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Bradford Bulls, in a gesture of goodwill and community spirit, have collaborated with Bradford Scouts to extend a helping hand to communities in Morocco. Through a heartfelt initiative, the Bulls have generously donated playing kits to the Bradford Scouts groups, who, in turn, carried them to Morocco, fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie across borders. The partnership between Bradford Bulls and Bradford Scouts exemplifies the power of collective action in making a positive impact on global communities. By providing playing kits, the Bulls aim to not only support local youth sports but also instill the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among young athletes in Morocco. The journey of these playing kits from the heart of Bradford to the vibrant streets of Morocco symbolises a shared passion for sports and a commitment to spreading joy beyond geographical boundaries. Through this collaboration, both organisations are reinforcing the importance of community engagement and international solidarity.

A popular local event organised by four artisan businesses is to take place every month through the spring and summer, to celebrate the historic part of Leamington they call home. People are being invited to make tracks to The Old Town Railway Arches next month, for the first in this year’s series of the special days, hosted by the business owners. Arches Day is a free event which includes a line-up of live musicians and DJ sets as well as street food supplied by Nico’s Pizza and Warwick Street Kitchen. The next event, on April 6th, has been organised by four of the businesses which operate out of The Arches on Victoria Business Park - Windmill Hill Brewing Company, BRUBL Beer, Warwickshire Gin Company, Southbound Café - Bar and sister company Vice Motorcycles. Windmill Hill Brewing Company was established six years ago by friends Gavin Leach and Rob Singleton and now brews and sells award-winning seasonal and limited-edition craft ales. Gavin said: "We had a blast running two "Off The Rails" events last year and we're excited this year to be hosting one a month from April - September! We have a brilliant new taproom space in the brewery and can’t wait to share it with everyone who comes down to enjoy this "mini festival" vibe right on your doorstep. Two breweries, a distillery, street food vendors, custom motorbikes and live music - need I say more?" Visitors on the day will also have the opportunity to see motorcycles on display courtesy of Vice Motorcycles. Vice build custom bikes and manufacture parts for Triumph motorbikes. Founder and manager Carl Harris has been based at The Arches for the past seven years and has spent his working life in product design-related industries. He’ll also be bringing his new venture Southbound Café - Bar to the event, selling a choice of French, Spanish and Italian wines and serving cheese and charcuterie, coffee, hot chocolate and pastries. He said: “It all adds up to a great destination for memorable days and nights out with friends or family and lots of choice in food and drink in the alternative railway arches yard.” The Arches has been home to Warwickshire Gin Company, run by Dave Blick, for six years. The award-winning hand-crafted drinks range of five gins and a rum and vodka recipe, are all inspired by historical events, with two more rums soon to launch. They also offer gin tasting experiences. Dave said: “It’s great to see that word is getting around about this event and that it’s becoming a more regular fixture in the calendar. It really is a fun family day that also supports some great small businesses in this part of town, which many people still don’t know about.” The newest Arches tenant is BRUBL Beer, run by Nathan Barnes who moved in after building the business which started life as a home-built garden beer shed in lockdown.

Dedicated dementia carers at Chocolate Works Care Village are celebrating having received ‘The Chief Nurse Adult Social Care – Team Award’ launched in 2021 by NHS England. Steph Bates, Clinical Lead, Robert Magat, Registered Nurse, Mohammed Hajji and Susan Crundell, both Senior Carers look after the wellbeing of residents at Riverside Community, a 29-bed dementia community situated at Chocolate Works Care Village on Bishopthorpe Road, York. The Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Awards are designed to acknowledge and reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by social care workers and nurses in England. The team were praised for their ‘passion’ and ‘dedication’ to ensuring quality of life and care for older people living with dementia. They were also recognised for the ‘complexity’ of the day-to-day role and modelling ‘outstanding care’ by being approachable, reliable, friendly and helpful to ensure both the residents and relatives are being supported. In a virtual award ceremony, the team were presented their award by Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse Adult Social Care at NHS England. The ‘Team Award’ celebrates those who go above and beyond their everyday role to provide excellent care, leadership and inspiration to their colleagues and those in their care. The carers at Riverside Community were nominated by Karen Spilsbury, the daughter of parents who were cared for by the award-winning team and a Professor of Nursing at the University of Leeds. Karen said, “Whether in my personal or professional capacity, I was observing what was going on in the community and I think most visitors will notice there is something very special about the team that care for residents at Riverside Community." “I had on heart say this comes down to leadership and I am delighted the team has been recognised for their passion and dedication by such an honorable and prestigious award.” Registered Home Manager at Chocolate Works, Dave Fieldhouse said, “To be recognised on a National level for the hard work and dedication of the team, feels like we are delivering the promise we give to families to provide exceptional care to their loved ones." “It’s a fantastic achievement for Riverside Community and we’ll be raising a glass in due course to all our carers for their ongoing commitment to care at such a high standard.”

