The market gained a ‘Market Achievement Award’ for Small Markets, for its continued enhancements, funding and spectacular document of full occupancy.
Roger Dyke, Oswestry Town Council’s finance officer, and finance supervisor for the National Association of British Market Authorities, was additionally offered with the NABMA Market Industry Special Achievement Award for all that he has accomplished for markets each regionally and nationally.
The awards organised by NABMA, have a good time excellence in retail and wholesale markets throughout the UK.
Oswestry Town Market is, its mayor stated, not solely a beautiful retail hub, but additionally a social hub, bringing folks collectively and internet hosting many occasions all year long.
It is third award the market has achieved this yr, because the indoor market obtained a ‘highly commended’ accreditation on the Great British Market Awards in Birmingham in January.
David Preston, chief government of NABMA, stated: “These awards are an opportunity to champion and celebrate our markets. With challenges for the future of our high streets, it is clear that by offering customers unique shopping opportunities along with great events and experiences, markets have an important role at the heart of our communities.”
The awards had been attended by markets & occasions officer David Clough, city clerk Arren Roberts and Oswestry Town Mayor, Councillor Olly Rose, who stated: “This is fantastic news and congratulations to all our market traders and council officers for their hard work”.
Oswestry has a longstanding historical past of markets, with the primary recorded market fashioned some 800 years in the past. Today, it boasts specialist retailers together with cake provides, stitching repairs, pet provides, celebration wares, collectables and antiques, along with meals staples akin to bread, fish, fruit and greens.
The mayor stated it was additionally very a lot a social hub for customers, who take pleasure in refreshments within the cafes and low outlets.
She stated: “Oswestry Market hosts a range of events through the year that draw in both the local community and visiting tourists helping to boost the town’s economy.
“This includes the Food Festival, Christmas Light Switch On, Apple Day, Halloween Market, Easter Family Fun Day, the Big Busk and an exciting new Street Circus weekend event. Events are always free, family friendly and inclusive to all, including dogs.
“There are two charity markets a year, where stalls raise awareness, offer advice, recruit volunteers, and raise funds, an annual youth market where young people gain retailing experience and learn customer service skills and a ‘Grow Your Own’ market with free advice on seed sowing, growing vegetables, making compost, planting hanging baskets and flower arranging.”
“The town council also uses the market to engage with the community on several projects. This year it has distributed 500 trees at the market as part of the council’s objective to plant 17,000 trees, one for each resident in Oswestry. We have also held a ‘Meet the Mayor’ stall where people can chat in an informal setting about the important issues of the day.”
Councillor Rose added: “During the Covid pandemic, markets were an essential service for many, and the space was even used to provide the vaccine. Social isolation has become more prevalent in recent years and the market is a great arena through which we can bring people together.
“The market has a community lounge, run by ‘We are MacIntyre’, a social enterprise that helps adults with mental health challenges. In August, the market launched a ‘Chatty Café’, which aims to reduce loneliness and get people chatting.
“So, while markets are known as a great place to shop and where independent businesses thrive, they also encourage tourism, provide hospitality, and help with social inclusion. Markets not only help to deliver a vibrant high street but are an important community asset open to all.”
