Lets be honest, my blog posts of late have been to say the least a little on the bleak side. My last , about how online bullying, misinformation and hate was pushing me to the point of leaving local government at the next election did however seem to strike a chord with many. The thing is, unlike how you feel at the time. your not alone, others suffer the same. Some of you have been in contact and shared your own experiences which is not only humbling , but has also found that bit of fight in me that we all have , deep within us.
That part of us that when pushed says " you know what NO MORE ! its time to fight not flight."
More on that in the coming weeks as I intend bringing the online treatment of local government officials and members, business people, folks from all walks of life to the fore.
I've been boring everyone silly for months now with my view that the recovery from the pandemic is going to be led by those innovative and artisan businesses that have stood tall, rising like some community minded phoenix from the ashes of furlough , of lockdowns and what were frankly some fairly troublesome economic forecasts.
Recently I visited one of these businesses. This one a coffee shop , come cafe, come day centre. Based in my local rugby club in Berry Hill, and using the clubs excellent kitchen facilities, "Scrumbs" is the brainchild of local lady and "entrepreneur" Sarah Maxfield.
Sarah explained to me on my visit how some chance conversations and a willingness to help a community in time of severe need has led to where she is today, running a vibrant and successful business.
The business was in its infancy at time of the first lockdown. An aside perhaps? However how Sarah and her team responded to the community in providing takeaway meals led to that community taking " Scrumbs" to their hearts. At the end of lockdown locals patronised the business. Being in the key area for tourism, visitors from afar have also now found this gem. It also helps that the Rugby Club allow the Caravan Club to use some of their field. A ready supply of customers for Sarah and her Team, Sarah has quit her job and is ploughing her energy and undoubted talents into making the business a success. No longer an aside.
When I visited the place was busy. A group of mature ladies enjoying what looked like the most charming cream team. Families sat outside ordering lunches, kids playing and the odd team of workmen popping by for a glorious bacon bap.
By working together and sharing facilities that would other wise go unused the Rugby Club and "Scrumbs" have created something sustainable that will have an economic impact not on,y in the immediate area but throughout the district and then beyond.
And the Forest is full of these smallish but thriving and vigorous businesses that offer something beyond the goods and services that they sell. Go from The Rugby Club and "Scrumbs" just down the road to Coleford, to visit "The Forest Deli" or to "Bolters". Look at the brilliant "Celstial Adornment" and the goods it offers. These are businesses that have taken the place in communities hearts once held by the likes of Woolworths , C and A and Blockbuster.
Add to that the wonderful news that Versarien is opening a major factory in the Forest, Richard Cooks enterprising initiative on the Lydney Harbour, Suntorys continued investment in the local community, perhaps you will agree that The Forest of Dean has never been better placed to attract business investment.
We have the people, we have the place to live, it is the place to be !
And when you are here, may I recommend the breakfast at "Scrumbs" apparently its the
business
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