FILLED with chatter and laughter, many people relishing meeting others for the first time for months, a coffee morning at Sandford Parish Hall, with craft stalls raised more than £1,500 for Hospiscare on Saturday, March 18.

Among stallholders was a woman who prints a lot of her fabrics, another who makes seasonal bunting, garlands, door stops and more, two women who make much of what they sell and who took over from Purdy who ran Olivia James but they do not have a shop.

There was Claire Arthur who lives in Crediton and is planning to join a Nepal trek this summer in aid of Hospiscare.  Claire has already done treks in the Himalayas raising £3,505, Iceland £3,461, China £4,085 and the Sahara £2,563, a total of £13,615 for Hospiscare.  She has a Just Giving page for anyone wishing to sponsor her.

Abby Harris from Lapford, who works at Chulmleigh Primary School, and her sister Naomi Gay had stalls next to each other.

Abby was selling greetings cards and cushions made by her daughters while she makes purses, quilts and other fabric items.

Naomi works with people on Goa, India, bringing back hand-made jewellery and other items, the money going back to the people.

She has sent two sewing machines out and now the women who received them make bags which also gives them an income.

“We wanted to do something to help the charity that helped our Dad so much last year,” said Naomi explaining why they were there.

Sandford’s Margaret Phillips had a stall selling loads of her knitted items, anything not sold was to be sent to the Ukraine.

Thanking everyone for their contributions, Brian Boxall-Hunt spoke of the “fantastic work” done by Hospiscare.

“They look after something like 2,500 people with a life threatening illness.  They need to raise £8 million a year,” he said.

One of the main organisers, Victoria Boxall-Hunt thanked the local businesses who had supported them - Peck and Strong, Exe Valley Farm Shop, Sandford Gate Milk Company, Oliver’s Bakery, Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Faith Beauty and the many local businesses who had donated raffle prizes.

Sue Read

• See more images from the event in the current issue of the Crediton Courier, which is on sale now.