Storm Bert puts ‘big dampener’ on Celebrate Surfleet annual Christmas fayre

A storm that has wreaked havoc in parts of the country put a ‘big dampener’ on a festive fayre at a village hall.

Bad weather caused by Storm Bert affected the number of visitors to Celebrate Surfleet’s annual event on Sunday (November 24) which hosted some 26 stalls.

However the Christmas spirit was upheld for those attending who enjoyed live music inside the hall from St Nicolas Community Brass Band playing, the raffle and a chance to see Santa.

Organiser Jill Wright said: “Storm Bert put a big dampener on everything I am afraid - the weather was horrendous.

“We ended up calling the raffle early as stall holders were worried about getting home as some were local but others from further away.

“There were little flurries of people but not like the previous years.

A young girl was pleased to win the raffle and received a toy unicorn as her prize and families got to visit the big man in red.

Mrs Wright said: “Santa Claus was popular after the weather had died down a bit.

“A lot of the people that came to bring their children to see Father Christmas were not from Surfleet, some had travelled from Boston and Wyberton.

“It was lovely to see people enjoying a bit of Christmas spirit.”

Two events are held each year as a way to fundraise for the community with a recent donation going towards St Laurence Church clock.

Funds will be counted up and put towards next year’s events and allocated to any community causes.

Mrs Wright added: “Normally it brings people together so it was disappointing because of the weather.

“Thank you to everybody that did come to the fayre and helped.

“There is so much work that goes into it and so many people behind the scenes.”

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