Latest news with #Oakey
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'The money has gone to consultants' Anger at no support for restarted farmers' market
A Herefordshire entrepreneur says he is facing 'massive resistance' from town bosses to his plan to restart a farmers' market – despite this being an avowed aim of the town. Robin Oakey, co-owner of The Barn events venue in Ledbury, is having to fund what he intends will be an ongoing event which restarts on the adjacent St Katherine's Square on Saturday, April 12, between 9am and 2pm, following a five-year layoff in the wake of the pandemic. But he claimed money awarded to the town to boost tourism-friendly events 'has all gone on consultants, telling us how to start a farmers' market and a festival'. RELATED NEWS: Ledbury Monster Raving Loony Party candidate revealed Ledbury councillor 'won't apologise' over taunt Decision on 'mindful' brewery's plans for Hereford venue Meanwhile, the town council 'haven't got back to me' on his bid for a 'tiny' amount of the remaining funding to kick-start his actual farmers' market, Mr Oakey added. What are your thoughts? You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here. Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence. 'So I'm having to pay the council £200 of my own money to rent the square – which was intended for public events.' Adjacent sign advertising the farmers' market - which has remained in place (Image: Robin Oakey / Facebook) Indeed Herefordshire Council's Ledbury Investment Plan from four years ago said the square, landscaped at a cost then put at £120,000, 'could be transferred as an asset to the council to enhance the council's space for holding markets and events in the heart of the town'. OTHER NEWS: Village homes plan with a difference passed despite local petition How much people paid for 'free parking' in Hereford Fears over village's 44-home plan next to road where cars spotted at 100mph One town councillor had attempted to put up a poster for the upcoming farmers' market at the nearby council offices – 'but it was taken down', Mr Oakey said. Meanwhile an area beside the iconic 16th-century Market House continues to be fenced off for the town's official 'charter market' on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but with few or no stalls, he added. Ledbury Town Council declined to comment on the specifics of Mr Oakey's case, but confirmed that funding to develop tourism, events and markets from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Herefordshire Council will lead to a report for the town council 'in the near future'.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charity sees surge in baby starter pack referrals
A charity providing starter packs for newborns has reported a "shocking" increase in referrals for its services. Baby Basics, based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, supplies moses baskets filled with donated bed linen, toiletries, and clothing to support vulnerable families. The charity said it is now assisting one in 16 babies born in the county. Sabrina Oakey, co-founder of Baby Basics Northampton said: "Unfortunately, over the last five years, we've seen a 97% increase in our referrals, which is shocking." Founded in 2013, the charity provides support to new mothers facing financial hardship. If purchased, the average cost of each starter pack would total around £450. On Friday, Baby Basics distributed its 3,000th package to Growing Together, a Northampton-based wellbeing charity. Ms Oakey said the scale of support the charity provides is "both humbling and inspiring". She also highlighted that referrals are now coming from a range of sources, including NHS professionals, food banks, charities, social services, and frontline workers. "We're seeing more and more working families coming to us. When both parents are working and still can't afford essentials, this is a problem we shouldn't have," Ms Oakey added. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Family support charity reports 41% referrals rise Charity 'blown away' after 100 baby baskets collected Baby Basics UK
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charity sees surge in baby starter pack referrals
A charity providing starter packs for newborns has reported a "shocking" increase in referrals for its services. Baby Basics, based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, supplies moses baskets filled with donated bed linen, toiletries, and clothing to support vulnerable families. The charity said it is now assisting one in 16 babies born in the county. Sabrina Oakey, co-founder of Baby Basics Northampton said: "Unfortunately, over the last five years, we've seen a 97% increase in our referrals, which is shocking." Founded in 2013, the charity provides support to new mothers facing financial hardship. If purchased, the average cost of each starter pack would total around £450. On Friday, Baby Basics distributed its 3,000th package to Growing Together, a Northampton-based wellbeing charity. Ms Oakey said the scale of support the charity provides is "both humbling and inspiring". She also highlighted that referrals are now coming from a range of sources, including NHS professionals, food banks, charities, social services, and frontline workers. "We're seeing more and more working families coming to us. When both parents are working and still can't afford essentials, this is a problem we shouldn't have," Ms Oakey added. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Family support charity reports 41% referrals rise Charity 'blown away' after 100 baby baskets collected Baby Basics UK
BBC News
29-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Baby Basics in Wollaston reports 97% rise in referrals since 2013
A charity providing starter packs for newborns has reported a "shocking" increase in referrals for its Basics, based in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, supplies moses baskets filled with donated bed linen, toiletries, and clothing to support vulnerable families. The charity said it is now assisting one in 16 babies born in the Oakey, co-founder of Baby Basics Northampton said: "Unfortunately, over the last five years, we've seen a 97% increase in our referrals, which is shocking." Founded in 2013, the charity provides support to new mothers facing financial hardship. If purchased, the average cost of each starter pack would total around £ Friday, Baby Basics distributed its 3,000th package to Growing Together, a Northampton-based wellbeing Oakey said the scale of support the charity provides is "both humbling and inspiring".She also highlighted that referrals are now coming from a range of sources, including NHS professionals, food banks, charities, social services, and frontline workers."We're seeing more and more working families coming to us. When both parents are working and still can't afford essentials, this is a problem we shouldn't have," Ms Oakey added. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
