Oxshott Christmas Fair
1960-2003
photo courtesy Michael Crute
What
takes an all-year-round effort is opened every year by the Mayor of
Elmbridge and closed with the thanks of six charity representatives?
Back in 1960, a remarkable group of people got together to turn a Parish
Fair into a major fund-raising organisation for charity. Headed up by
Mrs Joey Hebert whose £10 float kick-started the event, a meticulous
system was evolved which is still in operation today whereby every household
in the Parish was asked to donate qualitive second-hand goods to be
sold for charity.
It's original premise was that the event should be: 'run primarily in
the Christmas spirit in which it was first conceived, in aid of suffering
people and those unable to help themselves
Ten chairpersons, thirteen secretaries, two treasurers, two press officers
and hundreds of stallholders and helpers later, the same premise will
be underpinning the 43rd Oxshott Christmas Fair to be held on November
21st, 22nd and 23rd.
It is thanks to the generosity of residents, the wealth of skills and
knowledge in the area, local business', sponsors and visitors that this
enduring event has already distributed over £330,000 to 200 different
charities.
The six beneficiaries of the 43rd Fair will receive their cheques in
January, 2003.
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