On Saturday 14 September, the grounds of Eton College were transformed for the annual Eton Action Fair. The long-standing event, now a fixture in the local community calendar, is in its 51st year. The fair raises funds for selected charities while offering a day of activities to visitors from both inside and outside the Eton community.
The fair has evolved significantly since it was founded by boys over half a century ago. This year’s fair attracted more attendees than ever before and raised over £32,000.
Dr Andrew Saunders, Director of Local Partnerships, explained: “All proceeds from entrance fees, pupil-run activities, and stallholder pitch fees will be distributed among five charities.” Charities chosen by a school-wide vote this year were: Slough Refugee Support, Rainbow Trust, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), BEAT Eating Disorders and Restart Africa.
Mary Coulson MBE, founder of Restart Africa, stated, “We’re really honoured to be here. We currently care for about 100 children at our Kenya-based centre, providing everything from food and shelter to education and emotional support. Our goal is to give the children a chance at a better future.”
Zain C (Year 12), representing Slough Refugee Support, said: “Having a stall here gives us the opportunity to reach a diverse audience. We can raise awareness about refugee issues and recruit volunteers. The funds raised are vital, but so is this platform to share our message.”
Over 140 stalls were set up on the day at all levels, from individual boys to departments to local businesses. “It really is a college-wide effort,” said Akshan R, a Year 13 member of the Eton Action committee. He explained that “planning for the fair begins almost immediately from when last year’s fair concludes,” involving a debrief of all school departments, and reaching out to partners in late April. This year saw the inclusion of a petting zoo and an address from several boys from the Eton Action committee.
As always, each Boarding House set up their own stall which was run by boys from Year 9 to 11, providing healthy competition to raise extra money. Among the favourites were Evans’ bubble tea stall and Manor House’s ‘Human Fruit Machine’, with College’s ‘Soak the KS’ providing entertainment for students. Younger children were able to enjoy a slide, bouncy castle and swings procured by Godolphin, Keats and Holland House respectively. Attendees of all ages were entertained by groups from Maidenhead and Windsor Rock choirs as well as four performances from Eton Porny C of E First School—an aspect which will be expanded in future years.
The Eton Action Fair is just one component of the school’s engagement efforts but is unique in that it is the only event where the grounds are open to the general public. In addition, the Eton College Collections welcomed visitors to the Museum of Eton Life and also to the Sport at Eton exhibition, on display in the Verey Gallery. “What’s wonderful about the fair is that it allows us to engage with the local community in a meaningful way”, shared Eleanor Chownsmith, Coordinator of the Eton Action Fair for the last four years. “Many local visitors tell us they’ve never had the chance to look inside Eton before, so it’s something really special to them.”
The Eton Action Fair is a result of the collective effort of the school community and those in the local area. However, recognition must be given to those involved in the management of stalls, the boys in the Eton Action committee, and the invaluable co-ordination and guidance provided by Dr Saunders, Eleanor Chownsmith, Amy Cross, Mr Demery, Ms Mehta and Mr Anderson.
