokesperson for Weldmar said: “It’s going to be a brilliant day, the sun’s out and the event is always really well supported by the local community.

“Obviously, it’s really important for fundraising as the fete raises a significant amount for us every year. It’s also a chance for people to come together or for people to come back to the hospice after losing a loved one – it can be quite emotional and a chance for them to support the hospice by coming back for the fete.

“Last year we had the hottest summer fete ever and this year the weather is just perfect. We have had a bumper turnout.”

Another visitor to the fete was Linda who had come from Weymouth, to ‘support Weldmar’ and to ‘see Martin.’

Linda (Image: Hollie Carr)

It was her first time visiting a Weldmar fete. She joked: “We keep bumping into people that we work with.”

Zoe Hawkins from Poole was visiting the summer fete with Richard Fitzgibbon.

Zoe Hawkins and Richard Fitzgibbon. (Image: Hollie Carr) Zoe said: “I have got a friend who has always been involved with the event so it’s because of that we decided to come.

Richard added: “And it’s also for a very good cause.”

Zoe said: “It’s brilliant and it’s a lovely, sunny day with a good atmosphere.”