Update on 2021 Christmas Fair

Dear friends and families,

The Friends of John Ball are saddened to announce that the John Ball Christmas Fair on Sunday, 5 December, has been cancelled.

A fresh risk assessment, conducted due to the presence of the Omicron Covid-19 variant in the UK, has raised serious questions about the safety of the volunteers we rely on to run the event, and of the families planning to visit the Fair.

The Friends of John Ball’s mission is to support the school, its children and their families. We care about the wellbeing of our community. For these reasons we have, in close liaison with the school and with heavy hearts, concluded that the Fair should not go ahead. 

We wish to thank all of those who volunteered to help run the Christmas Fair, and who have donated gifts and sweets.

Your support for the Christmas Fair directly funds initiatives that benefit our children. The last Christmas Fair raised in excess of £5,000 - an amazing sum that was used to buy equipment and fund experiences for our pupils. Although this year’s Fair will not go ahead, there are still many great ways you can support the charity - and have some seasonal fun at the same time!

Christmas Raffle

Our Christmas Raffle is still live - and this year’s prizes are amazing. The raffle closes at 23:59 on Sunday, 5 December, so don’t miss out! Get your tickets here now. There are many tempting items to be won, and every ticket you buy will help us continue the work we do to support the school.

Other ways you can help

You can also support the Friends of John Ball with a regular donation. Just £2 each month from every family in the school could raise £12,000 each year to invest in our childrens’ future. That’s a newly extended school library for less than the price of a cup of coffee! 

We are also hoping to make all the beautiful gift items that have been made and donated by our wonderful craft team available to buy via our online shop, and are looking at other ways to provide festive fun…watch this space for more details.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Yours faithfully,

Penny Boulyaphol & Ling Marshall

Chairs of the Friends of John Ball