Hurricane Desmond did not deter the strong willed, motivated Doune community as they, due to the threat of high winds moved the Christmas Fayre to the Doune Rural Hall.
The hall was bursting at the seams with the villagers there to support the local clubs and organizations raising money to support their groups or for charity and no one wanted to miss the arrival of Santa Clause who took residence in his wonderland gazebo for the excited children.
From face painting, and raffles, tasters, jewellery, crafts and samples there was something for everyone, and even though the weather resulted in a change of venue there was more than enough support for all the stalls from the Brownies, Red Kite Nursery, to the Fire Brigade, St Madoc’s Church, the Allotment Group and many, many more.
Sadly for the shops which would normally open from 6pm to 9pm this meant the usual, bustling, animated crowds visiting and sampling the drinks and snacks offered by our local tradesmen, did not venture out in the blustering weather.
Some however did brave the rain and wind to visit the lovely new owners of the “Willow Dell”. Sharon Ross having seen that 1 The Cross was for sale fulfilled her dream of owning her own “Harrowgate” style tearoom with home cooking and decided to open for one night only at the Christmas Fayre to introduce herself, her husband Paul and their ideas for the café/tearoom to the people of Doune.
Sharon and Paul explained they had already spoken to many members of the community to have a better idea of what the community really wanted from the café and are more than willing to incorporate all of those ideas into their business. They will be offering regional hearty home cooking and baking and a variety of goodies that will appeal to every pallet. Their plan is to provide a comfortable, relaxed, pleasant meeting place for everyone whether they go in for a filling meal, a cake and coffee or just a chat.
The Willow Dell will officially open in the second week in January and Sharon is looking forward to meeting everyone.
