HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised following a busy charity event thanks to the support from the people of Tiptree.

The second year of the Tiptree Early Christmas Fayre has been branded as a “total success” after it raised a total of £612 for MIND and MENCAP charity.

The amount raised beats last year's £390 for MENCAP and £165 for the Tiptree Community Fridge.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Stall: flowers and vase stall at the fairStall: flowers and vase stall at the fair (Image: Evelyn Hicks)

It was a busy day at the Tiptree Community Centre as the public gathered to browse a range of stalls which included refreshments, cards, crafts, gems, books, candles and scents.

There was also a big raffle and plants for sale which helped to raise funds.

A two-minute silence was held at 11am in honour of Remembrance for the soldiers who lost their lives in First and Second World Wars. 

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Crafts: unique items sold at the fairCrafts: unique items sold at the fair (Image: Evelyn Hicks)

Event organiser, Evelyn Hicks, said: “The event went incredibly well. There were 18 stalls of Christmas themed items with a five-foot Victorian nutcracker soldier raffled.

“The refreshments were mince pies and homemade cakes - Emily Hicks hosted the Raffle for MIND and also sold books - she is running the London marathon for MIND next year and needs to raise £2000.

“A combined total of £612 was raised to be shared between MIND and MENCAP.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Plants: plant stall at the fairPlants: plant stall at the fair (Image: Evelyn Hicks)

“Thanks go to Tiptree Dry Cleaners for a voucher for the raffle and the customers who donated a total of £53 and to Levy solicitors for their continued support.”

Evelyn launched the event in 2022 after being inspired by the story of her daughter-in-law's sister who used the services from Mencap until she died from Rett Syndrome.

She said: “In 2021, my son got married, and in his speech, he spoke about the Mencap charity and how important it has been to his new wife and her family.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Organiser: Evelyn Hicks at the eventOrganiser: Evelyn Hicks at the event (Image: Evelyn Hicks)

“It was an incredibly moving speech and as a result of it, I thought that I would like to do something over a year to try and add to my son and his wife’s donation to the charity as their traditional wedding favours.

“I thought that to have a Christmas Fayre would be nice to showcase friends and family and local people’s skills as well as have a raffle, some refreshments and generally make people aware of Mencap.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Art: crafty stall at the Christmas fairArt: crafty stall at the Christmas fair (Image: Evelyn Hicks)