RESIDENTS of one street will open their houses to coincide with Sunday’s shopping event.

Neighbours who run businesses from their homes in Queen Street hope to create a family fair atmosphere.

Maggie Atkinson, who runs the Light and Shade chandelier company from 42 Queen Street, decided to organise the open house day after reading about the Sunday shopping event in the Standard.

She said: “I wanted to promote the idea of homespun businesses and to encourage people to visit the street. There’s a wide variety of businesses and talented individuals here. Everyone was keen to join in when I approached them.”

She is inviting shoppers in for mulled wine and mince pies while they look at her range of chandeliers. Her husband Ed, who runs the Henley Property Partnership, will offer free advice on letting property.

Clothes will be sold from No 39, painted furniture will be available from No 10, manicures will be given at No 20 and Ringspun fashion designs will be on sale in No 27. Landscape artist John Hartley will show his work from No 40 from 10am-noon and 2pm-5pm. Children’s toys, clothes and cupcakes will be available at No 33.

The owners of No 18 are opening their doors in an attempt to sell their home. Artist Nickie Logue will be exhibiting drawings, designs, Christmas decorations and gifts at Dragon Court conference centre.

Green balloons will be outside the houses open to visitors on Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

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Published on 14 December 2009