From Sally Carpenter, chairman, Witham Chamber of Commerce
December update - 2006
Witham Chamber of Commerce are pleased to be supporting events in the town during December and we would like to encourage people to use their local shops. A few years ago the Essex Chronicle ran a campaign "Spend a £ in your town" we may need to increase the sum with inflation but the message is the same. Is the hassle of driving along the A12, struggling to park and pushing through crowds really worth it, when many gifts (at all price ranges) are available close to home?
50th Anniversary: Congratulations to Alan, Malcolm and Denise Byford who celebrated the 50th Anniversary of F Byford & Son's store on the 23rd November. The original small shop has been extended to include the properties on either side so that today there is room for a range of quality furniture, soft furnishings, lights, china and gifts for all the family.
Farleigh Hospice's Light up a Life: 1st December at the Grove Shopping Centre celebrates the lighting of the Christmas tree and is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of dear friends and family whom we have known.
Live Reindeer: On Saturday 10th December Witham shoppers will have an opportunity to see the Reindeer from Scotland parading round the town centre. The visiting reindeer attract a great deal of interest from young and old; there is even an opportunity for youngsters to talk to the herdsmen and learn about the life of the reindeers in the Scottish hills.
Dickensian Market: Sunday 11th December from 10.30 a.m. to mid afternoon the first Dickensian Market will be held in the Grove Shopping Centre in Witham. Farleigh, the Mayor's charity, are organising the day with Wendy Harlow the centre manager. This is a special event with smart stalls and fine costumes (we are all watching Bleak House and searching web sites for ideas of what to wear). The local charity shops are busy with people hunting for shawls, capes and long skirts. Avoid the A12 shop locally - gifts for all the family.
Extra attraction: 4 live donkeys, face painting, carols, magician and barbeque.
Christmas Lights: the Chamber are contributing to the lights in the town centre and Witham Town Council are making great efforts to install a new system of attractive lights.
Industrial Watch: Sally Carpenter represents Witham Chamber of Commerce on the new Industrial Watch group. The Police and local business people are working together to minimise the amount of criminal activities on the industrial estates. New members are welcome please contact Sally on 01376 513640 for details.
Gourmet Chinese: A new Chinese "takeaway" has opened close to the Town Hall. The brochure is beautiful, the menu is interesting and there are excellent reports on the quality of the food. We wish them well.
Happy Christmas to all our colleagues in Witham and Braintree
Sally
ClientAct Public Relations Ltd
01376 513640
