HOPE NATURE CENTRE RE-OPENS!

HOPE NATURE CENTRE CHANGES

Hope Nature Centre, an rave reviews from excited young The Centre is also celebrating being a Animal Park and Café set adventurers. “We’ve been delighted 2020 Travellers’ Choice award-winner in 15 acres of Southwick by the support of visitors who have for visitor attractions in the UK. To find

Country Park just outside Trowbridge, returned and helped support this out more, and to book tickets, visit are continuing with their investment very special project and charity” the website. plan following three months of said David Gillingham, Commercial closure due to COVID-19. Fairfield Manager for Fairfield Farm Trust. • hopenaturecentre.org.uk

Farm Trust, the charity which operates Hope Nature Centre, were Lockdown provided an opportunity for lots of improvement works to be carried out at Hope Nature Centre given the go ahead to re-open in late

June, with a host of safety measures in place. Throughout the closed period, the team worked tirelessly improving the site, including the building of a brand-new Rabbit &

Guinea Pig Village, alongside many improvements to animal enclosures and plenty of land management.

The ‘jewel in the crown’ of these investments is the brand new £35,000 adventure play area which opened in mid-August to

SOCIALLY DISTANCED GRADUATIONS

Fairfield Farm College was able to host their 2020 Graduation, albeit slightly different from the normal experience. Delivering education in ‘bubble groups’, social distancing and plenty of hand sanitizer, students at Fairfield Farm

College had to quickly adapt to a new normal within their learning environment. Unfortunately, the schedule of summer events which normally includes a Reunion BBQ, their Summer Country Fayre and more all had to be cancelled.

Staff at the college knew there was

Students enjoying their graduation ceremony

one event that couldn’t be cancelled though, so they developed a safe way for students to celebrate all their hard work.

With 12 students in attendance at the ceremony, just one member of their family was able to join them. Students and guests were treated to an inspirational presentation from wheelchair tennis player and two-time Paralympian, Louise Hunt. Students were then able to collect their certificates and framed photos of them enjoying their time at the college. Those who were not able to attend were able to watch a live stream of the event, whilst students across the college also watched in classrooms so they could clap and cheer for their peers.

THE SWAN HOTEL

For great tasting food and some great live music head over to The Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon.

The Swan Hotel in Bradford On Avon has been busier than most during these strange months. Firstly operating as a Thai takeaway when the hotel, pub and restaurant was forced to close its doors and also by undertaking a whole range of improvements. One of the main upgrades has been to their WiFi, they are now offering fibre optic throughout the building with vastly improved signals in the bedrooms and all public areas (even the terrace has excellent signal!) They have also installed new smartTVs in all bedrooms.

Whilst in lockdown, the hotel also accommodated the homeless and vulnerable and provided meals for some in need. Such have been their efforts that they've been shortlisted in two categories in the Great British Pub Awards for their work with the local community (you can vote for them on their Facebook page).

Over the summer they've kept spirits high with regular live (socially distanced) music afternoons on their terrace and owner James SullivanTailyour hopes to continue these for the foreseeable future. He says, "We will certainly continue live music as much as we can - weather permitting - on our terrace and when it is safe to do so we will be welcoming back "Whilst in lockdown, the hotel also accommodated the homeless and vulnerable and provided meals for some in need"

The Swan has been hosting socially distanced outdoor live music this summer

our various live music sessions that include Jazz, Blues, Irish, English Country music, Folk, Sea Shanties and more.

"We are also delighted to have restarted our popular quiz nights that are held twice a month and continue to offer Thai food in our restaurant and pub 6 days a week (not including Sundays). We also have our pub classics menu available 7 days per week as well. Our Thai takeaways are also still available Monday to Saturdays.

"We would like to really thank all our customers who both supported us by ordering Thai Takeaways while we were closed and for all our customers who have returned to us and continue to support us now we are open, we really value your patronage and would like to thank you - it is only with your support that we as businesses can stay open!" SHOP LOCAL SCHEME Bradford on Avon businesses have gotten together to launch a new SHOP LOCAL scheme, enabling businesses to make exclusive offers available to residents and visitors wanting to support local shops and businesses.

The Swan is still offering Thai takeways and deliveries

Residents and visitors to the town can collect Shop Local cards from the Tourist Information Centre, participating businesses and the Town Council office. The cards entitle holders to take advantage of bespoke offers made by participating businesses.

The aim is to encourage interest in special offers but also awareness of, and spending at, local businesses as a whole, which is ultimately good for the community and - of course - your carbon footprint! See the latest offers on the Explore Bradford on Avon website.

• bradfordonavon.co.uk/boa-shoplocal-card

SPOTTY DOG FARM SHOP IS OPEN!

