Easter Eggstravaganza 30 March 24
We’re blown away! We raised an astonishing total of £1,140 for the Centre - £682 from our own Easter Eggstravaganza on Easter Saturday and £458 from the raffle run for us by the Stoke Working Men’s Club. This will make such a difference for the Centre in the current economic climate.
Over 80 children took part in our village wide Easter Egg Hunt with the help of a “treasure map” and clever clues to the location of the hidden “eggs”. They were rewarded with a Crème Egg and an Easter Card to colour in for their own special person. Arts and crafts activities for the children were provided by the Brownies, and jewellery making by Hamdon Youth Group. Entertainment was provided by some of the resident children’s groups who hire the Centre each week showing off their talents. Star Dance Company and Blackrock Irish Dancers did some amazing showcase dances and 9 Realms Martial Arts demonstrated what Muay Thai is all about and how it provides fitness, discipline and respect for others. The Brownies told the Brownies story and promise and helped serve refreshments throughout the day.
Our face painters for the day were two amazing 14 year olds who worked their socks off for four hours to create 45 wonderful rabbit faces and bring joy to the smaller ones. High five girls – you’re awesome! We had a professional film-maker record some of the day and you can see the video here - https://www.facebook.com/hamdonyouthcentre/videos/172353982484020
A big “Thank You” for all those who helped make our fundraisers such a success – the 20 members of the community who volunteered on the day; our village bakers who rose to the challenge with lots of lovely homemade cakes; Star Dance who created and ran the Easter Egg hunt; and the children who use the Centre helping to host the event as an equal part of our community. Thanks too to all the businesses who provided support and gifts for the SWMC raffle – The Lord Nelson, The Prince of Wales, Castle Farm, Hamdon Beauty Barn, Orchard Estates, Stoke Community Shop, Pop Up Play Village and Star Dance Company and not least the SWMC who kindly hosted the raffle for us, hassled everybody to buy a ticket - and all of you who bought a ticket! There were six large hampers/bags for prizes containing bottles of bubbly, wine, cider, pub meals, chocolates, toiletries, vouchers – and of course chocolates and Easter Eggs!
We were so humbled to receive such great support from young and old. Thank you Stoke – you absolutely rock!