Doorway, the Wiltshire charity providing open access drop-in sessions for homeless and vulnerably housed adults in Chippenham, will be hosting its second spring fair on Saturday May 25, 11am to 4pm, at St Andrew’s Church, Chippenham.

Doorway is run very much on a hand-to-mouth basis, and costs are kept as low as possible.

The current economic climate is resulting in many of the smaller charities finding it increasingly difficult to remain open and the national grant making bodies are being inundated with funding applications.

Doorway is therefore becoming more and more reliant on the support of the local community.

Lisa Lewis, Doorway’s chief executive, said: “Recent government cuts have made the work of Doorway critical.

"The needs of both the homeless and those in tenancies are becoming more severe following the recent introduction of the welfare reforms.

"Future cuts in benefits will contribute towards an increase in the numbers of people seeking our assistance. We are, currently, heavily reliant on the work that the Friends of Doorway are doing in raising much needed funding.”

The spring fair will be a fun day for all the family including face painting, children’s games including hoopla and hook the duck, bric a brac, plant sales, book, nearly new clothes, cakes & preserves and tombola.

The Chippenham Morris men will be performing and a special visitor from Star Wars is expected.

Refreshments will be served all day including hot food and cream teas.

Raffle prizes include £200, a year’s family membership at Bowood, fine dining meal for two at Guyer’s House, Corsham, and a year’s membership to Westonbirt Arboretum, vouchers for Whitehall Garden Centre and Beauty for Everyone.

Mary Quarmby, event organiser, said: “Last year’s spring fair was phenomenal and I don’t think any of us expected such a huge turn out.

"This year local businesses and individuals have again given their support and we are extremely grateful to them. A very big thank you, also, to St Andrew’s Church for providing us with inside space in case the weather is inclement. Chippenham Folk Festival is happening at the same time so we are hoping that even more people will come and enjoy the event.”

For more information regarding the work of Doorway or how you can help us during the coming year of major welfare reforms please email info@doorwayproject.org.uk; telephone (01249) 445385 or visit our website at www.doorwayproject.org.uk