For those spending a significant time in hospital, it can often be a challenging and stressful time. With that in mind, improving patient wellbeing is an incredibly important task, one that the East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity takes very seriously. Pexhurst is proud to announce that it has teamed up with four local companies to form the ‘Pony Club’ to sponsor this highly rewarding and uplifting new patient experience programme. As part of the sponsorship, Pexhurst help to fund therapy pony visits every three weeks to Lister Hospital in Stevenage throughout 2024. Bringing real joy and putting smiles on the faces of patients and staff alike, the charity’s therapy ponies programme enables patients to receive visits from three adorable therapy ponies, named Charlie, Pickles, and Romeo. These charity-funded visits have been organised by patient experience project co-ordinator Jane Shaw, who highlighted the uplifting benefits for the patients, staff and visitors. She said: “We have had such an incredible response to having the ponies visit us. The surprise and delight on peoples’ faces is so amazing." “Visitors also enjoy the visits – for many it is a welcome opportunity to make a positive memory while their loved one is in hospital.” Stuart Byles, director at Pexhurst commented: “As a business, we are always keen to raise funds for causes which we believe benefit local people in Hertfordshire. After hearing about the wonderful work the charity does and especially the benefits the ponies bring to the patients, we wanted to help in whatever way we could. Such a simple but effective way of brightening up people’s days.”

An East Midlands property investor, which has pledged to revive the country’s high streets, has been granted planning permission to convert the top two floors of a former job centre in Burton on Trent. This first phase of the project will create 25 apartments with the intention of a secondary application to convert the remainder of the building into apartments. ALB Group targeted Burton’s town centre as the next location on its regeneration mission. Crown House in New Street has now been granted planning permission for part. When the first phase refurbishment of the high-profile building is complete, it will be transformed into much needed one- and two-bedroom apartments for the local community. Arran Bailey, managing director at ALB Group, said: “This will be our second project in the town this year and we are excited to bring it to fruition." "The former Job Centre building has stood empty for a few years now - no-one wants to see empty buildings in their town. Our ethos is to revive the country's high streets through the regeneration of high-profile buildings. We have spent the last year looking at the site and working out what the community needs and how we can best transform the building.” ALB is a leading property investment and lettings company with a property portfolio of over £50m. The Nottinghamshire headquartered developer purchased and completed the acquisition of the 55,000 sq. ft building on Friday, December 1. It comes on the back of the firm’s 10-apartment transformation of the space above Oxfam/Peacocks in the town. Work on the former job centre site had already begun under permitted development rights with the top two floors refurbished to provide 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The full application for the remaining floors, which is intended to create an additional 50 apartments, will be put forward to the council later. Ed Hall, JV Partner with ALB is spearheading the project, and said: “Once complete, the converted high-end apartments will have appeal across the board but particularly to professionals and first-time buyers." "In addition, the ground floor of the building will be transformed into an amenity space for a residents’ gym and other facilities.” He added: “The appeal of Burton on Trent is self-evident. It is a great commuter town with good access to the M1, Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham. There are already lots of industry and developments taking place in the area”. ALB has championed improvements in town and city centres across the country with recent property purchases in Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Peterborough, Ipswich, Huddersfield and Birkenhead. The firm’s flagship Bridlesmith Gate regeneration project in Arran Bailey’s hometown of Nottingham, saw great swathes of city centre buildings snapped up by the developer. Using a “rethink and revive” strategy, alongside commercial lease flexibility and affordable rents, areas of the city are now being reinvigorated and attracting niche, independent and national retailers. Arran says that his forward-thinking strategy is a “win win” approach that has benefits for all. He said: “Our innovative strategy creates opportunities for business and communities.”

