Well friends, it's been a while since I blogged for various reasons but the weather we have all had hasn't really helped matters has it? It looks so pretty when it first falls and covers the world but after a short while the picture fades as reality kicks in. Life as we know it seems to stop as people can't get to or from work, children are sent home from schools, public transport ceases and the media tells us all to stay at home!
It's at times like these that we really must, more than ever, support our small local independents to keep them in business providing a service to the community we live in. I ordered the Heart Gallery Christmas Tree from Bob at William Holt, Greengrocer, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge. Two days later it arrived and not only was Bob prompt at getting the tree delivered round to me, he and a colleague walked round to Market Street with it, made sure it was secure and straight for me and then put the lights on it too as I couldn't reach to the top of it myself!
It's this type of Customer Service offered by the independents of Hebden Bridge that make a great town greater.... and doesn't it look all Christmassy?
Hebden Bridge has recently won the title of 'Best Town in Britain 2011' and we really do deserve this award.
The team behind the Totally Locally campaign in Calderdale have worked tirelessly to get their message across since launching and only last week won another award, this time for 'Outstanding Response to the Economic Downturn'. Invest in your town - invest in your future is their tag line and the people of Hebden Bridge do just that. As someone who has a business in the town I appreciate how important it is to support other businesses and try where ever possible to shop totally locally.
This beautiful Christmas Card by talented local artist and illustrator Julia Ogden is available at Heart Gallery. Julia has also painted a small canvas of Two Turtle Doves which is hanging proudly in Heart Gallery.
This is part of the 12 days of Christmas trail around Hebden Bridge kindly organised by The Hebden Bridge Bookshop. This new family-run, independent bookshop opened its doors in June 2010 to pursue and share their passion for literature with the local book-reading community. Sadly 2 weeks ago Gillian and Ross were dealt a devastating blow when the flat above their shop flooded through their ceiling ruining more than three quarters of their stock and their fixtures and fittings.
With friends and family rallying round they should thankfully be open again for business this weekend so call in and show your support. This time of year is crucial for small businesses so we all rely on you, our loyal customers, to spread the word on how great Hebden Bridge is for shopping .... see you soon and don't forget it is Late Night Shopping on Market Street every Thursday in December, shop late until eight and bring Market Street alive after five!
So, as silly season fast approaches I hope you are all prepared and ready for Christmas and if you have a few pressies still to wrap this beautiful double-sided Robin paper is perfect!
