It is now the twelfth year that Judy Mewburn is organising the Dulwich Picture Gallery Christmas Bazaar but that has not dimmed her enthusiasm. “There will be some forty stands in St Barnabas Parish Hall, right in the middle of Dulwich Village, and there will be some wonderful gifts – all from local artists and artisans.”
Judy rattles off a tempting list of goodies for sale; paintings, prints, pottery, jewellery, African clothes, books written by local authors, alpaca knits, there is even a stand selling delicious but wonky vegetables and this year for the first time there will also be flowers and different scents on sale. “So you could really get all your Christmas shopping done in one fell swoop without the dreadful queues in the West End,” she adds, “as there will be a total mix of goods including stuff for the kids.”
There is no entry fee to this bazaar and when tired of shopping and browsing Judy and her team will tempt you with fine sandwiches made to order, there is even gluten free bread and Judy has also secured delicious cakes to go with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. There will be special treats for children. “We can also offer mulled apple juice, which is a popular choice on a cold day.”
The Bazaar opens for business Saturday 12 November at 10am and the doors do not close until 5pm. “It might be the twelfth year I am organising this event but I just love it. The stands are manned by the nicest people and it’s busy, busy all day but there is always time for laughter – and a cup of tea,” she says with a big smile. ”The atmosphere is just brilliant and each year we get more and more stands, and more people also coming for the shopping. The tea room will be busy and this year my eleven year old grandson will help us clear the tea tables.”
So come and look what the locals can offer, a wonderful array of unusual and individual gifts.
I (Pia) will be selling copies of my novel Junk Mail at the Bazaar. You can read the review here.
Christmas Bazaar
Saturday 12 November
10am – 5pm
St Barnabas Parish Hall, Dulwich Village
Free entrance
Organised by Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery