PRESS RELEASE: Pontefract Civic Society announces the best Christmas shop window award
09 Dec, 2023
Pontefract Civic Society is proud to announce that Tooth & Tiger has set Southgate alight with the best Christmas shop window scoring 34 out of 35 from our judging panel of 14 primary school pupils from seven local schools.
Paul Cartwright, civic society Chair said “we were delighted by this year’s response of almost 60 decorated businesses, which bettered last year, giving the judges a challenge out of around a dozen shops and businesses which made an extra special impression to bring Pontefract’s retail and hospitality areas to life. We hope to see more people in Pontefract town centre exploring the Christmas displays, shopping locally supporting family businesses, and enjoying the Christmas spirit”
Last year’s runner up was back again, with the Indoor Market Hall coming joint 2nd alongside a new shop to Pontefract, Sense, on Market Place, both scoring 27.
Others which sparkled in the eyes of the school pupils were The Beastfair Vaults, Pomfret Gallery, Headhunters, Cromwells, The Prince of Wales Hospice, The Hideaway, 1902 Ropergate, and K Nails.
Richard Grace, St Giles Academy headteacher said “It’s always a real honour for the children of St Giles school to take part in this now festive annual event. It seems this year that the competition was stronger than ever. The children love taking part but find it really hard not to tell their friends who the winners are when they return to school”.
James Parkinson, De Lacy Primary School said “We had a great time, there were so many brilliant looking window displays and we found it hard to judge the winner. Both our representatives had a fantastic time and I’m glad that our school, as well as others within Pontefract Academies Trust can take part in events organised by Pontefract Civic Society”.
Martin Hamilton, Chair of Civic Voice, said, 'The Christmas shop window award is the embodiment of the festive spirit, and many civic societies and business improvement districts do something similar. However, what is noteworthy for Pontefract Civic Society is the engagement with local schools. This unique aspect not only promotes local businesses but also fosters a sense of community pride, allowing the youngsters to learn more about their town. I am sure the involvement of children will inspire families to visit the award winners, consequently boosting footfall. Well done to all parties involved for their efforts".
For local information visit the civic society on social media @PontefractCivic, the website at www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk or call 01977 708658. New members are always welcome, you can sign up online, and there’s books and Pontefract merchandise available for those late Christmas gifts.
Photographs during judging: Peter Ferrari.
Certificate presentation photographs: Christine Cartwright.
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For further information contact:
Paul Cartwright
Chairman
Telephone: 01977 708658
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
Notes for Editors
1. Pontefract Civic Society was established as a registered charity in 1969 to promote and support the well-being of Pontefract in all its aspects
2. Pontefract Civic Society’s mission is to raise the profile of Pontefract as a place to live, work, do business and visit by protecting and enhancing the environment
3. Pontefract Civic Society is both a member of Civic Voice http://www.civicvoice.org.uk , the national umbrella organisation for the civic movement, and YHACS http://www.yhacs.org.uk – the Yorkshire & Humber Association of Civic Societies.