The Christmas Fayre at Litherland Masonic Hall has now become a traditional event at the hall with the regular volunteers and helpers working late into the previous evening preparing the rooms for Santa’s annual visit to meet and greet the local children.
The doors were opened at 1pm with a nominal charge of £1 for adults, raising almost £150, whilst children entered free of charge. The hall had been decorated and the activities prepared with many games of luck and skill set out, including the timed game and test of fast reflexes, ‘Stop the Clock’ and the ‘Steady Hands’ electric buzz-wire test of dexterity.
There was also the Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Graham Chambers now traditional ‘Reindeer Racing by Dice’ game of chance which was much enjoyed by the local children. Face painting, gift item and several white elephant stalls were also placed around the hall to entice children and adults alike in their search for fun and bargains.
A well-attended tea room was organised by the staff, where various sandwiches, cakes, soup and refreshments were available and were enjoyed by many of the adults who seemed to be wanting a less stressful sit down and peaceful rest with an enjoyable cup of tea. The most visited stall though was Santa’s delightful grotto, who with his helpers presented each child with a surprise present.
The event gradually came to a close by 4pm when the strenuous tidy up and packing away began. This was followed by a well-earned rest and reflection on a successful, though hectic afternoon for the children and local community.
Monies were then counted up by Ormskirk and Bootle Group Treasurer Paul McLachan amounting to £800 which is to be presented by the group chairman Graham Chambers at the annual group meeting to various good causes.
