Latest news with #NewsShopper
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The homeless man walking up to a marathon a day to tend south east London gardens
A young man based in Swanley walks up to 26 miles a day across south east London and Kent with a trolley of tools, determined to rebuild his life through gardening and landscaping. Ten months ago, 23-year-old Dylan Bravery says his life was turned upside down when he fractured his neck in a motorbike crash. The injury, he said, cost him his job, his ability to drive, and eventually his home. At the time, Dylan said he was living out of a camper van and working shifts in a café while trying to get back on his feet and continue. He had no job security or sick pay, and after the crash, he found himself physically unable to continue. Dylan told the News Shopper: 'I was struggling with my neck and couldn't do the shifts. "There was no sick pay, no cover, so we agreed I'd leave. After that, everything just slowly fell apart.' He moved to Kent, where he said he spent periods sleeping in a tent and then in a car with support from his partner. Although Dylan said he has mostly been living in the car and occasionally staying in other temporary accommodation, he makes a point of looking after himself. At one point, he said he was applying for dozens of jobs a day. Instead, he decided to start his own gardening business - Wild Roots Gardening. It began with nothing more than a few tools, a borrowed trolley and a lot of walking. Dylan explained: 'I can average around 20 miles a day. If I've got a full day, I'm doing about 26 miles all round.' 'I do go on trains now and again. I take my whole trolley with all my tools in it. 'The trains have been very understanding with me. However, the buses have not been so understanding — refused every given point.' 'I do go on trains now and again. I take my whole trolley with all my tools in it. (Image: Dylan Bravery) Dylan said even when he offered to pay extra, he was still denied access to the bus with his equipment. Despite the challenges, he said he enjoys being outside and is passionate about his work. He said he built the business job by job, mostly through word of mouth and by advertising locally. He said: 'I had three gardens in the first month. Then six the next. Now I've got around 30 regulars.' Wild Roots Gardening is also built around a commitment to eco-friendly methods. READ MORE: Dylan said: 'I don't use weedkiller or chemical treatments. "I wouldn't want children playing in a garden that had been sprayed with that stuff. Even when they say it's safe for kids or pets, a lot of the time it really isn't.' He credits his partner for standing by him during some of the most difficult months. Dylan said: 'She helped me pay for some of the tools and even let me sleep in her car when I had nowhere else to go. I wouldn't have managed this without her.' Through social media, Dylan started sharing updates under the name Homeless Hope, which he said gave people insight into his situation and helped drum up support for the business. Dylan said: 'I wasn't asking for money. I just wanted people to see what I was doing—trying to get back on my feet. Since then, my client list has grown a lot. I've even got a waiting list.' Recently, Dylan has been offered full-time with a local gardening firm, which he said gives him the chance to develop his skills and earn a steady income as he continues working towards stable housing. He still runs Wild Roots Gardening in the evenings and at weekends, offering eco-friendly services to his regular clients across south-east London. Despite his success, still dealing with the long-term effects of the injury. Dylan said: 'My neck's not right. I've had to go back to A&E a few times. but I carry on. I've got to. This business is what keeps me going.' He said he is now saving to rent with his partner and hopes they'll be able to afford a deposit before winter, when gardening work typically slows down. He is also hoping to buy an e-bike and build a custom trailer to carry tools in order to reduce the need to walk such long distances each day. When asked what advice he would give to others facing similar difficulties, Dylan said: 'You're not alone. The world can be brutal, but if you're still here, still breathing, then there's still a chance. 'Just keep going. Even if it's slow -even if it's the long way round—you'll get there.' Dylan Bravery's GoFundMe page can be found by searching Wild Roots Gardening online. His gardening services are available in the Swanley, Sidcup, Bexleyheath and Orpington areas, depending on availability.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Kent pub doubling as a zoo that's looking for a new animal keeper
A Kent zoo which shares it home with a pub is looking for a passionate new animal keeper to join its team and care for its many rescued animals. The Fenn Bell Conservation Project on Fenn Street in Rochester is offering a full-time position for someone with at least two years' experience in a recognised zoo environment. The keeper will support the day-to-day running of the zoo, which is home to a wide range of creatures, including monkeys, meerkats, raccoons, otters and flamingos. Founded in 2014, the project began when owner Andrew Cowell took in two pigs in need of a new home. He told the News Shopper: 'I saw them online, and taking them in just sort of became a habit. 'Soon, we found ourselves with all sorts of animals. 