FOR some time a smaller craft fair has been held quarterly at Colebrooke. On a recent Saturday the first big Christmas craft fayre was held when the parish church was almost bursting with stalls full of superb, handcrafted goods, most of them from local people.

Organiser was Elizabeth Jones with members of the Parochial Church Council and helpers.

Refreshments included hot soup and rolls or pulled pork from a local farm. There were home-made cakes, cuff links to pretty bottles with lights inside, scarves, pictures, cards, bookmarks, companion sets, glass, painted boxes, knitwear, puzzles and lots, lots more.

It was also when people were introduced to the fundraising idea of guessing at what time a clock stopped.

PCC member Sue Haynes was in charge of the clock that had been wound up, then put in a sealed bag and hidden in the church until the bells, which have been taken away to be refurbished, are returned next year.

The bag will be ceremoniously opened to find the time the clock stopped with the person who has the nearest guess being the winner of a cash prize. The funds raised are going to help pay for the bells.

Sue Read