Hug Cullompton fair "a great success" (From This is The West Country)

Hug Cullompton fair "a great success"

12:36pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Devon

A FAIR set up to improve a town’s image while drawing trade into the community has been hailed “a great success”.

The many talents of Cullompton residents were on show last Saturday at the community centre for the town’s first craft, diversity and well-being fair.

The fair, organised by Hug Cullompton and sponsored by the Cullompton Traders Association, was opened by the town Mayor, Gordon Guest.

Janet Sutton Webb, one of the organisers, said: “The event has been a great success.

“First we worried that no-one would be interested in exhibiting – we ended up with a waiting list.

“Then we worried that no-one would come, but people did. “There was a real buzz about the place, and we’re delighted that the people of Cullompton have had the opportunity to showcase their interests and talents in such a positive way”.

The main exhibition hall was filled with a huge variety of stalls, including businesses, community groups, healers and crafters from around the area.

The well-being room offered holistic therapies and treatments, and there was a quiet room for meditation and reflection.

There were talks on subjects as varied as North Korea and mediumship, along with a creative writing workshop and poetry readings.

Children were invited by St Andrew’s Church to make biscuit faces and food was provided by Jake’s.

Steve Alcock, community centre manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see the centre so well-used. We’re keen to be a resource for the whole town, and the more events we host the more people will come to know about and value what we offer.”

Hug Cullompton was set up to celebrate and bring together Cullompton’s diverse population using hugs.

Though they love Cullompton, members of the group say many others who live there have a negative view of the town, which the Hug Cullompton campaign aims to address.