Harry Ramsden
Posted by Liz
Monday, June 27, 2005
I have just heard that 'Harry Ramsden' is coming to town; in the old TIC building. I know that this rumour was doing the rounds some time ago but apparently now it's official. With the town basking in the glory of our unique status this is surely some kind of sick joke? If not, this must be stopped immediately!
Posted by Jim Leach
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
How did you find this out Liz? This will be quite a shocking addition to the fantastic range of shops and cafes in Hebden. If anyone has been unfortunate enough to have sampled the offerings at their franchised outlets will be aware how poor the quality is. With 2 great chippies already in Hebden I doubt if anyone will choose there rubbish over the better and probably cheaper options around the corner, but will that be enough to ensure its prompt demise? Or will official boycotts be required?
This might be Hebden's next mention in the national broadsheets: "The Great Chippy Wars"
Posted by Jack Hughes
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Take a look at the archived messages from 2004 for more on this topic - headings are "McDonald's at the TIC" and "Harry Ramsdens". It's obviously a very contentious issue, and heavily ironic given the town's lack of homogenous chain outlets (excepting Forbouy's newsagents, the purveyors of the most expensive Rizlas in town - allegedly). I for one will be sticking with the excellent White Lion fisheries, but then again I've been going there for 30-odd years!
Posted by Duncan Watson
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
I agree with that it would be a great shame should this happen, and I would not buy anything from them. However it might help introduce radical new thinking to the world of fisheries in Hebden such as publishing opening times and being open at times when people want to buy chips.
Posted by Bob
Thursday, June 30, 2005
For the sake of those sitting on the fence, what actually would be wrong with a Harry Ramsdens? We already have five or so big "High Street" name shops in Hebden and most of the pubs are big Pub Co chains. I not trying to be silly here, I would just be interested in people's reasoning.
The loss of the building as a TIC was sad, but that's not the point now.
If you will boycott HR do you already boycott the other chain shops and pubs? Personally, I'll not be going as I am a veggie. Indeed I only know of one chip shop in the upper Calder Valley that is suitable to veggies.
Do you not think that the tatty empty shops on Market Street (opposite the CO-OP) are more of a problem to the character and trade of the Town?
Just asking out of interest, that's all.
Posted by Patrick Gordon
Monday, July 4, 2005
I have just heard this rumour too. The company that 'bought' the old TIC building seem quite open about the fact that it is Harry Ramsden that is going into that building, if you ask the more junior staff that is ... ;-)
The rumours are that now that Yorkshire Bank are moving out, then that building will be bought too and Harry Ramsdens will then occupy both the old TIC and the old Bank. Now that is a big retail outlet.
No thank you Mr Ramsden!
Posted by Tim
Friday, July 15, 2005
Here's a reply to an email I sent to their head office a week or so ago
Thank you for your e-mail - apologies for the delay in responding.
Unfortunately the rumours of a Harry Ramsden's opening in Hebden Bridge are wholly incorrect. We are always looking for new sites and Hebden Bridge is certainly a location we would be happy to site a Harry's in, but as far as I am aware we have never received details of any available site far less carried out any site or market evaluation.
I hope this answers your enquiry but if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards
Mrs Sandra Gardner
Customer Services Manager
Harry Ramsden's
So, looks like it's just another silly Hebden Bridge rumour then.....