As reported by the Herald in November last year, the Henley Friends Business Network put together Henley’s first business expo. It was a resounding success. About Time Corner was packed full of local businesses and attendees.
The Network committed to donating the proceeds of the day to the 1970 Henley Bus Accident Memorial, which was established and maintained by the Daleside Volunteers.
Beyond the donation, members of the network came together to upgrade and rejuvenate the memorial site. Plants, water, and time were donated from local businesses, Heavenly Herbs, Execugardens, Willow Learning Centre, and many more. The hard work was celebrated with an open fun day on January 27, 2024, at the Firehouse Gym in Daleside.
“What an amazing day spent celebrating the 54th anniversary of the Henley Bus accident with the Daleside Volunteers. The day started with a 5km run/walk from the Daleside firehouse to the bus accident memorial site, then continued with a round-robin volleyball competition between various teams, both local and outsiders. Two teams of girls competed against each other in a spinning competition for 2.5 hours and did an amazing 64km. The food and drinks on offer were outstanding, and everyone had an amazing day.” Tim Stapleton’s statement of the day.
I went by the site to see the updates and photos, and it looks amazing. The site is open to anyone to go have a look, pay their respects, and learn more about our area’s history.
The latest addition to the site is the wall of plaques, where the local businesses and people who got involved in the rejuvenation project are commemorated. You can still purchase your own brick to be placed on the wall.
Two Henley Friends Business Expo’s planned for 2024.
Following the enormous success of the Expo in 2023, plans are underway to expand the main Expo to two days and to add a Youth Business Expo for the future business stars of Henley on Klip and Friends.
Both will be hosted at About Time Corner, starting with the Youth Expo on June 16th (Youth Day) and followed by the larger Expo on September 28th and 29th.
The Midvaal Local Municipality has made the Business Expos a proudly Midvaal endeavour. 2023 saw 59 businesses presented, and plans are for this to grow with more parking and more advertising and marketing.
The Youth Business Expo will allow young entrepreneurs the opportunity to market their business ideas and products. They will be required to submit a business plan and will be in line for prizes based on profit, professionalism, ideas, stand presentation, marketing, and more.
More information is coming soon, or contact Tim on 078 966 7112, Gigi on 072 823 2785, or Fiona on 082 838 7146 (a WhatsApp message only, please).
