The fairest of them all

The aroma of fresh coffee met the sizzle and smell of sausages frying with eggs. Eager bargain hunters queued up early. Stall holders made last minute arrangements to tables stacked with goodies.

It was 9.25 am and Wesley Fair was in the air.

A bustle here, a last-minute check there and the day was ready to kick off. Paula Duncan was on hand to make sure proceedings got off to the most stylish of starts. Ribbons were cut, doors were opened and crowds streamed through.

This is the one day of the year where Wesley Mission’s head office, conference centre and church facilities are transformed into a stall-lined, food-sampling, bargain-laced carnival of delight. This year’s melting pot of festivity included a flower arranging demonstration by Justine from QVB Flowers and Charity Flowers, a dessert making demonstration by our own Rodney Cole, a photography competition and a scrap-booking competition (thanks to the Cherrybrook Uniting Church in Australia for their support).

The photography competition, on the themes of ‘Homeless’ or ‘Our Community’, received over 40 entries and was judged by The Sydney Morning Herald’s photographic editor, Verity Chambers. A People’s Choice Award is open for your vote till the end of October – please visit the Reception at 220 Pitt Street to vote.

Not surprisingly, food was a hit again this year. Visitors were greeted with regular Fair favourites: Asian and Rotuman lunches, chocolate-covered fruit and marshmallows, home-bakes, Devonshire teas and head office’s resident masterchef, Norma Roumanus, again donated her skill and ingredients to bring us a gourmet lunchtime treat. This year’s welcome additions to the foodie’s scene were Asian Noodle salads, prepared and donated by Rodney Cole, a salad bar by Josephine from Chapel in the City and a kid’s food bar with ice cream sundaes (a treat with the oldies!).

Over 120 Wesley Mission staff, volunteers, congregation members and associates gave their time and energy to make the day happen, making sure visitors went away with smiles on their faces, food in their tummies and goodies in their arms.

The Wesley Fair organising committee would like to send out a big thank you to all those who helped bring about this excellent result.

- Linda Barclay, Public Affairs Officer, Community Relations

All photos are owned by Wesley Mission. These images may not be reproduced without the express permission of the photographer. Please contact Wesley Mission for more information.

Paula Duncan opens Wesley Fair 2009	Winners of the Wesley Mission photography competition
The hustle and bustle of the Fair	Flower arranging
Bric a brac bargains don’t miss out next year	Books and DVDs where a hit
Winners photo display	Scrapbook competition winners
Creative memories display