Newbury Fair

We thought we would see what it was like to be a stand holder in a real fair. We have only really been part of charity and club events, but we have a wide range of stock so thought we would have a go. It was financially okay, we did not make a loss, but we got a good understanding of some of the pressures that traders are dealing with. Felicity spent the best part of a week trying out things on the decorating table I set up.  I just kept shifting things from one space to another and ended up thinking have we got enough stuff to sell. I guess that is what goes through your minds before every fair.

Altogether an interesting exercise and we hope it will give us more insight and  understanding about the pressures you are all under on a daily basis, and especially in the current economic climate.

We are just beginning to send out invitations to regular standholders for next years Thame Dollshouse& Miniatures Fair. Once these are returned we shall turn our attention filling any  gaps with those quality artisans who are out there. One thing we believe is that quality really does count and all the standholders at T D & M F have that quality.

Thame Dollshouse & Miniatures Fair 2012

Tired but happy - a volunteer at the end of a successful day.

And that's it for this year! 

Watch out for news of more of the same next year, 

on Saturday 23rd February 2013

Thame Fair - workshops

On Sunday19th February, the day after the fair, there was a lot of activity at Thame Town Hall as people arrived for the workshops led by Jane Harrop, Mags Cassidy, and Malcolm Smith. A good day was had by all , with a very nice lunch, convivial company and excellent teaching packed with techniques, hints and tips.

Students with Jane made a 'potting bench, in 1/12th or 1/24th scale.

Those with Mags made cakesand sandwiches, and learnt all sorts of techniques for making  and presenting plates of food

Malcolm's students built a roomsetting,learning to use airdrying clay and brick impress moulds effectively.

Fundraising for Breast Cancer Campaign

The sales table was busy all day, and over £1600 was raised from this stand alone at Thame Fair this year. Thanks to all who donated items for sale on this table, and to the group of volunteers who were busy selling all day.

Over 35 raffle prizes were donated by standholders and other professional miniaturists. The raffle raised over £520.
Thank you to everyone who donated a prize, and who bought a ticket.

MTM (market Town Miniaturists) of Thame made most of the tombola prizes. Thanks to theitr efforts, and those that bought tickets, the tombola raised over £270.

The winning bid in the sealed bid auction , 'A Cold and Frosty Morning after the Night before......' scene created by Celia Thomas (KT Miniatures) and Robin Britton (Coombe Crafts)
was a tremendous £300

The Town Crier at Thame Fair.................

...........and Town Crier Doll, made by
 Robin Britton of Coombe Crafts,
a standholder at the fair

Fundraising for Breast Cancer Campaign at Thame fair

Breast Cancer Campaign fundraising at the Thame dollshouse and Miniatures Fair

After a couple of weeks sorting everything out and counting the money, we can now say that a fantastic total of more than £3200 was raised for Breast Cancer Campaign at the fair, including £ 289.61 collected at the street collection in Thame High Street. Thank you and congratulations to everyone who helped and contributed in whatever way.