Quote:
Originally Posted by g jones
A conversation between Gaskell Motor Bodies, Graham Jones MP and Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council a year ago suggesting that a farmers market be be started on Towngate in the centre of Great Harwood, has led to a Sunday market which has gone from strength to strength and is now firmly established in the calendar.
The first market took place in March and with the help and support of the local community it has grown in popularity from a few stalls to now around 30 local traders attending each market on the first Sunday of each month.
Success can be measured in many ways, for example there is the massive amount raised for local charities, it has helped to bring life back into the local economy, it is attracting visitors from outside the Borough the market was shortlisted for the Association of Town and City Management awards in the category ‘Improving the Business Mix’, new businesses have been established and existing traders have taken on new employees.
Feedback from all involved has been very positive. The charities involved have welcomed the support and opportunity to be involved, traders have commented it has made a significant difference to their business by increasing their income and establishing useful business opportunities elsewhere.
Councillor Clare Pritchard says “It’s been a real pleasure to support the development of the farmers market. The wooden chalets we have provided have enhanced the look and feel of the market and have been very popular. The market has galvanised the whole community and helped to regenerate the local economy, provided much needed support for local good causes and reinforced the sense of pride local people have.”
Louise Gaskell said; “We’re really pleased to see the how the Farmers Market has developed and grown in popularity. It’s not only a great day out but raises money for local good causes, so if you haven’t been yet, please come along on Sun 2nd March to see for yourself.”
Everyone is looking forward to an even better 2014 with the first market due on Sunday 2nd March 2014 (the application form will be live on the Hyndburn BC website from the start of February).
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First and foremost the Gaskells farmers market is really well worth a visit....
but...
That is one heck of a sneaky post...
A conversation...would that be where Gaskells asked the council for permission to transfer their already fairly successful farmers market from their bodyshop to a more high profile Towngate?
Gaskell?s farmers? market supports local charity
Supporting development...Would that be where the council said 'ok' and chucked in a couple of chalets that they had previously failed to use successfully and would otherwise have ended up on the next bonfire or left to rot next to the infamous benches?
Soundbites like 'galvanising communities', 'regenerating economies', and 'reinforced pride' are just that..politspeak..this is acumen by a local businessman getting some advertising, helping his community and local charity.
Its successful because of the work and effort of Gaskells pulling it all together with minimal input from politicians/councillors.
It speaks volumes that you and Councillor Pritchard waffle on about how much HBC, and in particular the labour party has contributed, yet the spokeswoman of the true main contributor, Louise Gaskell, just says 'come along and enjoy'.
Why couldn't you just afford the credit where it's due instead of claiming this as a labour victory?