Popular vintage market raised much needed funds for Kensal Rise charity

Pets put their best paws forward and stepped out in style at a popular vintage market on Saturday.

The Kensal Flea, which took place in Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, in Kilburn Lane, takes inspiration from the hugely successful Brooklyn Flea, in New York.

The venture is the brainchild of travel writer Juliet Kinsman, who runs a blog called Park Life, which is dedicated to life in and around the NW10 and NW6 postcodes.

The market is a celebration of all things local and features stalls from independent, creative and community-minded people and businesses.

This year money raised from the �1 donations at the door will be split between two charities – Trekstock and Mayhew Animal Home, in Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green.

Ms Kinsman said: “It was the best yet in a lot of ways. Such a great atmosphere and lovely stalls and most of all teaming up with the Mayhew was a match made in heaven with the Flea.

“So many of my friends didn’t know about the home before and are now going to adopt animals from it.

“At a time when we’re all so miserable about the economy it’s lovely to spend your hard-earned money with individual makers: sure you can fine bargains on the high street but why buy cheap throwaway stuff from faceless organisations that rely on sweat shops when you could get quality accessories from kind, local souls, such as Kensal Flea stallholders, Elmstone’s feathered accessories or Suzanne Bettley’s hats: you can’t put a price on that feelgood factor.”

The Mayhew works to rescue and rehome dogs, cats and rabbits and brought a couple of their homeless dogs along to the market to meet and greet people browsing the stalls.

One of the dogs was three-legged Bernard, a two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who arrived at the home in February with a severe leg injury which meant his limb needed to be amputated. Barnard is now up for adoption.

Children also enjoyed petting micro pigs in a pen who joined in the fun.

Caroline Yates, The Mayhew’s chief executive, said: “We hadn absolutely wonderful day at the Kensal Flea and were delighted to have been invited to participate in such a fabulous community event.

“We were able to chat with lots of people about our charity work and one of our homeless dogs, Bernard, had a great time meeting all the lovely shoppers on the day.

“More than �700 was made on the door for the charities selected by the flea and we would like to extend a huge thank you to the team who chose to support us and we are already looking forward to taking part in the next one.”

For more information visit www.kensalflea.com or to enquire about adopting a pet called the Mayhew on 020 8968 2443.