SO many ideas for Christmas gifts, all hand-made and all local, meant that Sandford Craft and Gift Fair, now a seasonal tradition, could have filled most wish lists.

This was the 30th year of the fair, begun in 1985, by Susie Williams in response to Live Aid. Over the years the fair has grown with FOSS (Friends of Sandford School) running the kitchen and benefitting from the funds.

Bindy Saywood, parent and FOSS chairperson at the time took over in 2009 when Susie wanted to step down. Both were keen to ensure the fair continued.

Bindy has worked to make sure it went back to its craft fair roots, continued fundraising but also opening it up as an event for the whole community.

It certainly achieved that on Saturday, November 14, and has become a must-visit event.

Bindy was pleased to announce that they had raised more than £1,400 to be allocated to creative projects within the school and playgroup.

Bindy told the Courier: “We have 38 stalls today with a great range of hand-made craft and gifts. There were many professional artists and craft makers but also many making the gifts and treats that we love but just don’t have time to make at home even if we had the skills.

“There were new stalls and I’m really pleased to say that the Young Crafters Corner was filled this year by Nell and Esme who have just left Sandford School and are in Year 7 at Queen Elizabeth’s School.

“We also had the children’s craft activities on the stage area again which all added to the lovely family and community spirit of the afternoon.

“The kitchen lunches and teas were popular and as successful as ever with Playgroup leader and parent Caroline Hemmings at the helm again this year. A huge thank you goes to her and all who helped on the day and behind the scenes.”

Bindy added: “The special Craft Raffle is always popular but this year I also wanted to fundraise for children living on the streets in the UK and across the world, so I organised a separate chocolate cake raffle which was a great success.

“This, along with the ‘Guess the chocolates in the bottle’ raised £165 which will be split between the three charities, Street Child, Railway Children and Street Child Africa.”

There were three cakes to be won - one made by Vanessa Edwards of Vanilla Whisk based in Cheriton Fitzpaine, plus two others given by John, Bindy’s partner, of Peck and Strong, Crediton.

Bindy added: “Thank you to those who came along on the day and helped make it such a fun and lively community event. Thank you to all who have already donated but I am keeping the fundraising link open until the end of the month because even a few extra pounds can mean the difference between life and death for some of these children.”

Sue Read