MDCE aspires to provide a regular presence via an Outreach Facility for many of the national, regional and local organisations that provide services, facilities etc to the residents of Market Drayton and its surrounding villages. As very few of these organisations have an obvious local presence, probably the only opportunity they have to meet the public they serve – and vice versa – is to exhibit at MDCE’s ‘Health & Wellbeing’, ‘Going Greener’ and ‘Creative, Culture & Leisure’ Festivals held respectively in Spring, Summer and Autumn in Festival Drayton Centre’s auditorium. Entry is always free to exhibitors and public, with reliance on voluntary contributions and funding.
The Health & Wellbeing’ Festival, held on 27th April, was formally opened by the newly elected High Sheriff of Shropshire, The Honourable Mrs Selina Graham. The ‘Going Greener’ Festival (13th July) follows on from the success of last October’s ‘Going Green’ Festival that led to the formation of Market Drayton Climate Action, now operating independently. The Keynote Speaker at ‘Going Greener’ will be Professor John Whitelegg, (Visiting Professor of Sustainable Transport at Liverpool John Moore and York’s Stockholm Environment Institute Universities), who will explain the urgency to decarbonise transport and liberate all the co-benefits of a zero-carbon transport system that similar areas in Sweden, Germany and Switzerland already enjoy. The Autumn Festival (29th October) falls within a long ArtsFest weekend (28th – 30th ) – but more about these events later.
Have you yet seen the MDCE/ArtsFest Covid Memorial sculpture – on the grassed area opposite the Library clock and Savers? It is accompanied by a stainless steel plaque bearing the words ‘Covid Tribute Memorial, dedicated to all NHS, Care and Key Workers in Market Drayton’. The High Sheriff, being in town for the ‘Health & Wellbeing’ Festival as part of her mission to celebrate the vital role volunteers play in our communities, the opportunity was taken by Mrs Graham to formally dedicate the sculpture, created by Devon artist Kevin Nutley of Concept Stained Glass. Also present at the dedication were representatives of the NHS and key workers. It was greatly appreciated that many local persons and businesses contributed materials and labour. Although acknowledged elsewhere, there are too many to mention in this article.
With natural burials heading towards being the most favoured mode, is anyone interested in seeking a local ‘Green Burial’ site? In a typical green burial, the body is – or its ashes are – simply interred in a 100% biodegradable form enabling decomposition and a return to nature. In the absence of a gravestone, it is common practice to plant a commemorative fruit tree.
MDCE has been commissioned by Shropshire Council to create a Local Directory of organisations providing services, activities etc to residents of Market Drayton and District. Any organisations not yet contacted and wishing to be included should contact Eric as below.
Other MDCE activities include the Canal Towpath Maintenance Team under the auspice of the Canal & River Trust and Transport Forums bringing together representatives of all local transport modes.
MDCE’s four Trustees are seeking two more, while more Volunteers are always welcome. There is sure to be something of interest for everyone wishing to become involved.
Persons interested to learn more are welcome to attend the MDCE Team’s next monthly meeting, usually the first Monday in the month in the Town Hall’s Council Chamber.
