General Discussion

Given the fuss about Tesco ..I went down to the heart of Dawlish today especially to see the market in the Strand, with the purpose of saying 'that was wonderful and why cant it be there once in the week all year round'. Good thought, but not a good idea by what I saw. What did others think?

I also went along with similar thoughts. And whilst I agree that the number and quality of stalls was not great I have to say that there was a huge number of people compared to a usual Sunday in mid Winter.

So...I say big Yes for market once a week. Once the traders get to know about it they will start to turn up as will the punters.

We also went along to the Christmas Market, hoping to buy a few pressies and get a little christmas spirit. I know the weather could have been a little better, but as far as the stalls were concerned, there was nothing really to write home about and nothing there to make me want to go again next year!!There was not an awful lot of christmas spirit and atmosphere either. I know a lot of people would have worked really hard to put it all together, but there was something missing, there was no sign of a bustling christmas market at all.What about local schools carol singing, or even a local band. We keep hearing about people complaining about locals not supporting dawlish, but we can only support the town if certain residents can let the town move forward, as the future of dawlish depends on this!

What if Dawlish Town Council offered EVERY outside trader at Newton Abbot market a free pitch in the Strand?, say for four weeks on a Friday, see what happens. Would that really wake Dawlish up and bring more trade here?
If it proves to be popular the council can start to charge. The town just may buzz a bit and people may come here for other than the sea, though that is a bonus.
What ya think Deb?
By the way before ppl start, its not the end of the world if no cars in the Strand for one day a week.

I agree, the weather was disappointing but take away the market and who would have thought it was approaching christmas. The strand looks dreary with only 2 christmas trees above their shop and one trader selling christmas trees but didn't even have one above his own shop!
If the traders don't make an effort why on earth should we.

Hiya everyone. I think yopu will find that the christmas spirit is lacking all over the UK at the moment. Most people are now in so much debt, that they are not really in the mood to think of others, working hard just to put food on the table most of them. I think it will return, people just need to remember what the season is really about, family, friends and just being there for each other. Merry Christmas everyone, lets be great in 2008.

Dear anon,
You are so right.

Parking in the strand.....theres a story, just imagine if the strand was closed to parking, where would all these people who have to take up 2 parking spaces with one small car be able to park!!!!! I think everyone who takes up 2 spaces when they park should have to pay for 2 tickets, maybe then they would think about how they park if they have to pay per space!!!!!

i have a shop on the strand - we've had decorations in the shop since november, we've had christmas music on all last week , we do xmas gift wrapping on presents and have had xmas stock in for a good few weeks now! maybe you need to walk along the strand with your eyes open!!! i think that most of the shops who have decorated their windows have made a really nice job of it! we're not allowed a xmas tree on our roof as our landlady lives upstairs and won't allow it - sorry about that!!!

Dear XX,

Don't worry - there is a group of people who want to help you and appreciate you.

Log onto: www.sandylane.btik.com
Then click on Dawlish Traders

If you or any of the other traders would like to get in contact with us/advertise etc via our website we'd be only too happy to oblige.

Click on 'contact us' to get in touch.

Spread the word.