Craft stalls attract best attendance of Littlehampton fair’s 10-year history

Organiser Roy Amos was delighted with the hundreds of people who flocked to browse the 44 stalls set up in the body of the church, with the chairs cleared away.

“It was a fantastic day, the best we have had since we started,” he said.

“You could hardly move in there in the morning, it was non-stop.

“We didn’t take as much money as last year, but that’s understandable with the economic situation.”

The fair raised just over £1,500 for the St Mary’s restoration appeal, down from about £1,800 last year.

As well as stalls selling a wide range of crafts from jewellery to teddy bears and hand-made clothing, there were demonstrations including glass blowing and, particularly popular, Tricia’s Tu-tus, from Goring.

One little girl won her heart’s desire, a hand-made chair with a large teddy bear, donated by Linda Froome, in a one-prize raffle which brought in about £45.

Roy thanked town traders who gave generously to the main raffle, which had more than 30 prizes.

Volunteers were kept busy in the church kitchen, preparing refreshments and ploughman’s lunches.

“We were please to have so many stalls, and people are already wanting to book for next year,” added Roy.