Back to news item 08/09/07 The Samson Centre Christmas Fayre - a great team effort! So many people contributed to the success of this event that it's difficult to know where to start! As organiser Helen Brodbin said:   "Thank you all so much for all the donations, support and good will. A great team effort, and it was a very happy, jolly event." Tyger, tyger, burning bright? The toy stall Jackie Britneff and then Lena Clarke both drew the short straw and were most exposed to the filthy weather outside, taking the entrance money at the door. At least they were inside: a hardy team consisting of Ali Payne, Peter B, Paul & Jan Dodgson, Helen Brodbin and John Steeds braved the elements to hand out flyers to people entering and leaving Secretts Farm Shop, just across the road from the Village Hall. Gilly and Janet did sterling work in the kitchen, ensuring that workers and visitors alike were well looked after and provided with hot drinks with which to ward off the cold. Dean reveals a new talent Setting out the cards stall Inside the main body of the hall, things were no less hectic: • Howard arrived and was tasked with setting out the bric-a-brac and then selling as much as possible!   • Ellie and Megan threw dice.   • Boo Emrich and son Jamie sold cards & crafts, kindly provided by Samson supporter Liz Darke.   • Amanda and her team ran a hoop-la stall.   • Marion and her merry band of helpers sold "good as new" – and at least half her stock went! Now where did I put that cake? Cuppa, anyone? • Enid and Paula tried their best to reduce the book pile, but there were just too many!   • Fleur Crowther-Smith, Martin and Eda ran a roaring trade in jams, cakes and Christmas puddings, and even managed to run out of cakes! Note: When the dust had settled and the count was complete, this stall would be revealed as having taken the most money. Well done to the three of them!   • On the adjoining Gifts stall, Fleur’s husband Charlie and Martin’s daughter Charlie managed to overcome the confusion of answering to the same name and shift a lot of stock. It is rumoured that Charlie did damage at least one clock, but which Charlie was responsible has not been revealed. Booklover's heaven! Something for art lovers, too! • Marisa and her daughter Wietske looked after the raffle, which included some splendid prizes. Pride of place for sheer size & opulence went to the chocoholic’s hamper made up by Samson fitness instructor Claire Hubbard and her daughter Lauren.   • Dean, Sylvia and Joe ran the tombola, which proved to be both popular and profitable.   • Jenny Fletcher and her team were, as always, in full support, and Chas had managed to do some fundraising beforehand, and gave us £40 into the pot. The better-looking Charlie! Jim – looking very shifty • Samson chairman John Hambly looked after the display boards and networked over cups of tea. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it!   • Two of Ellie’s friends looked after the "Name-a-Teddy" stall, and managed to sell every name – well done to them! The lucky winner was Marisa, who promptly donated him back. Ever ready to make a fast buck, John Hambly is now selling him on eBay!   • Then there were 5 external stallholders who paid for their tables, helping to swell our profit – all very nice folk, and very supportive. Throughout the morning, Jim Fardell acted as ringmaster, keeping everybody in line and concentrating on their tasks. He also volunteered for the arduous task of counting all the money. Apparently he couldn't start this for some time, as it took him an hour to find Mary, let alone extricate her from the car, so surrounded with goods was she! To sum up, then: a lot of fun, which raised over £1,200 for the Samson Centre. Well done and a big "thank-you" to all who supported this event. Back to news item