In October 2023, Sarah (my mum) decided that after 18 fantastic years it was time to retire and I took over the business. Although I have only been running Helsby To Hand for a small chunk of the 20 years, it has been 18 months that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Meeting business owners, helping promote new ventures and continuing to watch businesses grow has been great to see.
I haven’t had the chance to meet all of the business owners in person who advertise, as I also publish two other magazines ‘The Local Life’ in the Northwich areas. I will do my
best to get round as many as possible and be able to put a face to a name.
With Sarah running the business for the majority of the 20 years I wanted her to take the opportunity to share some memorable moments since the first edition was published all those years ago. We hope you enjoy looking back on 20 memorable years of Helsby To Hand.......
“Thank you Charlie for inviting me to take a trip down memory lane as we celebrate 20 years of Helsby To Hand and the 239th edition.
As you may recall we had to stop publishing for a few months due to the lock down restrictions in 2020. Apart from that Helsby To Hand has been dropping on to your doormat each month since May 2005!
During this time we have had the help of 120 great delivery people. I was actually surprised that it isn’t more than that but for the first year or so we did them all ourselves, roping in family and friends. And looking back some families delivered for us for 15 years plus, as younger siblings or parents took over the round. We are very grateful to each and everyone of them for their diligence in all weathers.
It’s been really interesting looking back through some of the early editions with several advertisers from the very first issue still with us to this day. Namely, Complete Security Services (CSS), Elizabeth Arnold Sewing Studio, Frodsham Gardens and Altitude Roofing.
Quickly followed by Applegate Accountants, Rogers Carpets, Wow Garden Design, Graham Tonge Golf, Kingsley Carpets and Helsby Sports & Social Club.
The first ever double page editorial featured Homestead Day Nursery and the very first restaurant review (remember those?) was Francois at The Robin Hood Pub.
There has been over 1,500 advertisers during this time, many of whom have become good friends. Huge thanks to each and every one of you. It’s been lovely seeing how businesses have grown and flourished.
I also feel that Helsby To Hand archived editions hold a bit of history about our locality. As I’ve been looking through and recalling different businesses that have come and gone over time, it’s made me very nostalgic and brought up special memories.
Further thanks must also go to David who looks after the website for us, updating it every month. Applegate Accountants for taking care of the invoicing and lots more! and also the fantastic printers who we have had the pleasure of working with.
With so many people having been involved over the years it seemed impossible to include everyone in a celebration but we did go out, and enjoyed a lovely meal and raised a glass or two.
Here’s to the next twenty years with Charlie at the helm!
