Christmas Fair Reflection
What a treat it was to welcome so many talented stallholders to our Christmas Fair earlier this month. It was very rewarding to hear that they enjoyed speaking to our lovely customers all day long and sharing their creations with you.
The flow of visitors through the day kept Paddy from Buzzy Beans Coffee and his tuk-tuk on the go all day, Brownie Mac’s sold out and Minna’s ‘Pollocks Catering’ van supported a healthy queue and happy customers. The weather blessed the day but better still was the opportunity for 40-plus independent local makers – artists, sculptors, photographers, knitters, woodworkers and jewellers – all showing their wares. It was really thrilling to see some of the talent within the Nicholsons family on display: Craig Churchill (who may have delivered trees to you) with his exquisite wildlife photography; Ed (from our Arb Team) exhibiting his bronzes; Alina Everatt Illustration, the fiancé of Harry – a Forester; Millie from the Oxford Christmas Tree Company, whom you may know from running the Rosara range and Libby, our Head of Horticulture, providing music on her fiddle.
Nicholsons teams also included a friendly parking crew from many walks of Nicholsons, Julie from our Gardening Club 57 keeping the artisans refreshed with tea and coffee and Sarah and Kathie from the nursery as well as Nay from our personnel team running children’s crafts. All of which contributed to the feeling of a family welcoming their friends to a celebration of creativity and dare I say – Christmas!
We take pleasure in championing local artisans. Here are the stories of some of those in attendance.
Merlin’s Art
I was lucky enough to show my curious wares next to my much more accomplished wife and daughter with their charcoals and oil paintings respectively. It is a lot of work to have a ‘mobile shop’ but to have it in such welcoming surroundings and knowing that the pitch is helping to support the Nicholsons work with Women in the Wild in Kenya is a bonus.
Gurli’s Greeting Cards & Paper Stars
I have always loved the process of printmaking. Everything from choosing the paper quality to the squishy sound of ink rolled out makes me smile. I design and lovingly handprint each greetings card, resulting in slight variations in colour. All designs are simple yet charming as only lino prints can be. The cards are all printed on heavy, uncoated card, paired with a gummed envelope – perfect for sending a loving note or special occasion. I am constantly making new designs and always up for a commission.
All proceeds from my stall at Nicholsons Christmas Fair went to Sobell House Hospice Charity. I am deeply grateful for their work in palliative care. It is a charity well worth supporting.
Fodi’s Pottery
I began decorating pottery with my children when they were young. I branched out into installing a kiln and making items for my family and subsequently commissions, painting designs on earthenware and porcelain that I couldn’t find elsewhere. Giving an item of kitchenware is personal, practical and decorative. You can never have too many mugs or plates!
Christmas Fair Reflection
What a treat it was to welcome so many talented stallholders to our Christmas Fair earlier this month. It was very rewarding to hear that they enjoyed speaking to our lovely customers all day long and sharing their creations with you.
The flow of visitors through the day kept Paddy from Buzzy Beans Coffee and his tuk-tuk on the go all day, Brownie Mac’s sold out and Minna’s ‘Pollocks Catering’ van supported a healthy queue and happy customers. The weather blessed the day but better still was the opportunity for 40-plus independent local makers – artists, sculptors, photographers, knitters, woodworkers and jewellers – all showing their wares. It was really thrilling to see some of the talent within the Nicholsons family on display: Craig Churchill (who may have delivered trees to you) with his exquisite wildlife photography; Ed (from our Arb Team) exhibiting his bronzes; Alina Everatt Illustration, the fiancé of Harry – a Forester; Millie from the Oxford Christmas Tree Company, whom you may know from running the Rosara range and Libby, our Head of Horticulture, providing music on her fiddle.
Nicholsons teams also included a friendly parking crew from many walks of Nicholsons, Julie from our Gardening Club 57 keeping the artisans refreshed with tea and coffee and Sarah and Kathie from the nursery as well as Nay from our personnel team running children’s crafts. All of which contributed to the feeling of a family welcoming their friends to a celebration of creativity and dare I say – Christmas!
We take pleasure in championing local artisans. Here are the stories of some of those in attendance.
Merlin’s Art
I was lucky enough to show my curious wares next to my much more accomplished wife and daughter with their charcoals and oil paintings respectively. It is a lot of work to have a ‘mobile shop’ but to have it in such welcoming surroundings and knowing that the pitch is helping to support the Nicholsons work with Women in the Wild in Kenya is a bonus.
Gurli’s Greeting Cards & Paper Stars
I have always loved the process of printmaking. Everything from choosing the paper quality to the squishy sound of ink rolled out makes me smile. I design and lovingly handprint each greetings card, resulting in slight variations in colour. All designs are simple yet charming as only lino prints can be. The cards are all printed on heavy, uncoated card, paired with a gummed envelope – perfect for sending a loving note or special occasion. I am constantly making new designs and always up for a commission.
All proceeds from my stall at Nicholsons Christmas Fair went to Sobell House Hospice Charity. I am deeply grateful for their work in palliative care. It is a charity well worth supporting.
Fodi’s Pottery
I began decorating pottery with my children when they were young. I branched out into installing a kiln and making items for my family and subsequently commissions, painting designs on earthenware and porcelain that I couldn’t find elsewhere. Giving an item of kitchenware is personal, practical and decorative. You can never have too many mugs or plates!