Great first year for 'Southam First'

Buy photos » Southam First - left to right - Board member Susan Hinsley, Katherine Geddes from Stratford District Council, board members Neil Goldie and Brian Howard and group chairman Jayne Greensfield. 20.012.024.leam.jm1

A COMMUNITY group in Southam is celebrating a successful first year in operation with a Diamond Jubilee street party in the town on June 2.

Southam First launched in May 2011 to increase the number of shoppers and spending in the town centre, as part of an agreement which saw Tesco contribute almost £900,000 to support schemes in the town following the launch of its new store in 2010.

Membership now stands at more than 50 people, representing business, community and voluntary interests, who meet monthly in the town.

And notable achievements already include organising a well-supported 1950's retro revival day, a clean-up day to improve the look of the town, and then a series of themed Christmas street fairs.

Future events include a Diamond Jubilee street party set to be held from noon to 5pm on June 2.

Coun Valerie Hobbs from Stratford District Council, which has overseen spending of the Tesco cash, said: “I must congratulate Southam First for their work with the business community and local residents to promote the town,

“It has been very proactive and industrious in its approach and I hope it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

The Southam First team are always on the lookout for new members with fresh ideas.

For further information contact Katherine Geddes on 01789 260102 or Sue Hinsley on 07971 608850.

Also visit www.southamfirst.org for more details.

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