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Early birds out to get a ‘Christmas bargain’

Kathryn Ryan
29/11/2007

HUNDREDS of shoppers packed into a Prestwich church to indulge in some early Christmas shopping.

The annual Christmas Fair at St Margaret’s was held last weekend and raised £2,300.

Cash came from the dozen stalls which included face-painting, two tombolas, the prize raffle, the lucky dip and guessing games.

For the first time for many years, the fair café sold out before the doors closed.

Also for the first time, Santa’s Grotto was given its own room with a winter wonderland of glittering Christmas trees, sparkling fairy lights and presents piled high.

The many children who queued patiently were each given a present and offered the opportunity to have their photograph taken in the sleigh with Father Christmas himself.

The fair was opened by the church’s Rose Queen, Alice Armstrong, who was introduced by St Margaret’s parish priest, the Reverend Debby Plummer.

Rev Plummer said: "This was my first Christmas Fair at St Margaret’s and it was a wonderful occasion.

"Many people worked together to plan and organise the fair, and we were thrilled to receive so much support from our generous customers.

"I chatted to lots of people during the day and everyone seemed to have a good time.

"I was especially glad to see so many children there enjoying the festive fun."