Good Time Had By AllUpdated 28 December
The fourth Thames Ditton Christmas Fayre in the High Street was well-attended despite the Polar weather. Our thanks to the High Street businesses and immigrant hawkers from The Island (that's you, Sally!) who made it a very bright and cheerful villagey occasion. And also to all those who entered into the spirit of fundraising for several good causes. The Guide Hut raffle alone raised over £1500 thanks to the many seriously good prizes offered by businesses, and there will be further contributions from the many separate efforts by businesses and individuals. Reports so far are that busking Guides raised nearly £50, Caroline's tasty beef rolls raised about £80, Nick's chestnuts over £200, Taj's scrumptious Brownies at Five Rivers another £30, the George and Dragon's mulled wine £205. Several people have promised donations. The Children's Bouncy Castle Company donated their takings 0f over £100 to The Home of Compassion, and other charities such as Cancer Research, Mind, the British Heart Foundation and Street Child Africa have also benefited from the Fayre. Brilliant.
As well as providing the Christmas tree with lights on the Fountain roundabout, and the insurance policy under which the event is held, the Residents' Association contributed £200 to the cost of posters and flyers and provided one of the stewards for the Fayre. Certain members also performed assorted rituals of prayer and offerings, which were clearly very effective, so that it would not rain on the night.
Resident Gavin Wilson has posted a video of early parts of the Fayre on YouTube here, accompanied by a lovely traditional carol. Excellent!
You may view many good photographs taken by Thames Ditton Today photographer Scott Hortop - and put on the web within hours! - here, and a few amateur ones by your webmaster here. We particularly like these by Scott (click on image to see the larger version on his pages):
 | Thames Ditton's red light district...!!! |
 | We are glad this charming scene has survived despite the horrors of political correctness |
 | Great, calm, arty photo! |
 | Jeremy - a Good Egg... |
 | TD Today Editor appraises glass of Guide Hut Cabernet. Hmnnnn..... |