WITH lots of seasonal food, a produce stall, local meats and plenty of gift ideas, nearly all handmade locally, Tedburn St Mary’s Christmas Farmers’ Market drew a good crowd of shoppers on Saturday morning, December 17.

As usual, tables through the centre of the Village Hall were for sharing cakes and a cuppa. The ladies in the kitchen had sold out of just about everything, especially the bacon and the sausage baps, within an hour of opening.

Among the many stalls were three local authors with their books - Carol Mayne of Tedburn St Mary, Sonia Arlene of Newton St Cyres and Phil Hampton who lives in Exeter.

Phil Hampton’s book is about the adventures of Milo and his best friend when they are in the land of dragons but then need to defeat the dragon hunters.

His other book, “The Meaning of Events”, has been described as “humorous, dark, titillating and at times bizarre. It will leave you beaten, baffled, breathless and disturbed by history’s horrors, yet more acutely aware of the mental and physical impact of the twists and turns of life”.

A former youth worker, Carol Mayne wrote “Broken Blooms” because, she said, she had been in some interesting situations and was looking at the impact people have on the lives of others.

She has worked in Devon and Dorset and with the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Her book is described as “beautiful, blunt and respectful, it will leave you contemplating the choices you make, actions you take and the legacy they leave”.

The next Farmers’ Market will be held on the third Saturday as usual.

Sue Read