Fun and games make a grand day
(Herald Express 20/7/2006)
by Pete Bennett

PLAYTIME: above, Harvey, 6, and Nancy, 3, Allsop. Below, Philippa Leather, nine months.

Youngsters had fun in the sun at the PlayPlus Kindergarten Fete on Saturday, raising more than £1,000 for the Hospice of St Francis.

The young guests enjoyed a paddling pool, bouncy castle, treasure hunt and face painting while adults had the chance to take part in an auction for a Watford FC pendant.
Tammy Clarke, principal of PlayPlus, said: "It was beautiful. A thoroughly enjoyable and successful day. We had at least 200 people there. It was a good chance for the parents to socialise because being working parents it's hard, so that was great."

Children also enjoyed a visit from Berkhamsted community officer Sgt Mike Saunders.
The fete has so far brought in more than £1,200 for the Big Brick Buy with more money still to be collected, with the Watford pendant bringing in £55.

The total far exceeds last year's total for the hospice of £750.
Mrs Clarke added: "The hospice is a local charity that people know and means a lot to people. One of our members of staff died of cancer a few years ago so it has a personal significance.
"Bourne End as a village always does a lot for the hospice and it's a service that's much needed as the hospitals don't do the same thing."

Roger Sharp, community appeals manager at the hospice, said: "This must be the fourth year they have been doing this I think and it's always appreciated, and their support really helps.
"I don't think the kids really understand what it means but the parents and staff do and give us great support and I thank them for helping us."

The total raised for the Big Brick, Buy for the Hospice of St Francis now stands at £ 310,413.