St Mary's fete

This busy and popular event featured many stalls, games, raffles and treats for everyone to enjoy as the much threatened rain held off for the afternoon.

Not only were Dawn's flapjacks impossible to resist, but her slices of homemade coffee cake and chocolate too, not to mention the pile of freshly baked cheese scones waiting to be split open and spread with butter.

Dawn, who has cooked at St Mary's for eight years, was also supervising the barbecue at the entrance to the fair, which boasted large Cumberland sausages and thick beefburgers destined for bread rolls and onion sauce.

"I love it here," said Dawn.

"I love the children and everybody here. I know it sounds corny...but it is fantastic, and everybody is there for each other."

Once inside the grounds, visitors were met with a throng of children, families, and staff soaking up the atmosphere as they did their best to raise money for the school.

The summer fair held at St Mary's school in Wrestwood Road at the weekend raised 4,160.

Event co-ordinator Kay Parkin said: "It's great - thanks to the people of Bexhill who are just fantastic."

She added: "It does take quite a lot of organising because there is a lot of stalls, but that is what makes it so good, and why people come back year after year, because they know it is a lot of fun and there is lots to do. Thanks to all the staff and parents who support us and make the event possible."

A penalty shoot-out manned by goalkeeper Alex Zdabowicz, 15, proved popular with youngsters eager to try out their luck and skill.

The shoot-out was supervised by assessment teacher Ashley Pollen who

commented: "I think the summer fair is such a good community event.

Children and adults and everybody come to get rid of their money basically...It all goes back into the school to buy things that don't come through budgets, extra things like sports equipment and trips. It is a really good boost to the yearly budget."

Nearby Sue Ensor was running a game to guess the weight of an elaborate iced cake made by Lea Norman of the catering staff, while not far away Diane Haines continually re-organised the bric-a-brac stall piled high with a huge variety of odds and ends, and Bill Martin stood behind a table laden with the stunning plants he had nurtured himself at home.

Principal David Cassar said: "We are always most grateful for the way the town supports the fair. It has now become one of the biggest ones in Bexhill and we are always pleased with the wonderful weather."

Words: Camilla Lake

Pictures: Steve Hunnisett