On Saturday 29th June, our St Lawrence College Junior School held its Family Summer Fair in glorious sunshine. The fair featured a wide range of activities and attractions that delighted both children and adults alike.
Attendees enjoyed classic games such as hook a duck, splat the rat, and a dunk tank, as well as browsing stalls selling stuffed animals and books from the Happy Bookshop. The little ones were thrilled with toddler inflatables and an inflatable obstacle course, while others explored the gardening stall and took part in the tombola. Face painting and balloons were also hugely popular!
Food and drink were in ample supply, with a coffee van, hot dogs, homemade cakes, and cold beverages keeping everyone refreshed. A special thank you goes to Kent Fire and Rescue for bringing their fire engine, which was a big hit, and to Rock Choir for their fantastic singing that entertained us all.
This year, the fair operated a cashless system using tokens, a seamless experience thanks to the organisation of Mrs Claire Tyler and Mrs Jo Ganderton-Smith.
The fair also showcased the generosity of the school’s community. Many parents donated items, including luxury goods from Wahl, contributing to the success of the event. The collective effort resulted in an impressive £2003.77 being raised for the Family Food Bank.
Ellen Rowe, Headteacher of St Lawrence College Junior School, said “What an amazing day it was! The turnout and support from our community were truly heartwarming. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, and helped organise the Summer Fair.”
Debbie Burden, Food Partnerships Manager for the Family Food Bank, also extended her thanks, “We are incredibly grateful to St Lawrence College Junior School for raising these vital funds. Donations like these are essential for our work, especially in these challenging times. The £2003.77 raised will fill approximately 100 food boxes for families in urgent need in the Thanet area.”
The Family Food Bank, part of FareShare Kent, plays a crucial role in redistributing surplus food to those in need. With around 3 million tonnes of edible food wasted in the UK annually, FareShare UK managed to redistribute 84,000 tonnes in the past year, supporting 8,000 charities. In Kent alone, FareShare supports around 150 charities, redistributing 814 tonnes of food—equivalent to nearly 2 million meals.
In addition to this, the Family Food Bank delivers over 11,000 food parcels to families struggling due to the fuel and cost of living crises. The organisation relies heavily on donations to supplement supermarket contributions, needing between £500-£1000 weekly to sustain its operations. The generosity shown at the Junior School Summer Fete is a testament to the community’s spirit and willingness to support those in need. For more information about the Family Food Bank and how you can help, please visit FareShare Kent.
