Staff and students at Derwen College, near Oswestry, are pulling out all the stops to put on their first ever three-day Christmas Fayre.
The specialist college, in Gobowen, is hosting Derwen College Charity Christmas Fayre – a weekend of jolly, festive cheer. The extravaganza offers something for everyone, including a guest appearance from Father Christmas.
The event – from Friday, 26 November to Sunday 28 November – will see some of Shropshire’s top artisan producers selling seasonal food, gifts, crafts and decorations. The market stalls will be offering unique hand-crafted present ideas alongside Derwen College’s own Garden Centre and Gift Shop merchandise. There will be late night shopping on Friday until 8pm, followed by Saturday opening (10am-4pm) and Sunday opening (10am-3pm).
Father Christmas will be meeting and greeting youngsters in his grotto, and the Christmas cheer will be alive and well with sparkly lights, festive tunes and treats in the Walled Garden Café.
For shoppers looking to support local this Christmas, the College’s range of jams and chutneys – made by students in the College’s commercial Food Centre – make delicious gifts. Buy them individually or in a beautifully presented hamper. Perennial favourites include raspberry jam, piccalilli, and red onion chutney, whilst new flavours for Christmas 2021 include grape and apple chutney, damson and gin jam and cherry and Amaretto jam.
A range of Derwen College designed cards will be for sale.
The specialist further education college has its own Garden Centre and Gift Shop, which will be selling Christmas trees, seasonal plants, wreaths, decorations, unique gifts and hampers. The College’s Vintage Advantage charity shop will be showcasing its winter and Christmas fashions, gifts and homeware, as well as hosting a raffle and tombola.
Derwen College Charity fundraiser Anna Evans, said that the College was delighted to put on such a wonderful community event, and to be able to invite local producers to join the festive extravaganza.
“We are excited to put on a three-day Christmas Fayre which brings together a diverse range of local food, gifts and craft producers, alongside the College’s own selection of handmade food and gifts. Shopping at Derwen College gives the opportunity to buy festive garden and home décor and truly unique gifts. It also supports students with special educational needs and disabilities in their learning and work experience.”
Any traders interested in being part of Derwen’s inaugural Christmas Fayre, can contact anna.evans@derwen.ac.uk.
For Christmas 2021, Derwen has also produced its first Christmas catalogue, showcasing Derwen’s festive produce in an easy-to-browse flyer offering delivery and collection options.
For more information visit www.derwen.ac.uk
CAPTION: Students Adehle and Courtney have been making Christmas hampers for festive shoppers.
