All in aid of raising money for Action For Charity: Women v Cancer, bloggers and businesses from in and around the Cotswolds came together to sell new and pre-loved fashion items, crafts, food and other offerings at the very first Cotswolds Creative Market.
Saturday 12th August 2017, 12-6pm
Location: The Stable, Cheltenham
In aid of Action for Charity: Women V Cancer
Photography: Dan Croxford
Fashion, Food, Crafts, Workshops and more!
Tasked by my workplace to turn £10 into profit over the summer to raise money for Action for Charity, an important cause that helps to fight against breast, ovarian and cervical cancers; I decided to challenge myself in organising an event in just six weeks. With excitement, determination and the help of a handful of the best local businesses and bloggers in the Cotswolds, the day was a roaring success!
Here’s what happened…
The lovely Jo Durrant from BBC Radio Gloucestershire popped in to record a live interview with myself and my wonderful co-host Amber, owner of The Willow Tree. You can listen to the interview here (2 hr 31) to hear all about the inspiration behind the event…
Two of our stalls: Purple Gecko Gifts and Forever Living
Beautiful children’s clothing from Daphne and Margot
Local food blogger Lucienne Simpson came along to sell her delicious bakes and pretty prints.
You can listen to Lucie’s interview with Jo Durrant here (1 hr 14).
Georgina Bywater sold her beautiful jewellery (and now I just want her entire collection!)
The lovely Nicola from Neal’s Yard shared her expertise on the natural remedies, skin and body care the brand has to offer; whilst my co-host The Willow Tree were on hand offering creative workshops and selling their gorgeous gifts.
There were also complimentary massages from The Hideout! Every person I spoke to raved about their back and neck massage, and mine was greatly appreciated after a busy morning of setting up. Also, Natasha is a total babe and makes gorgeous jewellery too.
The Stable were great hosts, offering tastings of their finest ciders and free pizza! Needless to say, it went down very well…
It’s worth noting that The Stable offer free venue space, so if you are planning a party or event in Cheltenham, definitely contact the team about booking the first floor. I’m so thankful that I managed to secure the venue that was on the top of my list when planning The Cotswolds Creative Market, and the staff were very accommodating with what I needed.
I have to say a big THANK YOU to all the stall holders and local businesses who provided the event with prizes for the raffle. We raised around £70 alone from those who took part and the winners were all thrilled with what they won!
To Hobbycraft, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Cheltenham Festivals, Venture Photography and our lovely stall holders – thank you.
There was complimentary hair styling by the lovely Kirsty from Individual Glamour, who was also representing Bumble and Bumble on the day.
We’ve raised around £300 in total for Action for Charity: Women V Cancer – with donations still coming in. I have friends and family who have gone through cancer battles so it’s a cause very close to my heart, and certainly contributed to my determination in making sure the event went well.
I’m extremely proud of what was achieved in such a short amount of time, and hope in some way it has inspired you to do something for a charitable cause close to your heart, too. Whether it’s a bake sale, a car wash or something on a slightly grander scale, my advice would be to just do it. With a little self-belief and a good support network around you, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Even someone like me, who has always suffered a lack of belief in herself, suddenly found confidence and turned £10 into £300.
I have had such incredible feedback from the event that I’m very excited to announce that there will be another Cotswolds Creative Market later this year! If you are a local blogger or business in the area, please contact CotswoldsCreative@hotmail.com to register your interest.
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