Triumphant return for village candlelit market
Thousands visited Hampstead Norreys' candlelit market at the weekend.
The popular candlelit market returned on Saturday, filling the Manor Courtyard with 47 artisan stalls.
Record crowds sampled a wide variety of local produce and luxury items, with the first three hours being particularly busy.
Once again playing a selection of golden oldies was Scampy – local musicians, Jenny Scully, from Hampstead Norreys and David Stamp, from Compton. The popular harmony duo have performed all over the county and beyond since first meeting at a rock choir rehearsal in Newbury in 2017.
"We're just surprised how busy it was actually, with all the stuff going on in Newbury, and there's all these people here," they said. "It's a lovely atmosphere and everyone is so supportive."
Main organiser, Lesley Ravenscroft, said: "Last year, we estimated about 1,500 and it was definitely more this year. We would guess about 2-2,500.
"Part of what we're trying to do as a community shop is to support local people and businesses, so we've had some lovely comments from people that have taken part."
When asked about any challenges arising during the 10-month preparations, Ms Ravenscroft added: "Some of the stallholders said they sold less than last year because they were selling luxury goods. While that is to be expected, I think the rising cost of living is having an impact.
"But a lot of stallholders also said it was their best ever market in terms of sales, so that was very encouraging.
"The most important thing for us is that the market is for the whole community and we want to be as inclusive as possible, hence why we have no entry or parking fees."
Free childrens' activities were also on offer. Each stallholder brought along a stuffed toy holding a card and number. The children visited each stall to find the toys and solve their codes.
Ms Ravenscroft further represented HNCS at a special ceremony in London on Thursday (November 17), organised by the Plunkett Foundation and hosted by TV presenter and auctioneer, Charlie Ross.
The shop qualified as a finalist for the Rural Vision Environment Award for its work on sustainable living and finished as a runner-up.
