Helston Methodist Church craft fair raises funds

Hosted by Helston Methodist Church, it was a chance for the chapel to raise funds while giving local craftspeople the chance to show their wares.

Margaret Flinders, chairperson of the fundraising ideas group at the chapel, said: “It went extremely well and all the stallholders were very happy.”

Among the goodies on offer were handmade cards, jewellery and jigsaws, a variety of knitted items, Cornish photographs and glass ornaments made in Praze.

There was also a Fair Trade stall, one supporting the Children’s Hospice South West, a selection of jams and chutneys, a “pamper” stall and Christmas materials for people to buy for their own crafts.

In total there were 27 stalls, which Mrs Flinders said the chapel was “delighted with.”

In the foyer refreshments were served in a “cafe”, with Chris Ball providing accompaniment on the electric piano that proved very popular.

The chapel made a profit of £470, made up of takings from refreshments, its own stalls and fees from other stallholders.

Mrs Flinders added: “We were really, really pleased; all in all it was very successful. It’s the first time we have ever done anything like that, but we shall repeat the exercise as people were so pleased.”

The event was opened by BBC newsreader Rebecca Wills, who was helped by her daughter Polly.

Mrs Flinders thanked everybody that supported the day, in particular the members of the chapel who gave up their time.

“We’re absolutely delighted at the support we had from the general public,” she added. “The night before I woke up at 3am thinking if nobody comes we’ll be in a mess – but the general public came and it was lovely.”