Business & Technology
Oxfordshire family support group receives big cash boost
GroW, a community group that supports families in Grove and Wantage, received a £320 donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, an Oxfordshire developer.
The donation will fund food and drink for two months of the group’s Stay and Play sessions, which serve more than 120 families each week.
Sarah Stephenson, manager at GroW, said: “We’d like to thank Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern for this donation.
“It’s important to us that our groups are free and open to all.
“Our families really value the healthy snacks we provide, including two portions of fruit or vegetables.
“These also give children the opportunity to try new, healthy foods.”
The group offers parenting courses led by the Centre for Emotional Health, including programmes for expectant parents and a 10-week course to help parents understand their child’s behaviour.
Campbell Gregg, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “We’re so pleased to support GroW and the important role it plays in bringing local families together.
“Providing a safe and supportive space for parents and carers, particularly in those early years, is incredibly valuable, and we’re proud that our donation will help these sessions continue over the coming months.”
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Southern has the Brookside Meadows development in Grove, close to where GroW hold several parenting classes.
The Six Bells in Church Street, off Kings Close first closed in October 2013 and became permanently closed in March the following year.
Before its closure the pub was a popular drinking hole with locals, but it has remained vacant ever since.
The last reported owner of the freehold for the grade II listed building was Stonegate Group hospitality and pub company.
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Now, a new restaurant has advertised its opening in the historic premises.
Gurkha Den, a Nepalese Restaurant and Bar, has announced it’s ‘grand opening’ will be Monday, April 27.
It advertises opening hours between 2.20pm and 10.30pm and a buffet – priced at £10 for children and £20 for adults – including a free drink.
The news was welcomed by locals, including councillor Donna Ford, who said it was “great to see a new business opening soon” on Church Street.
Southerndown Care Home in Chipping Norton will welcome visitors on Saturday, April 25, from 10am to 4pm, with tours, refreshments, and the chance to meet the team.
Subra, general manager at Southerndown Care Home, said: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.
“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Southerndown Care Home will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.
“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting.”
Southerndown care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers.
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South, located in Abingdon, is the first hotel in the area to be listed on the World Rainbow Hotels platform, which highlights accommodation that welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers and meets high standards of inclusivity.
Santiago Montero, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South, said: “We are proud to join the World Rainbow Hotels platform and to be recognised for our commitment to inclusion – alongside our Great Place to Work certification.
“It shows how much creating a welcoming environment for every guest and every team member is central to who we are as a hotel.”
Selection for the platform requires hotels to meet strict criteria, including non-discrimination policies, equal benefits for same-sex partners, and active engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South was praised for its inclusive workplace culture.
Staff feedback from the certification process highlighted that 95 per cent of employees felt the hotel was a physically safe place to work, 95 per cent said people were treated fairly regardless of gender, and 92 per cent believed people were treated fairly regardless of sexual orientation.
Mr Montero said: “Our culture is built on mutual respect, teamwork and a shared commitment to exceptional guest service.”
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