After a bumpy start due to COVID-19, Spotty Dog Farm Shop in Rowde is now open for business!

After 18 months of intensive treats including our now legendary groceries plus artisan chocolates planning and a barn doughnuts and cakes. and confectionery (chocolate pizza conversion, Spotty Dog Farm anyone?!). However, Spotty Dog’s Shop opened its doors on Saturday “The farm shop re-opened to huge point of difference is that it 21 March… and closed again 3 days visitors fully in May but we have is also home to their Little Nippers later as the UK went into lockdown. continued to offer home deliveries Children’s Shop, a natural pampering The timing couldn’t have been and collections from the Safe Zone range, thoughtful eco gifting ideas, worse, but circumstances weren’t outside the shop. Although we know stationery and greetings cards and about to get the best of them as the virus will be with us for a while artwork from specially selected artists. owner Kerry Davies explains, “Having yet, we are fully confident our farm Kerry continues, “Our range is jam invested so much time, energy and shop can operate safely in normal packed with great quality products money into our project, I wasn’t times, full lockdown and every from smaller businesses, some of about to give up everything we had scenario in between so we can crack whom are local. We like things that worked so hard for, so instead we on with growing our business with are natural and sustainable as far as decided to adapt our business. confidence.” possible.”

“The new farm shop is based at Lower Farm, Rowde, already home to Rowdey Cow Café & Ice Cream Parlour. We knew we could serve our community by offering home deliveries of food, but we also needed to ensure our staff were safe. We decided to keep our doors shut to the public and moved the shop around so we could fit in additional chilled food storage and everything we would need to be able to change from being a traditional shop to a busy food distribution centre. Next we set up a Safe Zone outside for customers who wanted to shop as part of their daily exercise and collect their orders from us. Everything happened so quickly – it amazes me now when I look back at what we managed to achieve. Within the first couple of weeks we built an online ordering system so people could choose what they wanted to have delivered and we added in some Take a step inside Spotty Dog and you’ll notice it’s a farm shop with a twist. They have a butchery, bakery (and separate cakery), fresh fruit & veg, deli, chilled & dairy items, general Open 7 days a week you are welcome to pop in anytime, or you can take a look at their online shop!

• spottydogfarmshop.co.uk

Spotty Dog Farm Shop is now open!

Spotty Dog has all your farm shop favourites and a whole lot more!

JOIN THE CRU Bradford on Avon's wine emporium is now also available online...

Cru now has a fully stocked online shop!

Bradford on Avon is an independent wine shop run by local mother of two, and wine enthusiast, Leanne Olivier. Leanne explains, “We ensure we put you at the centre of your wine buying experience, so we prefer to call our shop an emporium. Just like a shop, you will find plenty of wine, however, if you visit our shop, we hope you find it a place of curiosity and adventure too.” With the recent Covid-19 pandemic, wine buying habits have changed and many people prefer to buy online and avoid the shops. Brand new for Autumn 2020 Cru Wines are putting the convenience into wine buying and supporting independent retailers and you can now shop for your favourite wines online. You can browse their selection at their online shop and travel the world through wine. Cru offers FREE NEXT DAY local delivery to Bradford on Avon and within a 3 mile radius.

Whether you are looking for affordability and a good bottle for everyday drinking, or want to spend a little more for a special occasion, Cru has over 200 different wines to explore; so whatever your favourite grape, region or style, they'll be able to find something perfect for you.

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENTS

Cru focuses on supporting small independent wine growers and makers from across the globe who produce great quality wines. And with a selection of wines for under £10 you’ll find plenty of choice for home drinking whatever your budget. The shop is open Monday to Friday 12-5pm and Saturdays 12-4pm or of course you can take a look at the online shop! On the website you'll find all the same great options you can get instore, simply select what you want and it will be delivered to

Small group wine tastings cost just £10pp

you the next day. WINE TASTINGS After months in lockdown, why not get a small group of friends together and suggest a wine tasting at Cru Wines? The tastings are an informal way to try up to four different wines and learn a little something too. Tastings are bookable in advance on Thursday and Saturday evenings, last approximately an hour and a half, are socially distanced and cost just £10pp. To book, or to find out more, call 01225 862289 or email info@ cruwines.co.uk.

• cruwines.co.uk

COMPETITION TIME

Cru Wines are giving away a private wine tasting for you and 5 other people. To enter simply email your answer to this easy question to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk, remembering to include your name and preferred contact details. WHICH TYPE OF WINE IS THE MOST POPULAR WINE IN THE UK? Is it: a) Pinot Grigio b) Tonip Oigirg c) Grigio Pinot Email your answers now. Good luck!