Red Cross Christmas Market 2007

Every two years, the Red Cross take over the Guildhall for a spectacular Christmas Market with, in 2007 and in a refurbished Guildhall, over a 100 stalls selling an eclectic mix of merchandise not found on the high street, from funky designer bags and belts to Fair Trade crafts, international foods, bargain new and nearly new designer items and, of course a wonderful selection of hats on the Feltmakers' stall.There were voluntary stalls run by Livery Companies and Ward Clubs where everything they sold has been donated and they in turn donate their entire takings to the Red Cross. There was also a wonderful array of commercial stalls, which makes for a huge choice of items for sale. This is an ideal opportunity for those living or working in the City to buy their Christmas presents in a special setting and also to help this wonderful charity. This year even saw coach parties of people attending from out of London.

As well as stalls, there were activities like live music, organised walks round the City and excellent refreshments served at Corkie’s Bar, set up in the Guildhall crypt, where your first glass of wine was included free in the price of the market’s entrance fee.

There was a preview evening on 26^th. November and then the market opened to the public on 27^th. and 28^th. November.

The Feltmakers' Stall

£3,567 was the sum raised by the Feltmakers at the 2007 Red Cross Christmas market as we sold a huge number of ladies and gentlemen's hats, from glamorous and classic couture creations, to up to the minute fashionable headgear.We are most grateful to all the milliners and hat manufacturers who responded so generously to our appeal for hats. These are; Accessories Four, Balfour Hats, Suzanne Bettley, Bollman International, John Boyd, Hatz, Jessie Clifford, Eda Rose, Failsworth Hats, Furs of Mayfair, Herald & Heart, Edwina Ibbotson, Yvette Jelfs, Joules, Kensington & Chelsea School of Art, James Lock, Siggi, Snoxells, Philip Somerville, Noel Stewart, Rachel Trevor-Morgan, Jane Way, Whiteley Hat Company and W. Wright & Son. Thanks are also due to Richard Horn, whose family business in Luton arranged the logistics of transporting boxes and boxes of hats from Luton, and to Ian Wright who has kindly provided storage over the last two years.

At the Christmas market we had marvellous support from Liverymen Joyce Nash, Nicholas Heal, Geoffrey Farr, Jane Way, David Bartley, Michael Winfield, from Eda’s husband George, and from Elaine Howard, a friend of Susan Wood.  We shall certainly participate again at the next Christmas market in 2009 so do please let us know if you would like to be part of the team.

Susan Wood and Eda Rose-Lawson