Welcome windfall for community event

A popular annual village event received funding support from a leading housebuilder.

Thurlow Fayre, which took place on September 2 was selected for a Persimmon Homes Community Champions donation.

The national match-funding initiative was set up to support the charities and organisations working to improve the quality of life or environment for local people.

Simon Wood, director in charge of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said: “In a rural area like this, village events are part of the fabric of community life. T

"Thurlow Fayre is an important local fundraising activity, so we were delighted to support this neighbourhood initiative so close to our Boyton Place new homes development with a £750 donation.”

The annual fayre, held at Thurlow Recreation Ground, offered a range of family attractions including a petting zoo, gun dog display, pony rides, children’s golf workshop and archery, alongside a craft and food fair, entertainment and stalls.

This year the event is raising funds towards a new kitchen for the 60-year-old village hall, equipment for the mother and toddler group, support for the village’s six youth football teams and Addenbrooke’s Oncology Department, in memory of long-standing fayre supporter Susan Loveday, who died in June aged 68.

As revealed by the Haverhill Echo last week, the fayre is expected to have raised between £7,000 and £8,000

More information can be found at www.thethurlows.org.uk/cms/thurlow-fayre

Community groups, charities and good causes across the county have benefited thanks to the donations from Persimmon Homes.

Organisations can apply for match funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

The scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for cash from a £750,000 national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally each month.