11 June 2014

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

FOLLOWING the unveiling of the McIndoe statue on Monday, Jacquie Russell – one of the organsiers of the town’s first-ever food swap – asked if she could switch venues for the event from outside The Market Square to the site of the statue.

And she was delighted when the Town Council gave its wholehearted consent.

‘We are the licensees, and we do have to give permission for events to take place on the McIndoe Lawn,’ said Town Clerk Julie Holden. ‘But provided the event is appropriate, and people clean up properly afterwards, it will be lovely to see the area become a new hub for community activities.’

And Jacquie wasn’t alone in being quick off the mark. The Lions have also asked if they can use the Lawn for next year’s May Fair.

But Julie did have one word of warning.

‘We have had complaints in the past about the quality of the grass in the area. The problem is that there are two huge trees which take up all the water and so the grass has always been poor.

‘We will be reseeding shortly it but the long term difficulty will always be getting anything to grow.

‘As the on-going custodians of the area, the Town Council certainly doesn’t want to discourage people from using the area with permission. But we would just say that if it is over-used the grass will suffer. You can’t have it both ways and that is something we would like people to be aware of.’

But Julie fully expects – and welcomes – the idea that the new focal point at the far end of the High Street will become a place where people will gather to chat – and to remember.

* The Food Swap will take place on 21 June from 10.45am for an 11am start.

A must for foodies, it offers the chance to exchange goods and ideas with people who share a love of cooking.

Find out more about the Food Swap go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/507391619371696/?fref=ts