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On the Saturday morning of 3rd December, feverish activity was taking place at the West Chiltington Village Hall as the ABC Animal sanctuary volunteers got everything ready for the opening of our Christmas Fayre at 12.00pm. Lots of stalls were set up, a grotto for Santa, water was boiled and refreshments laid out, a pen was erected to house our two pygmy goats and in the foyer the track was laid for the little battery-operated train that would take children around a circuit. Also greeting the public in the foyer was a large animated donkey generously loaned to us by Wyevale Nurseries, Pulborough. People began arriving from 11.00am and waited outside in the unusually warm November sunshine for the Fayre to begin.
All too quickly 12.00pm arrived and the doors were opened. Jeff Funnell, our musically talented supporter, played Christmas carols on his keyboard as people made their way around the stalls looking for those last minute presents and bargains. Refreshments were soon in demand - the mulled wine being a particular favourite. Also wandering amongst the crowd was Captain Jack Sparrow (Sean George) and Xena Warrior Princess (Jo Marriott) who were a big hit with young and old alike who enjoyed chatting with them. Sitting in his Grotto, Santa Claus listened to the requests of the numerous children who needed to pass on their 'wish-lists' for the big day, reassuring them yet again that yes, he will be able to visit everybody on Christmas Eve and no he won't miss anyone out! The pygmy goats very much enjoyed all the fuss that was made of them and found all the activity quite exciting as a change from their normally sedate lives.
Alexandra Bastedo drew the winning tickets from our Grand draw at 2.30pm and our congratulations go to the winners who have now been contacted.
By the time 3.30pm came around, the last of the people were leaving and we began the task of clearing everything away. The general consensus was that we had surpassed even our successful 2010 Christmas Fayre and had managed to raise some much-needed funds to help us to continue the work we do. We very much appreciate everyone who came and supported us, who bought items or gave us donations, became a 'Friend' or 'adopted' an animal, or said how much they had enjoyed the day. While the purpose of the Fayre was to raise essential funds for the ABC Animal Sanctuary we were determined that young and old would all find something of interest and enjoy the day and judging by the feedback this was easily achieved.
There are too many people to thank individually but a huge thank you must go to our volunteers for giving up their time and energy to help us in the Sanctuary and to organise events such as this one - without them we would grind to a halt very quickly.
We already have some exciting new ideas for our next Christmas Fayre in 2012 so please keep checking our web-site for the date to put in your diary.
Below are some photos of the day:
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