1:30pm Saturday 20th March 2010
By Alex Lewis
More than 400 completed jigsaws are drawing flocks of admirers to Abbots Langley Community Centre today.
The puzzles, ranging from simple designs of about 100 pieces to 1,000-piece mind benders, have been assembled by a team of about 30 volunteers since September for today's event.
Each completed puzzle had to be carefully separated into sections for transport to the centre in Gallows Hill Lane before re-assembly this morning.
Brian Hibberd, chairman of the community centre, said: "Last year this was a huge success - lots of people came and we raised £1,600, so this year we decided to do it again. We hope to raise the money we need for some refurbishments."
Margaret Balaam, secretary of the Official UK Puzzle Club, said: "There are larger puzzle festivals - the largest is on the Isle of Wight and the second largest is St Anne's in Lancashire.
"But here they have done very well, considering it is quite new.
"Jigsaws are great therapy.
"They keep the mind active, and it is a cheap form of entertainment.
"A lot of people who do jigsaws are disabled, but all sorts of people enjoy them."
The jigsaws, with designs ranging from classic art works and military scenes to steam trains and animals , are laid out on tables, with price tags for potential buyers.
Rosina Brett, who had travelled 60 miles from Corringham in Essex to admire the display, said: "I love jigsaws, but there aren't any festivals near me.
'I've bought five - my favourite glows in the dark."
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