THERE are only seven weekends remaining between now and Christmas Eve.

But Sarah Bolton and her merry group of fundraisers started thinking about Christmas shopping long before the clocks went back, as they’re determined to give a Hampshire charity the best present they possibly can.

Petersfield Festival Hall with be decked with holly next Saturday, November 12, as the town centre venue will host a Christmas Fayre in aid of The Rowans Hospice.

The event is the second that Mrs Bolton and eight of her friends has organised in gratitude of the Purbrook charity for the care and support they gave her late husband, Peter.

“We raised a fantastic £6,700 for The Rowans last year so we are really excited about this second one and hope it will be equally successful,” said Mrs Bolton.

“We’ve got a 50/50 mix of old and new stalls but the key thing for us is getting people through the door. We will have people in the town centre on the day letting people we’re open but it’s also free and that should pull a few more people in.”

Gifts, accessories, homewares, cards, candles, handbags, books, jewellery, art and beauty products are among the many items that will be available between 10am and 4pm.

Jo Hopkins, Terry Maidment and Karen Crookshank have also played a big part in organising the event while Signature Kitchens of Petersfield have covered the rental costs.

The firm has also donated an “amazing star prize” to the raffle with a limited edition Lynne Davies print also being up for grabs.

“We really hope that as many people as possible come along to support The Rowans and the fantastic work that do to help people with life limiting illnesses in our local area,” added Mrs Bolton.

“They made a big difference to my family and continue to do so for so many others who tragically find themselves in need of support.”