Welland Parish Hall was the venue for a memorable Christmas Fair and Coffee Morning recently to raise funds for vital restoration work at St Wulstan’s Church in Little Malvern.

This colourful event brought together some highly professional exhibitors, not only from within our three counties, but also from as far afield as Bristol and the Brecon Beacons.

From cosy slippers to fun decorations, quirky candles and pottery, to original paintings and delicious smoked fish, it was an opportunity to discover unusual presents and pick up some festive food in good time for Christmas.

St Wulstan’s parishioners were busy beforehand, baking cakes and making jam and chutney, as well as collecting and donating music, books and gifts for The Choir Stall and a terrific bottle tombola.

Dedicated to supporting the ongoing restoration work at St Wulstan’s Church in Little Malvern, where Sir Edward Elgar and members of his family are buried, the Christmas Fair provided a unique opportunity to raise funds while enjoying a morning out with friends.

The proceeds of the parish stalls, raffle and tombola together with stallholders’ contributions, entrance and other donations, came to over £2,530 for the appeal.

The organiser, Charlotte Carver, was helped considerably by fellow parishioners and local business people, several of whom sponsored the essential costs of staging the event.

These included Andrew Grant LLP, Malvern Party and Balloons and Online Media Works.

Charlotte is most grateful to all who became involved, including the local press and BBC H&W, and all the stallholders and visitors (around 150) who contributed to making this Christmas Fair and Coffee Morning such a success.

As Kate Justice said on The Evening Show on Tuesday 27th November - “Yes, well, at least we’re keeping the dynamo going! It’s a very poignant heritage site.”

Charlotte agreed and tells us: “It was a really happy day and I’m already being asked if we’ll run another one some time!”

Even if you didn’t make it to Welland, you can still make a difference to the restoration appeal by sending a donation in now.

Please make cheques payable to St Wulstan’s Church, Little Malvern and send to Bidders Croft, Welland, WR13 6LN.

Any donation, of whatever size, will be greatly appreciated.