As you will be aware it is the custom to hold a Christmas Fair to raise monies for charity. We have been able each year to donate sizeable gifts to an International, National and Local charity. The Pastoral and Outreach committee have with difficulty, due to the huge number of deserving causes, chosen three charities to be the beneficiaries for this year. These will be made known in the early autumn when the PCC have approved the choices.

For many years we have held a “New to You” sale in September which thanks to the efforts of many helpers, raised funds to help and supplement the Christmas Fair. There has been a growing feeling amongst those who have assisted that the return has not matched the efforts of those involved. Last year a car boot sale was held, but the effort of the enthusiastic sales teams was largely washed away by the inclement weather.

This year we would like to place the fund raising efforts right in the middle of the parish community! We are looking for fund raising entrepreneurs with ideas and with the help of friends, to raise monies prior to the Christmas Fair. Already a Retail Therapy evening has been arranged for the ladies. Men any ideas for competitive events? Any profits from the Barbecue that will follow the Annual Corporate Communion on September 11th will be donated. A young and seniors’ fun evening is planned to start the effort for 2006. Would you be prepared to invite friends for a meal or a social evening and charge them a small sum to go to the charities? However you do it the main wish is to promote charitable giving and have fun at the same time!

If you want to help or have ideas, please ring - 335705 or 332466

David Bowden & Chris Platel - joint chairmen, Pastoral & Outreach Committee