North East Lincolnshire woman’s bid to put on a feel-good event that also does good

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The latest in a long line of craft fairs is coming to Cleethorpes this weekend, showcasing local creative talent, providing townsfolk with something different to buy – and boosting the coffers for a Grimsby hospital department.

Nicola Maasdam has been running Grimsby and Cleethorpes Craft Fairs, mainly based at the Memorial Hall, Cleethorpes, for 14 years. On Sunday, June 23, a summer craft and gift fair will offer up to 45 stalls crammed with unusual handicrafts for people to browse and buy.

Entry to the public is free but Nicola invites donations for the Pink Rose Suite, the dedicated breast unit of the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby. Nicola said: “My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 39 and the Pink Rose Suite looked after her so well – and she is now back to health – so it is a place that is quite important to me.

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“We like to know we are helping to raise funds for specific things, such as special cushions that help patients post-surgery.” The craft fairs, which supported Macmillan at the outset, provide a platform for local crafters and independent traders to showcase their wares.

Nicola said: “We have all sorts on Sunday – jewellery makers, natural dog treats, doggy outfits, baby knits and crochet items. There are some really talented younger people coming through, which I am really pleased about – we have a young lad doing graffiti work on canvases, for example – and it’s great to have them involved.

Stallholders at one of the recent craft fairs run by Nicola Maasdam
(Image: GrimsbyAndCleethorpesCraftFairs/Facebook)

“I must have a list of about 2,000 people we can book. There’s a new lady coming on Sunday who is really popular on Instagram.

“She does clay diffusers which she casts with pressed flowers in them. I’ve been following her for ages so I am really pleased she is coming to the fair.”

Nicola takes the central role for the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Craft Fairs, booking the stallholders, organising the dates and venues for the fairs – which happen about every two months – and solely manning The Craft Tea Room on the day, providing drinks and snacks for visitors. “Some people spend a few hours with us; they have a browse, sit down for a cuppa to have a look at what they’ve bought, and then carry on.

“It’s so lovely to see everyone come and socialise and enjoy their time together. We have our regulars and it’s nice that we have a lot of people who have been with us right from the beginning.

“It’s busy for me, running the tea room and organising everything, but I love it.”

The summer craft and gift fair will be held at the Memorial Hall, Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, on Sunday, June 23, from 10am to 3pm. There is free parking and the venue is wheelchair accessible

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