Halkyn fair organisers outraged after signs binned

Heartfelt Art and Craft fairs, held at Halkyn Parish Hall and Library celebrated their 10th anniversary this year. The event has supported many different charities by fundraising at the craft fairs, with over £34,000 has been donated in their 10 years. 

To celebrate the milestone, organisers held a fair in Halkyn on Saturday (June 22). 

However, prior to the event, a number of the banners and direction signs advertising the fair and the location were cut down.

One of the signs advertising the fair. (Image: UGC)

From Rhosesmor to Halkyn, it is reported that four banners were cut in this manner, including one at the Parish Hall. Two others were reportedly cut and taken away. 

In addition, 30 directions signs were cut down and stolen, as well as five A3 event boards, and two 8ft event banners, totalling over £300. 

Some of the stolen signs and banners were later found damaged in public bins.

Event volunteer, John Harwood said: “The arrows, banners and boards are purchased at our own cost and take me a substantial amount of time to put up, which we do to raise awareness of the fair and to help people find the Parish Hall, as it is located in a rural area. 

Volunteers from Saturday's fair. (Inset - the banners found in the bin). (Image: UGC)

"To remove 30 arrows, the event boards and to cut down banners would have taken some considerable time. The only areas that this offence happened was from Rhosesmor through to Halkyn, Pentre Halkyn and down towards the junction of the A55.

"It was a deliberate, despicable and planned offence of theft in an attempt to sabotage the charity fundraising event.

"If anyone has any information that might help us retrieve some of the arrows and boards, please contact ourselves in confidence or report it to the local policing team.”

Despite the disappointment, the fair went ahead and thanks to excellent support from the local community and afar, over £950 was raised for Guide Dogs Cymru on the day.

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Volunteers worked hard behind the scenes with event planning and of course baking delicious cakes and other refreshments to sell on the day. 

Event organiser and volunteer, Susan Parry-Harwood said: “We are absolutely delighted with the huge amount raised for such a wonderful charity.

"We’d like to thank all the charity volunteers, stall holders, and members of the public who made time to attend. Their support is much appreciated. The continued success of the craft fairs is a team effort”. 

North Wales Police were approached for a comment.