New greetings cards featuring Market Drayton on sale from local library

Eight new greetings cards featuring local scenes from around Market Drayton were launched on the morning of Wednesday 25 July 2018. The scenes depict St Mary’s Church, a longboat on the canal, the marketplace and other familiar sights.

The launch event was hosted by the Friends of Market Drayton Library, a very active volunteer group who run events at the library. They put on free cakes with tea and coffee for those gathered to see the new cards for the first time. Chairman Mike Clegg thanked those involved for their efforts, particularly Jean Bell and Carolyn Smalley who organised the creation of the cards.

Market Drayton Library branch manager Alastair Pack remarked that this was an excellent example of different groups within the community working together with the library to create something that benefits the community as a whole.

Mike Clegg, Chair of Friends of Market Drayton Library, handing over new greetings cards to branch manager Alastair Pack.

Alastair said:-

“I noticed a bit of a gap in the market for merchandise featuring local scenes and suggested the Friends might like to help the library improve its retail offering by creating something appropriate. They took the idea and ran with it. The time and effort they contribute is incredible and makes the library such a vibrant hub for the whole community.”

The Friends got in touch with the Market Drayton U3A Photography group who were eager to supply images for the cards. They initially produced almost 250 images, which the Friends whittled down to a manageable eight. The Friends contacted different suppliers and settled on a local Market Drayton printer, Allsorts Design & Print, who produced the A6 size cards. The Friends then sourced the envelopes locally and individually wrapped each card in cellophane by hand.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

‘This is a great example by Friends of Market Drayton Library of how Friends groups can support their local community. Through innovative partnerships like this one, there is a chance to champion local business and creative groups across Shropshire Libraries and produce something uniquely beautiful.”

The launch event was a great success with many local people attending, and about half the initial run of cards sold within an hour.

Carolyn Smalley said:-

“It’s been a learning curve, and it’s been fun. If the cards continue to sell this well, we’ll consider bringing out some new winter scenes in time for Christmas.”

The cards are on sale exclusively from Market Drayton Library at £1.50 each.