Saturday, 11 August is Back to Newington Day – one of the biggest days on the Newington College calendar. Part fair, part marketplace, part entertainment hub, Back to Newington Day is packed with food stalls, music, flowers, fresh produce, fun for the kids … and some of the most competitive home sporting fixtures of the year. The day is held at our Stanmore Road campus, and attracts thousands of boys, families, staff, Old Boys and community members.

The P&F Communities of Stanmore, Wyvern and Lindfield would love you to be involved, firstly because Back to Newington Day is loads of fun, and secondly because all the money we raise goes back to the support groups who ensure Newington College boys get the best experience possible from their co-curricular activities every year.

How can you help? To start, mark the day in your diary, and invite friends and family to come along. As well, NEW Women, a support group of the P&F, will have Centenary Hall buzzing with the Marketplace, the Black & White Café, stalls selling homemade cakes, pre-loved books and vintage clothes, and a silent auction. To support their efforts, you can:

• Get ready to cook up a storm and donate your baked goods to the famous Back to Newington Day cake stall. Whole cakes are always in high demand. Muffins, tarts, brownies, biscuits, protein balls and savoury goodies, like vegetable frittatas and slices, sell in a heartbeat. Nut, gluten and egg-free options are always popular. If you’re not sure what to make, don’t worry: cake boxes will be handed out to boys in the week before to Back to Newington Day, or can be collected from reception or Concordia. Baked goods can be dropped at Centenary Hall from 8 AM Friday, 10 August or dropped in on the day.

• Raid the cupboards and donate your pre-loved books to the book sale. We are specifically looking for adult, young adult and children’s books – both fiction and non-fiction – less than five years old and in good condition. The classics sell well. Book donations should be dropped to the Property Department at Concordia by Thursday, 9 August.

• Been a while since you went through your wardrobe? We’re after gently-worn, good quality, adult and children’s clothing, handbags, jewellery and shoes for our vintage clothing stall. All clothing donations should be dropped to the Property Department at Concordia by Thursday, 9 August.

• Volunteer on the day. An hour or two helping out at one of the many food stalls, the activities in Centenary Hall, the Black & White merchandise stall or with general support will be invaluable assistance and a great way to meet other Newington families.

In the first week of Term 3, the volunteer sheet will go up on Spaces so you can nominate your activity and time. Any questions about volunteering can be directed to Marnie Reid, P&F Communications at askbtn@gmail.com or on 0413 005 728.

We look forward to enjoying Back to Newington Day with you.