The community in Shinfield came together to support the first Christmas fayre organised by Robyn Currie of Robyn’s Nest and entrepreneur Sophie Ames.
Held at the School Green Centre, there were lots of stalls selling a diverse range of things including wax melts, woodturnings, jewellery, handbags and knitted toys. From cakes to Christmas decorations and baubles to beauty, there really was something for everyone.
Robyn said: “We are really pleased with the turnout. This is our first event like this, and we just wanted to support local business. We tried to get a good range of stalls and not double up on the same style of stall – it was important to us to have a good variety.”
Although busy with the after-school crowd, Robyn said she was hoping mums and dads would come back out once the kids were in bed. They had the Christmas light switch-on during the evening, ably done by Chairman of Shinfield Parish Council, Andrew Grimes and parish clerk Bruce Winton.
There was also carol singing around the tree, supported by local group Sing for Your Self. Sing for Your Self are local, fun singing groups for enjoyment, laughter and friendship, as well as all the physical and mental health benefits of singing. Serving the Wokingham area, the groups gather together for the sheer joy of singing well known songs together, without the pressures of singing perfection or public performance.
Members of the Repair Café were also on hand to help with any items that might need a little TLC. They were expecting a rush on Christmas lights that weren’t working and any other festive gadgets.
All proceeds from the evening were going to Reading Family Aid.