WOW!!!
Cheltenham Connect Launch Day
27th June 2009
The sun shone, the bands played and hundreds of local residents came to share all the fun of our launch day at The Exmouth Arms.
Who would have thought that a small meeting in a pub in February could have resulted in such a wonderful gathering!
With tables loaned from the local churches, pergolas from the St James' School PTA, exhibition panels from the University and music from a number of highly talented performers, a tented village atmosphere was created that made it feel like a mini Glastonbury. 200 Tombola prizes were donated by local residents and businesses which made the Tombola one of the busiest stands.
The children from years 3 and 4 of St James' Primary School (under the direction of teacher Jill West) produced the most amazing display all about the history of the Bath Road and why you should Buy Local and had even made their own jingles! We were able to show it alongside the previously very successful South Cheltenham History Exhibition produced by the St Philips and St James' Residents Association. The Children's work is now on display during 'Buy Local Pledge Week' at The Brown Jug and if you didn't see it on the day do try to manage a visit.
Music was provided by:
The Dixies
The Bubonic Wind Band
The Cheltenham Ukelele Band
The Incredibelles
Jan Vaisey and Ian Harvey
Throughout the day people were able to find out about the activities of Cheltenham Connect, sign up to the current groups and offer their own ideas. Hundreds of people signed up to the Cheltenham Connect 'Buy Local Pledge Week' that is running from 29th June to the 5th July.
Tables were also run by local artists and craftspeople, local therapists, local churches, The Brownies, the local Community Policing Team, the local Trading Associations and a number of green organizations promoting sustainable land and energy use.
The Cheltenham Connect Team would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a great success.
