Market Drayton, a town known for its rich history and community spirit, is home to a thriving organisation committed to enhancing the lives of its residents — Market Drayton Community Enterprise (MDCE). Officially registered as a charity in 2018, MDCE’s roots extend back much further, with a history of serving the community stretching over two decades.
At the heart of MDCE’s mission is the desire to improve the quality of life for all residents of Market Drayton and the surrounding area. The charity works tirelessly to bring people together, regardless of age, background, or beliefs, through education, recreation, and social welfare. By collaborating with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and businesses, MDCE strives to create an environment where everyone can flourish.
From Humble Beginnings: The Formation of MDCE
The story of MDCE is intertwined with the formation of the Market Drayton Senior Citizens’ Forum (MDSCF) in 2003. Established to advocate for the needs of older residents, the forum became a hub for raising important issues, particularly those surrounding transport and health. As the forum’s secretary, the founder of MDCE worked closely with Shropshire Council, helping to voice the concerns of the elderly population. Monthly meetings and workshops allowed residents to engage directly with council representatives, ensuring their voices were heard.
In 2015, as austerity measures loomed and concerns about their impact on older people grew, four members of the forum came together to form Market Drayton Seniors’ Enterprise (MDSE). Their goal was to identify and address the most pressing issues facing the over-50s in the community. After conducting a six-month survey, health and transport emerged as the top concerns, leading to the creation of the first Festival of Health & Wellbeing in 2016. The event became a landmark initiative for the town, helping to raise awareness about important health issues and connect residents with resources.
A Broader Vision: Expanding to Serve the Whole Community
As MDSE’s efforts expanded, it became clear that the organisation’s mission needed to reflect the needs of a broader demographic. In 2017 and 2018, MDSE introduced the Creative, Culture & Leisure Festival, which focused on promoting local activities and fostering creativity. These events helped to bring the community together and celebrate the diverse talents within the town.
As the work of MDSE evolved, so did its objectives, and it became clear that the next step was to apply for charitable status. In 2018, Market Drayton Community Enterprise (MDCE) was officially born. By Market Drayton Community Partnership (MDCP) fusing into MDCE, the latter was able to broaden its reach and include additional projects such as the Canal Maintenance Team, working alongside the Canal & River Trust, and the Drayton Arts Festival, which later became Creative Drayton.
Building a Brighter Future for Market Drayton
MDCE continues to serve as a pillar of support in Market Drayton, always working towards improving the community’s wellbeing. The charity’s efforts have resulted in numerous initiatives that make a tangible difference. For example, facilitating a partnership to enable a ‘Together at Christmas’ event proposed for 2025, in the expectation of bringing the community closer together by helping people who may otherwise spend the festive season in isolation.
Additionally, MDCE has been instrumental in launching the Go Green campaign, which eventually led to the creation of Market Drayton Climate Action—a project dedicated to addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainability.
MDCE has also facilitated a number of ad hoc events that have been extremely beneficial to the community. These include pre-General Election Hustings, held three times, offering a platform for local residents to engage with candidates and discuss key issues affecting the community. These events have proven to be valuable and have helped raise awareness about matters of public interest. It’s hoped that this tradition will continue as important local issues arise.
One of the charity’s ongoing projects is the creation of an electronic noticeboard for the town. This will serve as a central hub for local activities and events, helping residents stay informed and engaged. With planning permission granted, MDCE is now focused on raising the funds necessary to bring this project to life.
Through these initiatives and collaborations, MDCE demonstrates its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all residents in Market Drayton. The charity’s vision goes beyond individual projects — it’s about building a more connected, vibrant, and sustainable community for the long term.
Embracing Collaboration and the Future
While MDCE has not traditionally worked closely with local businesses, there is a growing recognition of the importance of building partnerships in order to further strengthen the town. As MDCE continues to grow, it remains eager to collaborate with local businesses, particularly in terms of event sponsorship and community engagement.
Additionally, MDCE maintains connections with several other organisations, both within and outside of Market Drayton. The recent formation of the “We’re Right Here Community Hub” at Fordhall Farm is just one example of an exciting new partnership that MDCE is eager to support. With so many community-driven projects, there is no shortage of opportunities to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
How You Can Get Involved
Market Drayton Community Enterprise is always looking for passionate individuals to join their cause. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, supporting initiatives, or simply learning more, there are plenty of ways to contribute.
As MDCE looks to the future, there are many exciting projects and opportunities on the horizon. The charity’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and wellbeing is at the heart of everything it does. Together, we can continue to make Market Drayton a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you would like to get involved with MDCE or learn more about their upcoming events, please visit the Market Drayton Community Enterprise website.
