The town was really buzzing last Saturday after the initial downpour.
The classic cars buffed to perfection glinted in the sunshine, the politicians good-naturedly bantered across the no man’s land of the Market Place, and there was the usual fundraising cake stall.
A man with a bullhorn was making a point about government cuts, but with all the different noises going on, it was hard to make out. And the town crier, without a bullhorn, seemed to be more effective advertising the bargains at Hawkins and various community events.
The local produce and craft market was doing brisk business through the Cloisters and along the riverside, and various buskers added to the general joie de vivre.
In the sunshine, the town really is at its best and truly lives up to the description of ‘a town with a village feel’.
Expect more of the same this weekend, with the conclusion of Hitchin Market’s Love Your Garden Week – which as well as having the usual outstanding selection of plants and flowers for sale, features demonstrations, gardening advice, talks and charity stalls plus free face painting, colouring in and a snail trail for the children on Friday and Saturday.
Also this Saturday there is an art market on the stalls by Biggin Lane. The councillors’ surgery will be on Market Place from 10.30am until 12 noon – and this being the last Saturday before the General Election, will no doubt attract many politicos! Don’t forget, there is a hustings meeting at Hitchin Christian Centre tonight at 7.30pm.
On a lighter note, the countdown has begun for the Lions rugby tour of New Zealand – and the innovative Kim and Charlie Morrice at The Bull in Gosmore have decided to open for breakfast on match days so that fans can see the games live.
The matches start at 8.35am, so The Bull will be open from 7.30am for a full English breakfast with cereals, juice, tea and coffee all for a tenner.
The bar will be open for anyone wishing to celebrate a win or mourn a loss.
The fixtures are:
• Saturday, June 3 – NZ Provincial Barbarians
• Wednesday, June 7 – Blues
• Saturday, June 10 – Crusaders
• Tuesday, June 13 – Highlanders
• Saturday, June 17 – Maori All Blacks
• Tuesday, June 20 – Chiefs
• Saturday, June 24 – First Test match vs New Zealand
• Tuesday, June 27 – Hurricanes
• Saturday, July 1 – Second Test match vs New Zealand, and
• Saturday, July 8 – Third Test match vs New Zealand.
Not sure whether Kim and Charlie will be leading the Haka though!
For more about Hitchin Initiative and Hitchin BID give Keith a call on 01462 453335 or email him at info@hitchinherts.com. You can also follow the BID on Twitter using the handle @hitchinbid
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