New venture to showcase upper Teesdale craft skills

A HAVEN of handmade crafts and interiors has been welcomed to an upper dale village.
Fresh Crafts and Interiors opened in Middleton-in-Teesdale on Saturday, March 18.
Resident Jane Addison is overseeing the new venture which will showcase the work of talented artists, designers and photographers from across the dale.
The shop, which is located above Café Fresh, in Horsemarket, will replace the village’s monthly craft and collectors fair after this month.
Ms Addison, who has been running the fair for the past three years, said: “March will be the last one due to health reasons.
“I would like to say a mega thank you to everyone for the last three years for being so supportive. It has been a joy to do.
“It is with great sadness that it has to end. This shop is just like the craft fair but it is here permanently.”
Ms Addison’s six-year-old granddaughter, Amira Dobson, officially opened the shop, which offers an array of delights including photography, handmade cards, jewellery, interiors and vintage clothing. There is also a selection of Mother’s Day and Easter gifts on sale.
Richard Laidler, from Hutton Magna, is using the shop as a platform for his photography work.
He said: “Middleton always has lots of visitors.
“I am very pleased to have some gallery space here.”
Watercolour artist Olwen Williams, from Mickleton, will also be showcasing and producing her work at the shop.
She said: “The adjoining room will be my working studio. I currently have a studio at Middleton mart but I give all of my profits to various charities so I needed a cheaper place to work.”
The shop is open from 10am until 4pm everyday apart from a Wednesday.
Phil Dawson, co-owner of Café Fresh, said: “I think it’s a good idea because it helps people get off their feet and set up a business and it is also supporting charities. We want to help others to grow their business like we have.”
Ms Addison added: “Middleton needs more shops without a doubt and I am hoping that this gives other people ideas of what can be achieved. It is something different for people who want to showcase their work but can’t afford their own shop. We would like to say a big thank you to Phil and Chris.”
For more information contact Ms Addison on 07969 842345.