A multi award-winning micro-brewery in Leamington has opened its doors to a new taproom in the latest chapter of growth. Windmill Hill is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the new-look venue, underneath the Arches at Victoria Business Park, which has been transformed with new custom booth seating, a six-line keg tap wall and a stunning Chesterton Windmill Chandelier centrepiece. Director Gavin Leach has enjoyed success with the brewery since he turned his back on a career in pharmaceuticals to establish the business partner Rob Singleton in 2017. Since then Windmill Hill has gone on to create award-winning seasonal and limited-edition beers, found on sale in an increasing number of independent shops and bars across south Warwickshire. The independent brewery was born out of ‘a desire to create unique beers that both uphold traditional value and utilise expert scientific knowledge.’ Taproom guests can choose from Windmill Hill’s signature range offering a 4.5% ABV Pale Ale; 4% ABV Copper Ale; 6% IPA; 4.5% ABV Lager; 4% ABV Porter; 3.8% ABV Session IPA and 5.3% ABV Weiss Beer in 500ml bottles, as well as seasonal lines. Visitors will also have the chance to purchase 5L mini kegs and gift packs from the taproom shop to take away, as well as branded merchandise, including T-shirts, hoodies, pint glasses, bottle openers and Mini Cool Bags. The brewery will also continue its popular two-hour beer tasting and tour sessions which take place once a month. The Leamington entrepreneur and dad of three, also runs The Barge and Quarterdeck, a popular 60-foot floating bar and pizza kitchen in Stratford’s canal basin. He said: “We're really excited to be opening our brewery doors as a weekly taproom. We've been working hard to create a beautiful space in which to serve our beers exactly where they're made on Neilston Street." “We've been regularly hosting brewery tours, and the feedback we've had has been great. Lots of the tour customers return to experience our brewery again, and have commented regarding opening more often and offering a taproom experience too." “It’s really great to see something you produce from scratch being enjoyed and especially as a small local producer to be able to open up to the public and offer a taproom has been a dream since starting the business.” Just a five-minute walk from Leamington Train Station, the taproom will open on Saturday (March 2nd) and accommodates up to 40 people inside. It welcomes visitors on Friday evenings from 5-10.30pm and Saturdays between 2.30pm and 10.30pm.

The UK’s largest Zoo isn’t monkeying around this Easter, as Whipsnade Zoo promises to transport visitors to the forests of southeast Asia– with the unveiling of Monkey Forest. It will be the first time visitors to the conservation zoo will see Sulawesi crested macaques and François langurs. Visitors will meet the mischievous monkeys as they journey through Monkey Forest, as well as coming face to face with the curled-tusked Babirusa, and ‘demons of the forest’, the lowland anoa along the way. The new macaque habitat is the largest in the UK, covering 11,500m2, equivalent to 44 tennis courts. The habitat will incorporate a woodland of over 100 trees, providing the perfect habitat for the troop to clamber around and explore. Monkey Forest will shine a light on the troop of critically endangered Sulawesi crested macaques who are part of a conservation breeding programme for endangered species. The macaques are one of the most highly intelligent, social and promiscuous group of monkeys, hailing from rainforests on the island of Sulawesi, in Indonesia, and visitors will be able to see their cheeky grins, and observe the troop groom each other and smack their lips in greeting to one another. As well as being highly social, the monkeys are very expressive. Whipsnade’s visitors can try the macaques’ stylish black mohawks on for size and their hilarious facial expressions with funky face props. Those wanting to embrace their inner monkey can have a go at grooming some faux fur and look for fleas! And if the public need a rest from monkeying around, they can plant themselves on the ‘cheeky’ pink-bum themed seating area – in honour of the macaque’s iconic behind. Monkey Forest will also introduce the public to François langurs. Swinging from tree to tree in their woodland forest, the primates, sometimes known as leaf monkeys, will often be seen foraging for snacks around their habitat. And lucky guests may even catch a glimpse of a bright orange headed baby langur, which is often closely clasped to its mother’s chest. Along with these incredible animals Monkey Forest also offers families an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Zoo’s only drive-through habitat, the Passage through Asia – home to free-roaming deer. Children can explore the natural play trail, can they leap like a langur or perhaps balance like a monkey? Monkey Forest has a step free access path with a range of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The woodland forest setting provides the perfect spot for learning about the threats facing these animals which includes habitat loss due to mining; macaques and langurs being hunted for meat or traditional medicine, as well as being trapped and sold as pets.

