THIS year’s Sandford Craft Fair, the 31st year it has taken place in Sandford Parish Hall, was one of the busiest yet.

The Craft Fair is very family friendly, bringing together parents, families and members of the community.

There were 36 stalls selling locally hand-made crafts and gifts.

There were new faces including Sandford residents Steve selling local honey and honeycomb and Nick Couzens’ was at his first craft fair selling his hand-made walking sticks.

Sandford Spirits, the local WI, was taking orders for Christmas cakes and wreaths, and there were new stalls selling jewellery, ceramics and hand-made dog beds – something for everyone!

The event organiser, Bindy Saywood, said: “There were more than 40 volunteers - parents, grandparents, friends and members of the community involved – from those buying a bag of salad, of baking a cake for the kitchen cafe through to superwoman, parent and Playgroup leader, Caroline Hemmings who each year co-ordinates the kitchen lunches and teas, as well as being a vital side kick to me in my craft fair co-ordinating role.

“The popular Children’s Craft Activity Area this year also had Hiromi, a school and playgroup parent, helping children make Origami animals using paper she and her family had donated from Japan.

“We had the Craft Raffle team and those helping set up and clear away.”

Bindy would like to thank all those who went along on the day, all those who volunteered and added that: “This event, like many others, is only as successful as it is because of all the support we get. It is always really appreciated and helps make it such a special family friendly community and fundraising event each year.”

Bindy added: “We raised £1,390 for creative projects (including arts, crafts, visual and performance arts, literature and creative writing) at Sandford School and Sandford Playgroup. This money will be used to pay for activities and equipment which wouldn’t otherwise be affordable.”

She added that £250 had been raised from the Craft Raffle for this year’s other fundraising focus which was to help a local Sandford family. For more information, see: www.youcaring.com/keir .

Alan Quick