Thousands enjoy Groby Street Fair 2019
AT THE OPENING of the 2019 Groby Street Fair Local MP Edward Argar reminded residents that although the news may seem to be all doom and gloom, life is improved by local community events such as the Street Fair.
He thanked the organisers and all the other volunteers whose hard work who helped make the day a success. And a success it was, with over 60 traders, caterers and charity/ local organisation pitches booked. Throw in some reggae, the Ratby Band, a guitar ensemble and a sprinkling of magic, and all the ingredients were there for an enjoyable day out with the family, and an opportunity to renew friendships. Attendance was high from the time the gate opened and by the early afternoon Markfield Road and the Church lawn were full of residents enjoying a break from the news, just as Edward Argar suggested. More than 2300 enjoyed the nonprofit making event, which included a surprise visit from Radio Leicester’s Sunday morning treasure hunt, Clueless. “I’d like to thank all the volunteers, the Parish Council and all the businesses that gave support and made the Street Fair such a great success,” said a spokesperson for the organisers. Once all the bills have been paid and the accounts completed there will be time to reflect on the feedback about what went well and what could be done differently. Some visitors suggested that the Fair could be once every two years or even be held on a different site to avoid having to close the road. This would, however, not be a change made without a thorough assessment, as it would inevitably affect the character of the event. On the positive side it would avoid hours of form filling, cut costs by over £400, and could provide an opportunity to reduce the inconvenience for traders who currently have to set up and then move their vehicles off Markfield Road to alternative parking areas. In addition to cutting costs, streamlining the organisation has the advantage of reducing the amount of work the organisers and volunteers need to do. Attracting additional volunteers has always proved challenging, and it is remarkable that such a small core group has successfully managed to deliver an event enjoyed by thousands. Having just delivered the 2019 Fair the organisers deserve a well earned break and so no hasty decisions will be made on any future developments. If you would like to be involved in any way, or have a view about any aspect of the Groby Street Fair, you can email the organisers at grobystreetfair@virginmedia.com. They will be pleased to hear from you.
Norman Griffiths
Groby’s Got Talent
Katie Parker is double county champ!
BROOKVALE YEAR 10 STUDENT Katie M Parker competed in the County Championships on the 11th & 12th May. She managed to come away with GOLD in both the 1500m and 3000m, becoming a ‘Double County Champion’ and getting a 10 second PB in the 3000m at this event.
Katie also had success in the London Mini Marathon,her best performance so far representing East Midlands at this event. This is always a favourite of Katie’s and this year was as always very special. At the Livington Relays on 5th May, Katie represented her club Wreake & Soar Valley AC at the Livington Relays. Katie ran in the senior Womens team. Great day for the club and Katie - with their team winning gold and Katie taking the fastest female overall on the day with a time of 17.28 for 3 miles.
WELL DONE KATIE!
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