EVENT - The Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

Yesterday my mum and I trundled off for the afternoon to the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair, held at a farm, out in the sticks near Tenterden. Getting there was an interesting feat in itself as while we were driving along, we were confronted with a pregnant cow on a mission to walk down the middle of the road - two rather stressed looking farmers were following behind, trying to minimise the potential damage.

But anyway, back to the Fair. It was quite a small affair; 3 large tents with local traders selling all wonder of beautiful things - none of it quite as cheap as I had hoped - but all providing oodles of inspiration. There was also a large book barn and a tea tent. Exhibitor highlights included:

• Made in Hastings
• Evernden Interiors
• Judges Bakery
• Jimmy's Farm
• Old Colonial
  

My sister also came along and bought a fab little button and fabric hair slide (from a children's retailer). She is drawn to all things cute and child-like, but she is training to be a primary school teacher, so that kind of figures. Tea was served in pretty china teacups, with every type of cake on sale. My sister and I opted to sample the organic vegetable bhajis though and they were delicious served smothered in home-made mango chutney and lime pickle!

The event continues today (Saturday 13 June) and would certainly be worth a look next year if quaint crafts and countryside folk are your thing. Make sure you check out the book barn, where talks from authors are scheduled throughout the day, including on the Friday one by Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Blacks, who now owns Judges Bakery and the Wellington Square Natural Health Centre in Hastings - something she juggles alongside her career as a journalist and author.

I took photos of the pretty things I saw. I loved the rustic, laid-back charm of the displays and products being sold. It is country chic at its finest.