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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — A wonderful friendly atmosphere was apparent at the annual St James Bazaar held last Saturday, and yet another successful function can be credited to convenor Felicity Minnaar and her enthusiastic team.
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The day started off rather chilly, but soon warmed up and then the outside tea garden did a brisk trade. The plants this year were situated near the tea garden, which made for occasional traffic jams but gave higher visibility to the excellent selection available.
The books this year were inside the hall, and some wonderful bargains were to be had with all books selling at R5 each. In front of this was the needlework stall, with a colourful selection of meticulously crafted items.
On the other side of the hall was the white elephant stall, and this did great business from well before the official opening time! Ladies (and a few gents) were seen carrying out armfuls of plastic containers, ornaments and other assorted bargains.
The rest of the stalls were devoted to food, always a favourite at bazaars. A wonderful selection of typical "bazaar puddings" was available, either to eat in or take away. The pancake ladies flipped their way through a huge amount of batter, and at the front of the hall was a mouth-watering selection of home-baked cakes and savouries. Frozen meat was available to take home, mostly beef and venison, at very reasonable prices.
Two raffles were on offer on the day. Tickets for a painting of a beautiful Karoo landscape, painted by Marge Arnott, will be available still for several months, and can be obtained from her until December. She can be contacted on 049 891 0369. One of her paintings was also raffled in 2016, bringing in R3 500!
The other raffle was for a pig, generously donated by a member of the congregation –this will be on offer until all the tickets are sold. Anyone who would still like to have a chance of winning a large supply of pork can contact bazaar convenor Felicity Minnaar on 049 892 3488.
To round off the morning, lunches were served, with guests getting a plateful of roast mutton, rice and vegetables. Dessert was bazaar pudding, with juice, tea and coffee available.
This was the first St James Bazaar for the rector, Rev Dr Mark Marais, and he was very pleased with the consistent, cooperative organising of the tables and the atmosphere which prevailed throughout the morning, as well as the funds raised. "I, among others, was able to have good conversation with numerous people on both sides of the tables. It was a 'good morning'!" said Rev Dr Marais
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