Support Durban North crèche’s Christmas market
The organiser of the market said she loves Christmas, which is something she got from her mom, who loved the holiday, too.
IF you live in Durban North and surrounds, you probably know Anne Moodie for her festive display of Christmas lights, her letterbox to Santa and for running a playschool in the area.
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Moodie is a lover of all things Christmas, so when the opportunity came to host a Christmas fair 10 years ago, naturally, she jumped at it.
“We started the fair in 2013 for Annie’s Busy Beez’ 10th birthday party and as a fundraiser for the school. When we started, it wasn’t held over the December period, so we decided to move the date to the beginning of December, which was a brilliant idea. We changed the theme to Christmas,” she said.
At inception, Annie’s Busy Beez Christmas Fair only had 21 stalls and has since then grown to about 100. The highlight of the event is Father Christmas arriving in a helicopter to hand out sweets to all the children who attend.
“I love to see the children playing and excited when Father Christmas arrives. I get a lump in my throat when I see the children happy,” she said.
The event is held at Northwood Crusaders each year and boasts stalls selling Christmas goodies, cakes, tea, tornado twisters, leather goods, gift items, books, wicker furniture, candles, glassware, accessories, clothing, jewellery and much more.
“There’s also a playland for the children with inflatables, an obstacle course and a soft play area. Entry to the market is free, but the venue does charge R20 for entry and parking,” Moodie added.
This year’s market takes place on December 2 from 10:00 to 14:00. There are about 10 spaces available for stallholders. Contact Moodie on gary.anne@mweb.com to book.
Moodie is also gearing up for her astounding display of Christmas lights at Annie’s Busy Beez on December 1 at 18:30.
“What started off as about six lights has grown into such a magnificent display that I have lost count as to how many lights are put up. Christmas is so special to me,” she added.
Moodie said that leading up to this time of year, strangers stop her in the mall and ask her about the lights, but one such event that stood out for her was when a woman saw Moody’s display as a beacon of hope.
“The woman told me she was suicidal, but after she drove past the school and looked at the lights, she realised that she had a lot to live for. She thanked me. To some, it’s just bright lights, but to others, it’s so much more,” she added.
She invites the public to come and watch the switch-on.
“Take along deck chairs, drinks and enjoy. There will also be a drive-through where the children can get sweets on December 22, 23 and 24.”
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