"The fun began the evening before at 10pm – the earliest we were allowed access to Milford Village Hall to set up the Fayre – and within an hour the hall had been transformed! Tables were set up and stalls arranged with balloons and bunting everywhere. A very cosy Santa’s Grotto emerged, decked with fairy lights and a Christmas tree and furnished with a fine armchair, all awaiting Santa’s arrival the next morning.

Despite some early morning fog, Santa arrived on time, and soon the hall was buzzing. In green and red his elves (Claire Hubbard and the tallest elf in the world, Mike Walsh) did a fine job. Among the stalls to delight the visitors were much Bric-A-Brac, Books, Gifts & Crafts, Cakes (and of course, Jim Fardell’s world famous Christmas Puddings!), together with Samson Centre goodies.

Above the hubbub could be heard shrieks from Boo Emrich’s "Ball-in-a-Bottle" stall, and the prize at the Find-the-Teddy table was a very superior Bear. The ever-popular Tombola at one point ran out of prizes but soon the table had been replenished, to the delight of happy winners. As the day progressed, more and more Raffle tickets were sold and the majority of the prizewinners were still in the hall for the draw in the afternoon.

The MS Society stall was well stocked and we very much appreciated the Society being able to support us.

Those tired out or just in need of refreshment, found comfort in the "Tea Room" with a cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie.

With many thanks to everyone who donated items for the numerous stalls and/or helped on the day, to Helen Brodbin for masterminding the operation (what would we do without her?) and to everyone who dug deep into their pocket, a record sum was raised at the MSTG Christmas Fayre this year."