Tuesday 14th December 2010
Now, it doesn't quite have the glitz and Glamour of the 'X Factor' and there's no chance of a million pound contract but Chesterfield residents are being asked to support Chesterfield in trying to prove it has the 'M' factor and in giving a boost to local traders and shoppers too.
People who live in Chesterfield know just how good the market is ... you can buy anything from fabric to fruit, it's one of the town’s strongest selling points and it brings in thousands of tourists per year.
Shoppers in the town are now being asked to support the market by voting for it in the 'Britain's Favourite Market' Competition organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities.
It’s easy to do, to vote for your favourite market, just visit www.nabma.com and click on the red apple, or you can visit the Tourist Information Centre in Chesterfield and they'll do it for you!
Voting is open now till mid January. Cllr Ray Russell,Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has already offered his support to the Campaign and is urging others to do so , saying "The market in Chesterfield is much loved by many people in the town and it continues to thrive even in these hard economic times. I'd urge everyone to vote to support their local market traders and to help promote our town to a wider audience."
The Chesterfield Post has already voted, and here's why we're supporting the campaign ...
Chesterfield Market is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in England.
There's over 150 stalls that provide quality, value for money goods and fresh seasonal produce from friendly market traders. You can buy more or less anything on it, and anything you can't find, someone can probably get for you.
The general markets held on Monday, Friday and Saturday sell everything, whilst the ever popular Thursday Flea Market, which is one of the biggest of it's kind in the UK sells a variety of antiques, bric-a-brac, vintage clothes, jewellery, books, furniture, collectables, militaria and the increasingly popular 'shabby chic'.
Customers come from all over the world to visit and bring a real buzz to the town centre. It has a strong following in the UK too, with coach groups regularly coming from Hull, Fareham, London, Burnley and Lincolnshire, to name a few.
The Market has signed up to the National Shoppers Charter (which promises polite and helpful stallholders, good value, high standards and an enjoyable experience) and the Real Deal National Markets Charter (which promotes working together for fake free markets, in conjunction with local Trading Standards Departments).
It's the heart of the Town Centre, and supports local charties and causes during a varied programme of events throughout the year including the Medieval Market, Bank Holiday Markets and Continental Markets. In partnership with other organisations and traders, the Markets team have run several initiatives this year, including:
The Cotton bags scheme - this was paid for by the trader's promotional fund, the Council and sponsors. It aimed to encourage shoppers to be more environmentally friendly by not using plastic bags. During the launch week customers were asked to donate clothing in exchange for a bag. The clothes were donated to the local hospice. Bags have been spotted as far afield as Australia.
Chesterfield Market Festival - this annual event supports the Market with various events and, this year, Jonty Hearnden, from 'Cash in the Attic' did valuations for local people and judged a charity 'Bargain Hunt' between Fairplay and the Samaritans. Other market events include an Arts Corridor and a Sausage Competition.
Markets Football Team - these took part in a charity tournament organised by Tesco. They collected sponsorship for the event and raised £250 for the CLIC Sargent Cancer Charity.
Chesterfield Markets is hoping for your vote too!
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