Halloween is the official opening day of Bedford’s newest independent retailer: Hippy Wytch Cottage in the delightful Claire Court off Lime Street.

The Hippy Wytch herself is Amanda Dennis, a runic counsellor, who believes that the eco-lifestyle favoured by our forebears makes for a happier way of life.

Her new shop stocks hand-made crafts made by local artists using natural, bio degradable products, including wooden staffs (or wands) carved by her husband Robert.

As an organiser of psychic fairs for many years, Amanda has a huge range of contacts who will be supporting the Cottage. These range from holistic healers to sculptors and psychics. 

The Lancashire lass, now of Stewartby, is a champion of women’s empowerment, very much a theme of the traditional beginnings of “witch craft”, and as a counsellor encourages people to be a one with the universe.

She has travelled extensively and has selected some of the best ideas from the famous Salem, Massachusetts for her business.

“Witchcraft has been mixed up with horror thanks to people like James Herbert in modern culture, but in fact historically pagans were simply people who were in touch with the Earth and the Environment. This is resonating with people today who are seeking some sort of guidance on how to live at with nature,” said Amanda.

In readiness for Halloween on October 31st, Amanda is promoting a children’s painting competition online and will be decorating the courtyard area with some of the works.

Photos show: Amanda’s niece Dolly,  and Amanda and Dolly with some of their witch craft wares.