Families from Tiptree and the surrounding villages visited the Tiptree Christmas Fair in the Secret Garden at Wilkin & Sons at the weekend. A popular attraction was the chance to choose a local Christmas tree grown on the farm that was then wrapped ready to be carried home or put in the car.

Younger members of the family were able to have a chat with Santa in his cosy grotto and meet Santa’s busy Elf. Organiser, Aimee Meredith marketing manager for Tiptree tea rooms, said: “We were delighted with the support we received from the stall holders, our in house team and the local community. We invited small crafters to sell their wares and we offered visitors a chance to sample Cole’s puddings, Tiptree alcohols, Thursday Cottage curds and biscuits from Tiptree Patisserie; there was even a chance to get some tips about ‘Cooking with Tiptree’.

The crisp cold Saturday and the damp Sunday didn’t dispel the enthusiasm of the visitors as they were greeted with hot chocolate and mulled wine; later many shoppers emerged with chocolate and cheeses, jewellery and pottery as well as treats for dogs and handcrafted gifts for all the family.

Almost 60 Tiptree farm grown Christmas trees were sold, and almost 100 mugs of hot chocolates and mulled wine kept everyone warm across both days.