QWAG’s hard work developing its new display for schools has paid off – literally.
Location, location, location. Although the only commodity QWAG were dealing in was information the retail trade’s mantra is equally important. This was the third Lewisham People’s Day that we had participated in since acquiring our own display equipment, and after occupying awkwardly sited pitches the pasr two years perhaps we were due a break. This duly came – the Lewisham Recycling Team had already set up a stand on our allocated pitch, so we inherited their larger, more prominently placed one by the main path through the park.
This prime location, in conjunction with our new banners (more of which below) and arresting before and after pictures of Chinbrook Meadows, assured us a steady stream of visitors throughout the afternoon. The fifth anniversary of the restoration of Chinbrook Meadows was one of four topics selected for the displays, the others being the Flood Alleviation Scheme, the new School Displays and the Lewisham Gateway planning application.
As has constantly been the case over the last 15 months, those previously unaware of what is planned for the Lewisham Gateway site were shocked by the proposals and supportive of QWAG’s campaign to ensure the Quaggy is treated more sympathetically. Those already aware confirmed their support.
However, it was the public debut of QWAG’s School Displays that stole the show. The first six of the set of nine were on view – and were an instant hit with adults and children alike. The displays tell the story, using the Quaggy as an example, of how rivers have suffered due to urbanisation, and how the misguided flood alleviation measures of the past are being replaced by more sustainable and environmentally friendly schemes. The displays are destined for primary schools along the Quaggy corridor from the autumn term onwards and we received our first request to host them during the afternoon.
And a great debut for the School Displays became a spectacular one with the surprise visit of a representative of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, who generously presented QWAG with a cheque to cover their production costs!
There’s no doubt that QWAG were in the right place at the right time at this year’s Lewisham People’s Day.
QWAG would like to thank Hither Green based company Concorde Graphics Ltd who made our new banners at short notice. We were very impressed with the quality and service they provided us at an extremely low cost.
Many thanks to Anne Scott, Berni Supiramaniam, Dave Larkin, Jerry Pinel, Julia Grollman, Maria de Jesus, Matthew Blumler, Paul de Zylva and Ray Manchester for their help on the day.