BUDE’s Parkhouse Centre was bursting at the seams last Sunday, December 1, when crowds of shoppers, in pursuit of something special for Christmas, came to the tenth annual Bude-Stratton Town Council’s Christmas Fayre, writes Christine Williams.

In the Ivor Potter Hall and in every other room in the building were more than 68 stalls, even some outside, at which local businesses offered a rich variety of gifts and novelties for the festive season. They included cards, glassware, pottery, jewellery and artwork as well as children’s toys and books, Christmas table decorations, and joints of beef. Among unusual items on sale were mini hand pans, musical instruments which, as Philip Bramble explained, could be played with the hands or beaters. Local postman Ed Buckingham was selling his book ‘7 summits’, which related how he has climbed the seven highest peaks in the world. At times one had to queue up to enter a room. Even so, organiser Carolyn Seager said demand for stalls exceeded the capacity of the Parkhouse.

Meanwhile on the stage there was entertainment by URBN StreetZ, and Christmas music by DJ Andy King, guitarist Aidan B and Atlantic Academy. Food and drinks were served all day both inside the Parkhouse and the Castle as well as from stalls outside.

If the Parkhouse was the market place the focus at the Castle was family fun, especially for the children who were invited to write letters to Santa and post them in the magic North Pole box or meet him face-to-face in his grotto and receive a gift.

The Blanchminster Room was packed for an hour-long magic show by Adrian Ward. There was face painting, story telling by Ellie Jackson and Holly Johnson, and pottery workshops with Rosie Parsons. A number of children came dressed in colourful costumes for the fancy dress competition which was won by Cerys and Sebastian.

As the crowds drifted away at 4pm organiser Carolyn expressed her delight at how successful the event had been and how well attended it was. She expressed thanks to Mark Berridge, castle manager, and to the Limelight Café team. “This tenth Bude Christmas Fayre has surely been our biggest,” she said.