Story from Facebook:
Good Evening Everyone,
The forecast for tomorrow looks quite nice but it will be a day without Create & Craft. On April 17th 2003 I had the pleasure of being one of the first faces on a channel that was to become a bit of a National institution in the crafting world. It's been a fantastic 21 and half year journey but today that journey came to end. Not just for me but for everyone currently involved in the business. Over those years I have worked with so many talented crafters and artists that have never failed to impress with their skills and creativity. I have laughed and cried along with all of you and have more than a head and heart full of memories to treasure for the rest of my life. I could probably write a book detailing the wardrobe failures, technical c**k ups, bloopers and awkward moments I have been involved in.
Along the way, aside from working with some of the greatest crafters on the planet I have met, spoken or interacted with many of YOU. The people that made that channel what it was. From the valentines cards my cats got from your cats, to the gifts, the cards, the love shown to us when Sarah was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer and the grumbles when I grew a beard (or not) along with the daily messages you sent me that meant so much. YOU, the wonderful people who have come to places like the NEC and brought gifts, cakes and more. When I look around my home there are a multitude of little things on show that came from YOU with love. Also my thanks to our viewers in the USA and Europe. I have recently visited with 2 different viewers whilst on holiday in the USA and they are as passionate about our channel as you. All of YOU have made Create & Craft what it was. YOU have made my life what it is. It's going to leave a large hole in my life and I am sure, yours too.
These days, more than ever, you have other options on where to get your crafty fix and more and more are popping up online all the time. I would like to encourage you to seek them out and support them.
This year we lost a number of crafters and guests that I was proud to know. They will always have a place in my heart.
The one phrase you would hear in our building more than anything else was.... 'It's the people here that make it so great'. Meaning the hardworking teams that weren't visible but worked harder than we ever did. I have seen many come and go over the years but ALL of them have been amongst the nicest people you could ever hope to meet.
Will you see me on your screens again? I hear at least 3 of you cry. The answer... who knows? Create & Craft was my home for 21 years, Shopping TV my home for 30 years. I guess you 'might' see me again but don't hold your breath. I'll still be here on this Facebook thing and always happy to hear from you.
For now, my love and good wishes to every single one of you. But most of all my thanks for enriching my life no end.
Martyn xxx