The recent Christmas Fair at the Camelia Botnar Children's Centre raised a total of �1650.
The centre is currently entering its 33rd year of helping families from as far as afield as Horsham and Chichester and is totally reliant on donations.

The recent Christmas Fair at the Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre raised a total of �1650.

Opened by Arundel Town Crier Angela Standing - who is also one of centre’s nursery nurses – the Fair was graced with the presence of the centre’s patron, the Duchess of Norfolk, who met children, parents, staff and fund raisers.

Proceeds from entry fees, stall holder fees and the raffle amounted to �800, and there was a generous donation of �750 from the Goring branch of Barclays Bank, increasing the overall total to �1650.

The fair was well attended and featured Santa’s grotto – with teddy bear gifts donated by Carte Blanche Greetings - stalls selling homemade cakes and crafts, a carol-singing performance from Goring First School’s choir and a bumper raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.

Michael Kay, Director of Partnerships and Funding said: “The fair is among a wide range of fund-raising efforts planned by the centre and supporting local organisations. We are looking to expand and refurbish the centre, so all the funds raised will be put towards a good cause.”

The Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre, a registered charity, is purpose-built and free of charge for pre-school children with special needs, long term medical conditions or from disadvantaged families. The centre is currently entering its 33rd year of helping families from as far as afield as Horsham and Chichester and is totally reliant on donations.

The Duchess of Norfolk said: “I chose to be a patron of this wonderful charity because I love children and I truly admire the work they do at the centre, the staff have a fantastic ethos.”

The centre is also pleased to announce the appointment of Helen Davies as the new Centre Manager. Helen joined the centre 16 years ago as a Nursery Nurse and has worked her way up through the ranks. Of her new position, Helen said: “My vision for the future is to have a vibrant thriving centre that is accessible to all in the local community. In the New Year, I intend to get out into the community to spread the word about the services we provide and to form good relationships with a variety of organisations.”