Herald - Issue 396

v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v 8th October 2020 • The HERALD • Page 25 M. C. HALL LTD 4 Carpentry 4 Fencing 4 Decoration 4 Extensions 4 Kitchens 4 Loft Conversions 4 Bathrooms 4 New Build First Rate Building & Carpentry Work Start to Finish Service • References Available • Fully Insured • 1 year guarantee Free Quotations and Friendly Advice Given Contact mchall126@btinternet.com or call 023 8089 8456 or 07976 937941 Website: www.mchallltd.co.uk • Re-Skimming • Rendering • Coving • Dry Lining • Tacking • Artex Covered • Floor Screeding www.tbrownplastering.co.uk Call: 07919 183989 Friendly • Reliable • Professional • Free Estimates KEEP CALM AND KEEP VOLUNTEERING Rotary Social Responsibility Award You stepped up at a time when your community needed you most and made a real di erence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But now is not the time to slow down, your skills and enthusiasm are still needed. At Rotary they have a unique position of being rooted within their own communities, but with a global outlook, ready to tackle challenges at home and abroad. Join Rotary and channel your volunteering energy into projects which are transforming lives and making a di erence in your area. Turn your ideas into change: Whatever causes you care about, Rotary helps you turn your ideas into lasting change. Grow your network: Rotary is a great way to meet new people, make lasting friendships and expand your personal and professional connections. Personal development : Share your skills and learn new ones by collaborating with others. Global outlook: With over 1.2 million members, you’ll be part of one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations. Membership: Joining Rotary costs as little as £2.50 per week, less than a takeaway co ee, with lots of bene ts to being a member. A trusted reputation: ey have been making a di erence in their communities for over 110 years. So what are you waiting for? For more information about the work of Hythe & Waterside Rotary and how to join, contact secretary@hythewatersiderotary.org During a school assembly, Oak Lodge student Morgan Judson was awarded the 2019/20 Hythe & Waterside Rotary Social Responsibility Award for making scrubs for this NHS during lockdown. Morgan’s chosen charity to receive a donation of £1,00 is e Lord Taverners in recognition of the support they give to sport for the disabled. Oak Lodge Special Arts College felt that this award was particularly appropriate during such di cult times. Hythe and Waterside Rotary would like to congratulate Morgan for his resourcefulness. Right: Morgan Judson receiving his award MY VIP CARD , the UK’s fastest growing local business loyalty scheme, has been awarded with the prestigious honour of being part of the Small Biz 100, a national campaign highlighting some of the UK’s most inspiring small businesses. My VIP Card is a national loyalty scheme that supports local business by o ering a network of discounts to UK shoppers. e scheme o ers members a virtual card and pin drop function, so they never miss a local discount, and this promotes local businesses no matter where you shop in the UK. My VIP Card will be placed in the spotlight on 25th November and will also be promoting all of the other Small Biz 100 on their allotted days on the run up to 5th December. is promotion will include showcasing the other winners to members and across social media platforms. Maddy Alexander-Grout, Founder - My VIP Card, said: “We are delighted to be recognised by Small Biz 100. ‘Small Business Saturday’ encourages shoppers to shop and support local whilst promotes amazing small businesses across the UK and this is exactly why My VIP Card was launched. We want everyone to choose to shop local first and our membership scheme promotes and offers discounts in local communities throughout the UK.” Now in its eighth year in the UK, ‘Small Business Saturday’ has grown signi cantly each year, with a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day last year, generating an estimated £800m. Hampshire County Council is inviting anyone interested in fostering to grab a cuppa and sit down with the experts to nd out what it is really like. roughout September and October experienced foster carers will be hosting virtual question and answer sessions where they share their experiences with anyone wanting to know more. Councillor Patricia Stallard, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services and Young People, said: “Right now there are more than 1,600 children in care in Hampshire. Finding homes for these youngsters has been especially challenging during the pandemic. It is a chance to find out how you could make a huge difference to a child’s life.” The purpose of these online events is to answer many common questions and dispel some of the misconceptions people have about who can foster children. For example, 6% of people think they can’t foster if they are single. But the truth is, they can. The main requirements for foster care are being over 21 and having a spare bedroom. Although childcare experience is helpful, there are professionals who will support families at every stage of the fostering journey.” Councillor Stallard added: “Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are new to the idea of fostering or have already begun looking into it. These online drop-in events are simply informal get togethers where each person can speak freely and there is no obligation to leave your details afterwards.” The ‘Cuppa with a Carer’ events are every Wednesday from 6.45pm and have been running throughout September and October using Microsoft Teams. A social worker will also be there to help answer any questions. e dates and discussion topics are as follows: • Fostering as a Family - How may it a ect my Children? – 14th October • Fostering Sibling Groups – 21st October • Under 35 and looking to Foster? – 28th October To take part, visit the hants.gov.uk/ fostering website or @ HampshireChildren Facebook page, call 01489 587052 or search ‘Cuppa with a Carer’ on Eventbrite. To find out more information www.forms. hants.gov.uk to learn more National Local Business Loyalty Scheme wins Coveted Awards Learn About Fostering over a ‘Cuppa with a Carer’