MORE than 500 people came together to celebrate the history of St Catherine’s Hill on Sunday.

From potters and archers, to a living history gypsy camp and bread making, there were lots of stalls at History on the Hill, to entertain families, organised by the Friends of St Catherine’s Hill.

The Urban Heaths Partnership, Ancient Wessex Network, Christchurch Antiquarians, and Bournemouth Natural Science Society all turned out to share their knowledge of the area, and offered hands-on demonstrations.

Robin Harley, Countryside Officer for Christchurch Council, said: “The whole day went really, really well, and I think we are up by about 100 people on last year.

He added: “I’m so pleased that so many people turned out to celebrate the rich history of St Catherine’s Hill.

“The weather was really nice, and it is great that people turned out to see the event.We plan to repeat the event in 2015, for those that missed this one.”

Members of Christchurch Gun Club, led by chairman, Geof Hermsen, also put on a display of historic weapon firing, from Flintlocks to Cannons, and showed off a Ferret Armoured Cat.

Representatives from the Royal Observer Corps, who were based on St Catherine’s Hill during World War Two, and the Cold War, explained to visitors how the hill became home to soldiers.

They also spoke about the former bunker which was based on the hill, and how a Michelthwait height adjuster was used on a circular grid map to pinpoint planes overhead.

Visit Fsch.org.uk for more.