MAWS Winter 2007 update

Metheringham Animal Welfare Supporters held their Christmas Market on Saturday 17 November in Metheringham Village Hall. The day dawned bright, very cold and frosty. Ice had to be scraped from car windows as volunteers set out from Lincoln, Aubourn and near Sleaford, as well as locally. They soon thawed out in the warmth of the village hall as it became a hive of activity as people started putting up tables, unloading cars and setting up signs.

Dressing the MAWS stalls was no mean feat with almost 600 tombola and 52 raffle prizes to display (all donated by the way!). By 9.30 am the Information / Reception Stall, selling new items was also looking good and a very welcome smell was wafting through from the kitchen. The stall holders were also busy and almost ready for the mad rush of Christmas shoppers. Time for a quick bacon buttie and a cuppa before opening at 10.00 am. Great.

The doors open and the rush starts. Customers are greeted with a welcoming smile and Christmas carols are played softly in the background. The atmosphere is set. Some head for the snack bar first for "breakfast" while others start shopping, choosing from the many gifts and crafts available, some try their luck on the tombola and raffle. Denise Rose for Tarot Readings or Reiki Healing was also available. But whatever the plan of the day, there looks to be something for everyone.

At 3.00 pm the excitement mounted as the raffle was drawn. With so many prizes to be won, there were many happy winners. As the market closed at 4.00 pm and the clean up started the volunteers were exhausted but happy and even happier when they cashed up and discovered they had taken over £1,000.00!!! The bills are not in yet but they hope to have about £880.00 profit. Brilliant!

MAWS Committee would like to thank all the wonderful folk who donated all the prizes, all the volunteers who have worked so hard , both on the day and behind the scenes all year. A massive thanks to the public for the generous support, without whom MAWS could do nothing.

Bless you all for caring.