A LOCAL business group in Whitchurch held a party to celebrate a year since the group was formed.

The Whitchurch Business Group held its event in The Old Music Hall in Watergate Street on Wednesday, June 29 and the event was attended by the owners of a number of businesses based in the town.

The Whitchurch Business Group helps local businesses network and help both them and the town thrive.

Hillary Seward who is one of the admins of the group said she was pleased with the turnout but was disappointed the town council did not turn up.

She said: "I am really really pleased with the number of people who tuned out and the number of new faces.

"It has been a massive opportunity to introduce lots of people to new contacts, new relationships and new friendships.

"Lots of people we met for the first time are going to comeback and get involved in the business group.

"I am really disappointed that the clerk didn't come and the council didn't come despite being sent invites because the idea is to work together as a team."

Hillary remained positive about how the event went.

She added: "The turnout has been brilliant.

"They've drunk all the wine, they've eaten all the food. So it has been a good event."

The group thanked Anna and Lester Shaw for allowing them to use The Old Music Hall and also to young musicians, taught by Anna, who performed at the event.

Debbie Towsey from Whitchurch Insurance, said the event was useful for networking.

Debbie explained: "I think it has been a great networking event.

"It is nice to put local faces together with local voices, especially in our industry.

"Met some very interesting people here and learnt a lot about what Whitchurch has to offer.

"It is everything that you need, there's people, there's friends, businesses, opportunities and to market.

"A lot of our business is local, however we are looking to get more local.

"We have had a lot of local business throughout the years.

"Our aim this year is to bring everything back to the local flavour."

Fiona Wilson said she felt things have gone well for the group since it launched.

She explained: "I think it has been really good, I think we have done really well,

"We have helped a lot of businesses in the area, we have got a lot of new businesses on board.

"We will be able to help businesses with grants and moving into premises.

"It is onwards and upwards."

You can find out more about Whitchurch Business Group by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/395215257821044