Over 170 people attended this year’s Christmas Market at St Thomas-on-the-Bourne church in Farnham, on Saturday 5th December. This well-established festive event has been taking place for over ten years, and each year its organisers have generously donated all of the proceeds to local Hospice Care charity Phyllis Tuckwell, which provides supportive and end of life care for terminally ill patients and their families.
Homemade jams, preserves, cakes and savouries were much in demand, with some confessing that they came along just for these! Hand-carved Woodland Santa’s were also very popular, as were the knitted teddies, dolls clothes and tree decorations – some of which the ‘Bourne to Stitch’ group had made especially for the day.
Also on offer were second-hand books and toys, vintage gifts, and a raffle and tombola. A £3 entry fee bought attendees a refreshments voucher, which could be redeemed for drinks and biscuits, before being entered into a draw for a beautiful table decoration, which was won by local resident, John Hughson.
Local businesses showed great support for the Christmas Market and, in particular, the silent auction, to which many donated prizes. Bidders competed for a huge range of tempting treats, including a delightful tea for two at Tylney Hall, a sumptuous picnic hamper, a cabin trolley, luxurious beauty treatments such as pedicures and massages, meals out, and a book and DVD signed by dolphin expert Horris Dobbs, which was very popular.
“We would like to thank all those who came along to the Christmas Market,” said Mo Cuthbert, one of the organisers. “It is wonderful to be able to hold an event which brings the local community together in this way, at the same time as supporting a local charity which is close to the hearts of many people. St Thomas’ is at the heart of the community here in the Bourne and is a fitting venue for such an event. We are very grateful to the local groups and businesses who supported the Market by donating gifts to be sold or auctioned.”
“Our thanks go to all those who organised this fantastic festive event, which raises vital funds to support our work,” said Ashleigh Tennent, Community Fundraising Manager at Phyllis Tuckwell. “Every day we support over 250 patients and relatives – in their own homes, at the Hospice in Farnham and at the Beacon Centre in Guildford –but as the NHS/Government only covers 20% of our costs, we have to raise over £15,000 a day to be able to do this. Money raised through events such as this are therefore very important to us.”
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Notes for Editors:
For press enquiries and alternative pictures contact: Jen Barnes at Phyllis Tuckwell on 01252 729433 or email jen.barnes@pth.org.uk
