Organisers of the popular confab, formerly known as the Church Fair, set up tents, games and a bouncy castle to bring families and communities together, the proceedings of which will be donated to a number of charities supported by the church. (The funds will not support church activities.)

Victoria Hodgson, the event organiser--and winner of the egg and spoon race--put the summer fête together with the help of volunteers both from the congregation and others from the wider community.

“Everything has only been possible through the help of the amazing team behind me, some of which previously participated in the Church Fair preparations for the past 20 years. The weather has been great, we’ve brought people from the outside in, and so many people stepped in and took part--both children and parents alike!” she stated with enthusiasm. “The commune of Kirchberg has been incredibly accommodating too, by coordinating different efforts and letting us organise the event.”

The tea stand served up cakes, muffins and sweet treats galore, including a variety of brownies, muffins and cupcakes. Different flavours of banana, apple, ginger and lemon were ripe for the taking, as well as Farrah Gilani’s award-winning carrot cake (unfortunately already all eaten by 4pm). “I won the cake award 3 years ago, and have been involved ever since because I love baking,” explained Farrah.

With the Polish jazz group Cold Nights jamming in the background, activities of all kinds entertained individuals of all ages. For the price of €10, families registered and participated in welly wanging, football goal, hula hooping, tin can alley, target practice and apple bobbing. Also on the agenda were face painting, an egg and spoon race, a beanbag race, a piggyback race and the highly intense snail race. Medals, gold stars and cakes were awarded to the brave children (and eager parents) who did well in the different games.

Batman vs Spiderman

Opinions varied on activity favourites: 3 year-old Zara (alter-ego Superman) and 5-year-old Leo (Batman) voted bouncy castle, while 6-year-old Freya (Spiderman) went with apple bobbing and 9-year-old Nathaniel took pleasure in volunteering most. All the kids interviewed by Delano thoroughly enjoyed the experience and eagerly expressed their interest for another Charity Sports and Fun Day.

The audience was also privy to violin rendition by Leo of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’. At 3 years’ experience, Leo informed Delano that he gets excited playing in front of people, but not scared: “I love a stage!”

New fundraising event for church

The Church Fair originally started in 1976, but due to growing success and popularity, it started becoming difficult to maintain. “The aim of this new event is to provide a new dynamic, a fair that matches the way ideas and people have changed,” explained Carole Vlachavas. “There are new people and new volunteers involved. We’re trying something new!”

At a general 26° degrees with strong winds, the biggest challenges consisted of it being “slightly too hot for English people” and to “keep the different papers from flying away”, added Jane Anne at the activity registry, with a laugh.

Finally, 6pm brought the day to a close, with everyone lending a hand to pack up belongings, tents, benches and the few remaining cakes.

The list of supported causes is published on the Anglican church’s website.