Itchingfield Church holds successful Craft & Gift Fair

Twelve Stall Holders from all over Sussex came to sell their hand made products including jewellery, greeting cards, scarves, gloves, original artwork and Christmas gifts.

One of the more unusual stalls was from ‘Recycled Journeys’ selling hand bound, covered notebooks and journals, raising money for Charity trips to Uganda.

Owner Helen Chipping became involved helping disabled children in Uganda: “Last year myself and my 13 year old Autistic son went to Uganda. We spent 2 weeks building dormitories for disabled children so that they could access an education alongside mainstream children. The hope being that the stigma of disability could be reduced for the next generation.

“Whilst we were there we also visited and helped out at other projects in the local communities surrounding Rukungiri.

“When we left we also left a piece of our heart that will always remain there. Within a day of being home I knew I wanted to go back. These trips come at a price and I wanted a way to be able to fund our trips without the usual sponsored silences, bike rides and cake sales.

“Having always loved hand making crafty gifts and keeping a journal I came upon the idea of journals and notebooks. I had African wax fabric left over from my trip and so Recycled.”

There was a steady stream of visitors all day to the Craft & Gift Fair and to see the working model railways displayed by Tony West and Bob Dorkings.

Refreshments sold well and the St Nicolas Table Top Shop managed by Mags Fisher, stocked with antiques, bric-a-brac, books, jewellery and furniture did a roaring trade. Local businesses, including A-Team Mechanics, Sumners Ponds, and stall holders were very generous in giving prizes for the well supported raffle.

A profit of £930 was made and this will go towards the provision of a disabled toilet in the charming, rural 12th century Grade II Listed St Nicolas Church in the parish of Itchingfield and Barns Green.

If anyone has an interest and enthusiasm to help with, or share ideas about our challenging fundraising project, we would be grateful to hear from you. ([email protected] or tel. 01403 738477)

Report and pictures contributed by Ian McBean on behalf of Itchingfield PCC.