Come to The Butt of Sherry at Mere, at 10am on Saturday 16 April for an Easter Family Fun day to raise funds for the Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
The New Blackmore Vale spoke to the organiser, Trudie Rowland, from Youtopia Mobile Hair Stylist. “We do not have to sit by and watch powerless, as the crisis in unfolds,” Trudie said. “I have no extra space for a Ukrainian family but I really want to help. I work full-time but I am getting up early and working late to organise this event; every penny raised will be a help to someone in Ukraine. Also, we have all been through such a strange time with Covid; I wanted to bring children and families in our area together.
“There will be various activities including: the Any Theme Hat competition, and Art Fun for all ages, toddlers to adults. Each entry will be just £1!”
The main fundraiser of the day is a raffle with a long list of wonderful prizes. Trudie has been amazed and humbled by how generous local businesses have been. “There has been no hesitation, everyone is so keen to help,” she said. Prizes donated include: a 32-inch Smart TV from Jeans of Mere; a £100 voucher from Furniture Box, Mere; tickets to Sculptures by the Lakes; a Cotswold Hotel Spa day; a voucher to Lakeside garden centre in Warminster; Hillbrush vouchers; £30 White Lion vouchers; and Bourton and Easter cakes from Whitney of Winibako and Victoria O’Brien.
Raffle tickets are on sale at Waltons of Mere and the Butt of Sherry: £1 for one strip or £5 for 6 strips. The raffle will be drawn at noon. All funds raised will be sent directly to The DEC Red Cross charity.
If you would like to help by baking cakes or selling raffle tickets, contact Trudie Rowland on trudie3081@gmail.com.

by Katrina Ffiske