TESTIMONIALS
(Emails and Comments received on the demise of Lewes Artisans)

I am really sorry to hear about the closedown.
I have been proud to be a member and have found the membership to be a reassurance to my clients.( And an incredibly cheap and effective way to advertise.) Most people around Lewes are aware of the Artisans, and when discussing jobs, it has always been useful to say to the customer 'look in the directory' to find other reliable craftsmen. So a job that was initially only for me may have generated work for maybe 3 other artisans, and I could have absolute confidence that everything would be done properly.
I think you can be proud of what you achieved, and I am only sorry I didn't join earlier. I actually thought it would be a bit of a cheat being a LEWES artisan as I live in Piddinghoe and have a workshop in Newhaven.
 Thanks again for all your hard work,
Sue and Peter Rogan

We're sorry to hear about the decision, although we certainly understand how much time & effort is involved in keeping something of this sort going.  If you were making the Big Bucks, that would be fine, but...
Thank you from us both for all of the work you gave in the past. 
Carol and Paul Kelly

It's sad that Lewes Artisans are closing down, but as you say, probably the right time to withdraw with dignity. Thankyou for all your hard work. Must remember to remove the stickers from my truck...
Best wishes
Alison Cotton

So Sorry to hear about this  it was a lovely site and service and thank you for returning my cheque best wishes for all you do in the future.
Ruth (Garratt)

I am so sad to hear that Lewes Artisans will cease to exist but very understandable how you have to think of your own needs first.
Who knows, maybe in a thousand years time, the old website will be preserved and archived in some ancient Masonic building known only to the descendants of the Artisans. And futuristic conspiracy theorists will not be able to conclude anything, other than that we were just a unique group of proud and talented craftsmen who were brought together through a pioneering website.
(Perhaps we could all get together and publish a book as something for our descendants to remember us by..........or is that a bit silly???)
I would like to thank you for your professional services and the personal approach in which you dealt with members. I am sad but proud to become a little part of history!
God bless you.
Carole Skinner
 
I was greatly saddened to receive your letter today re: the close down. I have lately gained loads of customers via the website who are pleased to find a local organisation of skilled people. I can see that it has grown to a point that you feel that you can’t give it enough time and that can only be a sign of its’ true success.  The various new handbooks that are sometimes delivered to every house (though living in Hill Road as I do they tend to give up by the time they get here and we get missed out) but they are not very good and badly presented. Is there no one out there who will continue this super set up on? I would willingly pay more per year to ensure it and this could pay for someone to run it if everyone could pay more. If you really have to go, please don’t give me back any money as I feel that I have had a good deal anyway.
All the best and many thanks for your sterling efforts.
Kathy Myles

Many thanks for the notification that Lewes Artisans is closing down, whilst I was very sad to hear this news I am totally understanding of your position and reasons for doing so. May I take this opportunity to thank you all for everything that you have done, the energy, effort and commitment that you have all shown in making Lewes Artisans such a successful venture.
I hope that you all enjoy your new found 'spare-time'!!!
Best wishes for the future
Carol Ockenden 

 Very sad indeed, and all too familiar (been there myself) and quite understandable.
Thanks for all you have done for us Artisans and all the very best to you all in the future.
Kind regards,
Max Carrington

I was sad to receive your email with regard to the closure of Lewes Artisans but fully understand your reasons for doing so.
I would just like to thank you for inviting me in the first instance and for the time you have all devoted.
Kind regards
Chris (Hesketh)

Many thanks for letting me know about the Artisans. It's a great shame that it's coming to an end but on the other hand I can totally understand why you would feel that it's time to call it a day.
It's been a pleasure being part of 'the family' and I've met some good people through it so many thanks for all your hard work and effort.
Best wishes
Linda (Collins)

We are so sad to hear that Lewes Artisans will be no more.  I speak for both of us at Weir Water Plumbing when I say that you have been, without doubt, the best forum for advertising and networking that we have yet come across.  I believe that being an Artisan member provides a certain kudos, and is a group that we are proud to be members of.  We have always recommended that our clients, when searching for any requirements, look no further than your website.  It is obvious that you have set it up with integrity and are closing it the same way. 
You will be sadly missed. 
We wish you all the best for the future. 
Keri & Berty

I have been in Lewes now exactly 1 year. When I moved from Nottingham last November it was with a sense of adventure but also with a fair amount of anxiety. I am a self employed Decorator and had the risky task of starting a business again from scratch. I was delighted to discover the Artisans and my acceptance as a member was a fantastic start for me here in Lewes. As a result of membership I found work more quickly and more easily than I could have anticipated. I am extremely sorry to hear of the closing down of this excellent scheme and I wish all the best to those who have given their time and skills to help fellow artisans.
Take care all
Sincerely
James Wilson

Sorry to hear you're closing the artisans down.
I wasn't much of a contributor but I did think it was a good idea.
Thankyou for all your hard work.
Nigel (Phillips)

As a new and grateful member I am sorry you will cease to be though your reasons are understandable. There is no need to credit me with any cash if indeed you owe me any.
Regards
Michael Stevens

I'm truly sorry to hear that you are folding. You were unique, and will probably spawn more LewesArtisansalikes than you would dare to think about.
It was a fortuitous day when I was doing some gardening at the same house that John was repairing and painting windows in Brighton.
John invited me to join Lewes Artisans as the first gardener on your list.
It took me a few months to pluck up courage but it has been the best thing businesswise I have done.
I have had more contacts through Lewes Artisans than any other source, and have built up lots of loyal clients in lovely Lewes and surrounds as a result.
Through Lewes Artisans I have been asked to write gardening articles for Lewes Living magazine, one of those many publications that have taken over. (I tend to fall into things rather than pushing in a calculated direction).
I think Lewes Artisans has been a gentle and nurturing organisation. A breath of fresh air in the thrusting rush to grab money out there. 
Thank you for giving me a big helping hand.
Sue Craske

Sorry to hear about this, as Lewes Artisans has created a significant function and identity.
However, many thanks for all your work and committment to it.
With very best wishes,
Sarah Bristow

Totally understand your reasons and I would like to thank you for all the support you have given me, including the creation of a brilliant website, which many of my contacts have logged on to. We all benefitted from your generosity and you have given us a great launch - thank you!
all the best,
Caroline (Dorling)
 

You've all done a fantastic job on it - well done and thanks.
Best wishes
Miranda (Kemp)

A great shame, but I understand completely the need to focus on earning a living....
I wish I had a great solution to your need to cease, but I'm afraid I don't.
Thank you all for all you've done for us .
Kate Hook

We were so sad to receive your No.19 Newsletter announcing the closure of Lewes Artisans. It will be a blow for patrick who started his mobile mechanic service in Lewes when he registerred with you, since he has gathered the majority of his clients through your website and resulting personal recommendations. And they are still coming!
…..Please accept or sincere thanks for your past services
Monica Parkin & Patrick Soulard

I wanted to thank you for the extremely efficient web updating you have done for me and all the rest. I appreciate very much that you've helped get my business going...
Richard Keal