Chiswick Summer Fair Once Again a Success

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Rain stays away allowing 20,000 to be raised for charity

The unseasonal weather played ball on Saturday 30th June for The Chiswick Summer Fair allowing an almost unprecedented stretch of sunshine. This clearly had an effect on the community who flocked to Turnham Green helping raise more than £20,000 for local charities.

BBC Broadcaster and author Jeremy Vine opened the event organized by the parishes of Our Lady of Grace Chiswick and St Dunstan Gunnersbury and spoke about his new book 'It’s All News to Me' in which he tells the fascinating and vivid story of the 25 years he has clocked up at the BBC in his unmistakably lively and self-deprecating style. Jeremy also signed copies of his book and generously donated all profits made on the day to the fair’s charities.

Other highlights included the auction previewed by ChiswickW4.com and run on the day by High Road Auctions. The lots, which included unique Fred Perry shirts designed and signed by Sir Peter Blake, raised amazing £6,513.

The centre stage was graced with wonderful performances by local groups including Pop and Stage Academy School, Boo Hag Band, Max Tuohy and Animal Fu. Bingo, bric a brack, tea and cakes, Pimms and the ever popular international food stalls all did a roaring trade.

Special thanks go to everyone involved especially to Volvo, Waitrose, JD Wood, The Motor Village Marylebone and AirPlus for their incredibly generous sponsorship, the local businesses who donated items for the raffle and the auction and the restaurants who supported the restaurant board and gave cookery demonstrations.

Chair of the organizing committee Denise Sharpe said: “We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Charities that we are able to support with the Summer Fair – your work on a daily basis is great motivation and example to us as we plan our one special day!”

The money raised on the day will be distributed between the chosen charities which are: Acton Homeless Concern, Cedars and Hounslow Extra Club. Age Concern Chiswick, Cystic Fibrosis Local Support Group, Trusell Trust Foodbank, Greenhouse, Hounslow Siblings Group, The Pensioners Club and Parents in Touch (PiT) will also receive funds.

“Since 2005 we have been able to distribute almost £100,000 to a number of good causes,” said Canon Anthony Dwyer Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace and St Edwards. “While it is good that we can come together and have an enjoyable day at the Fair, it is also good that we are able to provide support for those who respond to a variety of needs in our local community.”

July 12, 2012