THE FIRST Royston Community Exhibition was hailed a great success by organisers and visitors alike, after it was held on Saturday (October 23).

Coombes Community Centre in Burns Road was the venue for the event, organised by the North Royston Action Group (NRAG), where over 200 people poured through its doors between 2pm and 5pm.

Visitors included North Herts East MP Oliver Heald and his wife Christine, several local councillors and Royston Town Mayor Cllr Martin Beaver.

All enjoyed the stalls and displays on offer, which showcased Royston’s variety of clubs, organisations and help-groups.

Exhibition organiser and NRAG chair Jayne Bratton said: “Many people arrived and none left during the first hour, which to me says it was a great success.

“One of the best parts of the event was that exhibitors networked and offered each other genuine support and advice. This was amazing and a real added benefit to the exhibition.”

Councillor Rob Inwood, who helped organise the exhibition, said: “It was great to see so many people making new friends and getting such a variety of support.

“The feedback from the many exhibitors and visitors was amazing and down largely to the professionalism of the NRAG team.

“This is a great way for us to show publicly just what a great community Royston is.”

Displays from over 30 local organisations were on offer for information and advice, as were the local police and firefighters.

Councillor Beaver, who opened the event, said: “I was very proud to be apart of such and amazing event. It highlighted some fantastic organisations and groups which showcased what makes our town so great.”

After the success, it was confirmed by Mrs Bratton and Cllr Inwood that the event would become a permanent fixture in Royston’s calendar.

“All the exhibitors reported that they were pleased they came and they plan to come again next year – so we have decided we will be running it again,” said Mrs Bratton.

“We may bring it earlier in the year though so hopefully get dryer or warmer weather and due to the popularity we will need to consider moving it to somewhere which can hold an even bigger event.”

Cllr Inwood said: “I am glad to have my dream for this exhibition come true, and I am so looking forward to working with NRAG when they put this on even bigger and even better next year.”

If you would like to be a part of next year’s event contact event@roystonag.co.uk or write to The North Royston Action Group at 10 Owen Drive, Royston, SG8 5US.