MAKE IT A HERTFORDSHIRE CHRISTMAS 

Wonderful Wheathampstead pop-up shop raises money for vulnerable people  

You can cut the cost of Christmas and do some good locally by popping down to the WI pop-up shop on wonderful Wheathampstead High Street.

For 11 days during the run up to Christmas the WI shop will be taken over by Making Life Beautiful, a community interest plant nursery near Codicote that provides work experience, training and a safe haven for those experiencing mental health challenges, physical illness or disability.

"We'll be selling all our plants - shrubs, cyclamen, winter pansies, heathers, cacti, and you can grow your own Christmas gifts, 10 tulip bulbs or five Hyacinths are £2.50 a packet," says Isobel Barnes, project leader at Making Life Beautiful.

"Plant them in a pot now and you have an attractive and economical gift to give."

The pop-up will also be selling delicious locally-made chutneys, honey, quince and apple jellies, lemon curd and artisan chocolates, and hand-crafted wooden bowls, pottery and glassware, paintings and sketches, all reasonably priced.

"All items are locally sourced within Hertfordshire and helping many people whose businesses, and often their mental health, have suffered because of Covid," says Isobel. The shop will also be taking orders for Christmas wreaths and table arrangements.

"At Making Life Beautiful we also welcome volunteers who are fit and well and willing to share their expertise and care with others," adds Isobel.

The pop-up shop at 29 High Street, Wheathampstead will open on Monday, November 21 through until Wednesday, November 23 and then Sunday, December 18 to Friday, December 23 from 10am to 4.30pm