'We used to have people come to our front door and ask, 'are you the man with the monkeys in the back garden?' I'd say, 'yeah, come have a look.'' Eventually, after a moment of reflection prompted by his wife, he began thinking about creating a proper space for rescued animals. The opportunity came when he noticed a disused pub nearby. (Image: Fenn Bell Inn) Andrew explained: 'I told Shepherd Neame I wanted to rent the pub to build a zoo, and I think they thought I was mad, but they went with it.' Andrew officially took over The Fenn Bell pub in 2014. Since then, the zoo has grown steadily and now welcomes more than 60,000 visitors a year. The project focuses solely on rescue and conservation. FIND OUT MORE: Andrew explained: 'None of the animals here have been bought. They've all been saved from difficult situations, whether from other zoos or private owners who could no longer care for them.' The new animal keeper role comes with a salary of £25,600 per year and includes responsibilities such as preparing diets, maintaining enclosures, monitoring animal behaviour, and contributing to enrichment and training. The role also involves supervising volunteers and students on work placements, some of whom come from special needs schools. Andrew previously said: 'We have more than 300 kids come through each year on work experience and we are also passionate about supporting special needs schools, where students come to help out around the zoo. It's a really fulfilling part of what we do.' The zoo is funded in part through the pub, which operates on the same site and remains open to customers whether or not they are visiting the animals. 'The income we make from food and drink goes directly into supporting the animals,' Andrew explained. Applicants must have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. Experience with ZIMS (Zoo Information Management System) and an animal management qualification would be an advantage but are not essential. To apply, candidates are asked to send a current CV and cover letter to Connor Gordon, Head Keeper, at cg@
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cat found decapitated in Welling alley with injuries suspected to be human inflicted
A family cat has been found decapitated in a Welling alleyway after what the owner says a vet described as a deliberate act caused by a person. Bob, a black and white cat, went missing on the night of Wednesday, May 21. Two days later, his body was found in an alleyway behind the A2 and off Wellan Close. His owner, Kayleigh Staunton, told the News Shopper: 'I saw a post on social medica and automatically thought, oh my gosh, this could be our Bob. 'I walked around the area and he was just there with literally no head, just his body.' At first, she thought a fox might be responsible but according to Kayleigh, neighbours who discovered the body had already contacted police, believing the injuries looked intentional. READ MORE: She then took Bob to Vets Now in Sidcup where staff allegedly confirmed that the injuries could have been intentional. Kayleigh said: 'She said this looks like somebody has strangulated him and then decapitated his head. It was just awful. Absolutely awful.' Following the discovery, Kayleigh said the Vet's contacted South London Animal Investigation Network (SLAIN), a group that helps raise awareness of suspected animal cruelty cases. She said SLAIN created and distributed leaflets in the area and began asking for CCTV footage between 12pm on May 21 and 8pm on May 23. The leaflet says the injuries appear to be 'human related' and asks people to report anything unusual. Kayleigh said this wasn't an isolated case in her area. She said that shortly after Bob's death, she saw on Facebook that another cat had been found decapitated nearby. A few days later she said her mother heard from a neighbour that a fox had also been found dead under similar circumstances. Bob was nearly eight years old and well loved by the family – he will be dearly missed. She said: 'We got him when he was a kitten… He was a black and white cat. He came along with another cat that we still have called Bella. 'He was an outdoor cat, but he was very much part of the family.' Kayleigh said Bella and Bob usually went outside together, and that Bella's behaviour changed after Bob disappeared. She said: 'She kept coming back, meowing on her own. And that's when we suspected something was wrong.' She said her family now feels uneasy and is being more cautious with their other pets. She said: 'We are a little bit worried because some serial killers start off with animals, and some people might take that as an exaggeration… but you never know. Kayleigh said she hopes speaking out will help others stay alert. She said: 'I want to basically make others aware and keep their cats indoors at night, if they can.' Anyone with CCTV footage or information is asked to contact SLAIN on 07957 830490.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Look inside Movie Shack's new Bexleyheath home after big reopening
Here's a look inside the new home of a much-loved independent board game café and collectibles store - which has become a thriving hub for games, creativity and community connection. Movie Shack officially reopened at its new home on 2 Mayplace Road West on May 17 and the first few days have been full of life. Run by husband and wife team Danny and Lorraine, the shop is back with a bigger layout, expanded gaming space and the same warm, welcoming spirit that made it a local favourite. Husband and wife team Danny and Lorraine, (Image: Movie Shack) The store had previously been based inside the Broadway Shopping Centre, but had to close its doors when its lease ended unexpectedly on April 27. Now, with a fresh start and a wave of community support behind them, Movie Shack is already proving its value to Bexleyheath once again. PREVIOUSLY: Danny told the News Shopper: 'It's a whole new beginning. It's brilliant. It's scary, but it's really, really cool.' Movie Shack officially reopened at its new home on 2 Mayplace Road West (Image: Movie Shack) Since opening, the new venue has hosted a Pokémon prerelease event packed with regulars and newcomers alike, and Magic: The Gathering draft nights have filled the larger gaming tables in the new layout. The shop's fresh design includes a foyer entrance, front rooms for local creatives, and an expanded retail and play area. Danny explained: 'We've got a sewing lady, Christina, and Michelle who does tarot. They'll be in two front rooms. 