Poole Bay Holdings (PBH), a leading direct and digital marketer of a diverse range of products, has launched a marketing graduate scheme. It is designed to attract the best and brightest commercially-minded university leavers who are eager to embark on a career within the industry. PBH was established in Poole, Dorset, in 1993, and has more than 200 staff and sells over 40,000 products to businesses across a range of sectors. Its new scheme is offering graduates hands-on experience, marketing training worth £2,000, student loan contributions, competitive starting salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Successful candidates will join PBH's existing marketing team and play a pivotal role in launching new websites and expanding product offerings. They will contribute to the growth of PBH's diverse portfolio of businesses and help propel the company forward. Many of the company's most accomplished staff, including members of the board of directors, were originally recruited as graduates. PBH works across numerous sectors including hot and cold therapy, sports first aid, outdoor furniture, cycle racks and shelters, first aid and emergency supplies, hygiene and medical products, and signage. Will Bright, business director, said: “At Poole Bay Holdings we believe in investing in talent and providing opportunities for individuals to thrive and make a real impact." “Our Marketing Graduate Scheme embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of marketing leaders who will drive innovation and success within our organisation." “We pride ourselves on being a local success story and we want those on the scheme to advance their careers here.”

A Special Forces soldier who was shot through the neck and is paralysed from the head down has astonished the medical profession by building himself a fast-growing brand – called Bravery. Toby Gutteridge, now 38, was never supposed to live, let alone turn himself into an entrepreneur. He is permanently ventilated and ought to be existing in a hospice-style environment. But he refuses to let his condition stop him. His brand pushes a ‘kick-ass’ philosophy and is unique because of the story behind it. Toby wants to spread the message that anything is possible and people shouldn’t hold back, but go after what they want. Bravery sells various clothing and outdoor products and has been endorsed by football manager Harry Redknapp and a number of other celebrities including SAS TV star Jason Fox. Toby was just 24 in 2009 when he was shot in Afghanistan. His SBS colleagues assumed he was dead. Miraculously he wasn’t, but medics gave him little chance of long-term survival and at one point it was advised that his life support should be turned off. Struggling to come to terms with his situation, the former thrill-seeking adrenaline junky seriously considered taking his own life. But summoning his boyhood motto ‘never will I die’, he made a decision to make the most of his life. He took some GCSEs and A Levels and completed a degree in Operations Management, and in 2016 registered the company name Bravery. It is based in a huge converted warehouse in Poole, Dorset, where there is a café and hub, and the products are also sold through a website. Toby said: “I was into all the thrill-seeking stuff; extreme sports, surfing, dirt bikes - then the injury took it all away. I thought how can I pick myself back up and stay involved in those things? And that was how Bravery was born." “It has given me a new lease of life and a purpose. It is a cool, California-style brand and I want to build it into the next Red Bull. It is a kick-ass, on-trend brand that encourages people to get out and achieve what they want. I have slipped through death’s fingers so many times, I take nothing for granted and I am just grateful. You have to live your best life." “Bravery is about strength of mind and just wanting to contribute to society. I was shot in 2009 and didn’t get out of hospital until the end of 2011. It took me four years to get over the devastation and the dark side of the injury. It got to the point where I wanted to end it all and I was admitted to The Priory. It was hugely frustrating learning patience and re-training my brain. I am permanently ventilated and need 24 hour care. But in 2015 I decided to make something of my life, so I took my exams and started the company while doing a business degree." “I managed to secure funding through loans and grants, found premises in Poole and had a website built." “All the products are unique to Bravery and include surf boards and wetsuits, which all made by leading manufacturers to our design. There are male and female clothing ranges and we sell sunglasses, bracelets backpacks, surf wax, skateboard decks, and we are adding British-made products all the time." “We have a café in the building as a way of getting people in and upstairs are offices where I work from. I also sell my book called ‘Never will I die’, and writing that helped me come to terms with my situation.” Toby lives near Poole with his fiancée Savannah who he met she applied for a job to look after him.

