“Summer Fair” fundraiser at Aurrida House

“All the fun of the Fair” will be hosted at Aurrida House next month (June) when staff open the doors and gardens to the public for a special “Summer Fair”. 

The event on Sunday 23 June, from 11am-3pm, will see an array of stalls, entertainment, refreshments, and a raffle for folk to enjoy – and there will be an informal ribbon cutting to officially open the new polytunnel. 

The fair, which has been organised thanks to the hard work of staff, is a fundraiser for the Aurrida House Comfort Fund. The fund is used to purchase sensory toys, specialist equipment and enable community-based activities for children and young people with additional support needs who attend at the respite care facility in Kirkwall. 

The fair will consist of stalls by Hestacraft, Farah-Bellas, Nesting Bun Box, Inclusive Orkney, Shona Stanger Textiles, CalKraft. Displays from Skaill House Falconry, Corey and Craig (music) Junior West Strathspey and Reel, Highland Dancers, Kirkwall City Pipers. There will also be hot food, beverages and ice-cream. 

The fair starts at 11am, followed by the ribbon cutting by one of the children at 11.30am, which is also a chance for Aurrida staff to thank those who have been key to the polytunnel getting off the ground. 

Senior Social Care Worker at Aurrida, Sarah Muir, said: “Everyone at Aurrida has been busy organising the fair and we are very grateful to all stallholders and entertainers who are coming along to support the event. Whilst a fundraiser, it’s also a chance for us to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community who has helped in any way to get the polytunnel project off the ground. 

“We are incredibly humbled by the offers of financial assistance and practical help – nothing has been too much trouble for anyone, including the builder, Martin Wick. The children and young people are already benefiting from the new space, being visibly calmed and more relaxed in the warmth of the polytunnel. 

“We have been busy sowing seeds, growing seedlings and vegetables, planting strawberry plants as well as edible plants and herbs in tubs and containers and those within the polytunnel are thriving. 

“It’s allowing us to get outside and enjoy gardening while under cover – something that is a necessity here in Orkney, especially during the winter months! Thanks to all the money raised we have been able to add an irrigation system to the plan, and purchase gardening tools, plants and seeds. 

"The new and improved garden area will benefit many more children and young people, and staff, for years to come. 

“Please come along and support our amazing fair and see for yourselves what a superb addition the polytunnel is to Aurrida.”