Port Hope United Church women deck the halls for Nov. 21 ‘Christmas Fayre’

United Church Women (UCW) members meet year-round to work on various crafts for its annual Christmas Fayre, which is on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Port Hope United Church. /UCW photo

By reporter Natalie Hamilton

With all-things-homemade, from the crocheted pieces to the jellies and preserves, it’s the season for the Port Hope United Church Christmas Fayre.

For 88 years, the Port Hope United Church Christmas Fayre has offered gifts and treats to kick-off the festive season. This year’s event is on Saturday, Nov. 21 and features creations by the United Church Women (UCW.)

The “fare at the fayre” also includes knitted and sewn items, along with pies, cakes, squares, brownies, and more.

“With all our craft and food items, you can find almost everything you’ll need for Christmas giving and hosting,” said Val Nippard, UCW president.

The term fayre has been used for a number of years.

“A quick Google search will tell you that fayre is a pseudo-archaic word that has been used for both fair and fare to give an event a traditional or historic feel. Held in a beautiful big church that is over 151 years old, shoppers will certainly be surrounded in tradition and history,” noted organizers.

In addition to the handmade and homemade UCW items, there will also be a variety of vendors with their own products and other gift items available. 

Money raised through the fayre is directed towards UCW charitable endeavours.

“We try to support local, national and international causes, particularly ones that affect children and families,” said Janet Tedford, UCW treasurer.

Organizers added that the works accomplished or funded by the UCW include the Mission and Service Fund of United Church of Canada, general funding for projects through the Eastern Central Ontario Region UCW, teacher and student support for a girls’ school in Zambia, and Food for the North Program, which provides groceries for fly-in communities in Northern Canada.

Closer to home, the women support organizations including Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, Community Care Northumberland and Ed’s House, and Five Counties Children’s Centre.

In addition, group members knit or crochet “prayer shawls,” which are given to people who are ill, grieving or need a small reminder of the church’s support.

Money raised also helps the UCW purchase necessary items for the church such as kitchen equipment and funds ongoing maintenance projects. Sometimes the purchases are fun, such as buying new Christmas trees for the sanctuary.

“We try to do the most good we can by directing funds to organizations that are important to our group,” said Tedford. “We support the United Church of Canada to keep it a viable, important institution for communities across Canada.” 

The fayre runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, which is located at 34 South St. 

A light lunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The meal includes homemade soup, a roll, coffee or tea, and a homemade butter tart for $12.