The meeting got underway at the Kings Head in Saturday Market, with people arriving from about 5:45 pm.
Shaun Dart, who chaired the evening, welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with a useful heads-up: next year’s Armed Forces Day will be held at DST Leconfield on Saturday 4th July 2026, so people can pencil that in now. “It’s going to be amazing”. If anyone would like to get involved with AFD 2026, please get in touch with Michael Menzies-Baird
After the welcome, we walked over to Dyer Lane to visit Islay Bloom with its beautiful scents of candles and soaps. Owner Marnie Taylor told us the story behind her shop and explained the ethos that shapes her displays and sourcing. Her passion for locally sourced products, colourful clothes, and community connections was clear, and the visit gave everyone a good feel for how the shop operates.
Back at the Kings Head, manager Aidan Hazlewood talked through the pub’s food and drink offerings and shared plans for the Christmas period. There was a sense that the pub is keen to work with other local businesses on seasonal events and promotions.
Shaun introduced a new business run by Zoe Doyle called Extra Help, which offers practical assistance with everyday tasks — a service likely to be useful to many local residents.
Shaun also introduced The Beverley Florist, represented by Jade, whose shop is located above her mother Tracey Huntley’s Fruit and Veg shop in Dyer Lane.
Two new members introduced themselves: Fiona Goodman from Rise Inclusion, and Fi Pearson of FP Online Counselling. Everyone welcomed them, and both gave a short overview of their businesses.
Overall it was a positive, friendly meeting with plenty of good news from local traders and a few practical items to follow up on.
The next meeting is, of course, on the last Wednesday of the month, 29th October
