ASTLEY'S golden days returned on Saturday when the splendour of the village's magnificent hall had garden party visitors spellbound.

Poor weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds who thronged to the former hospital site with the revitalised Dam House the focal point.

Attractions ranged from pony and trap rides around the grounds as village scenes from the 19th century and earlier -- the manorial and pre-hospital days -- re-emerged.

Nostalgia ruled and fittingly Councillor Evelyne Smith performed the official opening ceremony. The former mayor's husband, the late Coun Bill Smith, who sadly died during his term as the borough's number one VIP, had been a staunch worker for the Friends of Astley Hospital which for years staged annual garden parties to raise funds to improve amenities there. When Astley Hospital closed seven years ago Bill and Evelyne Smith and their band of Friends encouraged the Morts Astley Heritage Group in their bid to preserve the building and woodlands. And Bill sanctioned the donation of £50 to set the group off on their quest.

Much work, worry and £2.3m later the Morts Astley Heritage Trust achieved its goal and the results of their work were appreciated by everyone.

A delighted Christine Jones was thrilled at the community reception to the garden party revival -- the first since the Trust was formed seven years ago. She said: "Saturday was very special. Let's hope this is the first of many such events." opening ceremony. The former mayor's husband, the late Coun Bill Smith, who sadly died during his term as the borough's number one VIP, had been a staunch worker for the Friends of Astley Hospital which for years staged annual garden parties to raise funds to improve amenities there. When Astley Hospital closed seven years ago Bill and Evelyne Smith and their band of Friends encouraged the Morts Astley Heritage Group in their bid to preserve the building and woodlands. And Bill sanctioned the donation of £50 to set the group off on their quest.

Much work, worry and £2.3m later the Morts Astley Heritage Trust achieved its goal and the results of their work were appreciated by everyone.

A delighted Christine Jones was thrilled at the community reception to the garden party revival -- the first since the Trust was formed seven years ago. She said: "Saturday was very special. Let's hope this is the first of many such events."