For those who attended and enjoyed the Royal Foundation Carol Service held at Taunton Minster on 6 December 2024, we regret to inform you that we have been notified of a product recall relating to a craft gift distributed at the service.
The Royal Foundation has informed us that a gift donated by Hobbycraft is subject to an official recall, issued in coordination with Trading Standards.
While neither Taunton Minster nor the event organisers were aware of this issue at the time, it is our responsibility to ensure this information is shared as widely and clearly as possible.
Official Notice from The Royal Foundation
Dear Parent / Carer,
We are writing to inform you of an important safety notice relating to a craft box that may have been received at a Community Carol Service on 6 December 2024 at Taunton Minster.
Hobbycraft has recently issued a recall of certain Giant Craft Boxes. This recall is being undertaken in coordination with Trading Standards after independent testing identified traces of asbestos in a limited number of samples of the sand contained within the box.
We have been advised that the craft box distributed at the Community Carol Service you attended is among those included in the recall.
We appreciate that this information may be concerning. The safety and wellbeing of children and families is of the utmost importance, and we are working closely with Hobbycraft to manage this matter responsibly and in line with official guidance.
What to Do
- Stop using the product immediately.
- If the sand is still in its packaging:
- Place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag
- Double tape securely
- Clearly label the bag
- Store it safely out of the reach of children
- If the sand has been used:
- Clean affected areas using wet cloths to avoid generating dust
- Wear gloves and a mask
- Double-bag the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths
- Keep children and others away from the area until cleaning is complete
- Return the sand vials to your nearest Hobbycraft store
- If this is not possible, follow the steps above and dispose of the sand in your general household waste
At this time, there is no evidence of any injury or harm.
We apologise for any concern this may cause and thank you for your understanding.
If you have immediate concerns, please refer to the official recall advice issued by Hobbycraft or contact their Customer Service team on 0330 026 1400.
Kind regards,
The Royal Foundation
Additional Information
Affected product numbers:
- 6686021000
- 6505261000
- 6099201000
- 6597221000
- 6606171000
Further information is available via the official Hobbycraft recall notice:
Hobbycraft | Product Recall – Giant Box of Craft
Our Commitment
Taunton Minster takes the safety of all children, families, and visitors extremely seriously. While this issue was unknown at the time of the event, we are committed to sharing this information promptly and transparently, and to supporting families in following the appropriate guidance.
If you know of someone who attended the service and may not see this notice, please consider sharing it with them.
