Thousands flock to Shop the Rock

Monday, 18 October 2021 01:00

Last week saw the return of the Rockbourne Fair, the annual Christmas Shopping event that raises funds for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal charity.

The popular event, opened by Stars Appeal President, the Earl of Pembroke, was well attended by young and old alike.

Having missed a year because of Covid in 2020, it seems as if there is a real appetite for this kind of ‘live’ event as Salisbury Racecourse was buzzing with excited, happy stallholders and visitors during the 3 days.

John Glen MP shopping at the Rockbourne Fair

For many, it is a social occasion, where friends meet to chat, shop and have lunch in the café. There was an impressive array of stalls from Christmas decorations, candles and vintage homeware to gourmet food, fashion, toys and gadgets.

Of the 100+ stalls, many are regulars like The Vintage Company, Turner Socks, The Potting Shed, Sparkles & Pearls for Girls and Truckle Cheese but there were plenty of newcomers to add a freshness to the offering. The Oxton Liqueur Company came from Nottinghamshire and Vintage Cashmere travelled all the way from Scotland!

Local businesses like Regent Tailoring, Wiltshire Beekeepers, Gifts by Victoria Ferguson, Metal Menagerie, Emma Darlington and Chalkstream foods proved very popular and it was wonderful to see local artisans and makers also represented on the Wiltshire Makers stall.

All of Rockbourne Fair’s profits go to Stars Appeal and every day, work funded by the charity helps hundreds of patients at Salisbury District Hospital and supports the NHS staff who care for them. The Stars Appeal aims to raise over £1million each year to fund projects which offer direct, practical support to patients, their families and the Hospital’s staff.

“We really missed the Fair last year which makes it extra special to see the smiles on people’s faces as they meet again and enjoy the shopping and atmosphere. I am thrilled with the turnout - we are waiting to hear the final figure we have raised for Stars Appeal but it’s looking very good," said Bev Moulding, Chair of the Rockbourne Fair Committee.

“We would like to thank all our amazing stallholders and of course each and every visitor for your continued support and making this year’s Fair our best yet," added Bev.,,mRockbourne Fair c/o The Stars Appeal Salisbury District Hospital Salisbury SP2 8BJ 01722 429005 info@rockbournefair.org.uk www.rockbournefair.org.uk Follow: @rockbournefair on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for Fair news and competitions or visit rockbournefair.org.uk to join their mailing list.

More from Local News

Burglar who broke into house and attacked victim whilst he slept is jailed

A man who broke into a Salisbury home and attacked his victim whilst he slept has been jailed.
Four arrested and dozens of vehicle offences identified in day of action

Four people were arrested, and dozens of vehicle offences were identified in a joint Roads Policing, DVSA, and Immigration operation yesterday (5th March) on our roads.
PCC Supports Continuing Cross‑Border Effort to Combat Rural Offending

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has reaffirmed his commitment to partnership working and strengthened cross‑border collaboration as Operation Ragwort continues to bring together forces from across the South West to tackle rural crime.
High Court Rules Against Wiltshire Council on Old Sarum Airfield Planning

A High Court judge has ordered Wiltshire Council to pay the defendant's legal fees after dismissing their application for planning statutory review.
Man charged with drink driving following Woodfalls collision

A man is due in court following a collision in Woodfalls.
New flood advice websites launched to help Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset

The Environment Agency has launched two new websites about flood issues in Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset.
Consultation on the future of post‑16 transport for young people with SEND begins today

Video

Wiltshire Council is launching a consultation on proposed changes to non-statutory post-16 transport for young people with SEND who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and is encouraging everyone to have their say.
Sharing ‘The Spitfire Story’ raises thousands for ALABARÉ

A fascinating talk, telling the incredible story of the iconic Spitfire aircraft and its links to Salisbury, has raised over £6,000 for homeless veterans' charity, ALABARÉ.