Talk about raining cats and dogs! Yesterday’s First in Tolworth arts, crafts and food market was a somewhat soggy affair but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the stallholders, writes Jane Grove.

“To be honest I don’t mind,” said a beaming Melanie Wingfield of Guilford Avenue-based Gorgeous Painted Pebbles. “I’ve been quite busy really, in spite of the weather, and it’s nice to get out and talk to people and have human contact again. It’s also a good way of testing the waters for the Christmas markets.”

SHEDx market organiser Andy Collins said: “Despite the rain, we’re really pleased with the turnout. We’d like to thank all of the stallholders for sticking with us.”

The next markets in the slip road off Ewell Road near the junction with Princes Avenue are on Sun, Nov 1, and Sun, Dec 6 from 11am to 3pm (the latter with a Christmas theme). Cross fingers for sun and clear blue skies!

Stallholders pictured include (main pic) best friends Silvia Hanusniakova and Maria Caraman of Usborne Books at Home with Silvia’s daughter Olivia, 5; Juliete Friday-Smith’s Happy Hill Kitchen with her delicious curries and Caribbean food influenced by Grenada; Adam Lewis of The Lamb pub; Rosie Clancy of Bantamlady’s Produce who produces jams, jellies and chutneys and behind her Teresa Bennett of Teresa’s Bizarre who makes handmade jewellery and gifts; Sven Hirons and Nara Vilar of Nastore with their attractive handmade artisan soaps; Melanie Wingfield of Gorgeous Painted Pebbles, and Tumbled and Thrown potter Annie Lysander who makes ceramics.