In brief: Jersey’s Shabby Chic to Antique fair returns to the Royal Jersey Showground this Saturday and Sunday, with more than 19 stalls offering everything from furniture to Christmas decorations. All proceeds go to Mind Jersey, which supports mental health services across the island, and entry and parking are free.
What’s On Offer
The fair runs on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November from 10am to 5pm at the Royal Jersey Showground, with free entry and free on-site parking. Bailiwick Express reports that more than 19 stalls will be selling antiques, collectables, jewellery, books, old maps, furniture, ornaments and Christmas decorations. For those who like their shopping with a side of altruism, it is hard to beat: every penny raised goes directly to Mind Jersey’s work supporting people across the island.
This year brings a new addition. For the first time, Mind Jersey will run its own stall in the Main Hall, giving visitors the chance to meet members of the team and learn more about the charity’s services. Patricia Tumelty, chief executive of Mind Jersey, said: “It’s a brilliant day out, and there really is something for every budget. Most people who come along don’t realise they’re helping someone get mental health support while they browse. This year we wanted them to meet us. Come say hello at our stall in the main hall.”
Visitors to the Mind Jersey stall will also find pre-loved clothes and shoes donated by Kate Taylor of The Real Housewives of Jersey, following the charity’s fashion show at St Ouen’s Manor in September.
Raffle Prizes and the People Behind the Event
A raffle will run throughout the weekend, with all proceeds again going to Mind Jersey. The top prize is a staycation for two at the Sommerville Hotel, donated by Dolan Hotels. Other prizes include six bottles of red wine from Simon Glynn, a beauty hamper from de Gruchy, and fifty pounds towards any Seafaris trip, alongside four entry tickets to St Catherine’s Bunker, both donated by Seafaris.
Agata Rogacka, HR and Finance Manager at Mind Jersey, paid tribute to the stallholders and local businesses who make the event possible. “We couldn’t put this on without our stallholders. They give up their weekend, and many come back year after year, so thank you to every one of them, and to the local businesses who’ve donated raffle prizes. The run-up to Christmas isn’t easy for everyone, and what we raise this weekend helps us keep our support going through the winter.”
The fair takes months of preparation, with Mind Jersey responsible for organising the venue, coordinating stallholders and arranging volunteers and staff to cover both days.
Why It Matters
Mental health services are under pressure across the British Isles, and Jersey is no exception. Community-led fundraising of this kind fills gaps that statutory provision cannot always reach, particularly through the winter months when demand tends to rise. Mind Jersey’s decision to put its own stall in the Main Hall this year is a smart move: it turns a pleasant browse into a direct conversation about what the charity actually does, which is likely to be more persuasive than any leaflet.
Source: Bailiwick Express
