'An event everyone can afford'

Gemma Webb introduces the penny fayre at Lyndhurst Baptist Church - where as 'a gift and blessing to the community', everything costs a penny, from ice creams to books and everything in between

Our penny fayre was first launched in 2018. The brainchild of minister Paul Burnish, with a crazy idea, inspired by God. The initial idea was to put on a free fayre as a gift and blessing to the community. However, doubts were raised that it wouldn’t work and people wouldn’t come. Not to be deterred Paul declared that instead we would charge a penny, and the fayre went ahead.

The penny fayre is a demonstration of grace, as an outpouring of love to the community. Events and entertainment these days can be really expensive, so it’s great to have an event everyone can afford.

Instead of having to say no to the children when they ask for something, the answer can be yes. Everyone finds it hard to believe.

‘How much is this?’ we are asked at various stalls over the day - and the answer is always a penny, although obviously some people choose to generously give more.

The fayre is supported by various church ministries, such as the men’s ministry which pays for the cost of the BBQ, and Busy Bees (our baby and toddler group) who generously pay for the entertainment including bouncy castle, meaning that any money raised can go to charity.

We have supported various charities over the years. Last year was New Forest for Ukraine. This year’s charity was chosen by the youth, Naomi House and Jacks Place, a charity which provides respite, end of life care and bereavement support for seriously ill children, young adults and their families.

As you may not be familiar with our penny fayre, allow me to take you on a virtual tour. You will be greeted throughout your visit by lots of friendly volunteers. As you can imagine it takes a lot of people, including the day before to set up. You will meet people of all ages, including Gill (94) on the cake stand, Toby (14) helping on the BBQ, and Seth (7) assisting mum on the ice cream stand.

So let’s begin. As you walk past our church, someone will count you in, swop some cash for pennies and give you a ticket for an item of food on our BBQ. The tickets are a new idea for this year. This ensured everyone got either a hot dog or burger, made it more feasible for those cooking and prevented one person having multiple items. Children are most excited at having a handful of pennies and being able to afford everything in sight.



As you walk through the entrance of our church hall you may choose to go straight ahead towards the ‘Oasis’ or prayer room, or right to the main hall. In the prayer room you will find rest.

Soft worship music is playing and we hope you feel something of God’s presence. Our pastor will give you a warm welcome and invite you to choose an activity, should you wish.

You can confess to God, things you are sorry for by writing them on a small whiteboard, and then wipe the slate clean without anyone else seeing. Alternatively you can jot down something you are hoping for on a dove, cut it out and stick it with the others on long ribbons hanging from the ceiling. The hopes written are beautiful and honest, including for family unity and a new home.

Let’s move in to the main hall. It’s busy! Here you will find a toy stall delighting children to your right. You will be offered a hot drink and can choose from a delicious range of freshly baked cakes. I’d particularly recommend Lynne’s coffee cake, it’s rather famous here.



At the back of the hall, you can browse a surprisingly large array of bric-a-brac, including scarves, jewellery, mugs and household items.



There are three adjoining tables down the centre of the main hall covered with books, suitable for adults and children of all ages, including fiction and various Christian titles. Please take a few.



On the left side, we have ice creams or lollies, but you may want to head into the garden first, the BBQ smells pretty good.

On your way out, head to our plant stall, there’s a great variety to choose from.



Also outside you will find craft. This varies from year to year and this year our fabric deacon Pete has been very creative and children are painting delightful rows of wooden houses. 



There is colouring (of course), and the opportunity to make a snake bubble blower. The children will be pretty excited to notice a bouncy castle, soft play, hook-a-duck, face painting, football and even soft axe throwing.

There is something for everyone at the penny fayre and it’s one of our most popular annual events. We have adapted the fayre over the years according to feedback and new ideas.

This year’s penny fayre was extra special because it was organised by our youth (young people in their early 20s). They meet regularly with our pastor and told him they were keen to be an active part of the church, but were unsure how they fitted in. He challenged them with the idea of organising this year’s fayre.

We are so proud of our young people for stepping up to the challenge and would particularly like to thank Fran Nicholas, Rick Hall and Amy Young for their huge efforts. This year we had more than 250 visitors and raised more than £450 for charity.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

 

Gemma Webb is the secretary at Lyndhurst Baptist Church