'Then you walk straight into the shop and we've been able to extend our gaming area so more people can come in and play games and board games. 'It's just more of a community feel now.' Movie Shack officially reopened at its new home on 2 Mayplace Road West (Image: Movie Shack) Alongside the store's usual line-up of Loungefly bags, Funko Pops and trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, there are new plans in the works—including more food, drinks and American snacks. Danny added: "We're hoping to do more and food and drinks soon including American treats. There's a lot of positive things happening going forward.' The couple, supported by their 'absolutely brilliant' wider team, worked tirelessly to get the new location ready in time. Danny said : 'We didn't realise how many people we'd helped in the three years we were in there. It was really overwhelming. 'I didn't even read the comments myself, it was too much but I know there were so many. 'That's what kept us going. It wasn't just because of us, it was because of everyone else who needed us." Movie Shack continues to be more than just a shop. It's a safe, inclusive space where people come to relax, socialise and support one another. Movie Shack officially reopened at its new home on 2 Mayplace Road West (Image: Movie Shack) Danny said: 'We just want people to come in and relax and socialise. That's what we've been aiming to do from the beginning. 'Even if they're not buying anything, it might help their mental health or their gaming needs. You just never know.' For anyone still yet to visit the new location, the message is clear. He added: 'If you've got the interest, there's no harm in giving it a go. 'We're inclusive. We just want people to come in, have a look around and see what we're about. 'Even if you're just waiting for the bus, pop in. You never know.'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The family-run Bexleyheath bakery with a unique boozy twist
A bakery in Bexleyheath is offering something a little different - serving cupcakes with popular cocktail flavours and topped with pipettes of alcohol as well as all kinds of other sweet treats. The Tipsy Bakery has built up a loyal following since opening in 2022, combining traditional baking with a playful twist. Since opening its doors in March 2022, the shop has become known for doing things differently, offering everything from alcohol-infused cupcakes to chocolate bars and cookies made on-site. The business is run by 35-year-old Emma Rus, a Bexleyheath local who grew up on Long Lane and went to grammar school just down the road. Before starting the bakery, she spent a decade managing Lidl stores, including the one in Bexleyheath town centre. Emma told the News Shopper: 'I was just making sort of cakes and cupcakes for family and friends as a way to relax. 'I used to be a store manager for Lidl for like the last ten years, so I was doing it on the side and I just really enjoyed it. 'Everything we've done is self-taught. Learning how to do the cakes and cupcakes, even the admin side, the legal side – everything has been learned as we go.' 'I'm really proud of what we've done and the direction that we're going. 'We're a small family business. We keep it small and do it well.' She began trading at farmers markets while still working full time, but the business quickly grew. Emma at a farmers market (Image: Tipsy Bakery) Emma incorporated the company in 2020 and, after outgrowing her home kitchen, opened her first shop two years later. The bakery's signature cupcakes feature cocktail-inspired flavours such as espresso martini and pornstar martini, with the alcohol served in a small pipette. Their most popular flavour is tequila rose. She explained: 'At the time, nobody else was doing this concept of the pipette in the cake. 'We were making cocktail-type cakes, just whatever we could think of.' READ MORE: Although the alcohol is optional (the pipettes can be removed for children) and the businesses has now expanded to many other sweet treats, the cocktail cakes remain central to the bakery's identity. The team uses a Swiss meringue buttercream, which is less common than traditional buttercream but has been popular with customers. As the business has grown, the menu has expanded to include large cookies, celebration cakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries and home-made chocolate bars. One of the most popular new items is the Dubai chocolate, made in-house and available to order for delivery across the UK. Emma added: 'We make that in house from scratch. We've never had a complaint. People love ours. They come back time and time again.' Emma said the business has grown mainly through word of mouth and repeat custom, rather than advertising. She said: 'We do birthday cakes for the same child year on year which is so lovely. 'We've got loads of regulars. I'd say we're mostly word of mouth and recommendation. We don't pay for advertising or anything like that.' Children's cake (Image: Tipsy Bakery) She says the support of the local community and other businesses on the high street has helped the bakery settle in. Emma said: 'We're all friends with all the local businesses up and down the High Street. It's a really nice community to work with.'
