Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make Open Day a success. Despite the best efforts of the weather forecasters, we had a good turnout for a very grey day, selling over 100 jars of jam and 150 cups of tea and cake.
This year we had 2 gazebo teams in the morning. This ensured a speedy set-up, enabling us to be ready when we opened the gates at 11 a.m. Once again Cynthia and Jamie did an excellent job on A Road, greeting visitors as they arrived, talking to them about the site, and explaining what was on offer, as well as selling tools and books. Lin and Jane, assisted by Sam, managed the running of the plant stall. Thanks to Lin for looking after donated plants in the lead-up to the day; we had a huge number of plants for sale, most of which sold.
As expected, there wasn’t a lot of produce on sale due to the dry conditions this year, but all the jams and chutneys were snapped up by our visitors. Although the sun didn’t shine, everyone seemed to enjoy their tea and cake. Thanks to Kate, Angela, Nanette and Chris for all their hard work on the catering front.
Accounts are still being finalised, but takings were about the same as last year.
Our own Deputy Mayor Councillor Barbara Newton did the honours and drew the raffle. Thanks to Geoff’s enterprising efforts, we had prizes donated by Bill’s Restaurant, Porters Restaurant and Woods Garden Centre. The raffle raised £138 for the Hospice of St Francis.
PCSO Lauren Jackson, who is part of the Safer Neighbourhood Team, attended. As well as chatting to our visitors offering security advice, she gave the Society 3 shed alarms.
Thanks again to all of you who helped out, donating produce, cakes and plants, or preparing the site; the gazebo and furniture team, the refreshment team, and everyone else who gave their time to making the day a success, including those who came and spent some money!
