Congratulations, and thanks, to everyone who contributed to make this event, and all its associated activities, the cathedral’s best fund-raising success for the last six years. (Maybe this time-span can be extended, if anyone wishes to research the non-computerised archives!) 

So, having made such a bold claim, it is only right that the financial “bottom line” should have pride of place at the top of this report: the net income was a handsome BD8,421.120. 

When, last November, Nigel Smith sent me the draft of the proposed press release, he attributed to me the notion that “the 2003 Fête will be one to remember”. Little did I envisage that we should achieve several “firsts”. 

Way back in 1991, the major aim of the fête brochure was to produce enough advertising revenue to pay for the event’s expenses. If there was a profit, that was a bonus. Since then, the charitable events’ market in Bahrain has become more sophisticated and competitive. We have had to become more business-like. More recently, with increased rates and more pro-active marketing, our fête brochure advertising revenue has more often than not exceeded fête expenses, if only by a nudge! The Golden Jubilee Fête managed this convincingly - by several hundred Dinars.  Ed Horn is to be thanked for attaining the highest fête advertising revenue the cathedral has ever enjoyed. 

The Grand Raffle, a sought-after fête activity, is always expected to be a success. However, one aspect is little known: various schools in Bahrain participate by selling raffle tickets prior to the event. The Golden Jubilee pre-Fête raffle ticket sales were impressive: the highest since our computerised records began. Andrew Petty remains baffled by his achievement, seriously! 

The Golden Jubilee Fête was also privileged to receive private donations far in excess of those related to previous St. Christopher’s Cathedral fêtes. For these, we are immensely grateful. 

What about the fête itself? Despite security concerns curtailing our advance publicity, and competition from other charity events being held in Bahrain on the same day, thus far fewer people attending the fête than usual, business was brisk for most stall-holders. Some managed to break previous records which, given the circumstances, seemed remarkable. Not so, one stall-holder explained to me: certain regulars always show up with hands full of cash to seek out bargains and win games of chance. 

Yet, without a very active and supportive organising committee, none of this could have been achieved. In addition to those mentioned earlier, the Dean, Elizabeth George, Paul Hamilton, Uwe Stein and Marion Waugh-Young all gave of their time and expertise to ensure the event’s success. 

My bottom line: words borrowed from the Dean’s fête brochure welcome. “We all have moments in our lives when we want some genuine fun and enjoyment. You are never too old to dress up, put on a funny wig and face-paint, and then act the fool”. Alan, thank you for being a perfect clown, and Wesley, too, your young assistant. Oh, I nearly forgot: if, Santa Claus, you receive BAN in Lapland, thank you for coming to our fête for the first time. That was very special.

Angela Murray
Fête Chairman