A grotto which saw families flock to Northampton town centre to see Santa this Christmas has helped raise £685 for a charity supporting local young families.The attraction in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton, staged by Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Northampton Town Council, was a huge hit over the festive season, with hundreds of families popping in for their own private appointment with Father Christmas himself.Families were asked for a donation of £1 and the money raised has now been handed to Home-Start, a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one...

21 February, 2024

West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) contractor for the Market Square project has been adding social value to the area by encouraging the aspirations of local people.As part of an ongoing commitment to ‘Level Up’ West Northants, WNC ensures that the contractors for our regeneration projects add social value to the community they are working in. This social value requirement means that investment from the Towns Fund not only enables us to deliver great projects such as the Market Square redevelopment, but some of this investment directly benefits communities across West Northants.Delivering on these social value requirements has included partnering with schools...

21 February, 2024

This February half-term, Outside In invites families to join them as they embark on a journey through libraries and community venues in Northampton, where they will be hosting an enchanting series of drop-in storytelling and craft workshops, aimed at letting a little sunshine into your winter days!The event titled ‘Willow's Winter Hug’ is a delightful family-friendly experience crafted for children aged 4 and above.  Join Outside In’s storybook characters Robin and Willow for an interactive workshop filled with storytelling and engaging craft activities, promising to brighten your February half-term with creativity and cheer.‘Willow's Winter Hug’ was created by Hazel Barnes...

21 February, 2024

Enjoy a night at the races and it’s a sure bet you’ll be raising much needed funds for Northamptonshire charity Teamwork Trust.On Friday, 1st March Teamwork Trust, a charity which supports autistic adults, people with learning disabilities and individuals with mental health needs, is holding a Race Night at the Grampian Club in Corby from 7pm-10pm.Teamwork Trust fundraising executive Judy Caine said: “The Grampian Club in Corby has always been very supportive of Teamwork Trust - supporting our very successful line-dance evening in 2023. We are delighted to be holding our Race Night there. We are indebted to the Corby...

21 February, 2024

Serviced workspace hub Vulcan Works is offering new coworking packages to Northamptonshire businesses looking for flexibility in their working arrangements.Vulcan Works, which is based in the town’s Cultural Quarter, offers support to businesses through topical events, lettable office space, workshops, and meeting rooms.The coworking area in the main body of the centre allows anyone who needs a comfortable workspace access Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 5pm.This might be on an adhoc basis or as part of a more structured arrangement.Those simply looking for a base as and when they need it can use the Hotdesk package, which offers drop in,...

20 February, 2024

A new flight-themed line-up has been confirmed at Delapré Abbey for this half term – with children and their families invited along to enjoy quiz trails, storytelling and a balloon room.With the House reopening to the public on Sunday 18th February, a Half Term programme celebrating the stories of flight from the Abbey have been organised.Visitors are invited to bring their kites along to fly on the battlefield, take part in a balloon hunt round the house, enjoy a paper aeroplane challenge and even wade through a room of balloons. There will be a balloon arch round the visitor welcome...

16 February, 2024

A much-loved local hospice has launched a new inspiring campaign to encourage more people in the community to make a difference and support its vital services.Cynthia Spencer Hospice’s dynamic Make a Difference, Your Way campaign aims to highlight the many different ways that people can contribute to the cause and back the charity, in a way that resonates with them, whether that be by volunteering their time, donating or fundraising money, or spreading the word.The hospice, in Kettering Road, Northampton, faces the significant challenge of raising £2,208,823 every year, which breaks down to £6,052 per day, in order to continue...

16 February, 2024

The new branch manager at leading Corby estate agency Belvoir has more than a decade of experience in the industry.Martine Crawford, who has always worked in sales, started at the George Street office last month.Interestingly, the business and marketing management graduate actually did her dissertation on the local estate agency industry, including how Belvoir as a franchise compared to corporate and independent estate agents.“For me to now work for Belvoir means I have gone full circle,” said Martine. “I have experienced various types of organisations and after studying the company, I can now apply my existing knowledge here to help...

15 February, 2024

The creators of Towcester Food Festival and Bite Street NN are launching a brand new gastronomic extravaganza this summer – the Delapré Food Festival.The food and drink festival will take place within the beautiful surrounds of Delapré Abbey, which organiser Crispin Slee says is tailor-made for the event.He said: “It’s such a special place and the perfect spot for the festival. We want to bring the grounds to life for a grand summer weekend celebrating artisan food and drink.”Delapré Food Festival will feature all the temptations that made Towcester Food Festival so popular – bustling with food and drink stalls,...

14 February, 2024

Visitors can prepare to feed a record number of cade lambs this Spring at The Chester House Estate, as the team go bigger and better for their popular Spring event for 2024.The Chester House Estate, a heritage site based in Irchester, have cared for lambs since their first Spring event in 2022 - where 40 cade lambs were housed in their Lamb Barn for the Easter period. Visitors were able to speak to experts, bottle-feed the lambs and were provided guidance on keeping themselves and the lambs safe.This year, the estate is welcoming more cade lambs than ever, in addition...

14 February, 2024

Former Apprentice star and Countdown presenter Nick Hewer has shown his support for the Franklins £50 Challenge in a social media video.Lord Sugar’s former right-hand man is encouraging teams to sign up to take part in the Apprentice-style fundraising challenge, organised by prominent legal firm Franklins Solicitors LLP.Each team taking part receives £50 and has three months to turn the seed funding into more however they choose – from cake sales to car washes, sponsored walks to black tie events.The 2024 challenge will run from Tuesday 20 February to Tuesday 21 May with the underlying aim of fighting hunger, fuelling...

14 February, 2024