Early Xmas festivities
CHRISTMAS celebrations came early this year with several fairs and charity fundraisers taking place last week and over the weekend. A Christmas Fayre raised 8,540TL for the local primary school when it was held at Tatlısu’s Sea Wise restaurant and bar last Friday. Members of the community, including expats, turned out in supports of the school’s head teacher, Mehmet Erden, who plans to develop and improve conditions for his pupils. Stalls sold items including home-made cakes, painted pebbles, toys and clothes, plants, books, DVDs and CDs, while a large Christmas tree, complete with lights and decorations, was the prize in a raffle.
The event was opened by Tatlısu muhtar Leyla Çiçek Güvenlier and attended by Mr Erden along with many of his pupils and their parents.
Organiser Irene Hannan thanked everyone involved “to make this idea possible”, adding: “It was a great local community occasion.”
A two-day Traditional Christmas Market was planned for the mixed Turkish and Greek Cypriot village of Pile, although one day was cut short due to heavy rain. However, last Saturday saw the market packed with visitors who enjoyed drinks, food, entertainment and various stalls, with Santa being present to receive children visiting with their families.
A Christmas Market at Karsel Restaurant in Boğaz harbour raised more than 5,000TL in aid of local cats and dogs last Saturday, with organiser Jan Mcghee saying: “I would like to thank everyone who came along and gave generously to the stalls. I would also like to thank Santa and all his helpers for distributing gifts to the children and helping to ‘man’ the stalls, along with the venue owners and staff who helped to make it a great day.”
St Andrew’s Christmas Fayre took place in the church hall and grounds on the same day, with people flocking to buy items such as cakes, bric-àbrac, books, Christmas decorations, home-made produce, mulled wine and mince pies. A raffle and tombola were also on offer. Some 4,800TL was raised to help pay for maintenance of the church grounds.
On Sunday, despite the bad weather, the North Cyprus Cancer Charity Trust (NCCCT) raised more than 14,000TL from a Christmas Market and Fayre at Karaoğlanoğlu’s Kaya Palazzo Hotel. More than 450 people were said to have braved “unexpected and horrendous” weather to support the charity which set up stalls selling various items.
Cakes and coffee was also served during a day that saw live performances by young soprano Peri Sualp, violinist Muharrem Cemoğlu and cellist Kartal Tunç. A raffle was drawn, with prizes including a Christmas turkey, spa and meal vouchers, overnight hotel stay and hampers.
NCCCT chairman Wendy Anderson said “it was wet and windy but the rain did not wash our smiles away” as she thanked everyone who supported the charity on the day and throughout the year.