Your free stall at the Forest Fair for just an hour!
We've booked you a stall in the marquee at the Forest Fair, so you can take it over for an hour, meet other people and talk to them about what you do, show them examples or photos of your work, display or make your crafts or food, play your music, or do whatever is appropriate and takes your fancy.
Thousands of people attend the fair each year, and this one is on our doorstep in Cornbury Park. It's on Sunday 6 September from 11am to 5pm.
It's no big sweat for just an hour, and who knows what useful contacts you might make? Bring whatever you like to fill the 6 foot trestle table, which is provided.
It might be an enjoyable way to interest others in your activity? And the fair is always fun and interesting, with lots going on for all ages.
We are offering slots beginning on each hour at 11.00, 12.00, 1.00 pm, 2.00, 3.00, and 4.00. The fair ends at 5 pm.
We can give you just 30 minutes if you want to keep it short. Or if you are lucky, we might be able to give you longer than an hour.
First come, first served, and the more likely you are to get the time of your choice.
There is no charge whatever, except for the admission to the fair itself for yourself and any helpers.
Please book ASAP. Tell us your preferences with regard to time and duration of the booking.
Email Jon at jon@phonecoop.coop
PS We are running a similar scheme for the Charlbury Street Fair. More information on this in due course.
Free financial advice for businesses
Finance Specialist at Business Link
We are delighted to report that Business Link has appointed Karl Bushell as their Finance Specialist. Karl’s main role is to support local businesses on a wide range of banking and financial matters that include:
a) Securing finance from your bank
b) Providing guidance on the range of government support facilities including the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme.
c) Discussing a new business venture.
d) Discussing your business performance and providing direction
e) Acting as a sounding board.
f) Providing a reality check
g) Directing you to other individuals that can help.
Karl spent thirty years in the banking sector with his last role being Head of Business for Barclays Bank in Oxfordshire. In the last four years Karl has been running his own business, providing hands-on business consultancy and has developed a good understanding of many industry sectors. Karl has also very good links with local banks and accountants
If you need free and impartial advice or general support, then contact Business Link on 01844 210430 an ask for Karl or click here.
NOTICES AND REPORTS
If there is one thing we've learnt from the Christmas markets and 'open shops' evenings last December, it's that we need to prepare even earlier.
We're looking into the question of lights: since most of the lights on sale nowadays are LED and decidedly blue, we have problems maintaining the white (or slightly yellow) appearance of Charlbury's lights that has become traditional. We can't afford to buy everyone an 'approved' set of lights, let alone make them put them up!
But we can try and get more people to put up brackets and take trees. Although about 80 people put up lit trees last Christmas, there were some notable gaps, especially in Church Street where the town's patriotism in this respect runs a bit thin. We'll be sending information round much earlier this year, and encouraging more people to take brackets. They're £25 apiece but are very well made and last for ever.
It would be good to have more townsfolk among the stallholders too. It would be logical for us to be working with members on this, but not a single craftsperson or artist is a member of the Business Community. Maybe it is time some of you joined and had your say. Most shops are members and can take part in the planning process.
