ON Saturday, June 22, Sandford Craft Fundraiser held an Art and Craft Fair on Crediton Town Square as part of the final weekend of the Crediton Festival, Credfest.

There were 24 stalls selling high quality art and crafts from across Devon.

Many of the stallholders exhibit and sell their work at craft fairs, shops and galleries across the South West.

As well as the popular regulars from the November fair in Sandford there were also some new faces and a varied mixture of jewellery, textiles, art, cards and prints, photography, pottery, glass, leather and wood work.

In the centre of the Square was a craft activity area. Paint Pots of Devon gave children the chance to hand-paint ceramic pots and animals to then be fired in Gemma’s kiln.

Significant Seams, as part of its Craft of Caring project, had a range of creative activities for adults and children, and Sandford Playgroup had badge making and creative activities for the younger children.

There was musical accompaniment from various musicians performing as part of Busk it, and the cafes and the pub around the square were busy with many customers sitting outside in the sunshine.

Bindy Saywood, co-ordinator of Sandford Craft Fundraiser, said: “This is the second time the craft fair has taken place on Crediton Town Square as part of Crediton Festival, and on both occasions we have been very fortunate with the weather.

"The gazebos, which the Farmers’ Market kindly lent us, were used for shade rather than protection from any rain.”

She added: “Judging by the bustle around the central area, all the activities were popular and clearly being enjoyed by everyone who took part.

"It was lovely to see the Town Square so busy. Lots of people commented on how the craft activities, as well as the music, added to the atmosphere.

“I’d like to thank all those who volunteered their time. It was a great community event. The team who helped set up and dismantle the gazebos were a diverse bunch made up of Simon O’Sullivan, the honey man and ex-Chair of Crediton Farmers’ Market from Granny’s Meadow Nursery; Andy and Michelle Bariball from Andy Bariball - Heating and Plumbing Engineers; Adrian, husband of Hils from the Farmers Market Hat-a-cakes; Kate Lock, member of the Crediton Town Team, along with her son Chris Harris, and finally, in spite of a busy day operating the badge machine, a big thank you to Ian Smith, Chair of Sandford Playgroup along with his wife Paula.

"Without this amazing team, the event would not have been possible.”

Bindy added: “We must also thank Rachel Vowels and Rosemary Stephenson and everyone who worked hard to make Crediton Festival a great success.

"It has been lovely for Sandford Craft Fundraiser to be part of what is such a unique and special event in the Heart of Crediton’s community.”

Sandford Craft Fundraiser’s next event will be the popular November craft and gift fair which will take place in Sandford Parish Hall on Saturday, November 16.