AUGUST BAZAAR: This event takes place on the late-August Bank Holiday Monday, from mid-day to 4pm. As well as the stalls there are children’s games, and maybe story-telling and a face-painter. The draw for the raffle takes place at the Bazaar.
There are lists available from early August for people to sign up at the back of the Church if they are able to look after one of the stalls for all or part of the time.
There was no Bazaar in 2025 because we ran out of storage room for donations in the garage. It has now been cleared so we should be on track for 2026 (probably 31st August)
(Photo; Indian dancers at the 2022 August bazaar)
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May Fayre 1981 – 2019
The May Fayre was the major social and fundraising event in the parish calendar. It had also become a significant event in the town and was a great family fun day out, being held in the Rye park (Kingsmead end, near the tennis courts). It took place each year on the first Monday Bank Holiday in May. However, in 2020 and 2021 it had to be cancelled, for the first time, due to the Covid19 Pandemic. And during the following period many of the volunteers and companies, organisations and groups who performed or provided or sold goods for the Fayre, were no longer able to do so.
It has now (2022 onwards) effectively been replaced by a smaller-scale August Bazaar, held in the Church car park on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
The former May Fayre had many stalls, from the ever-popular books, bric-a-brac, fancy goods, plants and toys, to bottle and children’s tombolas, as well as bouncy castles, face painting, and many other games for children. There was a full programme of dance and acrobatic groups, children’s entertainers and fancy dress, and a band. There were food stalls from different nationalities, refreshments, ice cream, popcorn, and a beer & wine tent. And a raffle draw took place at the end of the day.
The Fayre took a lot of organization over several months from November onwards, and all help was gratefully received. On the day, an army of helpers was needed: for the collection and transport of goods and furniture, the setting up of stalls, tents and equipment; helping to run the stalls during the five hours of the Fayre; then dismantling and removing at the end of the day. However, it was also one of the most enjoyable events to take part in.
The event was led each year by a chairman and committee, supported by a wide-ranging group of volunteers, many of whom had been involved for several years.
The last Fayre was in 2019, before Covid and its lockdowns started in March 2020.
If you are new to the parish, helping with the Summer Bazaar is an excellent opportunity to become involved in the church and meet others. If you are not new to the parish, it is still a good opportunity to help |!
Contact Details
Fr Jonathan 01494 523969
Email :- staugustines.hw@googlemail.com