A NEW millennium means a new start for Barnoldswick and Earby Chamber of Trade, with hopes for fresh ideas, renewed enthusiasm and more members.

As with many organisations, over the past few years the bulk of the workload has rested on too few shoulders.

The Chamber of Trade has organised some superb events, such as its Victorian Fairs, taken on first class initiatives like the Barlick Gold shoppers' loyalty scheme, and taken a key role in initiatives like the Barnoldswick Town Centre Forum.

But it has tended to be the same handful of people at the forefront, and that can only go on for so long. Sadly, last year's Victorian Fair had to be cancelled because not enough people came forward to help with the organisation.

When the Chamber held its annual general meeting this month, both the president, Stuart Cawthorne, and vice-president Chris Haworth decided to step down after four very busy years in the posts.

Voted in to replace them were Sara Bower as president and Jackie Poole as vice-president.

Their first action was to praise their predecessors for the fantastic job they have done, but at the same time they are conscious of the need for change in a bid to revitalise the group.

One change already made is that the two posts will be re-elected annually so that they don't become "a job for life".

Sara, from Sara's Tack Shop, and Jackie, from The Caf on the Square, are keen to get more people involved, and believe the way to do that is to make the Chamber of Trade more fun.

They want to strengthen the social side of the group and hope as many people as possible will come along to the next meeting.

It will be held at the Cricket Club, on Frank Street, next Tuesday, April 4, starting at 6.30pm.

A letter has already gone out to traders in the town but some are bound to have been missed and Sara and Jackie stress that everyone is welcome to attend.

They see the meeting as a new start and hope people will use it to clear the air, get things off their chest, have their say on issues affecting the town and bring along their own ideas and suggestions for the future.

A number of events are already planned, including a charity fundraising auction.

It will be held at Barnoldswick Conservative Club on Wednesday April 19 from 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now at just £2 including a pie and peas supper, and everyone is welcome at the event.

Organisers also hope to use the auction to present cheques to a number of local charities and good causes.

That money, amounting to over £500, was raised by the Chamber last year and the groups to benefit will be chosen at next Tuesday's meeting.

Most of all, Sara and Jackie want to get more people actively involved with the Chamber of Trade - with the emphasis on "active".

They don't have to be people currently trading in the town. Retired shopkeepers or business people, now with more time on their hand, could have a great deal to offer.

In fact, anyone with a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in for the benefit of Barlick will be welcome at next Tuesday's meeting.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.