Two farmers’ markets in Staffordshire will welcome some big guests in March as part of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses. Shoppers at Stone Farmers’ Market on Saturday 2nd March and Stafford Farmers’ Market on Saturday 9th March will get to meet magnificent Shire horses who are helping to spread news about the National Shire Horse Show. The big show, which is the flagship event of the Shire Horse Society charity, is taking place at Staffordshire Showground from Friday 8th March until Sunday 10th March. Organisers are hoping to encourage as many members of the public as possible to attend and support the event. Shire horse Mordearg Pendragon, an 11-year-old grey gelding, who was born and bred in Staffordshire, will be at Stone Farmers’ Market on 2nd March from 10am, with the Mayor of Stafford Borough Councillor Andy Cooper welcoming him at 10.30am. On Saturday 9th March the Hook Norton Brewery dray and Shires Brigadier and Balmoral will be at Stafford Farmers’ Market between 9am and 11am with Councillor Cooper greeting them at 10.30am. The Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford Borough, Councillor Andy Cooper and Mrs Judy Cooper, will also be visiting the Shire Horse Show on Sunday 10th March. Victoria Clayton, CEO of the Shire Horse Society, said: “The National Shire Horse Show is our biggest annual event. It’s the opportunity for Shire horse owners to showcase the breed and for members of the public to find out more about these beautiful animals." "Fewer than 300 new Shire horse foals are registered every year, and the breed is still on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s endangered breed list, despite seeing a resurgence in popularity in recent years. So it’s so important that we continue work to promote and preserve Shire horses." “We’re delighted to announce that Shires will be attending the farmers’ markets in Stone and Stafford in March to help us to promote our big show. And excited that the Mayor of Stafford Borough will be welcoming us back to Staffordshire. We’re very pleased to be returning to Staffordshire Showground this year and look forward to seeing lots of visitors from Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands.” The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses is returning to Staffordshire Showground in March 2024 for the first time in five years with a bigger and brighter programme. The National Shire Horse Show will feature even more opportunities to see the gentle giants being put through their paces in all their finery after 12 new classes were added to the ring timetable. New for 2024 are extra classes for young riders and handlers, to encourage the next generation of Shire horse owners, breeders and riders, plus more opportunities to see eye-catching turnout classes. The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses was last held at Staffordshire Showground in 2019 – providing a super spectacle for horse lovers who travel from across the UK and from overseas to see the magnificent Shire horses in action. After a gap in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic, the event was subsequently held outdoors at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire but is now returning to an indoor venue at Staffordshire Showground for three days from Friday 8th March to Sunday 10th March 2024. Tickets are discounted in advance via the Shire Horse Society’s website here. Adult tickets are £13 in advance (£17 on the gate), child tickets are £10 for Friday and Saturday (£12 on the gate) with children free on Sunday 10th March when accompanied by an adult. Family tickets (two adults and two children on Friday or Saturday) are £38 in advance (£45 on the gate). There are also motorhome, campervan, and caravan camping opportunities available. Photo Credit: Hook Norton Brewery and Daydream Equine Art

