Flushed with enthusiasm from a flood of new members, Clitheroe Chamber of Trade and Commerce set about helping with the organisation and promotion of the Medieval Market mounted by the Clitheroe Castle Cafetessen, organising a spot-it competition in shop windows around Clitheroe, mobilising the membership to support the event by dressing up for the day, and manning a stand at the event where we distributed “goodie bags” full of vouchers and offers from local businesses. Here’s Sam Turner’s account of how events unfolded on the day:
Pearl tasting Cowman's sausages with John Gillmore of BBC Radio Lancashire
Following a failed attempt at trying to make a medieval costume early in the morning I threw on something suitable, and sat in the car to listen to Pearl Mina talking to John Gillmore about the event on Radio Lancashire.
The small market on the new creative activity space looked healthy with Bowland Beer, Heritage Kitchen Preserves, Bleasdales Ice Cream complimented by tempting aromas wafting from Talbots Fine Foods. A hive of activity developed when faces were painted, and children made clay pots with the help of local celebrity, CBeebies’ Lizzie Bolson. Looking relaxed in the corner of the Pendle Hill Room the ladies from the Craft Guild demonstrated spinning wool.
Medieval Market in full swing
Entertainment was provided throughout by the medieval re-enactors making and selling toys and generally frolicking about! I also heard a whisper that our own Town Crier, Roland Hailwood was directing people towards events taking place around town.
Ribble Valley Tourism/CCoT&C stand, manned by Rebacca and Sam
Dawsons dress all medieval for the day
Rebecca Kay (Ribble Valley Tourism) and I joined together our information together for a stand packed full of leaflets on local business and leisure ideas. Walking maps for the Salthill’s Geological Trail and two other local walks were hugely popular. Interest in the Ribble Valley Food Trail was outstanding: one couple headed to us for a new map having completed eight of the venues recently. Vouchers for discounts, offers or refreshments provided by businesses were seized upon and our 30 exclusive Chamber of Trade goody bags including complimentary pen (!) ran out by 1pm.
The Pennine Food Festival booklet (www.penninelancashirefestivals.com) had succeeded in drawing many to the Medieval Market . Rebecca and I took the opportunity to chat with so many people on Saturday, asking what had brought them to Clitheroe, which other places they liked to go, were they on holiday, having a day out or local. Visitors were in the main from Preston, Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley, Haworth, Harrogate and Ilkley, arriving by bus, train, car or camper van.
Handing out goody bags and entry forms for the ‘Spot It Competition’ gave Rebecca and I the opportunity to ensure that people explored all areas of the town, where we could recommend shops of specific interest. The overall opinion is that visitors and locals alike think Clitheroe is great. Whether it’s for walking, countryside, shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, Clitheroe Castle or the Clitheroe Kid!
ClitheroeSource
Recent Comments