North Devon vintage fair on 22nd March 2014 gives new businesses a boost

BARNSTAPLE, U.K. - March 18, 2014 - PRLog -- North Devon’s popular Vintage and Makers’ Markets are providing a springboard for a growing number of small businesses.   With the next event due to be held in the Assembly Rooms in South Molton on Saturday 22^nd March, the organisers say that a record number of new businesses will be exhibiting at the event.

“Around 30% of the stallholders at our Vintage and Makers’ Market in South Molton will be new businesses, and a further 20% will be exhibiting with us for the first time,” says organiser Rosemary Hallett, from Once Upon a Time, based in the town.

“I am delighted to see so many new companies getting involved. I am a keen supporter of small businesses, which play a vital role in the economy of North Devon. When I started these Vintage and Makers’ fairs I certainly hoped they would play a role in supporting local businesses, as well as providing a lovely day out for enthusiasts of all things vintage. I am pleased that new businesses feel comfortable to give it a go, and I am grateful to our established sellers for the wonderful support they have given to the event and to some of the newer stallholders.”

In the past two years the Vintage and Makers’ Markets have been held in South Molton, Torrington and Tiverton. They have attracted stallholders and vintage enthusiasts not just from North Devon but from across the South West, and have contributed to North Devon’s growing reputation as a Vintage hotspot.

Among the stallholders at the coming event will be established sellers including Vintage Grace from Bideford, Gorgeous Old French Stuff from Braunton and Donna Flower from Instow, well as Russell Needham Textiles and Vintage and Retro Delights, both from Taunton.  Newcomers to the event include Simmi Designs from Barnstaple, The Lamb Shed from Croyde, Beespoke from Bristol, Clark and Robinson from Plymouth, and Destiny Pier from Kings Nympton.

“I am really looking forward to coming to the event,” says Jeanette Hersey from new business Destiny Pier, which sells handmade beads and jewellery made from Italian glass. “Being able to attend an event like this is a great way to start raising my profile. I work on my own so it will be a good chance to meet other business people.” Jeanette is busy making a special range of vintage-inspired glass jewellery especially for the event on 22^nd March.

Abby Harris from Crediton will also be at the Vintage and Makers’ Market for the first time, bringing her established business Bubs Bears, (bears made from vintage fabrics), and her husband’s new business The Well Hung Coat Rack Company. “This event seemed to have the right feel for what we wanted. It’s a bit different, less of a craft fair.  I have just moved to Crediton and was very pleased when I heard about this fair from one of the established sellers.”

A raffle will be held at the event to raise money for North Devon Against Domestic Abuse which is facing possible funding cuts.  The Vintage and Makers’ Market in South Molton on 22^nd March is open from 10am till 4 pm.  There is a £1 entry charge.

The next Vintage and Makers’ Market will take place at The Plough in Torrington on 26th April 2014.

Editors’ notes

1.       Pictures available. Please contact debbie@ndmedia.co.uk

2.       More information from www.vintageandmakersmarket.co.uk/  and  www.facebook.com/vintageandmakers

3.       For enquiries about the Vintage and Makers’ Market, contact Rosemary Hallett on 07989 619745

4.       Press release issued by www.ndmedia.co.uk