With at least eight coming for Christmas lunch, Sarah Hicks had yet to order or buy a traditional turkey and all the trimmings. But now she doesn’t have to bother to do so.
She is the winner of the £300 grand hamper raffle visitors and supporters had a chance to buy tickets for at this month’s Marlborough Communities Market in the High Street – and it has now been delivered to her door in nearby Herd Street.
“It’s the biggest surprise I’ve ever had, just wonderful,” she told Marlborough News Online. “I hadn’t bought a turkey yet.”
“Now I’ve got a huge one with all the trimmings. And lots of really lovely other gifts too. It’s going to be a great day.”
Marlborough-born Sarah and her husband David will in fact be enjoying cheeses, plants, jewellery, soaps, a mushroom kit as well as vouchers from some of the fresh produce stallholders who are a vital part of the market.
Two of Sarah’s three children will be at the Christmas Day lunch along with some of her grandchildren and probably her mother too.
Her winning ticket was drawn on Thursday night at the Transition Marlborough solstice celebration by its chairman, Dr Sam Page, and the Christmas hamper later delivered to Sarah’s door by Transition Marlborough activist and town councillor Richard Pitts (pictured at the handover).
Indeed, Sarah is a member of the Transition group and someone known for her work in the past helping to organise the annual carnival on Marlborough Common.
“Sarah was delighted when I arrived with the hamper,” said Councillor Pitts. “And I am very pleased that she won it. It could not have gone to a more community aware person.”
The Community Market is also hoping to have its own Christmas prize – a share of the £1,000 in the Budgens Community Giveaway for December along with We Love Marlborough.
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