29/11/2025
The support for Gemma Pope and her family since our last article about the stolen advertising has been incredible. The community really is behind this family. The biggest support we can now give them is with our presence at their big Christmas All seasons makers fayre on Sunday, 30th November at Open Academy from 11-2pm. Are you looking for a bespoke present for someone? Then this is the place for you!
With limited advertising funds, Gemma has been busy behind the scenes hand-drawing 11 new Christmas themed A1 posters - each one based on a different Christmas character. If you see these dotted around Open Academy, take note of the different characters, as they will come in handy on the day. At the Christmas Fayre, if you find Gemma (there will be signs) and tell her 5 different characters that you have spotted on the posters, you will earn yourselves a special Christmas treat! The posters are going to be on the inside of the fences this time. And in total, there are 15 different ones going up for you to spot whilst you’re out and about.
Talking of treats, Carol (Gemma’s mum) has been flooded with emails and phone calls and has been busy organising an incredible array of stall holders for the Christmas Makers Fayre. Carol is delighted to reveal that Sorella will be serving up hot food and drinks outside. This is a new business run by two sisters, and whether it’s coffee or bacon baps, these ladies have got you covered!
Here’s a glimpse of what else you can expect:
Cosmetics
Jewellery
Knitted items
Sewn items
Crochet
Cards
3D printed items
Wreaths
Baubles
Wooden crafts
Seasonal gifts
Art
Cake
Drinks
And so much more!
This Fayre really is the place to get your Christmas shopping started. Instead of buying something off Amazon that’s the same as everything else, at the Makers Fayre, you will get unique, individual gifts that have been lovingly crafted by someone. Carol explained: “Our Fayre is about personal, bespoke gifts that you’re not going to find anywhere else. It’s ideal for that family member who is tricky to buy for. Many of the stallholders will even customise that perfect gift for you. That’s why I like craft fayres… you want a blue bead, but they have a pink bead, they will change it for you. Our fayres are friendly and filled with stallholders who are passionate about their crafts. We want you to walk in and automatically feel welcome.”
Gemma feels exactly the same: “The Christmas music will be playing and we’ll have our Christmas jumpers on. We want to go out with a bang for this year. We’ve got around 30 stalls, so come round and have a wander. It’s perfect if you want somewhere to walk with your kids, and be out with the family. The man selling 3D printed toys are some of the best I’ve ever seen. He does these little animals that the kids can carry around in their pockets. I just love seeing all the grins on faces when people walk away with a perfect gift, either for themselves or for a loved one.”
Gemma and family, we love your resolve and all the efforts that you have put in for your stallholders. We hope that your Christmas All seasons makers fayre on Sunday, November 30th, at Open Academy from 11-2pm will be a great success. With Gemma, Mum, and Dad driving the sleigh, you’re in safe hands!
We will see you there :)
