We’re so proud to celebrate the BagLadies of Thornham — a wonderful group of women whose creativity, hard work, and generosity have made an incredible difference to our village.
It all started with a bag…
Since then, the BagLadies name has become one that always sparks interest and admiration. Over the years, they’ve sold countless handmade bags — and in 2013, founder Melanie Venes even presented a specially made bag to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she opened Thornham Village Hall.
From their early days selling at local events in the Church and Drill Hall to a successful run at the annual Burnham Market Craft Fairs, the BagLadies have been a constant presence in our community. Their range has grown well beyond bags to include cushions, bunting, marmalades, jams, chutneys, and much more.
Their talent has been recognised beyond village events too — with Drove Orchard Farm Shop and Thornham Deli among the local retailers proudly sharing their beautiful handmade products with the wider community.
Together, the BagLadies have raised an astonishing £100,000+, and their contributions to Thornham Village Hall alone total over £45,000. Thanks to their efforts, the Hall has been able to purchase crockery, glassware, cutlery, kitchen equipment, chairs, gazebos, and so much more.
Their generosity reaches far beyond the Hall — they’ve supported not only the MUGA, football goalposts, Thornham Cricket Club, cinema and theatre equipment, and the children’s play area, but also the Church, the Bowls Club and the Jubilee Meadow as well as the Thornham Village Sign which sits proudly in the midst of our village. Every corner of our village reflects their hard work and kindness.
From all of us at Thornham Village Hall, thank you, BagLadies of Thornham, for everything you’ve done for the Hall, the Playing Field, and the wider Thornham community.
We’re delighted to host one final BagLadies Winter Gift Fair on Saturday 6 December — featuring twenty stalls showcasing talented makers from across Norfolk. It’s the perfect opportunity to add the finishing touches to your Christmas shopping!
Don’t forget to order your Christmas cakes and puddings early — there will only be 24 cakes available, so get your orders in soon to avoid disappointment.
Order deadline: Friday 15 November
- For cakes, please contact Carolyn Barrett
- For puddings, please contact Angela Morris