An event which started life as a fundraiser for the West Bergholt branch of the NSPCC and this year celebrates its 30th anniversary, is aiming to break a significant target of raising over half a million pounds.

The NSPCC Book Fair, held each October at Holmwood House School in Chitts Hill, Lexden began life in 1989 as a one-day event which raised around £5,000. The event now regularly attracts in excess of 2000 visitors and raises in excess of £22,000 over a weekend helping to benefit the children’s charity and has raised over £475,000 for the charity over its lifetime.

Elisabeth Borg, Chair of the NSPCC Book Fair Committee said:

“Our volunteers have once again worked tirelessly preparing for the event and we are so grateful to the public for their donations. The quality of items donated has been fantastic this year and has seen a vast number of science books given covering areas such as microscopy and astronomy for example. We have also have had significant donations of military related books from private libraries. The event simply wouldn’t happen without the kind donators giving their books and for this we are especially grateful.”

David Boyden, Managing Partner at Boydens, long-time supporters of the Book Fair with branches acting as donation points said: “Events such as this rely so much on strong community support and the work which goes into putting on this event is simply phenomenal. The fact that the event has raised so much money for such a worthy cause is testament to the volunteers and I hope we can help break the half a million-pound mark at this year’s event.”

The NSPCC Book Fair is open from 9.30am-4pm on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October with fresh items available on the Sunday.