Haven House brought the spirit of Glastonbury to Woodford Green on Sunday (6th July) when it held the annual summer fayre in its beautiful wooded grounds in Mallinson Park.

1,500 people attended the fayre and £10,000 was raised for the hospice; vital funds which will help to support local life-limited children and families. 

To fit in with the festival theme, there were live musical performances throughout the day, including those from Chigwell Popchoir, local band PettyCash, vocal quartet Reunion, The Epping Forest Pipe Band and Paulsmusic, who sang and acted as DJ on the day. 

Children were well entertained with a visit from Woodford Fire Brigade and the Leyton Orient Mascot, Theo. Meanwhile Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, brought along a variety of animals and reptiles for local children to interact with. 

There was also biscuit decorating, face painting and a fun rodeo ball to ensure that youngsters were kept busy throughout the day. A number of local dignitaries attended the event, including The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Councillor Terry Wheeler, Town Mayor of Loughton, Councillor Sharon Weston and The Deputy Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Linda Huggett. 

There were also a number of Haven House children and families in attendance and the hospice Buddies (the siblings of unwell children) were doing a sterling job running some of the stalls. Local TV actor and Haven House Patron, Gary Lucy, also dropped in with his family.

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of Haven House, said; ‘The summer fayre gets better every year and we’re always looking at new ways to keep it fresh and exciting for the families who attend.’

He continues; ‘Thank you to everyone who helped to make the event a success, not least the 100 fantastic volunteers who got involved and to everyone who came along on the day, from Haven House children and families to the local mayor – it really was a fantastic community event.’

The event organisers also used the fayre to launch the new Haven House raffle, where winners can win £1,000 in cash as well as some other great prizes. To find out more: www.raffleplayer.com/HavenHouseCH

Haven House would also like to thank Hetheringtons Estate Agents, who kindly sponsored the event.