Bazaar! What will we do this year? Claire Walford, Dennis and I did two car boot sales in the summer to get sell off of the remnants of household goods from last year.

Maybe this year we could put our feet up. Then the phone rang and changed everything. It was Sam, the new chairman of the Bazaar. Would we organize the Auction of Promises? The challenge began: who do we know and what could they possibly donate?

Over Yom Tov, with all the family together, the family quest began. We all schmoozed with possible donors and it took over our lives. Driving home after Shul we giggled and laughed out loud – who had we managed to talk to and what had we got now? It was fun, it was a challenge and the list of donors just grew and grew.

Our daughter Melanie designed the brochure and put it together. The office printed it and Benji, now aged nine, and I spent an afternoon stuffing envelopes (he was ill and off school). The next batch: Inge, Dennis and I sat till 1.30am stuffing envelopes at home.

Now all hell broke loose. The bids poured in and it was exciting. Yes, our life was over taken by everything Auction. Whilst the bids were coming in, more donors came forward and the list grew. Holidays, food, lessons, tickets (highly desirable tickets). The variety of choice was extraordinary. We were bombarding the congregants with new offers.

Dennis hoped we might raise £7000. Daniela, eldest daughter, came back from university one weekend, viewed the brochure and concluded that if we sold everything we would raise approximately £13,000. No, that couldn’t be - that would be incredible.

The Bazaar weekend came and tensions rose. Bidders approached our table with new improved bids. Everyone was joining in the fun. The atmosphere had a true Belsize Square family feel. The Hall was buzzing on Saturday evening with cocktails, canapés and great music.

On Sunday the food in the restaurant was once again tasty… for those who had time to eat. We didn’t. We were too busy recording fresh bids. At 2pm, the Hall had an expectant air. Dennis took the microphone. He scrolled through the auctions at breakneck speed; everyone kept up and everyone joined in. The faces of young and old were a picture to see. We hope everyone will enjoy their winnings whether it is holidays, concerts, food experiences, sports or tours of London.

We truly thank all our very generous donors and bidders. The Auction raised a phenomenal £21,500.

Our motto stated: You bid, we build. You certainly did us proud.

Now we are already looking to next year. Any new ideas, offers, even bids, please contact us. We have a BIG target to beat. The Bazaar is the one social event of the year where all generations take part and have fun. The tradition must go on and we’ll be there in 2010. Hope you will join us.

Thank you

Marion, Dennis, Daniela, Melanie and Benji