The St Mark's Autumn Craft Market will take place this Saturday at St Mark’s Church, Alma Lane, Upper Hale, from 10am to 2pm.

There will be gifts and cards to buy, including  jewellery, knitwear, candles, cards and toys, and live music from saxophone quartet Saxooma and jazz singer Wendy Edwards, as well as a café to meet friends over a roll and/or a cake and tea or coffee.

It’s free to enter and it is also the chance to see the Kitty Milroy murals, painted in the early 20th century and now recognised as key in the development of mural art.

The craft market has been running for two years and during that time has raised almost £6,000 in stall hire, refreshments and gifts which means that the church has been able to afford a new carpet to replace an old worn one.

Revd Stella Wiseman, a priest in the parish, said: “The past two years have flown by and each time we hold the market I am awed by the skill of the people who make and sell the crafts here.

"I also love the buzz and friendly atmosphere both in the main church where the stalls and music are and in the community centre where we hold a café. There is a real community spirit and sense of welcome here.

“We are also very grateful to have a new carpet which has replaced an aisle one which had become a trip hazard and had to be taken up, and one in the nave in front of the altar which was threadbare and dirty, and we’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to it, whether by hiring stalls, buying tea and cake, or with gifts.

“We do have a couple of spaces left for stalls and they are only £12.50 each so if there are any keen crafters out there, please do get in touch. You can email [email protected] or call me on 07842 761919.

“Please do come and join us anytime between 10am and 2pm on Saturday and when you are there, please do have a look at the Kitty Milroy murals. They really are something quite special and the work of a previously undiscovered woman artist.”

The market will be open from 10am for visitors.

For further information contact Rev’d Stella Wiseman on 07842 761919 or [email protected]