23rd November | 3 PM to 7 PM
Free entry | 45 artisan stallholders
Live music | Free craft activities for children |
See the owls! | Chocolate tombola | Delicious food and drink, including mulled wine and offerings from the café and FINK street food.
The Best-Laid Plans … Meet Storm Bert!
We usually count on being blessed by the weather gods, but this year they sent us Storm Bert. Thanks to his dramatic entrance, we had to make a hasty change of venue. Undeterred, our amazing stallholders cheerfully crammed into the hall, our brilliant lighting team worked their magic to create a festive wonderland, and the mulled wine stood ready to offer moral support.
We worried no one would dare brave the cold and rain. How wrong we were! You turned up in droves, braving the storm, queuing patiently, and then expertly squeezing into the hall like sardines (festive sardines, mind you).
A massive thank you to everyone who came, shopped, and supported. Your enthusiasm not only warms hearts but also makes a world of difference to local traders—and to us, too. Have a look at the pictures below, but here’s to dodging more storms and celebrating community spirit!
Music by . . .
Scampy is an experienced local duo singing original compositions and re-visioned covers of artists such as Lady A, Beatles, and Carole King, The name is derived from Jenny Scully and David Stamp and is not to be confused with the popular shellfish offering1
Heliotrope Pyjama is a local eight-piece soul, jazz and funk group, playing music to brighten up your day. This talented local group gleans their inspiration from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Seal, Doobie Brothers and Sade.
But, sadly, there was too little room for them to join us on the day - we couldn’t squeeze them in no matter how hard we tried. Hopefully they will join us in 2025.
VoxSonix encompasses two local choirs, from Newbury and Tadley, with people who love singing. Led by the talented vocal coach, Kat, the choir sings contemporary songs, together making friends, making music and making memories.
We are delighted that children from our local primary school in Hampstead Norreys, together with their federated partners The Ilsleys, joined us as singers. A very welcome addition.
Food by . . .
The Community Cafe
We planned, and we cooked, but the weather defeated us. Well done to the shop team who managed to serve coffee, tea and home-made cakes and sausage rolls. Those who managed to beat the crowds to get to it enjoyed the mulled wine!
Fink
We were delighted to be joined by FINK, the very popular street food van, who braved the storm. They use their profits to support mental health charities.
Free Craft Activities
Solve Santa’s Secret Message and/or make a Reindeer Decoration for your tree.
Other Activities
Children and adults were thrilled to meet some of nature’s most captivating creatures up close! Lu from the Owl Conservation Project brought several owls to share with us so we could learn about these incredible birds, hear their unique stories, and see them up close.
Helping Lu were some of our Little Owl Club members, talking about the community shop’s free nature club for budding environmentalists.
Back by popular demand—our chocolate tombola! If your number ended in 0 or 5, congratulations, you won a delicious prize! Were you one of the lucky winners?
Perfect for kids aged between 3 and 13. A variety of wrapped gifts, each one different, so who knows what you found!
Ever wanted to be a tiger, a butterfly, or something totally unique? We're thrilled that Holly from Holly’s Creations joined us, offering fantastic face painting, fun temporary tattoos, cool hair braiding with tie-in extensions, and a selection of quirky jewellery.
The artisan stallholders - not everyone was able to come because of the storm, but most did and benefitted from the huge numbers that attended.
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TrebleStef
Back by popular demand, Stephanie from Treble Stef in Highclere, will have a range of delicious but nutritious sweet treats for all dietary requirements, including gluten free.
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Lasting Impression
Kim, from Newbury, crafts a range of Christmas ornaments, coasters, wooden earrings, and perfect stocking fillers or secret Santa gifts. She also creates charming home décor items, like this tea light holder.
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Seaspray Cove
Sam creates handmade, unique jewellery using recycled sterling silver and sea glass. She has also makes hand drawn cards and box pictures using sea glass.
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The Green Door Flower Company
Harriet, from Ashampstead, crafts beautiful Christmas wreaths, swags, and dried flower arrangements, as well as dried flower baubles and seeds.
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Saskia Lucy
Locally made (Bucklebury) jewellery and art prints, by Saskia.
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Isabella's Trinkets
Clare, from Beenham, makes beautiful handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations and sustainable homewares.
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Jess Bradburn Ceramics
Jess, based in Harwell, creates beautiful and unique ceramic giftware—perfect for special gifts or a little self-indulgence.
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DDCrafts
Debbie, from Newbury, is another creative stallholder offering a range of unique items, including scrabble pictures and decoupage bottles and jars.
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KDK Creations
Kirsty creates pebble and scrabble art frames, crochet gifts (animals, flowers, cactus, no hats or scarfs!), wood-burned items and Christmas baubles.
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MeSo Thirsty
Shelley and Nathalie, from Newbury, offer a diverse selection of alcohol-related gifts starting from just £3 and up.
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Caren Cotton Jewellery
Caren's locally-made jewellery from Peasemore is crafted from e-waste, producing 99.9% pure silver that is beautifully embellished with semi-precious stones.
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Abby's Stained Glass
Hand crafted stained glass decorations/ornaments, and (courtesy of Adam) bee-based products. All these are created within Hampstead Norreys.
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White Horse Soap Company
Treat yourself, or someone special, to beautiful, natural soaps and skincare, all packaged in eco-friendly materials. Handmade with care by Suzanne in Wantage.
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Dragonfly Upholstery
Sue, from East Ilsley, creates original, upholstered stackable storage seating designed with country-styled themes.
