OUR ancient parish churches are part of our great English Heritage passed on to our care by pious benefactors in bygone centuries. But this sacred trust carries with it the responsibility of preserving the improving the fabric and furniture of each church. Incumbents and parochial church councils are are faced with the task of raising money for this purpose as at Meysey Hampton where the early 13th century church of St Mary with fine examples of work from the Decorative period requires constant care and attention.

A parochial effort to help the church funds was held at the Memorial Hall on Saturday when the Vicar, the Rev W E Harley, after a prayer, reminded a crowd of enthusiastic visitors to the Christmas Fair that the parish was faced with the task of raising about £1000 for extending the churchyard renewal of the organ and the installation of a new heating system. He then introduce Mrs E Rickards of Siddington House, formerly of South Hill, who expressed her pleasure of being asked to open the fair and said she was pleased to be among old friends.

Quite a festive atmosphere was given to the hall by the artistically arranged decorative motifs designed and carried out by Mrs J Hamilton-Stubber and Mrs Harley and music was provided by Mr V Cox of Quenington.

Organised mainly by Mrs M Clayton the fair with its numerous stalls provided everyone with an opportunity to buy their Christmas gifts and so assist a worthy cause.

Delightful articles of finest needlework, all made and given, toys and fancy goods were sold. At the produce stall all sorts of good things for Christmas were dispensed to willing buyers by Mrs M Baldwin, Mrs E Hobbs and Mrs A Westmacott. Cakes sweets and confections soon disappeared from a stall where Mrs N Layton and Mrs G D Oakford made excellent counter assistants.

Something made in school was the slogan at the children’s stall where china, sweets crackers and needlework was sold by Miss B Edwards Maureen Cuss and Lorraine Legg.

Mrs Jean Miller dressed as a gypsy lady with two baskets of novelty gifts and walked through the fair inviting visitors to purchase her wares.

After the fair had ended with reports of successful salesmanship a large audience enjoyed a conjuring show presented by Ernesto of Swindon. Later there was a well attended dance organised by Mr E Smith when Mr V Cox again provided the music.

As a result of this combined effort the treasurer Miss Joyce Barnes announced a net profit of £70. Thanks to everyone who assisted in so many ways were expressed by the vicar.

December 11, 1954