All Things Local

There’s something to be said about getting involved with local events as I discovered when I attended an “All Things Local” function at The George Row Business Club in my hometown this evening.

Situated in a Grade 2 listed building, the Northampton and County Club, originally built in 1675, became the host to a variety of businesses gathered together to promote their products including jewellery, home made cards, gifts, books, alcohol and an array of produce which we were able to sample and buy.  

Although I knew it existed, in the 33 years of living here I can honestly say I had absolutely no idea what went on behind those doors! However, on entering the building, you can feel the rustic elegance it holds. Before getting the chance to take it all in I found myself entering a small, but beautiful garden with tables and chairs positioned where people were enjoying drinks and relaxing in the afternoon sun. For a few minutes, I forgot I was actually in the middle of town because it felt like a secret hideaway that only a select few knew about. 

Walking around and looking at the stalls I sampled some home made cupcakes by The Vintage Bluebell Bakery (and bought a couple too!), fresh strawberries from Moulton Fruit and Veg Ltd, white chocolate hearts by Layla Beaumont Cakes and was even given a lovely slice of carrot cake to take home from The Bread and Butter Factory.  

In between ruining my diet with all things naughty, I learnt about flavouring food with home made spices from Bite me Spices, using the right chutneys with Unique Preserves, understanding cheeses with St Giles Cheese and then washed it all down tasting Rubis Luxury Chocolate Wine by Amps Fine Wines, sparking white by New Lodge Vinyard (who even knew Northamptonshire had a vineyard?) and Warner Edwards home produced Gin. Now, as a Vodka girl, I was a little reluctant to try the latter, but it was absolutely lovely. It didn’t have that bite that other drinks have and I actually thought this is a drink I could really enjoy, and without the need of a mixer!  

Other stalls that caught my eye were Griffs Homemade, a company that hand makes a variety of gifts including advent calendars (which proved extremely popular), cushions, tea light holders and bunting; Wise, an organisation aimed to help women over the age of 30 start their own business (I have taken note!) and met local author Ryta Lindley who has published two children’s books: The Tales of Brick Kiln and Dingle Ditch and More Tales of Brick Kiln and Dingle Ditch. I spent a considerable amount of time talking to her and she was great. So funny, lots of interesting stories and even gave me some tips on getting published too! 

What struck me the most about this event was the passion everyone had for our town. I have been known to be a little pessimistic about it in the past, but meeting the locals tonight, learning about their businesses, and seeing the focus and excitement they have to make it successful was unexpectedly awe inspiring. Everyone was so friendly, chatty and genuinely interested not just in promoting their product, but also meeting other locals. I walked away feeling a lot more passionate about the place I live in and once again, I have realised it does have a lot to offer and it’s important we remember that. There was a real sense of camaraderie and I think it’s something we must all hold onto, especially as we are seeing big developments emerging around us. We mustn't lose our local spirit and rather use it to show people that this is a good town and local businesses are an important factor in shaping the new Northampton.