At the annual Homegrown fete in Kingsdown, in England's South West, local people gathered in and around the church to celebrate the harvest and enjoy themselves with their friends and neighbours.

Hilary Green, who worked with Navajeevana in Sri Lanka this year, ran a stall selling beautiful crafts made by Navajeevana’s beneficiaries, raising over £150.  Profits were boosted by the raffle, drawn by the local MP Stephen Williams (pictured, right).

Encouraged by bright autumn sunshine after a dull and rainy summer and, by having fun and spending money, the fete raised a staggering £1200 (over RS 200,000) to support Navajeevana’s essential rehabilitation work in Sri Lanka.

Hilary (pictured, left) said: "The annual Homegrown fete in the community of Kingsdown, Bristol, is always a great occasion for the local people in this buzzy ‘city village’, and we were delighted that this year it proved to be a special day for Navajeevana, too.

"The fete started with a fancy dress parade for the kids, accompanied by the Ambling Band (pictured, below), dressed to kill and playing their socks off, and included fun and games for kids of all ages - from dressing up to painting pictures to playing games.  

"There were plenty of things for parents to spend their money on too," continued Hilary. "Cakes, plants, second hand books, local cider, and of course, the Really Posh Tea Tent.  

"In the evening the church hall resounded to tunes from a local dance band and the feasting and dancing went on till late.  The day was a double success: fun for Kingsdowners and funds for Navajeevana’s vital work!"

Navajeevana's chairperson Kumarini Wickramasuriya said: "It was a wonderful surprise to hear about the generous donation made by the Kingsdown Homegrown event.

"On behalf of beneficiaries, their families and our staff we express our utmost thanks to all those who helped to arrange the event and those who purchased the products - and a special thank you goes to the Kingsdown Homegrown committee who organised the fete, and especially to Helen Phillips for her tireless and inspired efforts in making this such a success." 

The Ambling band