MP visits Graffham Easter Market
Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited Graffham’s Easter Market in the village’s Empire Hall on Saturday (24 March).
The MP was welcomed to the market by volunteer and organiser Jacky Gregory and the Hall’s Chairman Jim Kirke. Mr Herbert met many of the local producers and stallholders during his visit.
This is the sixth year the market has been running, the second under the helm of Jacky Gregory, and is the main fundraising event for the Hall. Last year’s market raised over £3,000 which has gone towards the running and upkeep of the historic building.
The Empire Hall was built in 1907 and continues to be at the centre of village life for local residents. It is the venue for many community activities and services, and is also home to Graffham Parish Council. The Hall is run as a registered charity which is why fundraising events like the Easter market are so important for its continued upkeep.
Mr Herbert purchased several items of local produce from the various stalls, including a bottle of Stopham Vineyard wine from Hawkins Bros., a local wine merchant specialising in ‘fine English wines’, tweeting that he was “proud to have more English wine producers in my Arundel & South Downs constituency than any other.”
He also congratulated the organisers Jacky Gregory and Jim Kirke for a very successful sixth Easter Market.
Jim Kirke said: "Graffham Easter Market 2018 was a record breaking success, well attended, great atmosphere, a social gathering as well as an excellent array of stalls; all leading to a the great total of £3,600 raised towards maintaining the village hall. Thanks to everyone for their great support."
ENDS
Notes
1. Photograph 1 attached – (L-R) Jim Kirke, Chairman of the Empire Hall, Jacky Gregory, volunteer and organiser of the Easter Market, with Nick Herbert.
2. Photograph 2 attached – Nick Herbert with Oliver Hawkins of Hawkins Bros. (Fine English Wines) at the Market.