HUNDREDS of Arborfield residents indulged themselves in some early festive shopping on Saturday, November 19.
Local vendors showcased a wide range of products at the village’s Christmas market, which was organised by the Arborfield Green Events Committee.
Cllr Caroline Smith, Wokingham Borough Council mayor, was one of the event’s many visitors and was full of praise for its success.
She said: “Today’s been absolutely wonderful. I’ve had a great time and have picked up quite a few items from the various stalls here.
“Having come to the summer fete, I’m glad I came back and can’t wait to come again.”
Stalls were occupied by local businesses such as Helen’s Crocheting Corner and Fox Raven Photography, while the village’s scout group were on hand to provide festive drinks and refreshments.
Mel Incledon-Hunter and her family treated residents to their knitted products, which ranged from beanie hats to bracelets.
The family-run business, Mel’s Marvellous Crochet, is supported by her husband and daughter.
Mel said: “It’s been amazing, we’ve had a great turnout. The mayor had a look at my stall, took an interest in my crochet items and even bought herself a little Christmas tree.
“We’re just a family-run business so everything we make is handmade from raw materials.”
Student Freya Batchelor also held a stall to sell items to raise funds for a humanitarian trip to Morocco next August. She is currently over halfway to her target and is excited to help develop vital infrastructure overseas.
Freya said: “We’re building a dam so that, when the snow melts off the mountains, they have water to use for their crops. Today, I’ve brought some hand-designed glasses and plant pots to help raise money to get there.”
Organiser Sophie Ames said: “It’s been really good. It’s lovely to bring the community together again and we’ve found a different set of people coming for this Christmas market. All the stalls here have sold some of their products so they’re all happy. It’s just been a very fun day.
Sophie highlighted the importance of the Mayor’s attendance in showcasing the work the committee is doing to bring the village together. Enhancing that spirit was a key factor for keeping the event free to attend.
Looking ahead, the committee hopes to run a monthly farmers market to keep the community engaged and interacting with one another.
