Published: Friday, 19th June, 2009 3:00pm

A grand garden party

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Fishing for ducks is Chloe McGlynn, 20 months.

A UNIVERSITY opened its breath-taking grounds to host an annual garden party.

Hundreds of families flocked to the 16th party at Egham"s Royal Holloway, University of London last Sunday with a range of activities to keep all ages entertained.

Music filled the air as visitors perused a wide range of art and craft stalls selling handmade cushions, hand painted crystal, glassware and jewellery, as well as being able to try out fortune telling, Indian head massages and palmistry.

Simon Doyle who works at Royal Holloway, said: 'The garden party was a real extravaganza with around 2,000 people attending.

'The atmosphere was friendly and there was excellent music, over 50 stall holders, entertaining shows for children and a very popular raffle.' Youngsters were kept amused with a magic show from Mr McDonut, fairground rides and facepainting while their parents enjoyed tours of the campus and arboretum.

Music throughout the afternoon was provided by jazz quintet the Brass Monkeys and the university"s choir.

Mr Doyle added: 'A great time was had by all and the raffle raised a substantial amount of money for several charities.' Visitors were able to get their hands on some top prizes in the grand raffle including dinner for four at Wentworth Club, a Nintendo Wii console, lunch for two at The Ritz and an overnight stay at the Runnymede Hotel and Spa.

The popular community event donates the proceeds to the Mayor of Runnymede"s chosen charities and this year, Cllr Paul Tuley has chosen to fundraise for Age Concern Runnymede, Runnymede Scouts, Surrey Women"s Aid and the Rotary Club of Chertsey"s Daisy Appeal, which is raising money for an early birth unit at Ashford and St Peter"s Hospital.

Last year"s successful event raised more than £2,000 and the total amount collected for Cllr Tuley"s charities has not yet been counted.