Valentines Fair boosts funds for new community centre (From Times Series)

Valentines Fair boosts funds for Christ Church community centre

5:30pm Monday 11th February 2013 in News By Natalie O'Neill

A church hosted a Valentine and Mother’s Day fair to raise cash to open a community centre for older people in High Barnet.

Dozens of shoppers turned out to Christ Church in St Albans Road on Saturday where there was a range of stalls selling everything from clothes and homeware to tea and cake.

A total of £400 was raised for the church’s Open Door Appeal which aims to restore the building adjacent to the church, making it a new hub for older people.

Volunteer Cathy Roberts decked the hall with love heart helium balloons to get everyone in the mood for Valentine’s Day on Thursday.

Jenny Blyth, who helped organise the event, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to have a great turnout from the local community.

“The community centre is such a needed thing in Barnet. We don’t really have a place where older people can go to socialise so it will be great to have somewhere warm and welcoming to bring the generations together.”

So far the Open Door Appeal has raised £410,000 towards its £1.9 million target.