The Glenshiel Christmas Fair takes place in the stately grounds of ‘Glenshiel’, referred to by many as the ‘Jewel of Westcliff’ on the 25th – 28th October 2018. Each year, over seventy small business owners ‘set up shop’ in beautiful surroundings to highlight their carefully chosen products. Stallholders travel from as far afield as the Natal Midlands, Plett and Cape Town to offer local Jozi residents some of the most stylish and ‘on-trend’ products only seen on the pages of local style and fashion magazines.
The Glenshiel Christmas Fair is not your ‘everyday’ market. Luxury offerings include beautifully crafted bags, shoes and belts, gorgeous linens and jewellery, bespoke stationery and handcrafted Christmas decorations, cakes, cookies and crackers. The latest fashion ‘must haves’ for ladies, men and children abound. The senses will lifted by the fragrance of imported toiletries and cosmetics. These beautiful ‘must have items’ are the result of hours of love inspired craftsmanship.
Probably the only Fair in Jozi to host a Gala Preview Evening for its loyal supporters ahead of opening to the general public, the Glenshiel Christmas Fair is doing things a little differently this year with guests encouraged to support the Food Stalls and dine under the stars whilst enjoying the melodic offerings of the acclaimed ‘Parktown Singers’.
Day visitors are encouraged to indulge in a full session of retail therapy, stopping just long enough for a quick cosmetic touch up at the express salon. Visitors can meet with friends under the Jacarandas and catch up over a delicious lunch and glass of crisp wine or beautifully crafted gin whilst the little ones enjoy the children’s activity area.
The Fair isn’t just about shopping. There is an enormous ‘feel good’ factor in attending the ‘Glenshiel Christmas Fair’. All profits raised from the hosting of the event are utilised by St John South Africa (NPO 000-814) to further the work of its various community projects. This year is no different with all funds going towards the provision of community health work and first aid training aboard the two internationally renowned ‘Phelophepa’* Health Care Trains as well as the creation of ‘health hubs’ in the rural towns that St John, along with the two trains, visit during the year.
Villagers have no regular, affordable access to medical facilities but through St John – South Africa’s partnership with the ‘Phelophepa’ trains, they are able to ensure that rural communities receive emergency first aid training and training in community health work.
Many of the local villagers visited by the ‘Phelophepa’ trains consider themselves part of a ‘forgotten South African’ but with the necessary skills training, they are taught how to provide emergency first aid, treat diarrhoea and dehydration, or to look after terminally ill loved ones at home in the absence of formal medical facilities, which is vital. The training offered by St John South Africa goes hand-in-hand with additional services provided by other train partners such as access to general practitioners and medicines, eye care, dentistry and counselling should it be required.
* Phelophepa means good, clean health. It is a Transnet initiative.
Entrance:
Children under 12 are free
Adults: 1 day pass – R60 / 3 days – R80
Dates / Times:
- 25 October: 5pm- 9pm Preview Evening (limited tickets available through Quicket)
- 26 October: 9am-6pm Open to the public
- 27 October: 9am-5pm Open to the public
- 28 October: 9am-3pm Open to the public
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
