Throughout the year various fund raising events have been held....

To mark the joining together of their two adjacent pitches at Gateshead Wholesale Market, Redbridge Produce & Flowers hosted a celebratory party at the end of November. The new double-size pitch was freshly painted, and decorated in style for the occasion.

The party atmosphere attracted large numbers of visitors throughout the morning's trading, providing a warm and busy stand on an otherwise cold winter's morning!

Flower Manager Philip Saunders commented " You can't stand still in this business and wait for people to come to you. As Floral Business of the Year Award winners, Redbridge wholesale branches are always looking for ways to attract customers and move the business forward, and events like this help to create a buzz in the markets."

During the morning leading Dutch designer Jaap Wisse entertained buyers at the market by demonstrating from the stand. Jaap's designs - and informative presentation style - went down a storm earlier in the year at the Redbridge Florist Workshop held in Durham; and customers were delighted to welcome him back.

Redbridge staff also made an impromptu visit to a local college during the day. When they found out that floristry students at Durham college would be unable to make it to market that day, Redbridge decided to go to them instead. Jaap Wisse demonstrated new floristry ideas to the first class, who enjoyed it so much they came back to see the following demonstration to the second class as well.

Redbridge will be hosting a number of similar events throughout next year at its wholesale branches around the UK, including a repeat event at Gateshead early 2006. For details of the schedule sign up to the Redbridge Flower News e-newsletter at flowers@redbridge-wholesale.co.uk