BCSC Purple Apple 'Community Relations' Merit Award
In May 2009 we became the proud recipients of a prestigious BCSC Purple Apple 'Community Relations' Merit Award, we were awarded
this for our ‘Community Christmas’ campaign. The BCSC Purple Apple awards recognise shopping centres that are outstandingly
creative and provide cost-effective marketing programmes that give superb results.
During our 'Community Christmas' campaign we worked closely with community organisations to create a calendar of events and
activities all focused around local support, education, charity, entertainment and well being. Beginning in early November
with a Children in Need youth disco, our packed schedule included free children’s Christmas card workshops, the Hertfordshire
University Craft Fair, live seasonal music from a local string quartet, a ‘Shop Like a Star’ competition on Heart 106.2 FM,
a professional Pool Competition in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and even helping to plant 1000 trees! A major highlight
was when TV presenter Toby Anstis opened our first Santa’s Grotto and switched on the glittering Christmas lights transforming
the galleria into a magical galaxy of tumbling stars. Toby was joined by Miss Hertfordshire 2009, Laura Nuttall, and the Mayor
of Welwyn & Hatfield for an entertaining evening of carols, competitions and giveaways.
Community engagement is vital for the galleria and is always a key component of our plans. Following the success of our ‘Community Christmas' campaign, we aim to build on our strong relationships with local people, causes and organizations and to provide an on-going calendar of support, activities and entertainment.
