This in from Ben on behalf of Age Concern. Ed
Dust off your Christmas jumper, stuff yourself full of great food and get your shopping wrapped up early at ‘Twas the Barton before Christmas on Sunday 16th November, only 39 days before the big day itself!
Spoilt for choice
There will be a host of great stalls to browse and pick up those special presents for loved ones, including locally-made crafts and unique gifts that you won’t find on the High Street.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from handmade clothes and bags, artisan candles, soaps and jewellery through to woodturning and home furnishings.
Farmer’s market
One of the barns will be turned into mini Farmers’ Market with fare from Farmer Jacks, The Garlic Farm, Pinks and the Real Island Food Company offering tastings, delicious gifts and the chance to order something special for your Christmas table.
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride
As part of the festivities there will, for the first time at Barton Manor, be the chance to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the estate thanks to Windmill Carriages.
Their specially decorated carriage will be chauffeured by their pair of stunning Friesian horses, a rare opportunity to take in the scenic surroundings in style.
Plenty to eat and drink
The café will be fully stocked with tasty and warming seasonal treats, homemade mince pies and cakes, mulled wine, sandwich’s, soups and other hearty fare, this will be alongside the popular BBQ kindly run by Vectis Sunrise Rotary. And just in case that wasn’t enough choice the young people from Challenge & Adventure will be roasting chestnuts foraged from around their headquarters in Parkhurst Forest.
Where and when
‘Twas the Barton before Christmas takes place on Sunday 16th November from 10am to 4pm at Barton Manor, Whippingham Road, East Cowes.
Entrance is £4 per adult / Children under 14 go free, plus free parking. Guide dogs only.
All proceeds will be split between two local independent charities, Age UK Isle of Wight and Challenge & Adventure Isle of Wight. The previous Barton Manor held in aid of both charities in June 2014 raised over £6,600.
