Christmas Fayres - Packwood & Sheldon

Angel earrings from Avon

Last Saturday was a busy day for Christmas Fayres. We couldn't have attended many more than the two that we did, as there were three Christmas Fayres locally - but all held at the same time. So it was physically impossible. So we choose our two favourite places to go to instead.

Packwood Christmas Fayre was held in the morning in the village hall. When we arrived it was already in full swing and bustling. Difficult to find a car parking space but at least the weather held and it was not raining.
Lots of stalls to choose from - raffles, tombola, books for children and adults. Toys and gifts tables, local history information, local church Christmas cards and information, house plants and bulbs, jams and cakes, just to name a few.
Very enjoyable and a great village atmosphere. Particularly liked the piano playing by the gentleman in the corner.

By the afternoon the weather had changed and as we headed to the hall next to St Giles church, in Sheldon, the heavens opened; and we were glad to get inside. Local events are always well attended at this hall and the queue was as expected. By the time we got inside, the hall was almost full. Tables of gifts, books, cakes, games and toys were already surrounded. Father Christmas for the children and so much more.
St Gile's Church is well worth a visit with its imposing architecture and its ornate entrance. We would have taken a photograph of the churches gate, but it was horrendous when we emerged from the hall. Raining and so very windy that we were unable to stop and take any pictures.Nice to see the Community police at this event discussing any problems and socializing with local residence.

Next week is busy again as more Christmas fayres are held. Go visit a Christmas fayre this week. Many are now being held in schools, churches and many community centres. Not only are they fun but you may find many great gifts for family and friends. You are also supporting local communities and raising funds for many good causes.

Our website Jewels and Finery has been very busy and we are nearly sold out of the vintage Christmas jewellery. We have added just a few more pieces of jewellery, in particular men's jewellery.

Cartwheel vintage cufflinks

 

Seventies Chunky Tri String Bead Necklace

       

Christmas Fayre - St Stephen's Coppice, Solihull

Yesterday' weather was awful, it rained most of the day and then was very heavy in the evening. But this did not dampen the number of visitors to the St Stephen's Christmas fayre in Coppice, Solihull.
The fayre was held in a large community hall, it never ceases to amaze me the work that goes into running and organising a fayre.I would like to congratulate the large army of volunteers that helped to make this fayre so successful.

On arriving it was a major feat to avoid the deep puddles formed on the car park surface and get into the hall relatively dry!
Inside the atmosphere was bustling, I almost got knocked over in the rush of children queueing up to visit Father Christmas. For just £1 the children could visit Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a small present. The children I saw were very excited and could not wait to see him.
The tables were well laid out with plenty of room to look. There were tables full of small inexpensive presents for adults and children. My eye was drawn to a small paper mache box, painted with bright colours and holly on the lid. I have no idea what I am going to do with it, but it just had to come home with me!

You could have a go at the tombola with its mountain of prizes to win. Try your luck to pick the tube with a bottle in - squash wasn't what one friend had in mind though!. Great fun with the lucky card game and many other stalls to participate in. There was a few hand knitted crafts - very tempted by the knitted tea cosies. Almost did not get past the large table filled with home made and brought cakes and jams.
We came away with a few books to read from the large book table, enough to keep me going for a couple of weeks anyhow.

The fayre is on today Saturday also so don't miss out if you live locally.

To get into the Christmas spirit - we still have a few pieces of vintage jewellery left with a Christmas theme.

Vintage and second hand Christmas jewellery

Also we have packs of Christmas themed charms for sale that will be ideal to make a Christmas charm bracelet.

Vintage modern charms for Christmas

 

Christmas Fayre's have started

Hubby and I love browsing the Christmas Fayre's that are held in November and early December.

While I look for craft ideas and hand made Christmas presents, he looks for the jams, pickles and chutneys.

Today we went to our first fayre of the season held at the St Swithins House in Barston just outside Solihull.
It was an absolutely beautiful setting. Unfortunately I have no photographs to share as my memory card broke last night and as yet I have not brought another.

The fayre center was set in small cosy rooms with tables covered with crochet scarfs and corsages, knit wear, glass painted glass art, hand made cards. One large table full of dressed bears for all occasions. Cakes and biscuits, jams and pickles, Christmas hand made decorations and books.

Today was very sunny but extremely cold so the hot mulled wine and warm mince pie was very welcoming. Hubby had a cup of tea and the mince pie as he was driving. Thoroughly enjoyed whilst sitting at a very festive decorated table. Will be back to this fayre next year for sure, it was just so relaxing.

St Swithin's House has a fantastic embroidered and tapestry quilt displayed. Very unusual but beautifully designed, as it was a map of the area surrounded by embroidered or applique pictures of local buildings and farm animals. I really wished that I had brought a memory card and had taken my camera today.

Following our browse around the fayre, we took the opportunity to walk around the church and church yard. Such a beautiful setting in the countryside.

Christmas presents - yes found a lovely pot with a glittering frog on the top. Although not new it was so nice it will be a present for family member, someone who collects frogs. I suspect the glittering stones are Swarovski as they are very sparkly. Hubby came out with a home made jar of beetroot chutney.

Camera will be back for the next Christmas fayre due next week, as we start our annual tour around Solihull, Warwick and the West Midlands.