Woodhouse craft market made a long awaited return at the weekend with organisers looking to help bring back the community spirit to the village. 

Woodhouse was one of the recipients of Sheffield City Council’s Economic Recovery Fund, receiving a share of £500,000 alongside ten other areas of Sheffield. Some of the money was used to help set up the market. 

Organiser, Sarah Hobson said: “The people of Woodhouse told us time after time that they missed the old community spirit and we hope to bring that back.

“To see everyone chatting, laughing and being together is amazing.”

Richard Botham and Ms Hobson set up their shop, Changing Hands, during the pandemic to help people who were suffering from isolation. They helped organise the market alongside the Memory Lane Tea Room. Together, the businesses have formed the Woodhouse Traders Association.

Mr Botham, 51, said: “The main aim is to create a local atmosphere and get people shopping locally again. 

“I think if we can even do this just once a month, which we’re planning, it’s going to get people out and bring the community spirit back. 

Sarah Hobson and Richard Botham outside their shop Changing Hands.

There was a wide range of different stalls with products ranging from handcrafted fused glass art to memorabilia from the World Wars. 

There was also a stand to help raise money for 3-year-old Jude Mellon-Jameson’s recovery from Neuroblastoma. 

With the council funding the Woodhouse Traders Association plan to run more events starting with a St George’s day parade next month. They also plan to continue running the market on a monthly basis. 

Mr Botham said: “We’ve got a waiting list of about 40 stallholders, we’re going to try and rotate and give everyone a chance to show their stuff.”