IT was a lovely warm summer’s afternoon for the St Lawrence Fair held in St Lawrence Chapel and garden, Threshers, Crediton, on July 18.

Many, many visitors streamed through the gate at about 2.30pm.

We were so very fortunate to have with us Mary-Flowa Houldsworth, a member of Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) who spoke to us briefly about MSF.

She chatted to many visitors during the afternoon and it was obvious that there was much interest in the work that she has done as a nurse and midwife in so many countries.

The Friends of St Lawrence are very grateful to several traders in the town, not only for displaying posters but who were generous in donating gifts for the raffle. We are grateful, as well, for those who offered products at either cost price or at a discount. We have valued your support.

As a result the Fair made a total of £394.84. However, the Committee had already decided to donate half of the funds that afternoon to MSF. The Chapel therefore receives £197.42 for its funds.

In the evening, at Crediton Congregational Church with many thanks to James Gregory and some of his church members who were so incredibly helpful, a large audience heard Mary-Flowa give a talk, with PowerPoint pictures, in detail about her work with MSF.

She spoke of the tight security measures to ensure that each worker would be safe from contracting Ebola.

Staff had to work in pairs, to check each other’s garments so that no part of their skin was seen.

If, for example, a nurse felt unwell, even a headache and wished to rest, then the couple had to retire from the "tent" they were working in.

Mary spoke of the heartbreak when so many children died or were orphaned. Each worker is entitled to counselling when they return home because of the emotional strain.

We all enjoyed African songs sung by members of the Ploughcappella group and Crediton World Music group conducted by Alison Whittall.

We, the audience, tried to learn an African song in parts—not totally successfully! But it all added to the flavour and enjoyment of the evening.

The talk was followed by many questions from the audience. Mary-Flowa was thanked by the Chairman of the Friends who had arranged the whole evening event.

Both Alison and Mary were presented each with a bouquet of flowers, which rounded off what had been a stimulating, informative and, yes, and emotional evening.

The evening alone made £625.53 which was absolutely wonderful!

With a small donation to “round up the figures” we will be sending a total of £825 (which also now includes a donated cheque) and includes the £197. 42 from the Chapel, to the funds of Medicins Sans Frontieres.

We thank you all for being so generous!