Gardner and Scardifield’s 100 Year Celebratory Community event took place in July on Lancing Beach Green, West Sussex and the merchant reports it was “a roaring success”.
Founded in Lancing in 1922 and still based there 100 years later, Gardner and Scardifield operates as builders’ merchants, electrical wholesalers and DIY suppliers with over 15 branches throughout Sussex. With a strong community focus, the merchant says there was “something for everyone” at the celebratory event with live music playing throughout the day and various entertainment and activities taking place, as well as a funfair for all the children.
The event was free and the turn out from the local community was described as “amazing” with over 4,000 people estimated to have attended throughout the day. A total of £11,000 was also raised for charity, with this sum to be split between St Barnabas Hospice, Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and other local good causes.
And while the event was a celebration of the firm’s first 100 years, it considers itself to be a business that is looking forward and how it can adapt and innovate to “be better tomorrow and more sustainable”.
Managing Director Nick Neale said: “While we have grown in size over the decades, we have kept the same commitment to our local community and providing great customer service while building long term customer relationships. Upon hitting the 100 years, we wanted to celebrate the milestone for Gardner and Scardifield but also to celebrate Lancing and our wider community. I thought Saturday was a fantastic day that showcased this, while raising money for important charities that resonate with our business.”
With a variety of food outlets from cakes to pizza, a Spanish BBQ and Indian Vegetarian food, there was also an outside bar at the event allowing everyone to fully enjoy the day with all of the vendors contributing towards the charity total.
Jamie Davies, Director Orange Beach Bars, commented: “As a local business Orange Beach Bars are proud to support the Gardner & Scardifield Community Day and these wonderful charities. The team thoroughly enjoyed working at the event and it is not only the charities that benefited from the day, but the community also enjoyed it in the spirit it was held.”
The merchant also acknowledged the support of its supplier sponsors with a “particular thanks due to Aico, Stanley Tools, Faithfull Tools, Stoneplus and Bell Lighting as the event’s main sponsors”.
Nick concluded: “We are proud to be part of and support our community so we were delighted so many people, including many of our staff, customers and previous employees, attended and looked to be having such a good time!”
