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January 2019
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Discover project set to showcase best of Ashfield
AN ambitious programme to make Ashfield a destination of choice for business and tourism — as well as a desirable place to live — is under way. The Discover Ashfield initiative will celebrate and promote the district in a positive manner. It is being run by the Ashfield Place board — a mix of councillors, council officers, and business and community leaders. They had been working for more than a year on the project before it was launched. The board chairman is Ashfield resident Martin Rigley, owner of Sutton’s Lindhurst Engineering. “Ashfield has some businesses with a globallyrecognised brand as well as clusters of extremely innovative business, all supported by a diverse range of smaller businesses who are really part of the working heart of the business community, locally and nationally,” he said. “Certainly the demise of the traditional industries of mining and textiles has had a great impact locally, but it’s time to look ahead with a renewed optimism as the opportunities that technology and innovation offer for the growth and prosperity Ashfield are there for our community to benefit from. “As someone who not only lives in Ashfield but
chooses to run their business from Ashfield, I am very excited to be involved with the Discover Ashfield initiative. “This is a great chance for people from Ashfield and externally to see what I have known for years. “The people we employ from within the local community have a great can-do attitude and this is reflected by their commitment and ability to deliver. “So to me Discover Ashfield is a clarion call to our community and businesses to look ahead and seize the opportunities we have, so we can really make this a fantastic place to live, grow your business, raise your family and visit.” Coun Tom Hollis, Ashfield District Council member for strategic leisure, communities and health, said: “The board was set up with the aspiration of making Ashfield a location and destination of choice for businesses and visitors — and a desirable place to live for all residents. “A range of stakeholders and partners have been involved in shaping the project, with a desire to see efforts unified to maximise the impact in helping Ashfield prosper. “Everyone involved has been struck by the level of passion and ambition for Ashfield. “The Discover Ashfield brand has been developed in a bid to promote Ashfield in a
positive manner, increase pride and aspirations in our communities, improve the vibrancy of our town centres, encourage and promote inward investment, and support tourism and the visitor economy in the Ashfield area. “The brand incorporates all aspects of Ashfield life, with the three towns and rural areas having their own illustration with recognisable landmarks. The initiative includes an ambassador programme, featuring business and community leaders who actively promote Ashfield. There is a website — www.discoverashfield.co.uk — and a social media presence with branding. Board member Darron Ellis, of Sutton Living Memory Group, added: “Discover Ashfield is an exciting and empowering step forward for Ashfield. It is something the community can get behind, support and take part in. “Whether it is a big business, small groups or individuals, everyone can get involved. Discover Ashfield will promote our wonderful heritage, boost businesses established and new, improve training and job opportunities, and put Ashfield on the map. “By including the whole community it will create a more vibrant, healthy and empowered place to live, work and invest in. Something for all.”
WIN with the News Journal
THIS month’s News Journal has a terrific prize to win in the first of a series of great competitions for the new year — a package worth £300 at the Mark Leeson salon in Mansfield. Look out in coming months for the chance to win cinema tickets at the Odeon and a paintball experience with Force10.
ORGANISERS of the Discover Ashfield project highlighted some of the many good points about the district: lGood tranpsort links to the rest of the UK, meaning national companies like Whitemeadow, Parker Knoll, Queen’s Award winner Romo Fabrics, Dell, Eddie Stobart and E.on have a base here. lA rich and interesting history, celebrating the likes of renowned poet Lord Byron, award-winning costume and set designer Carl Toms, and England cricketer Harold Larwood. lMany outdoor spaces, with The Mill Waters project, involving Hermitage Ponds, Sutton Lawn and King’s Mill Reservoir, aiming to the visitor experience. lThe chance to explore history at the likes of Felley Priory. lGood leisure facilities, including Sutton’s Lammas Leisure Centre, which has celebrated its tenth anniversary, and plans for a new leisure centre in Kirkby.
Sporting champions
THE best in sport was celebrated at the 2018 Mansfield Sports Recognition Awards, organised by Mansfield District Council in association with The Armchair Club and the Chad. A total of 14 awards were presented on the night. Some of the winners are pictured, left. pSEE pages 30 and 31 for more photographs and full report.
l See page 25 for this month’s competition
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