Craft Fair held for welfare projects
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

HUNDREDS of people converged to the compound of British High Commissioner’s residence in Jalan Kota Batu to visit the 3 British Community Link Craft Fair yesterday.

Some 48 stalls sold local and overseas handicraft products; cards for all occasion, clothing, books, jewellery, Tutong baskets, Tupperware, sun hats, etchings, bags, paintings, toys, herbal products, hand painted textiles and sportswear.

Several stalls sold second hand books, electrical products, clothes and shoes.

Flower enthusiasts purchased pot plants at very good prices.

The $5 admission charge included light refreshments, free bouncy castle for children, many games for everyone and lots of prizes.

All proceeds from the stalls, games and ticket sales will be donated to specific welfare projects for children with specific  needs in Brunei, organisers said Mrs Laing, the wife of the British High Commissioner in Brunei Darussalam, said. this is the third year British Community Link organised the craft fair.

High Commissioner Stuart Laing and his wife mingled with the crowd.

The British Community Link is registered in Brunei in February 1999 and was initiated by Mrs Laing.

Its main objective is to foster links between the British people in Brunei and the local community as well as to support local and international charities.

The first craft fair in 1999 raised $8,000 to provide equipment for the hearing impaired children of the Special. Education Needs Association.

Last year, 600 people attended the fair which raised $11,000.

“This also went towards charity for equipment for the Raja Isteri Pg Anak Saleha Hospital children’s ward arid Brunei’s visually-impaired children.

“This year we hope to raise an even higher amount and again we plan to donate money towards equipment for children with special needs in this country,” said Mrs Laing.

The British Community Link thanked contributors year and the Organisers, Rashidah Abdullah and Sue Ollerton.

“Many British ladies and some husbands have volunteered their time and energy, and donated food and other goods to the charity stalls, all in the name of charity.

“Without these donations, the fair would not be the outstanding success that it is,” the association’s statement said.

   
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin