Romsey transformed by antiques and decorative arts fair

The Romsey Antiques and Decorative Arts Fair brought together just under 50 stalls across Romsey Town Hall, Market Place, The Hundred and the Cornmarket on Sunday, October 11.

Now in its eleventh year, the event features an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage pieces and decorative arts.

Organiser and entrepreneur Jackie Edwards (Image: Newsquest)

Organiser and entrepreneur Jackie Edwards said: "It gives it a nice buzz. I am fanatical about market towns, I think they are the life blood of the high street. It’s where you get independent [businesses].

"I am very proactive, and I like a challenge, you are never too old for a challenge."

Jackie said the fair in Romsey is her "baby" and has since spread out to other towns, including Farnham, Bishop's Waltham, Epsom, Ringwood, Godalming, Chichester, Newbury and Petersfield.

Around the antique fair (Image: Newsquest)

Jackie makes a point of visiting other businesses in the town and encouraging them to open when the event is taking place.

She added: "We bring people in. We want to try and bring people in, so they come and see Romsey. It’s a lovely day, it gives it a bit of ambience. It’s my passion, market towns, they have the atmosphere."

One trader, Mark and Melanie Cutler, both 49, of Mark & Mel’s Broad Assortments, live around 10 minutes from the centre and have been trading since 2014.

Mark and Melanie Cutler (Image: Newsquest)

The couple previously attended Romsey’s regular Friday market and are now regulars at the Antiques Fair.

Mark said: "We have always liked Romsey. We used to do the market here every Friday, it’s a bit like a club, once a week we all meet up."

"I love it, it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I enjoy it. I wish I’d done this years ago."

Trader Stephen Hopkins (Image: Newsquest)

Another trader, Stephen Hopkins, 61, from Ringwood, has been selling for around four years after initially making clay models of animals and then branching into antiques.

He said: "I started making clay models down in an art studio and then I started selling them. I was lucky enough to sell a few."

Stephen now sources items from auctions, including one held in Romsey on Tuesday evenings.

He added: "It’s an addiction going out looking for bits, I do enjoy it."

He previously worked as a gardener for 25 years and also makes cabinets, which he sells.

Lisa Delasalle (Image: Newsquest)

Among those trading at the fair was Lisa Delasalle, 56, from Windsor, who runs Among Friends with her husband.

Lisa said she and her husband are relative "newbies", having been in the business for around a year.

It was their second time trading at the Romsey Antique’s Fair, after also coming in May.

She said: "It’s lovely. Last time it was really windy, it's better. We are selling lots of small items."

Lisa Delasalle with her stall (Image: Newsquest)

The pair started the business after her husband was let go from working at a bank, so they decided to change course and start selling antiques and undergo training to be upholsterers.

Lisa said: "It’s going alright, we are learning, but it’s going well.

"It’s something different, hopefully soon we will be able to sell our own stuff here."

The couple sources their wares from auctions, Facebook and large vintage fairs, including events at Kempton Racecourse.

Nick Allen of Middle Barn Vintage (Image: Newsquest)

Nick Allen, 65, of Middle Barn Vintage in Dorset, has also been involved in the markets for several years and said the social side was part of their appeal.

He said: "There’s a lot of interaction. You get to know the stalls.

"There’s a lot of people here, it’s been good."

The Romsey Antiques and Decorative Arts Fair is set to return on December 6.