NOT yet a year old, Crediton Youth Centre held its first table top sale on a snowy, freezing Saturday, December 10 with a number of tables stocked with interesting gift ideas, many made by the members who had made lino cuts with which to print out Christmas cards.

There was jewellery, books, seasonal decorations, mobiles, toys, and lots more waiting for buyers.

One member had an array of silver jugs, salt dishes, boxes among the choice, all garnered from sales or searching old sites.

Youth Worker Cath Kelly explained that members had said they would like a basketball hoop among other things, so they decided a table top sale might be the answer, this was their first. 

Cath said the Youth Club had opened in March, now had about 100 young people on its books and was “absolutely brilliant”.

She added that it caters for a range of young people and is especially important now that the weather is so cold and people have less money.

The Youth Club offers somewhere warm with free fruit and snacks, tea, coffee and squash.

A range of activities are available every session, including arts, crafts, cooking, music and sports, as well as table tennis, pool and table football.

There is no pressure to take part in any of the activities, young people are also welcome to sit and chat with friends on comfy sofas and beanbags if they prefer.

The Youth Club is open on Wednesday and Thursday straight from school from 3.30pm to 5.45pm, for years 6, 7 and 8 (aged 10 to 13 years).  

Later on Wednesdays the Youth Club is open from 6.45pm to 9pm for those Year 9 and upwards, age 13-plus.  

Following feed-back from parents and carers, the Youth Club has introduced a one-time annual membership form.  Membership is free and the form takes about five minutes to complete. 

It means that young people can attend sessions and parents or carers will be on the mailing list and will hear about future events. 

The table top sale was a great success, young people organised a range of stalls and learnt new skills along the way.  Unfortunately illness and very cold weather kept a number of young people at home.  Despite this, the sale raised more than £100.  

Sue Read