St Augustine's Christmas Bazaar
And opening the event was a very special lady, whom, according to Reverend Robert Coates graciously stepped in for HRH the Queen - who apparently was a bit too busy to attend.
He said: "I wrote to the Queen to ask her to open our Christmas Bazaar today, but she's busy Christmas shopping, so we have the next best thing...my Mum Shirley Coates."
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Hide AdShirley, who had made the trip to Bexhill from her home in Cambridgeshire, hoped the day would be "successful and raise lots of money for a very good cause," and her good wishes came true as just over 1,300 was raised for general church funds.
The day proved to be a success in more ways than one as along with the spectacular array of goods available to buy, which included a delicious selection of home-made cakes and preserves, gifts, jewellery, china, bric a brac, books, DVD's, toys, two raffles, a tombola and Christmas decorations, a special violin and piano Christmas Carol CD, which talented Robin Wilson - a member of the church congregation - had made and produced himself, sold out within minutes.
The festivities also included refreshments of teas, coffees, scones, mince pies, roast chestnuts and mulled wine, served by cheerful volunteers; many of whom dressed for the occasion in a variety of colourful fancy hats.
Rev'd Coates praised everyone involved for making the event such an enjoyable and successful occasion and said: "Thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this a great Christmas Bazaar."