Bags of fun at the church fête

Brits showed true grit and determination to enjoy themselves when they turned up in scores for the annual Anglican Church fête on Sunday.

The event, which has been running for some 30 years, this year resembled a British occasion closer than ever as the heavens opened at various intervals dowsing fair-goers in light showers throughout the afternoon.

Spirits were not dampened, however, as visitors travelling to Useldange had come prepared, dressed in rain coats and wellies.

New to this year's line-up of events were sack races and lemon and spoon races, which proved a huge hit with children and adults alike.

The traditional dog show showed no sign of losing momentum with no less than 11 entries this year, meanwhile the plastic duck race, organised by the Scouts, sold out hours before the race start.

Co-organiser Ian Kent summed up the day: “We don't have any final figures yet. We know that it won't be a great year because of the rain. But, what is important is that the atmosphere was great. I think that people who were there had really good time. Some items did particularly well, including the Indian-Mauritian food stall, run by Rami Roloff and Esmée Chengape. They completely sold out and helped to raise more than 1,400 euros.”

Sadly the rain did put a stop to one event. A special show by the school of dance had to be cancelled at the last minute because of the wet weather. Despite this, the church expects to have raised thousands of euros for a range of charities.

The Anglican Church fair started in Luxembourg some 30 years ago, eventually evolving with different sectors of the international community to become the International Bazaar, a popular annual event now held at LuxExpo.

The church fair has continued at the home of Mr and Mrs Vaudrey, in Useldange, for the last 20 years. Each year the event raises on average more than 10,000 euros for a range of charities. This year, funds raised will be divided between CSTM, Greylon Genadenal Education Fund, Mercy Corps, World Vision Romania, CSI Letzebuerg and Christian Aid.