THERE was a celebratory mood at Sandford Craft Fair in Sandford Parish Hall on Saturday, November 15.

The Craft Fair was celebrating its 40th anniversary and among the crowds who attended was the founder, Susie Williams, in 1985.

It was lovely for Sandford resident Bindy Saywood, who took over running the event in 2009, to meet up again with Susie.

They were able to talk about the success of the annual event.

With its wealth of quality stalls, its café, children’s craft activities and the raffle made up of prizes from the stallholders, it is now recognised as a key craft event leading up to Christmas in Devon.

Thirty four stalls sold arts, crafts and handmade gifts from across Devon, including pottery, wood and metal work, stained glass, basket making, textiles, papier mâché, jewellery, printmaking, painting, drawing, photography, local honey products and handmade fudge.

This year two charities benefit from the event, BASICS Devon, providing volunteer emergency doctors supporting the emergency services across rural Devon, and Children’s Hospice South West, which provides support and care at its three children’s hospices.

Friends of Sandford School continue to run the café and children’s activities and by doing so raise funds for creative projects in school.

Bindy said: “Susie set the foundations for this wonderful event many years ago, and it has grown from strength to strength.

“Visitors say they love the atmosphere and the chance to look around at the wealth of work on offer from skilled artists, makers and crafters from across Devon.

“Many stallholders say it is their favourite fair, and it is certainly a busy, well attended event and one I love being part of.”

Stallholders, which included many local and new ones, said they had tremendous sales and thanked everyone for their support.