Record Results for AWB Festive Fayre

Click on photos to enlarge them www.awbs.org.uk  

To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, the American Women of Berkshire and Surrey  invited its Founding President, Jonnie Dorman, to open its superb 28th Annual Holiday Craft and Gift Fayre, on  Friday 4 November at Ascot Racecourse Mrs Dorman, from Sunningdale, started the club in her living room with a handful of 30 friends after attending a meeting of a nearby international women’s club, the American Women of Surrey.  Jonnie started this Fayre as a way of expats giving back to their community and inviting her to open this year’s Fayre is one way to recognise her foresight and celebrate her contribution 30 years ago!.”
Click on 'Read Article' to see  photos of a selection of stalls and the results of this year's fayre, as well as  a cookery demonstration of canapes by Susan Hansen of Hansen's Deli .

Participants, photographed in order below,  included Melanie Frobisher (Photo Art),  Hansen's Deli ,  Twin Cheeks , Designer Food, Sebastians Action Trust ,  Colonial Soldier , Carolyn Wallis (Handweaver),  Butterfly Blue ,  Twisted Vine Wine, Rae Oakley Hats,  Little Box,  Caroline Rose

The festive season came early for over 1,000 people who attended the American Women of Berkshire and Surrey’s 28th Holiday Craft and Gift Fayre on 4 November. The event was declared a success by Chair and VP Philanthropy, Leanne Evans, “What began with a few expat women selling craft and their household goods prior to leaving England, came of age last Friday. The combination of our stunning Ascot Racecourse along with our fabulous vendors resulted in an event that surpassed all our expectations! I was worried about the overnight rain but we had so many people queuing that we opened another admissions desk. We had planned for around 750 people to attend so the show of support for our main fundraising event of the year was truly gratifying”.
“All our hard work in researching the very best ceramics, glass, fine jewellery, paintings, and woodwork vendors paid off. We had a great combination of gifts never seen before, like the new 2012 Olympic Games handmade glass ornaments from Bombki and we launched two Sunningdale locals, Louise Flockhart with her personalised buntings and artist Sarah Biggs, at their first big event. Windsor jeweller Mette Hoj also appeared for the first time and Sunninghill charity Sebastian’s Action Trust’s handmade Bluebell Bears and Christmas cards were a hit. As the rain cleared, comments poured in all day about the quality of what we had to offer!” Leanne said.
With close 80 AWBS members volunteering, Leanne praised their hard work and commented, “The Fayre really was a celebration of our club and everything that we can accomplish together. Our members’ efforts showed how dedicated they are in wanting to touch the lives of others and raise funds for local Berkshire and Surrey charities. It shows what a wonderful community of women we have.”
Leanne also thanked vendors, the Ascot Racecourse staff, local media and everyone who turned up to help set a new benchmark for the Fayre. The total amount raised will be available next week once all expenses are tallied. Grants will be awarded in next Spring.
www.awbs.org.uk/philanthropy/craft-fayre