Surfin’ in the sun at Hitchin’s town centre beach takeover

Hitchin’s town centre beach takeover culminated in the sunshine over the weekend, with BID manager Tom Hardy joining the fun on the surf machine.

The Comet: Children enjoying the beach in Hitchin Market Place put on by Gatwards. Picture: DANNY LOO Children enjoying the beach in Hitchin Market Place put on by Gatwards. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Jewellery shop Gatwards, which has been running in Hitchin since 1760, put on the beach week to celebrate the business passing to the eighth generation in the shape of Charlotte Gatward – whose name was officially added to the firm’s commemorative Market Place bench on Saturday.

The Comet: Charlotte Gatward with the plaque on the Gatward bench in Hitchin Market Place celebrating her joining the family business. Picture: DANNY LOO Charlotte Gatward with the plaque on the Gatward bench in Hitchin Market Place celebrating her joining the family business. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Charlotte told the Comet: “We have had a wonderful few days with the beach being enjoyed in the square by lots of families, and Saturday was a very memorable day for our family. I feel honoured to be the eighth generation taking on the running of the oldest family jewellers in the UK.

The Comet: (left) Anna Gatward, (centre) Ben Gatward and (right) Lisa Gatward with the eighth generation of the Gatward family, Charlotte Gatward with the plaque on the Gatward bench in Hitchin Market Place celebrating her joining the family business. Picture: DANNY LOO (left) Anna Gatward, (centre) Ben Gatward and (right) Lisa Gatward with the eighth generation of the Gatward family, Charlotte Gatward with the plaque on the Gatward bench in Hitchin Market Place celebrating her joining the family business. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

“Of course I know I have a huge responsibility ahead of me, with 258 years of history but I am really looking forward to taking the business forward and ensuring that Gatwards the jewellers is here in the Marketplace for the ninth generation and beyond.”

The Comet: Hitchin Town Centre manager Tom Hardy on the surfing simulator in Hitchin Market Place which is part of the Gatward celebrations. Picture: DANNY LOO Hitchin Town Centre manager Tom Hardy on the surfing simulator in Hitchin Market Place which is part of the Gatward celebrations. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

BID manager Tom Hardy said: “The beach was a fantastic success – not only to promote Gatwards, but also to showcase our vibrant town centre.

“Over the five days the town was buzzing with families and young children enjoying the beach, helter-skelter and surf simulator. It’s great to see the town so busy and have the opportunity to celebrate the success of independent retail in the town.”