LIVVE, an online menopause clinic founded by qualified prescribing pharmacist, Melissa Sookia has announced new support for the corporate market.   Following the recent news that employers may be sued by employees for not providing the right menopause support, the British Menopause Society trained team at LIVVE have responded with a series of free workplace webinars.   Having already run successful webinars and workshops for well-known companies, including Sainsbury’s, Clipper Logistics, David Lloyd and Strata, the webinars will offer expert advice to employers on how to manage menopause in the workplace.   Founder of LIVVE, Melissa Sookia said: “I created LIVVE, a platform that brings menopause consultation and pharmacy together to make support and treatment more accessible, affordable and to improve the retention of females in the workplace."  “Having spoken to many women in the workplace about menopause and perimenopause the biggest problem we hear time and time again is a lack of awareness from employers." "Alongside this, we are finding that many employers don’t know where or how to access the right support and we are hearing of more and more women leaving jobs and feeling unsupported in the workplace.” “In light of the latest news, we want to reach out to more corporates to offer guidance on how best to support team members through the various stages of menopause.” The team at LIVVE have developed a series of interactive and educational webinars delivered by specially-trained menopause pharmacists.   The webinars will cover all aspects of menopause, including the 48 signs and symptoms experienced by many, treatment options and advice on managing menopause in the workplace. Team members will have 24/7 access to the webinars alongside the opportunity to receive a one-to-one consultation with a trained pharmacist.   As trained pharmacists, the LIVVE team are regulated by the GPhC and registered with The British Menopause Society. LIVVE is on a mission to educate employers and support women in and out of the workplace with guidance and affordable treatment options.

Contractor Clegg Construction is inviting members of the public to a behind-the-scenes tour of its £13.5m Peterborough College development. The company is building a new three-storey Centre for Green Technology for the Inspire Education Group at the main college campus, off Park Crescent. On the afternoon of Wednesday 20th March – as part of Open Doors 2024 – Clegg is working with IEG to invite young people and career changers who are considering working in the construction industry to go behind the scenes. Delivered by Build UK, Open Doors offers a unique chance for the public to visit live construction sites, offices, factories and training centres across the UK, and discover how the communities they live in are shaped and constructed by a fantastic industry with a diverse range of career paths to offer. Open Doors takes place between Monday 18th and Saturday 23rd March 2024, and Clegg’s Peterborough College site will be open for visitors on the afternoon of Wednesday 20th March, with two visitor slots each lasting up to an hour. Bookings are now available on the Open Doors website and spaces are set to fill up quickly. Roger Bancroft, project manager at Clegg Construction, said: “We are proud to be building a new Centre for Green Technology for Peterborough College and are excited to be getting involved with the Open Doors scheme once again. It is a great platform for us to showcase the hard work that goes into building these landmarks." “This March, people will be able to visit the inspiring Centre for Green Technology, which is a low carbon project, and which will make a real difference to the future - training the next generation to work in green technologies and modern methods of construction.” Open Doors seeks to inspire young people and career changers of all ages to consider and explore a dynamic and exciting career in the construction industry. The event is delivered in partnership with CITB and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and supported by Industry Partners Canary Wharf Group, the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), Go Construct, Kier, People’s Partnership, Sunbelt Rentals and Willmott Dixon, and Community Partners the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC), the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) and Skills Development Scotland, and Media Partner Building Magazine. Suzannah Nichol, Build UK Chief Executive, said: “Many young people don’t know what they want to do when they leave school, so we have a fantastic opportunity to capture their imagination and show them just what they can achieve – whether they are considering college, an apprenticeship, or university." “Open Doors also encourages career changers and members of the public to experience a “live” construction project in their local community. We all know the impact this can have and the powerful first impression it can make.” Visitors to Clegg’s Peterborough College scheme will see the recently poured first floor slab at the site, with preparations for constructing the second floor. Onsite that week will be project manager Roger Bancroft, alongside the reinforced concrete contractor, the quantity surveyor and the design manager. The session itinerary will include a health and safety briefing, a project overview, details on how Clegg Construction works with the college, and a site tour. To book visit here. Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors.