ALL the children were full of excitement on November 19, at 2pm in St John’s Church, Delabole, as Santa arrived ringing his bell to find out exactly what the children wanted for Christmas, writes Helen Pusey.

Children queued patiently to see Santa in his rather luxurious grotto, which even had a fireplace. Each child was given a ticket number, which was clearly displayed on the hymn board so as not to miss their all-important place.

Nigel Hicks, organiser, said: “We are very pleased how it has gone and in an hour well over 30 children have seen Santa.”

All children came out of the grotto delighted with their early Christmas presents. Several had taken their lists in for him while others were alarmed to find they had left theirs at home. Fortunately there was a post box so that vital letters could still be posted.

Most children had their faces painted and there was a steady crowd for this. Brenda Burnard, face painter, said: “It has been really busy, I don’t think everyone realised how popular it would be.”

While the children decided what they wanted for Christmas there was a chance for all to buy an early Christmas present. There was an array of stalls selling plenty of home crafted items including knitted pigs, cows and hens with chicks.

Fashionable fabric owls and small stockings could be purchased. A handmade jewellery stall sold necklaces made with various stones as well as cardi-fasteners, earrings, hair bands, combs and bracelets. Handmade Christmas cards, gloves and crochet blankets could be bought too.

Two stalls had a combination of cards, bric-a-brac and homemade items in aid of the Merlin Multiple Sclerosis Centre.

Another stall sold photographs and calendars of local scenes like Trebarwith and Bodmin Moor. DVDs, Wii games and Xbox games could be had for a fraction of the usual prices. There was also a chance to buy new and nearly new clothes along with children’s books.

The bric-a-brac stall proved very popular with many a bargain to be had and all funds going to the upkeep of St John Church.

Mr Hicks added: “The stalls have done really well. There was one stall booked that had to even go out in the porch.”

A raffle was available, with proceeds going to the church as well as ‘pick a card’ to win a drink. Undoubtedly, a favourite for young and old alike.

A Christmas fair would not be complete without a cake stall selling decorated sponges as well as individual cakes at 50p a slice.

After all the excitement everyone could relax in the cafe area where Cornish cream teas could be bought at £2 each to keep the winter cold out.

It would seem there was nothing better to round this afternoon off than a proper Cornish cream tea.

It was evident that this was a well-organised and well-attended event. A total of £702 was raised for St John’s Church and 49 children visiting Santa. Stall holders also said they had done well selling their wares.

The next event will be an evening of Christmas music with Delabole Community Choir and Brass ensemble on December 9, at 7.30pm. Tickets will be £7.50 to include a pasty supper. Contact Tricia and Nigel on 01840 212520.