The Mount Noddy Christmas Fayre took place on Sunday 29th November at Oving Village Jubilee Hall.

With heavy rain and gusty winds all week, hopes were not very high for a successful day. Unloading on the morning of the Fayre was hazardous but good teamwork enabled everyone to set up their stalls in time. A queue began to form well before the opening time of 11.00am and when the doors opened we couldn’t believe the crowds of people pouring through the doors. Although there was no entry fee, people dropped money into the collecting bucket and donated large quantities of food and toys for the animals who would be spending Christmas at Mount Noddy. Several tombola and raffle prizes were donated as well. We also managed to recruit some new volunteers.

The stalls ranged from new gifts and home made cakes to second hand books, tombolas and a raffle. Soup and light refreshments were served and the Mount Noddy stall was manned by the manager, Sharon, to answer any queries about the animals and Mount Noddy in general.

A visit by Father Christmas completed the activities and many people had their picture taken with him before posting their letters in his special post box.

The Fayre was so successful that we ran out of car parking spaces at one point!

We would like to thank everyone involved with making the day such a success: all the volunteers for their work beforehand and on the day, Sharon and the staff, Father Christmas for sparing the time to visit, Oving Villagers for donating items from their Christmas Fayre, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Alan Taphouse Photography and Phoenix Cards who all had stalls to support us and, most importantly, all our supporters for braving the elements and raising the magnificent sum of just over £1,400 to help us continue to take in and rehome ill treated and unwanted animals. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Nicky O’Dell, Branch Secretary