Busy time at Grow Christmas fayre

Taking place at is temporary home, Avondale Vinery in Oatlands Lane, any fears that people would not know about the event or where to go were soon quashed.

‘It’s been absolutely fantastic,’ said acting general manager Jess Aughton. ‘We’ve had a steady stream of people through the door and it’s been really well supported.’

Perhaps the most popular attraction was the chance for people to make their own Christmas wreaths, which was organised by Tundi Nemeth, owner of florists Tiger Lily.

There were two ‘sittings’, with Grow selling tickets in advance, she said.

‘It’s something we’ve done for years. I donate my time and most of the materials.’

Money paid for the wreaths goes directly to the charity. Among those making the decorations were a group of nursing friends from the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, who had been organised by Aoiffe Smith.

‘Grow is a such a good charity and it’s just so easy to come down and do this,’ she said.

‘We went for breakfast before this. Last year we made the mistake of meeting for lunch first and ended up having to rush.’

‘This is a really nice festive activity,’ said her colleague Amy Potter.

Youngsters were given the chance to colour in drawings of Father Christmas while there was also a tombola, plant-potting stall and refreshments on offer.

Some people also took the opportunity to pick up a Christmas tree on their way home.

The charity had bought 200 but were down to about 30 and these were going fast, said Grow supervisor Andrew Chandler.

Money raised from the event will go towards Grow’s new home, currently being built on its site at Les Petits Quertiers, and there was an opportunity for visitors to the fayre to find out more about the plans, which now include a health and fitness gym for the ‘crew’ who work at Grow.

‘The other site is going really well,’ said Mrs Aughton.

Director Mike Tidd added: ‘It will be a huge advance when we get back. We’ll be able to teach more skills.’