PRESS RELEASE – 31 OCTOBER 2006

 More Charity Christmas Cards now on sale in Corsham

 The new team responsible for running the Tourist Information and Heritage Centre has doubled the range of Charity Christmas Cards available this year.

 The Centre, which is now managed by Corsham Area Development Trust, sells the full range of Cards for Good Causes plus a selection of matching wrapping paper and gift tags.

 Peter Tapscott, a director of the Trust, said, “The visitors and local residents who use the Centre asked for a wider range of cards and we have been able to respond to this request. This is a popular local service, which we are delighted to promote because 81 pence in every pound of purchases goes directly to the charity in question. People have their favourite charities which they wish to support and we can now meet their needs in full.”

 The Trust took over the running of the Centre’s services on 22 October and is under contract with the District Council.  A public campaign and petition to prevent the closure of the Heritage Centre showed much local support for the facilities; and the current arrangements with the Trust and the District Council will ensure a future for both the Tourist Information Service and Corsham’s Heritage Centre.

 Director and company secretary Ian Storey commented, “Apart from the cards, initially there will only be small changes to the services we provide and we are continuing to handle bookings for the valued National Express services from Corsham. In the New Year we hope to expand the range of guides, maps and local history books. None of this would have been possible without the positive support of

Christine Reid and the other local District Councillors and the Council officers with whom we have worked closely to produce a viable way forward.”

 Picture:

A photo opportunity will be available to feature the cards and staff at Arnold House. Contact Ian Storey on 07711 762280.

Notes for Editors:

1. The Corsham Area Development Trust is a company limited by guarantee and was formed in July 2006.
2. 30 Founder Members have joined the Trust and will be invited to nominate members of the Management Committee.
3. The original directors are Peter Tapscott from the Corsham Civic Society and Ian Storey from the Corsham Chamber of Commerce who decided to save the Heritage Centre from closure and to increase the marketing of Corsham to tourists and to residents. UK day visitors to the town are estimated to contribute at least £1/2million per annum to the local economy.
4. For further information contact Ian Storey on 07711 762280 or Peter Tapscott on 01249 714453.