Once again, Cherry Lodge Cancer Care held its annual Christmas Fair at what is becoming our favourite venue, St James Church, New Barnet. In the planning stages, a lot of thought went into how to improve the layout of our stalls in this large space and it certainly paid off. There was much more room for people to walk about, view and buy at the very tempting stalls and chat with friends.
The range of stalls included Sheila’s much relished relishes, a wonderful assortment of plants and natural Christmas decorations, lovely carved wooden presents, and two tombola stalls, for children and for adults. There was also a very exciting jewellery-making stall for children, who proved very creative, artfully crafting colourful beads and letters into chains, key rings and bracelets. Santa’s Grotto twinkled invitingly and Santa was kept very busy. Cherry Lodge’s own merchandise stall did a good trade in Christmas cards and interesting new items while the cafe did a roaring trade catering for most tastes with home made cakes, soup etc. The raffle for an amazing chocolate hamper, donated as in previous years by Rose W, was won by Sandra, who, together with two other volunteers, ran the cafe highly efficiently. Interestingly, last year, the chocolate creation was also won by one of the cafe volunteers!
The Cherry Lodge Singing Group gave one of its best ever performances, kindly led just for the day by Claire Stogden (of Barnet U3A fame). The programme featured a selection of popular Christmas carols and the fact that song sheets were handed out encouraged people join in and feel part of the festivity. Throughout the day, the Snowman walked energetically around, both outside and within the hall, entertaining young and old and adding to the happy and relaxed atmosphere.
As usual, many thanks to all (too numerous to mention by name) involved in making this such a good event. Plus special thanks are sent to our sponsors: Hamilton Chase and Barclays.
Click on the small images below to see larger, complete photographs.
