The third annual `pre-Christmas extravaganza', organised by Home Grown Alternatives at takes place at the St. Paul's Christian Education Centre in Paget next week.

Formed by some of the Island's leading artists and artisans, the fair will present a variety of local products. "This is a wonderful chance for people to get a jump-start on their Christmas shopping -- as well as finding interesting and unusual things,'' say organisers Christine Wellman and Mary Tatem. "We are convinced this will be the biggest and most diverse show yet.

We have handmade paper, hand-bound books, handmade soap and maps.'' Among the many artists taking part are well known potter Jonathan Northcott, Rose Ann Wales (personalised rice necklaces), cedar sculpture by Jeremy Johnson, Jane Downing's candles and sea jewellery, handmade jewellery and prints by Bruce Stuart, and art prints by Sharon Wilson.

Cheryl Adcock and Donna DeCoute's popular handmade dolls will also be on sale, with handmade paper and bound books by Fiona Rodriguez, as well as a selection of items crafted by Helen Daniel and David Evans.

Jessica Kriendler and Gillian Ramsdale will be displaying their handpainted silk scarves and jewellery, and Frances Eddy and Christine Wellman will both be offering wheel-thrown pottery.

Also represented will be Island Maps (Brian Horsfield), Brooch Coach (Mary Tatem), Chris Ceramics (Christine Woolridge), Leslie's Ceramics (Leslie James), One Love Designs (Charmaine and Jerry Friday), STR Ceramics Plus Bermuda (Sonja T. Robinson), Drawbridge Industries (Burton Jones), Craig's Cedarworks (Craig and Andrenne Jones) and The Writers' Machine will have some of their publications on sale.

Music will once again be provided "for listening and shopping pleasure'' at this pre-Christmas experience, including Andrew Chamberlain's CD, `A Street Full of Christmas'. There will be special guest appearance by Wendell (Shine) Hayward and Stan Seymour (Lord Necktie), and the crafts fair will be officially opened at 11 a.m. by Julie Hastings-Smith, curator of the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard.

`Home Grown Alternatives 1998' takes place at the St. Paul's Christian Education Centre on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.