TIRED of the typical school Christmas raffle, a village school is shaking things up by hosting an online silent auction to fundraise for a new play area and a sensory room.

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Buryfields Infant School in Odiham will run the auction from December 1 to 8, offering a diverse array of prizes to bring the community together.

Buryfields Infant School, with approximately 175 pupils, many of whom are from families associated with RAF Odiham, is no stranger to innovative fundraising.

The school, located near the front-line helicopter base providing critical support for UK military operations worldwide, is organising the silent auction for the second consecutive year.

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This year, the PTA is aiming to raise £12,000 to get a new play area that caters to all needs, as well as a sensory room within the school.

The PTA is encouraging parents and carers to offer their own time and expertise, getting creative with ideas for prizes.

The auction lineup is nothing short of spectacular, with over 130 prizes up for grabs.

Participants have the opportunity to bid on exclusive items, including a pin flag from this year's Ryder Cup signed by the winning European team, tickets to the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed, and a week's holiday in a chalet in the French Alps.

The prizes also include chances to meet a variety of animals, from hens and horses to hounds and alpacas.

Other unique experiences include crafting chocolate with Chocolate Craft, hosting a Ceilidh with Cllr Jonathan Glen, or singing with West End star Simon Bailey.

Headteacher Lauren English has also contributed a special Christmas Gonk as a prize.

Other offerings range from massages, hampers, and sweet treats to various gifts.

The support from local businesses and families has been overwhelming and the PTA is looking forward to shouting about all those that have got on board in the website’s individual listing pages.

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The chairs of the PTA, Katie Creagh-Barry and Hannah Neophytou, said in a joint statement: "It is wonderful to see the wealth of talent among the school community; often people come out of the woodwork with amazing skill sets that make for brilliant prizes. 

"For example, this year sees one parent offering an 'Introduction to Vinted' evening, while another shares her top tips for Sourdough making, including tools, recipes and an essential homemade 'starter'.  There will be beautifully dried flower wreaths made by someone who likes the hobby but who really could pass as a top-notch florist, and weekly egg boxes provided by a newly established farm shop – Wild Green Acres - in Newnham."

To view the auction page, visit: jumblebee.co.uk/buryfieldssilentauction2023