THIS year’s Blackdown Food and Craft Fair was a huge success, local Liberal Democrat councillor Ross Henley remarking: “It was the best one ever!”

More than 1,000 people attended on a lovely summer’s day and the atmosphere was the best that only the Blackdown community can create.

The 40-plus stallholders had a busy time, with Devon Fish providing its usual high standard of local fish complemented by Bollhayes’s Champagne Cider, which did equally well, aided perhaps by the hot weather!

Flowers from Bridget’s Flowers and Islebeck Nursery added to the variety of stalls. There was mixed craft with glassware, cards, prints and photographs from Oliver Hollowell, as well as unique lampshades from Nicola Cornish, plus willow weaving from Satori and wool weaving from Sarah Downer. Local wood work came from Carrot Oak and Blackdown Wood Crafts. Helen Humble provided information on climate change.

The face painting stall was popular, as were the cream teas provided by Churchstanton Pre-school group. Wallace’s Farm did a roaring trade as did Lorna’s Porkers, and local cheese products were quickly snapped up along with Bumblees award-winning preserves to accompany them.

This is to name only a few of the stallholders, most of whom have booked for next year. There was disappointment when the barbecue did not appear but in true Blackdowns style, the pre-school team with help from volunteers and committee members rose to the occasion and produced sausage and bacon baps.

The raffle, made up of donations from the stallholders helped swell funds to £700 for the Community Shop and the food raising a much-needed £670 for the pre-school.

It was a great achievement for which the organisers wish to give a huge ‘thank you’ to the stallholders and volunteers working on the day, and the visitors who supported the fair.

TRUDI MORGAN