Scrumptious scones and amazing auction set to raise funds to support local people this Christmas

East Devon families in need will not be left without a festive meal or presents this Christmas, with the much-loved annual ‘Scone Off’ poised to surpass last year’s fundraising total.

Taking place at Deer Park in Weston near Honiton on Sunday, November 16, this popular event raises funds for Operation Rudolph, which provides vital support for families and individuals throughout the Christmas season.

This support might mean ingredients for a festive meal delivered to their home, or the chance to share Christmas dinner with others at Mackarness Hall, helping to ease loneliness at what can be a difficult time of year. It could also mean a beautifully wrapped gift for a young person who would otherwise go without.

At the heart of the event is the Scone Off auction, featuring an extraordinary selection of lots donated by generous local businesses.

Top of the list is an outstanding ‘Garden Bundle’ worth around £5,000, which includes garden design support from Olly Forster, Deer Park’s Head Gardener; a stunning six-seat garden set from Combe Garden Centre RRP £2,799; two days of onsite help from The Pig at Combe’s Head Gardener and team and a £250 voucher from MKM. Other prizes include a foundation art course from Seasons Art Honiton valued at £400, designed to help budding artists find their confidence, and a Land Rover Experience worth £175, which offers the chance for 12-17 year olds to enjoy a challenging off road course in a brand new Defender.

All auction lots should be viewable on the Operation Rudolph website or socials prior to the event. Bids can be placed in person at the Scone Off or, for those unable to attend, by contacting organiser Sharon Thorne directly by messaging 07894810929 or emailing sharon.thorne@inspiring-connections.org.

A raffle will also take place on the day, offering a wide selection of brilliant, high value prizes such as a Cross Pens ATX Brushed Ballpoint Pen worth £94, a Waitrose hamper, a Fortnum & Mason Bellini Box and dumpy bags of logs from Tree Top Gardening, perfect for winter warmth, a £50 voucher for the Bird’s Nest in Honiton and another for breakfast for two at the Grazing Cow. Tickets are £10 a strip available on the day, or beforehand from Sharon.

Although tickets for the Scone Off, held in Deer Park’s elegant Orangery, are now sold out, people can register in case more become available. Guests will enjoy freshly baked scones made by The Pig at Combe, Heron Farm, Darts Farm, Exeter Golf and Country Club, Exeter College students and Marriot Courtyard – The View, with jam from Waterhouse Fayre, clotted cream from Goosemore and tea by Dorset Tea. There are also live performances from Rock Choir and Cameron Lemmer, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Tickets are free, but everyone attending is bringing an unwrapped gift worth around £15, suitable for children aged two to twelve or for teenagers.

Sharon said: “Operation Rudolph is a nonprofit organisation, and every penny goes towards helping local people, tackling food insecurity and loneliness in the East Devon community. The Scone Off is always such a wonderful fundraiser – last year we raised over £8,000 and distributed around 400 gifts for young people to open on Christmas Day. This year we are aiming even higher! So even if you can’t come, please do make an auction bid or buy a strip of raffle tickets.”

From baking scones and waiting tables to delivering meals, everyone involved gives their time voluntarily. “We are always overwhelmed by the big-hearted support we receive from local people and businesses,” Sharon added. “Operation Rudolph really does put the sparkle back into Christmas for so many.”

The Scone Off takes place on Sunday, November 16 from 3.30 to 6pm at Deer Park, Weston. Register on Eventbrite or contact Sharon to check for any additional capacity: The fabulous return of The Great South West 'Scone-off' Gift Drive Tickets, Sun 16 Nov 2025 at 15:30 | Eventbrite.