The Rock and Bowl Festival are proud to be associated A. R. Richards Ltd again this year, who are one of our key festival sponsors.
A. R. RichardsLtd help us with the site maintenance and infrastructure each year at the Rock and Bowl Festivalincluding putting out all the skips so we can leave the site as tidy as we found it!
We caught up with the Director of A.R.Richards, Andrew, to find out about the benefits of supporting a community rock music festival.
Can you tell us how A.R. Richards are involved in the Rock and Bowl Festival and what you get up to behind the scenes?
We are involved in many aspects of the Rock and Bowl Festival, however, the main tasks carried out are the support and construction of the event. We manage all the waste and process it back at our mixed recycling facility. We also provide a number of stewards for security and site safety maintenance, as well as the dismantling and reinstating the park after the event has been finished.
How long have A.R. Richards been established and what do you they do?
We are a family-run business, founded in 1980 by Alyn Raymond Richards, Anthony Raymond Richards and Sheilagh Richards.The Agricultural and Plant hire contracting started out with an MF595, a trailed class Jaguar 60 Chopper and 2 silage trailers bought from Mr Westley Key, the farmer Tony Richards worked for since school, whom became our first customer.
In 2002, we incorporated as A.R. Richards Ltd. Whilst based in Norton in Hales, as part of the farming community, the company grew. This enabled us to recycle inert waste, supply some farming building merchants’ stock - such as pipes and construction work - and get involved in agriculture and plant hire contracting. Also to manage the sister company T.S. Pumping.
In 2008, a second site was purchased which opened to trade as an MRF and builders merchant. This enabled the business to introduce skip hire, Euro Bin operations and haulage.
Warrant Hangar soon became full to capacity. In 2014, we approached Greenvale with an offer for more land, which was accepted. The new site, ‘Bensite’, Warrant Road was purchased in 2015.
In February 2017, Bensite opened its gates to trade, which is currently taking in general, household, hazardous and farm waste as well as stocking a continually growing building merchants and Euro Bins.
Why is it important for A.R.Richards to be part of the Rock and Bowl Festival 2019?
It is important for us to be a part of Rock and Bowl Festival as we have a local customer base. We also like to give something back to our customers, and taking part in community events strengths this relationship. Market Drayton is our nearest town and it gives us a great sense of pride to support our local community as well as collaborate with other businesses.
What is the most challenging aspect of the festival build?
The most challenging aspect of the festival build is the weather. Negotiating obstacles such as poor conditions for HGV vehicles in wet weather can be a challenge.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Rock and Bowl Festival 2019?
We are looking forward to collaborating with both the festival organises and the Market Drayton community. It is both the teamwork and effort put in by all which is massively beneficial and enjoyable to the entire team.
Who is your favourite Rock Band?
Queen
What is your favourite Joule’s Ale?
Blonde
Rock and Bowl Festival Tickets
This year’s Rock and Bowl festival will be taking place from 25thto 27thMay 2019.
If you haven’t purchased your Rock and Bowl Weekend Pass yet, you can do so now by following this link.