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Lottie Lew
Quirky, locally-made gifts from Hermitage, including crocheted bird ornaments and eco-friendly baskets crafted from recycled fabric. What’s not to love?
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Speckled Hen Interiors
Tanya and Natasha, sisters from Cold Ash, combine their passion for art and floristry to offer a range of handmade and Christmas-themed decorative pieces for the home and garden.
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River Moon Jewels
Stacey creates unique handmade jewellery, specialising in handwoven earrings made from tiny seed beads.
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Moonlight Macarons
Sarah, based in Hungerford, creates delicious macarons, curds, custards, and cheesecakes.
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Lilac and Clover
Claire, from Lilac and Clover in Reading, is bringing her popular soy candles and wax melts, and reed and car diffusers.
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Hawkridge Gin
Phil, James and the team will finally be in their newly refurbished barn in the courtyard behind the shop, offering a selection of award-winning spirits.
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SweetPea and Spud
Janine and William are from Newbury. They offer handmade wooden, metal and fabric home ware and gift items, made from recycled and upcycled items.
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DB's CBGs
Dominic lives locally, in Yattendon. He makes guitars and accessories from cigar boxes! Very creative.
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Cherry Me
Shirley's artisanal, handmade air-dried fruit and vegetable crisps are always a hit at our markets. Made entirely from fresh produce, with no added sugar or sulphites.
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The Peacock's Nest
Sarah, from Hampstead Marshall, creates unique etched glassware and stunning dichroic glass jewellery.
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Lauretta's Christmas Crafts
An artisan stallholder, from Kintbury, who creates original light-up table decorations and wreaths, both fresh and artificial.
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The Craft Den
Sharon, from Burghclere, creates a range of knitted and crocheted gifts, as well as macrame items crafted from recycled glass and tins.
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DJ Woodturning
Derek is a talented woodturner, selling very reasonably priced bowls, bread and chopping boards and tea light holders.
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Suffusion
Handmade in Newbury, Sobia crafts a range of natural skin and haircare products such as shea body butter, indulgent massage oil and forest deodorant bars.
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Hillside House Honey
Adrian, from Great Shefford, is well known for his delicious, fresh honey and beeswax candles. Welcome back Adrian.
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Ethel's pies
Graham will be selling his high-quality pies and pasties, including artisan pork pies and handmade sausage rolls. Yum!
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Sam Bradford Ceramics
Sam, from East Ilsley, crafts a beautiful range of handmade ceramic items including mugs, bowls, knick-knacks, Christmas trees and mini-houses.
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Grace and Seed
Samantha, from Hermitage, creates beautiful homewares such as hand-sewn pinafore aprons, napkins and bread bags, advent calendars and organic tallow balm.
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Pipp and Co
Raz will be joining us with a range of delicious artisan doughnuts. This family run business uses the finest ingredients from locally-sourced producers.
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My Meow Publishing
Locals Katie and Rocky will be selling and talking about their Christmas Gift Book THE KITTEN WHO LOST HIS MEOW - a playful fable celebrating family, friendship and cats, for 5 to 85-year-olds.
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Creative Crow
Jo is a creative artist and healer, from Hermitage. She will be displaying her original gift cards, small paintings and sketches, and small sculptures.
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ClariMaryAnne
We are pleased to welcome Clarissa and MaryAnne, from Compton, who have recently started their business selling original tins, stamps and stencils for card making and greetings cards, all featuring MaryAnne's delightful artwork.
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Happy Larder Company
Leanne, who runs her business, The Good Life Hub in Hampstead Norreys, will be selling her ethical tea and beautiful tea wares.
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Kure Skin and Wellness
Niamh, who has recently moved into the premises above the community shop, will be showing her skincare products. You can experience the LED Light Lounge Membership (taster session) and buy a gift voucher for a facial.
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The Glass Duck
Jane creates handmade fused glass gifts, homeware and Christmas decorations. And for that unusual present, why not try a ‘Make at Home fused glass kit’?
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Après Glow
Georgia will be well known to many from her time in Hampstead Norreys at Georgia's Beauty. Her lovely candles, wax melts and reed diffusers will be available to buy (and baby Isla will be there to admire!)
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Ditto Déjà Vu
Jackie, a familiar face to many from her years of teaching at Hampstead Norreys, brings her passion for French vintage charm to the market. She’ll be showcasing a carefully curated collection of unique French decorative items, each piece with its own story and timeless appeal.
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Owl Conservation Project
Lu and her team run the community shop's Little Owls Project where children learn about all things owls. She will be bringing owl-related goods and, excitingly, some owls!
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Safe Haven for Donkeys
This registered charity offers goods, including quality bric-a-brac, and a fun spinner game for children with a prize every time!
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The Living Rainforest
The Living Rainforest, based in Hampstead Norreys, will be sharing their exciting future plans and selling a few items/experiences such as annual passes, animal adoptions, keeper experiences, afternoon teas.
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FOHNS
The Friends of Hampstead Norreys School will be joining us with a raffle and games for children. Support your local school while having fun!
Practical information
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Free parking is available at the village hall, the pub (thanks to the White Hart) and on the roads - and there may even be space at the school playground - but please park considerately. There are no street lights in Hampstead Norreys so bring a torch!
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If you need disabled access please email info@hncs.co.uk and we will do our best to help. The courtyards are flat but gravel, and we have an accessible toilet.
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The shop has one loo, to the right of the shop as you face it from the road, and there will be a Portaloo nearby. The pub has loos - but have a drink while you are there!
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Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
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Most stallholders will take card payments, but if you need cash you can try getting cashback from the community shop.
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The White Hart will be open before and after the market - join us there for a drink!