Orley Farm School welcomed visitors to its annual Christmas fair, giving all the chance to raise money for a range of charities as part of the school’s 175th anniversary celebrations.
The Mayor of Harrow, Anjana Patel, opened the event by cutting the ribbon to kick the band off and switching on the Christmas lights that adorned the hall.
This year’s fair also contributed to the school’s programme of 175 Acts of Giving, which encourages pupils to support causes important to them.
Around the school, there was a range of activities including over 40 stalls, a mini disco, some real-life reindeer, a penalty shootout, a tombola, fair games and more.
There was a special cabin for Father Christmas, decorated with handmade ornaments and fairy lights, where the children were delighted to see him.
Visitors were also encouraged to make donations to support the Wealdstone Baby Bank.
Throughout the year, the Orley community has taken part in the 175 Acts of Giving in many different ways, with pupils choosing to support others in thoughtful and personal ways.
For the fair, students selected charities that meant something to them, reflecting their own interests and experiences.
In total, £2,568.37 was raised by the children’s stalls, and 25 charities were supported, including St Luke’s Hospice, Magic Breakfast and Make-A-Wish.
Orley Farm School headmaster Tim Calvey commented on the spirit of Christmas, saying: “There is no excuse to not be together, sharing food, love, hope and good company.”
This reflects exactly what the fair—and the school’s 175 Acts of Giving—set out to celebrate.
