Welcome!

Saffron Walden Initiative is an independent, non-political, non-profit making Company. Membership is open to anyone who cares about the lovely market town of Saffron Walden.

Check out our Community EventsMembers Events, Projects and Join Us pages.

2025 DANCE IN THE SQUARE

Photo Copyright Scott Hughes

Saffron Walden Camera Club - Showcase - 13/14 Sep2025

Saffron Walden Camera Club is holding a Showcase in the Saffron Community Link facility on Market Street. The event will take place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday 13th - 14th  September 2025 and club members will be exhibiting their favourite print and digital photographs. This is an informal event where members of the public are invited to view the photographs and select their favourites while finding out more about the activities of Saffron Walden Camera Club and photography in general. 

Saffron Walden Camera Club has been established in the town since 1981, meeting fortnightly on Friday evenings in the Community Link facility. It has a membership of 30 and caters for photographers of all abilities, interests and ages; encouraging members to learn from each other and from the club’s programme of activities. The Club's annual programme includes photographic themes which guide a series of lectures, workshops and outdoor activities. The club encourages a relaxed ethos with 'roundtable' sessions and social gatherings as well as more traditional photographic talks and competitions. The Club’s website, www.saffronwaldencc.co.uk

Found after the Dance in the Square. Does this rucksack belong to you?  

If so email jacqui.portway@gmail.com

SUPPORT THE MARKET THAT SUPPORTS YOU

Saffron Walden's award winning market packs away early

every August Bank Holiday Saturday to help the DANCE IN THE SQUARE

Please support and thank these incredible people.

Click here for more market trader photographs

Photo (c) Walden Local

COMMUNITY PICNIC ON THE COMMON - Thursday 14th August 2025

Saffron Walden Initiative members, family & friends at the first community picnic.

Photo (c) Walden Local

COMMUNITY PICNIC ON THE COMMON - Thursday 14th August 2025

Saffron Walden Initiative members, family & friends at the first community picnic.

The Saffron Walden Initiative is supporting the new Sunday market

INITIATIVE MEMBERS LEARN TO PLAY CROQUET

Saffron Walden Initiative members recently had a “taster” session at Newport Croquet Club where they were given informal coaching and practice hitting the ball. They then played a number of rounds guided by experienced Club members. The Initiative visitors greatly enjoyed the chance to play croquet at such a delightful location and, after a refreshments break, many carried on with more practice rounds.

 

Audley End Miniature Railway Station Master with a group of visiting Saffron Walden Initiative members

2025 DANCE IN THE SQUARE

WINSTANLEY CHRISTMAS CHARITY LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

2024 WINSTANLEY CHRISTMAS BUSINESS & SHOP WINDOWS COMPETITION

WRITE A SONG FOR CHRISTMAS CONCERT

2023 INITIATIVE 20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

INITIATIVE STREET FURNITURE SURVEYS

Libby Richards, Jacqui Portway and Peter Riding at the 2024 Remembrance Day ceremony in Saffron Walden. Also supporting the Initiative in the parade were Judith Rowland and Jane & Chris Knight

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Saffron Walden Initiative (SWI) aims to improve Saffron Walden by working in partnership with local residents, businesses, non-commercial organisations and public agencies to facilitate and promote initiatives to:

  • Enhance the town's appearance

  • Promote the town and area

  • Provide facilities and activities for all ages and interests

  • Improve accessibility for residents, visitors and shoppers

  • Maintain the vitality of shopping and services

  • Develop community spirit 

See more photographs of Saffron Walden