Good time, weather clear
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Again we were lucky with a clear, cold night for the village Christmas Fair on 10 December. The turnout was excellent and fun was had by all at a rattling good, villagey occasion. A tribute to the organisers and in particular, Sarah Searle who again did a good deal of coordination this year. Overall the festivities surrounding the fair and event either side of it raised approximately £2260 for the Guide Hut Appeal. The raffle, sponsored by Guy Salmon and with many good, really worthwhile prizes donated by local businesses (list below), raised about one thousand pounds. Joe's sale of mulled wine at the George and Dragon raised £400, which was presented by Joe to Lucy Symons at a delightful chilli dinner at the George attended by several High Street retailers on 20 December (photos). The Guides raised over £200 from selling hot chocolate. The Ripieno Choir toured Thames ditton pubs on 18 December and raised a further £170. Nick's chestnuts and the bouncy castle at the fair each raised over £120 and the lady selling flashing lights donated £30. If we've inadvertently missed anyone out please email with the details and we'll add them here.
With heart-warming support from the local community and a good deal of their own and parents' efforts the Guides have raised roughly £23,000 over fifteen months, including the early grant of £4,500 from Cllr. Peter Hickman's Surrey allocation. A number of structural and other surveys and estimates have been carried out that show approximately £45,000 in all will be needed to replace the main asbestos roof, the ceiling lining, repair brickwork, install windows, replace electrics, plumbing and the antiquated heating system and put the hut in modern condition for use by Guides, Brownies and Rainbows and other non-profit-making groups in the community by arrangement. Just over £5,000 was put to immediate use fixing the flat roofs that were letting in water and replacing the toilet facilities. Thanks to Stitchery, new windows are ready to be installed. A structural survey has been carried out and a project manager has volunteered to oversee refurbishment. The Elmbridge Planning and conservation authorities have been consulted, and with the proceeds from this year's Fair it seems likely that there is now enough in the kitty to tackle the main roof which is the priority on the 'critical path' for restoration.
Thanks go to all who have supported and continue to support this community project. In its coming Centenary year, Guiding thrives and provides very worthwhile, enjoyable and formative activities and training for girls and young women in our community.
Guy Salmon sponsored tickets and prize to the tune of £150.
Prizes donated
Alley-Catz Voucher
Bachmann Sacher torte
Beauty Therapy Reflexology
Beefeater Restaurant and Pub £50 voucher
Bocketts Farm Entry Voucher
Bradley and Brown A bowl of Christmas goodies
Cash Prize £100
Colets 12 day membership voucher
Florist Christmas Wreath
Garson's Farm £10 Voucher
George and Dragon Bottle of wine
Guildford Spectrum Family Swim Ticket
HYPE Manicure
HYPE Cut and Blow Dry
Kelly Cox - hairdresser Cut and Blow Dry
Kempton Park Race Tickets
Lime Tree Red Chilli Jelly, Crackers and Biscuits
Lottie and Thomas Voucher
Maison Bleu £15 Voucher
Marks and Spencer Xmas Biscuits
Micaela Cianci 1 hour portrait sitting
Nando's Restaurant Meal Voucher
NV hair Co. Hairdressing Voucher
Personal donation: Stephen Fisher and Terry Griffiths MBE 2 bottles 12 Year old Chivas Regal - boxed
Stephen Fisher and Terry Griffiths MBE 1 bottle of Famous Grouse
Stephen Fisher and Terry Griffiths MBE 1 Bottle Pernod
Stephen Fisher and Terry Griffiths MBE 1 bottle Jameson Irish Whiskey
Stephen Fisher and Terry Griffiths MBE 1 Bottle of Martel VSOP fine Cognac - boxed
Pro Shop Hockey Stick and Sports Bag
Pottery Craft Studio Session Voucher
Secret Garden Vegetables Voucher
Stitchery A Gift
Tennis England 2 vouchers/ free day at Tennis Holiday Camps
Two Hampers of Christmas Treats
Ye Olde Swan Inn Dinner for 2
Wine Rack 2 Bottles of wine
Waitrose/John Lewis £50 voucher