The second year of the Tiptree Early Christmas Fayre has been branded as a “total success” after it raised a total of £612 for MIND and MENCAP charity.
The amount raised beats last year’s £390 for MENCAP and £165 for the Tiptree Community Fridge.
It was a busy day at the Tiptree Community Centre as the public gathered to browse a range of stalls which included refreshments, cards, crafts, gems, books, candles and scents.
There was also a big raffle and plants for sale which helped to raise funds.
A two-minute silence was held at 11am in honour of Remembrance for the soldiers who lost their lives in First and Second World Wars.
Event organiser, Evelyn Hicks, said: “The event went incredibly well. There were 18 stalls of Christmas themed items with a five-foot Victorian nutcracker soldier raffled.
“The refreshments were mince pies and homemade cakes – Emily Hicks hosted the Raffle for MIND and also sold books – she is running the London marathon for MIND next year and needs to raise £2000.
“A combined total of £612 was raised to be shared between MIND and MENCAP.
“Thanks go to Tiptree Dry Cleaners for a voucher for the raffle and the customers who donated a total of £53 and to Levy solicitors for their continued support.”
Evelyn launched the event in 2022 after being inspired by the story of her daughter-in-law’s sister who used the services from Mencap until she died from Rett Syndrome.
She said: “In 2021, my son got married, and in his speech, he spoke about the Mencap charity and how important it has been to his new wife and her family.
“It was an incredibly moving speech and as a result of it, I thought that I would like to do something over a year to try and add to my son and his wife’s donation to the charity as their traditional wedding favours.
“I thought that to have a Christmas Fayre would be nice to showcase friends and family and local people’s skills as well as have a raffle, some refreshments and generally make people aware of Mencap.”
