Long Sutton Parish Council laid on a terrific Christmas fair in the town on Sunday.(Dec 4)
The highlight was more than 350 children getting to see Father Christmas in a grotto in St Mary’s Parish Church.
The council had leafletted local schools and Santa – who arrived on a Long Sutton fire engine – was kept busy throughout. Grown-ups particularly liked the grotto’s simple, traditional theme, with children each receiving a selection box, a bag of sweets (supplied at discount by Barker’s Sweets) and an orange at no cost.
Adults were invited to make a donation to the church, which made about £98.
Outside, Fr Jonathan Sibley, accompanied by parish council chairman and “town crier” Coun Charles Moore, blessed the Christmas tree (donated by Baytree Garden Centre at Weston) and said a prayer before carols were sung and its lights were switched on.
There were 14 stalls and some fun fair rides, and children enjoyed getting on board the fire engine.
Lots of shops opened for the day and The Secret Garden won the Christmas window competition, which had certificates and trophies (sponsored by Florida Trophies) for the top three places. Runner-up was Time Out and third was Mal’s Vintage Tea Shop.
Council clerk Karen Treacher, who did much of the administration, said the day had cost about £1,300.
She added: “All in all we had a great turnout and we’ve had some good feedback since. We’d like to thank everyone who supported the day.”
The spare selection boxes and oranges were distributed to local good causes.
- See the December 8 edition of The Voice for more photos
