TREND-setters swarmed to a Chelmsford shopping centre to bag the best vintage finds at a fundraising fair. Katy Woodgate is the woman behind Bobby's Girl Vintage fairs, inspired by her late grandfather Bobby.
The 30-year-old from Great Baddow wanted to raise funds for the hospital that took care of her granddad in his final days. Having worked in events management and studied art, design and photography at Writtle College, Miss Woodgate has always loved vintage style and realised that holding fairs would combine her strengths.
She held her second event in High Chelmer for three days across the bank holiday starting on Saturday, May 25, following the success of her first event at the Marconi Club in April.
This event raised money for Southend Hospital, which took care of her grandfather who died two years ago aged 87.
She explained: "Bobby's Girl was named after my granddad who was given excellent care by Southend Hospital. This second fair is raising money for Broomfield Hospital and I have gone into partnership with High Chelmer. All profits made will go to the hospital, including those from the charity boxes."
At the fair there was a vast range of vintage goods from fashion accessories, hats and ceramics, to a hair stylist and shabby chic furniture, as well as a tea room offering cakes and refreshments.
Miss Woodgate explained: "They are all small businesses which sell vintage goods and are based in Essex. Some are from Kent and there are a real variety of people here. It's a great opportunity for those that may not be able to afford shop rents, and it gets everyone under one roof."
Explaining her love for all things vintage, she said: "I found I was waiting for the next big fair to come along and that's why I decided to start my own."
Vintage-lovers Brenda and Giles Scotland from Braintree were among the many shoppers enjoying the fair.
Mrs Scotland, a 43-year-old health worker, said: "We go regularly to vintage fairs.
"We love to get old, original one-offs, as there will usually be things no-one else has."
Sarah Fairhurst, 34, from Southend, had set up her vintage jewellery stall at the fair. She said: "I love vintage and the whole era and it's great to support charity at the same time.
"The vintage world is like a little community. Everyone is friendly and it's so popular. It's amazing the amount of people who come to these fairs."
Miss Woodgate said she was very pleased with the way the fair was going.
She added: "I've had some fantastic comments and Bobby's Girl is just getting bigger and bigger."
The next fair organised by Bobby's Girl will be held at the Marconi Club on Sunday, July 28.
For more information on the events or if you would like to volunteer at a future fair, contact Miss Woodgate by e-mailing bobbysgirlvintage@hotmail.co.uk
