As a child I can remember queuing up outside local church halls with my mum on a Saturday morning, ready to bag a bargain at regularly held jumble sales.
The buzz as buyers eagerly await doors opening and the communal grumbling when it's four minutes late. Eventually making our way, first slowly, then with increasing speed towards overladen tables, always visiting the toy stall first so that I could happily hide under a trestle table, trying not to get trampled on, to play with my newest acquisition. Mum then focuses on jostling for a better position at the bric-a-brac stall.
Sadly now a days jumble sales seem to carry a bit of a stigma but we all love a bargain, recycling and raising money for charities.
I spent Friday afternoon happily rummaging through other peoples cast offs at Ash Manor School Jumble Sale, leaving with a brand new jigsaw and paddling pool, clothes still with their tags on and a carrier bag full of beautiful books. There were plenty of donations on well organised stalls and tasty home-made cakes and refreshments – a joy to shop in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere! The children were polite, focused and very smiley and it was great to see the teachers and children working together.
The event was a credit to Ash manor school and its pupils and I hope raised lots of money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.