The annual Shiplake College Christmas Fayre welcomed over 750 guests; more than 50 of whom came to see Father Christmas!
On Saturday 10 November, the Sports Hall was transformed into a winter wonderland by the maintenance and grounds team, before being dressed and decorated by members of the Parents’ Association. Santa’s Grotto, which was situated outside the Sports Hall was decorated by parents Julie Hargreaves and Annie Caldeira, before being visited by dozens of excited children.
From 10.00am, visitors arrived to the College and were able to peruse the products of small and local business owners, young entrepreneurs and charity representatives. Among these were Dawn Wedge of DHW Silver, selling a beautiful array of handmade silver jewellery; the Gateaux Boutique selling tasty food gifts and sweet treats; and Simon of Recycled Crafts, who sold brilliantly tasteful upcycled Christmas decorations. Other stalls included House of Bluebelle, selling homemade candles, ceramics by the local ceramicist, Kate Garwood and Finest Fizz, who sold a selection of festive sparkling wines and champagne.
In addition to organising the whole event, The College’s Parents’ Association was also selling second-hand uniform to raise funds for the PA. The Shiplake College Boat Club Supporters were selling Boat Club merchandise, a lot of which was made specifically for the Christmas Fayre, including calendars and puzzles. Entertaining the fayre’s young guests were The Kiln Ceramics Café, who were holding pottery painting workshops throughout the day. A big thank you goes to Mrs Rapple Moore and the Shiplake Community Choir, who beautifully performed a selection of Christmas Carols.
The pupils who produced items to sell for their Young Enterprise projects included Robert Whitfield’s desk calendars and Ben Thornber’s chopping boards. Ben did fantastically well and sold over 20 of the boards. Also at the Fayre was Year 12 pupil, Estelle Thomas, who sold out of her homemade range of granolas which she painstakingly makes herself and sells to several establishments in Henley.
Events and Alumni Officer Catherine Brazil said, ‘It took a lot of hard work, but the day really came together. It was so nice to see so many families and friends of the College enjoying themselves. It was great to have so much help from very willing pupils and the community choir really was the cherry on top of a fantastic day!’
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