LIGHTING THE FIRE
Sparking an enthusiastic response from the community and local businesses, the first Soapbox Derby is coming to Longridge
Plans for Longridge’s first ever Soapbox Derby are coming together quickly. The day of family fun, racing, wacky costumes and carts, not to mention a few thrills and spills is scheduled for Sunday 18th September in Longridge town centre. Thousands are expected to come along and cheer the 30 or so race teams, all the while raising vital funds for local charity, Longridge Community Action.
It is no surprise to see Raymond James Investment Services (RJIS) taking a leading role in supporting the event as its main sponsor. Following a long list of sponsorships including Longridge Does Christmas and Create Longridge, the Soap Box Derby will benefit from the enthusiasm of branch principal Wayne Hayhurst to ‘put something back into the community’, as he puts it: “Longridge has faced a number of headwinds over the last couple of years but it remains the place I am proud to call home, both in a business and a personal sense. If our involvement helps light the fire for other businesses and individuals to be involved that would be tremendous. The Soap Box Derby gives Longridge the opportunity to say to its residents and visitors, old and new, it’s not just a great place to live but has a real sense of community and purpose.”
RJIS Ribble Valley was founded in 2010, moving to its current location on Berry Lane in the town in 2018. With an in-house team of 20 members based in the Longridge offices serving a customer base of over 400 households, the business has built a strong identity and sense of its place in the community. “Longridge has so much more than just great homes,” adds Wayne. “There are wonderful, independent retailers, bars, restaurants and professional service companies, all providing first class customer service. If this event introduces some new customers to those businesses then we can deem the day to be a success. Longridge is not a closed community, we’re welcoming to new residents, visitors and businesses. Just come and see what we have to offer, not just on race day but in the days and weeks that follow.”
Getting involved couldn’t be easier. Just go to the website: longridgesoapboxderby.co.uk to find full details. It’s going to be a great day!
