We want to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone who joined us in the Blue Patch tent last Saturday! Our marquee at the Herne Hill Christmas Fair was home to some of the best ethical, handmade products in the British Isles and we were proud to host such amazing talents.
The London cycling community were out in force and we had the perfect businesses for them in the form of Hartley Cycles, Green Oil and Umbags etc.
Caren Hartley in her bicycle workshop in Peckham.
© Ollie Hammick
We loved having Caren from Hartley Cycles’ beautiful hand-built and expertly designed bike at the front of our tent; a perfect symbol of Blue Patch’s mission to support passionate, highly skilled and environmentally aware craftsmen and women!
Green Oil with another happy customer!
© Tricia Keracher-Summerfield
Firm favourites of ours are the non-toxic bike maintenance products brought down by Simon of Green Oil. Formulated for performance by a keen cyclist, and using plant-based and sustainably sourced ingredients instead of the usual earth-destroying nasties found in bike oil and chain lube, Green Oil really is a no brainer.
Umbags etc’s colourful stall brightened up a cold December day.
As well as her fab resusable bags and hair pins, Gill of Umbags etc’s bike seat covers were a huge smash and proved to be the perfect stocking filler! Handmade using reclaimed, upcycled umbrellas (many of them found abandoned on the street after one too many windy days), each of Gill’s products are unique and are helping to clean up your environment.
Julia Langley’s wonderful paintings
Extraordinary artwork was provided by Annette Welch, Anna Silverton, Louise Ward and Jane and Julia Langley. It was brilliant to see such a range of techniques and crafts on display, with everything from botanical painting, to wheel thrown ceramics, to incredible photography being exhibited under one roof. We also had charming Christmas decoration kits and cards from felt artist, Lucy Storrs – the perfect activity to get us in the festive mood!
Shamini with her gorgeous Christmas wreaths!
Shamini’s lovely floral centrepieces, plants and dried wreaths brought the Blue Patch tent to life, showcasing the best of seasonal British flowers. It was particularly interesting to learn about the meaning behind each creation – did you know that moss represents maternal love?!
There was another great story behind Cock & Bull’s trendy caps, waistcoats, trousers and cufflinks. Made in the UK using British tweeds, their clothing and accessories are built to last and marry style and sustainability – our favourite combo!
Amazing British menswear from Cock & Bull.
© Tricia Keracher-Summerfield
We were also delighted to present bird box kits made from FSC approved wood by Birds, Bees and Bats. Keep yours plain for a natural timber look, or get creative and jazz it up using paint and other decoration.
A final massive thank you to all the kids (and parents) who helped us plant our sparkly recycled winter forest. We were so proud to see it transformed from a barren landscape to a multicoloured woodland wonderland. Deforestation is a massive problem and something we at Blue Patch want to help tackle with the help of our sustainable, environmentally friendly makers and customers.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to replant a real forest as the result of supporting local businesses? A win-win situation!
Our wintery forest coming to life with the help of local children!
© Tricia Keracher-Summerfield
Keep a look out for more Blue Patch events in the new year, we’d love to see you all again soon!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Blue Patch!
Our Green Santa meeting the lovely Sandy and Sandra from Gogglebox!
© Tricia Keracher-Summerfield
Our Blue Patch marquee was supported by Southwark Council, enabled by the Herne Hill Forum and situated on Dulwich Estates land. Thank you all!
