VINTAGE-savvy shoppers are hoping to bag a bargain the upcoming Winter Fair at Wincanton Racecourse – in aid of The Balsam Centre.

The healthy living centre in Wincanton benefited to the tune of more than £20,000 from last year’s event, known for its vintage goods.

Volunteers put in months of hard work to get the event – dubbed Somerset’s most exclusive charity jumble sale – off the ground.

“We never really stop,” said Julia de Salis, lead organiser of the fair’s vintage clothing stall and daughter of the event’s founder, Countess Carolyn de Salis. “It’s a year-round effort.”

Each stall is coordinated by a sub-team of volunteers, responsible for gathering donations such as jewellery, clothes and handbags, artworks, toys and kitchenware, throughout the year.

Other stalls tempt with homemade goodies, such as deli treats and seasonal planters.

Everything sold on the day has been handmade, donated, upcycled or repurposed, and the volunteers are proud of this sustainable approach. “It feels appropriate for our times,” Julia added.

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Balsam Centre chief executive, Sue Place, said: “The Winter Fair is an incredible feat of organisation and the single most important fundraising event in The Balsam Centre’s calendar.

“Each year we are staggered by the energy and commitment of all involved, and equally staggered by the sum of money raised.

“All proceeds directly benefit people living in the Wincanton area.”

The Winter Fair is on Saturday, November 16, and is open from 10am-3pm.

A shuttle bus will run throughout the day from Wincanton Memorial Hall and entry to the fair costs £1.

For more information, visit www.balsamcentre.org.uk/events-1/winter-fair.