BLANDFORD'S Chamber of Trade narrowly escaped extinction when traders stepped forward to fill the empty posts left by a retiring leadership.
The outgoing president Rod Williams had refused to accept the demise of the chamber and had continued the search for a successor when no one stepped forward at their AGM.
Trina Horrocks, who runs the jewellery store Horrocks and Webb, has become the new president.
One of her first moves has been to reinstate the name Blandford Chamber of Trade, from the former name Blandford Business.
She said she is firmly focused on emphasising how good Blandford is, and is asking fellow store owners to join her, tell her what's on their minds and what the priorities should be, to revitalise business for everyone's benefit.
"Blandford's last empty property is Morrisons, and that is being filled.
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"That is fantastic," she said.
"We want to promote the town, we want to find out what the traders think we should try to sort out.
"We want everybody's views.
"Then we will see if there's a certain area to take as a project to work on.
"I think we can achieve more customers who enjoy visiting Blandford and a pride in our Georgian market town if we all join together as one strong voice to tackle those issues."
She added: "The Chamber of Trade has lit up Blandford every Christmas using membership fees and fundraising events to achieve it.
"Without the membership there would be no lights.
"Can you imagine a Christmas with no lights?" she said.
Other new posts filled are vice president Erika Ackerman of Erika's dress shop, treasurer Tony Horrocks, and secretary Laura Ellerton of Huckleberry's bookshop.
The previous president Rod Williams has pledged to help them.
Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 12:08pm Sun 11 May 08
My sister and family live in Blandford, and we are often visiting. It would be a shame to have such things as the lights missing. Good luck Trina Horrocks in your new position.
My sister and family live in Blandford, and we are often visiting. It would be a shame to have such things as the lights missing. Good luck Trina Horrocks in your new position.
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