Lady Pigot, left, presenting a cheque to fundraiser Karen Eeles, of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, and several other charities. Picture by Robin Crossley
A LUCKY seven Island charities benefited from the £11,370 proceeds of last year’s Isle of Wight Gift Fair.
Held at Bembridge Sailing Club on November 27 and 28, the fair was opened by double Olympic gold medallist Sarah Webb.
Thirty-two stands, mainly from the mainland, exhibited their Christmas gifts and ten per cent of all takings went to Island charities, along with monies raised from the entrance fees, cake stand, raffle, tombola and teas, coffees and lunches.
Charities benefiting from the fair this year were the Earl Mountbatten Hospice, Young Carers, Age Concern, Not Just Enterprises, Ryde Sea Cadets, St Catherine’s School and Beaulieu House.
The committee, chaired by Lady Pigot, includes Janetta Anderson, Sally Fitzgerald, Rozanna Hammond, Sukie Hillyard, Celia Jennings, Louise Morton and Jane Thomson.
They are already working on the 2010 Gift Fair, which will be held at the sailing club on November 26 and 27.
Lady Pigot said she was absolutely delighted to be able to present the nominated charities with the proceeds last week.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk