An annual event at Parmiter’s School is the Christmas Gift Fair, which this year, occurred on Saturday the 18th of November. Every year it gives opportunities to small businesses to share their items and also for both children and adults to have fun with friends and family.
Entry for adults was £1.50, and free for children - even winning the students of Parmiter’s some house points! In the main hall, amongst others, was the bottle and gift tombola (which was very popular). There was a wide variety of stalls, for example Amanda Tayler had knitted toys for sale, Colin Levy was selling toys and model kits, Yellow Panda Craft Store had wooden crafts ready to buy, Nicola McLachlan was selling beautiful jewellery, scarfs and other accessories, Emmys Brigadeiros had Brazilian gourmet truffles, Wendy Alton was selling wrapping paper and gift tags, Sweets Habibi was selling vegan sweet jars, Leeshcraft had soy candles, wax melts and tea lights, Janet Marsh was selling Christmas decorations, Poppy had organic lip balms, Saucy Sisters had chilli jam, caramels and marmalade, Joanne Bunce was selling a range of handmade cards, stocking fillers, mugs, coasters and personalised gifts, Harvest Mouse had bespoke wooden gifts and clocks, Coco Cherry had handmade novelty jewellery, Lulu was selling handmade purses and scrunchies, Lynne Sharp had crochet hats, scarves and gift baskets, Jacqueline Massara was selling wildlife and landscape photographic prints on canvas, gifts and cards, Hannah Rubin was selling flamingon paperie, gifts and tree decorations, Fun Funkee Crafts had personalised gifts (such as tree ornaments, baubles, stockings and so much more). At the raised section of the main hall, Fab Fudge was selling delectable handmade fudges, Alisa Linger had unique customised clothing, Aston Garden Ornaments was displaying stone ornaments and slate signs, Bernice Fedak had handmade beaded and wired jewellery, Selina Fahy was selling Belgian chocolates, advent calendars and dipped pretzels and Angela Wood was selling soft toys, latte glasses, mugs, bookmarks and keyrings, as well as bags.
Nearby the main hall, in the old dining room, Lisa and Mark Dorow was selling Metal Signs, Sue Dix had hand painted pebbles, decoupage cards and jewellery items, Billie Rose had hair and beauty gift boxes, Dolly Design was selling crystal Himalayan salts, Arty&Co had tote bags, reindeer food, christmas ornaments, cards and sweatshirts, the Indian Orchard had homemade pickles, chutneys and savoury snacks, Designs on Chinaware was offering hand decorated China, mugs, plates and teapots, Katherin Collins was selling jewellery, Norma Adjepong had home decor and clothing created from African fabrics, Marian Corley was selling wreaths, christmas cards, gift bags and decorations, Studio Su Casa had home decor, ceramics, candles and glassware, Nyinomugisha Cromlech had eco friendly christmas decorations, Ecozone Lifestyle ltd had copper water bottles, glasses, gift sets, mules, stainless steel straws, fidget toys, American sweets and wine bottle covers, Katie Bell was selling cosmetics, Wardrobe Twenty Nine had clothes and bags on display, Guy Adams had handmade hats, gloves and slippers from Himalayas, Tara Sullivan ad handmade resin and jewellery and crafts, Jim Huckle was selling scented candles and bath bombs, Brian Stanton had pens, pencils, kitchen items and candle stands, Pressed with Love had pressed flowers and other crafts, and Moji Charles-Ojo had personalised mugs, gift sets, totes, accessory bags and magnets.
Across the corridor, in the new dining hall, was even more arrangements of stalls - if you’ll believe it! Youngs Sweet Scented Candles had a variety of scented candles, By Lucy had hair scrunchies, gifts and baking sets, Sens Body Care sold body lotions, Feline Cat Rescue had crocheted toys, gloves and blankets, Anita Meggs was selling everything from foldable box cards to slate decorated coasters, 196 Jewellery had handmade beaded jewellery with Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls, Laurel’s Gifts had Christmas trays and candles and vases with dried flowers, Laura Cooney had handmade jewellery, trinket trays and clay figures, Harold Henley was selling scarves, Crystals & Fossils UK had crystals, jewellery, fossils, himalayan salt lamps and tea light holders, and Bernadines Creations sold jewellery, macrame and Christmas decorations. Here, was also the opportunity to buy raffle tickets and mulled wine with mince pies. Right beside this area, was the gym, mostly organised by the Year 12 students of Parmiters. Team Vitality was offering Henna tattoos, sweets in a jar, Team Serenity had face glitter, guess the number of sweets and other games. Rob Pool was selling popcorn and candy floss, Hiba Anas was doing henna, and Rose Carter was selling Macrame. There was also the cake stall, the chocolate, toy and teddy tombola, which was especially appealing to the students and younger children who attended.
Of course, what kind of a fair would it be without a wide menu of food choices? Bacon rolls, beef burgers with cheese, jumbo hot dogs, vegetarian samosas, baked potatoes with salad, quiche with salad and chips, mozzarella sticks, chip portions, sandwiches with varying fillings, cakes, muffins, cookies and pastries were being sold alongside canned drinks, juices, coffee, herbal teas, hot chocolates, and water. To close the afternoon, the grand draw winners were announced. The prizes on offer were tickets for tribute night at Metropolitan Police Club, a meal for two at Glasshouse - The Grove, a family ticket to the Harry Potter studio, and the first place prize being £500 in cash.
The day was a fantastic opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones and spend time with friends for a good cause. Every item available was being sold at an affordable price, and if you didn’t attend the fair this year, I would truly recommend making the effort to go to Parmiter’s Christmas Gift Fair in 2024!
