Festive fundraisers prove profitable for churches
ORGANISERS of the Stratford Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar raised a record amount of £1,570.
The event included tombola, bric-a-brac, teas and cakes, a raffle, a Christmas grotto, as well as Father Christmas and a bouncy castle. For the first time this year, for 50 pence a guess, people could have a go at how many baked beans were inside the can, the winner receiving a box of chocolates.
Maureen Beckett, event organiser, said: “It’s just a bit of fun, and it gave people a smile.” She also said the event, which is in its seventh year, was originally started in an effort to help pay for the church’s redevelopment and, this year, the money raised would go towards general upkeep of the church.
She said: “It was brilliant. We had more people come than ever before. It was just a lovely atmosphere. An awful lot of people were there that don’t come to church, but came to support the event.”
THE Tredington Christmas Charity Fair held last weekend raised £820 for St Gregory’s Church funds. The event included stalls – including several charities, Father Christmas and a free craft workshop for children where they could decorate small plastic bells and other crafts.
Coordinator, Jenny Plenderleith, said: “We now have lots of lovely bells, made by the children, hanging in the church. The day was a great success. Our main aim was not just to make money, but to have a fun time for everyone to enjoy together.”
THE Shottery Church Christmas Fair held at Saint Andrew’s Church in Stratford over the weekend raised over £3,000. The event included a variety of holiday stalls from tombola, to arts and crafts, to cakes and fair trade.
The Shottery Girls’ Grammar School Choir also kept visitors entertained. Clodagh Mallison, the church information officer, said: “They were absolutely superb. It was a very enjoyable atmosphere and a lot of people from the community came in.
"It’s very much a community event.” The money raised will go toward the upkeep of the church operations.
