WITH four independent businesses trading in one store, at Sew Very Vintage we pride ourselves in supporting other local independent shops and community resources.

There is so much available in our unique and characterful town we would encourage everyone to utilise it and shop locally.

Madeleine, Hayley, Devon and Cristina recently celebrated a year of trading at the current location in Saint Mary's Street where we nestle between other local retailers and private residents.

Our iconic mermaid, Isla, sits in splendour outside the shop attracting photo opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Isla will be offered for sale later this year and may be replaced by another Powertex sculpture!

Madeleine was recently married in a civil ceremony at the town hall, the main chamber provided a superb backdrop for the ceremony and formal photographs.

Tonja of Wallingford Portraits and Weddings took an amazing array of pictures to record the highlights of the day. Her attention to detail was very much appreciated.

The reception was held at The George Hotel, a 16th century coaching inn which provided a fabulous venue for over 100 guests, many of whom stayed over and enjoyed perusing our shops, cafes and riverside views. Fleur Stevenson and Chris Neill provided beautiful jazz music during the sit down buffet and Richard Strange of The Music box rocked the night with an eclectic mix of classic disco and dance music.

As a commission piece, our very own Devon Masters made the bride a beautiful hair comb incorporating some spare links from a bracelet handed down from her late grandmother. Devon also sourced some beautiful jewellery to complete the look. One guest, Heather, from local business Clean Machine, looked stunning dressed from head to toe in items purchased from our shop.

The lovely ladies from new salon, Mirror Image Beauty, painted our nails for the event. Flowers to decorate the venue were supplied by the ever helpful Keri Harvey and her team, we created some beautiful, simple centrepieces by displaying the flowers in various glass pots and vases that we'd sourced from local charity shops and Paula from The Partridge made incredibly cute iced gingerbread houses as wedding favours.

Madeleine had already purchased her dress before Bridal Reloved opened but rest assured Sew Very Vintage will be working with Lee and Lucy to help future brides plan their perfect Wedding Day.