An early morning fall of snow on 21st November 2015 was a very apt reminder to all of us to go to St James Church in New Barnet for Cherry Lodge’s annual Christmas Fair.
The change of venue proved hugely popular as there was a friendly atmosphere and plenty of space for stalls and activities. People looking to buy early Christmas presents found lots of things to tempt them and went home very satisfied. There were also two tombolas – for adults and for children – with some very good prizes indeed. The Cherry Lodge merchandise stall did a good trade with items such as Cherry Lodge Christmas cards, fabric bags and eye-catching, blue plastic pig money boxes bearing the Cherry Lodge logo. Everyone in the know rushed to buy the now famous, superb, home made marmalade and jams. There were also some splendid plants for sale, including seasonal poinsettias. Throughout the day the excellent ‘refreshment team’ kept people, well, refreshed!
Entertainment was provided in the morning by a group from the Rhythmix Academy who performed a series of dances with great energy and enthusiasm. In the afternoon, the Cherry Lodge Singing Group were in excellent voice performing a medley of Christmas carols and other seasonal music (click here to see more photos).
Father Christmas arrived, accompanied by an elf from Totteridge Academy, and so did a beautiful reindeer, delighting the numerous children at the Fair, many of whom wore evidence of Debbie’s excellent face painting skills. Olaf, the snowman from Frozen, surprised people in the street outside the hall but eventually even he had to come inside as the temperature dropped significantly under the very bright sky.
Many thanks to Tina and her team of volunteers (including Cherry Lodge fundraisers, staff and trustees) who helped to organise and run this event. Thank you as well to our worthy cake bakers and to our sponsors, including estate agents Hamilton Chase who also helped advertise the event.
As always, it was good that the Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP found time to come to the Fair.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable day, with plenty of entertainment, which was, without doubt, the most successful Cherry Lodge Christmas Fair to date.
Click on the small images below to see larger, complete photographs.
