Festive fun awaits at Cobbett Road Library this month, with craft and cake stalls, a raffle, a tombola, and the chance to meet Father Christmas

Southampton Veterans' Trust, which rents what used to be the adult library space at the library, is holding its Christmas Fayre on Saturday, November 30.

“I love Christmas fayres,” said centre manager Tracey Gaylor, pictured.

“We have a raffle. We have our own Santa in hopefully what will be the podcast room [the former library office behind the desk].”

She said the charge to see Santa is £2, which includes a small gift.

There will also be craft stalls – at the time of writing still with space for a couple more priced at £10 a table – refreshments, and various other attractions including a library friends stall.

“It’s a bit of fun. For us, it’s always been to involve the community,” said Tracey.

The Trust was based in Woolston for five years, but had to vacate its former premises, taking the opportunity to rent space at the Bitterne Park library when radio station Awaaz took it on.

It provides support to the armed forces in a variety of ways, from a cup of tea and a chat, to counselling and practical help such as with benefits and offering housing advice.

Volunteers from the Trust are currently in the process of installing a new kitchen at the library, so the Trust can resume its popular breakfast club, which will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, aimed at veterans and their families. It also runs a wide variety of activities, including many beyond the confines of the building.

• The fayre is on Saturday, November 30.at Cobbett Road library, Cobbett Road, Bitterne Park SO18 1HL from 1– 5pm.  Southampton Veterans' Trust website is here.