Hall becomes a showcase for craft and creativity

More than 80 people visited the hall to view everything from watercolours to oils, mosaics to furniture from recycled wood, teddy bears to parchment cards.

Twenty residents of Ninfield had their work on show, with nine new exhibitors showing their work for the very first time. The first choice was which pieces to select and then how best to present them, but there were regular exhibitors on hand to give guidance, encouragement and show appreciation for the work as it was uncovered.

The exhibition was not just a chance to exhibit (and in some cases sell) work, but also an opportunity to meet new friends with similar interests.

Linda Goldsmith demonstrated parchment craft and Thelma Nance helped young visitors create their own cards. Organiser Kaye Crittell said: “I would like to thank everyone that supported the event: visitors, exhibitors, cake makers and St Michael’s Hospice who once again allowed us to use some of their display boards. It was hard work, but I think everyone thought it was worthwhile.”

The event raised £240 towards the Ninfield Memorial Hall renovation fund.

In the evening there a private viewing with wine and canapes served, and an opportunity to announce the winners of the Village Award and Roger Kent Award, and a total of £570 was handed over on the night.

Exhibitors were: Alf Sage – watercolours and oils, Lynn Denton – watercolours and pastels, Elizabeth Derbyshire – watercolours, charcoal and pastels, Elaine Vitler – oils, Julie Downer – mosaics, Christine Govier – water colours and cards of the local area, Jim Hoad – watercolours and acrylics, John Pont – watercolours and oils, Gail Goldsmith - watercolours and acrylics, Karen Eckersley – children’s character reproductions, Linda Goldsmith – parchment craft and cards, Carol Holland and Amanda Heppel and Jan Wood – assorted embroidered linens and knitted items. Robin Goldsmith – wood turning, Rose Franks – classic teddy bears, Shirley Bosshard – knitting, cross-stitch and decoupage cards, Michael Austin – furniture from recycled wood, Thelma Nance – hand-crafted cards.