NEWSLETTER

Welcome to Blakemere’s Spring 2008 Newsletter.  We hope you find it informative and it keeps you aware of what’s new and happening at Blakemere.

A556 Road Works…
Hopefully the worst is now over – there will be no further temporary traffic lights between the round tower and Oakmere traffic lights.  Although the bridge works on the Hartford by-pass are still in operation and not due to finish until July 2008, the contra-flow system is ensuring traffic flows very well.  
So please pay us a visit and help support small local businesses who, lets face it, have had a difficult start to 2008!

May Day Celebrations....
Over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, we have arranged for three children's rides to be located in the outside area formally occupied by the Garden Centre, including a small roundabout, a bouncy castle and trampolines.  

These will be open every day (weather permitting) from 12noon until 4pm.  Each ride will cost between £1.00 and £1.50 - super fun at super prices!!

Bank Holiday Dates for your Diary....
Our Entertainment and Events Programme kicks off on Saturday 3rd May with free 'Giant' outdoor games including chess, connect 4, quoits and noughts & crosses in the courtyard. 

Enjoy live music performed by a Dixieland Style Jazz Duo in our Courtyard Bandstand on Sunday 4th May along with the giant outdoor games.

Our Farmers Market is open from 11am until 3pm on Sunday 4th May with up to 12 stalls selling homemade jams and pickles, cheeses, freshly baked breads, puddings, cakes, fresh vegetables and meat, so it's definitely worth a visit.  Free admission.

Don't miss our children's Circus Workshop on Monday 5th May between 11.30am and 4.30pm in the courtyard.  Children (of all ages!) can have a go at plate spinning, juggling, Diablo, stilt walking and unicycling - all free of charge.

Courtyard Coffee Bar…
The courtyard Coffee Bar will also be open over the Easter holidays so you can sit and relax in the beautiful setting of our Edwardian courtyard and sip a freshly ground Cappuccino or Latte.  You could almost imagine yourself on holiday, especially if the sun shines, fingers crossed.  The Coffee Bar is open, weather permitting, from 11.30am until 4.00pm and serves hot and cold drinks, crisps, biscuits and a small selection of cakes.

If the Coffee Bar is closed, or you would like something more substantial to eat, you can still visit the Paddocks Restaurant and Coffee Shop, which is open daily from 9.30am until 5.00pm.

What’s Coming Soon…
Landscaped Park & Children’s Junior Driving School
The outside area previously occupied by the Garden Centre will shortly be transformed into a Park Area, with central fountain, ornamental paving, statues and an array of plants with plenty of seating for people to relax and enjoy their surroundings on less inclement, and more favourable days. 

This area will become a feature in itself and look extremely attractive to both pedestrians and vehicles passing by.

For the children we are planning a Junior Driving Course within this area, including a roadway and small £1 coin operated vehicles, which will safely accommodate children from ages 3 to 12 years and provide an added attraction for families – the kids will love it! 

Work on both of these projects will commence, week beginning the 7th April 2008.

Plant & Garden Shop…
We also hope to develop a section within this area for plant sales including small plants, hanging baskets, bedding plants, potted tubs, etc, and we hope to erect a small Venlo glasshouse for retail sales.  As soon as a tenant has been achieved for this area, work will commence – watch this space for further updates.

A Warm Welcome…
We are constantly trying to develop and expand what’s available here at Blakemere and we will keep you informed in our regular Newsletters.
           
If you haven’t already visited us, we look forward to welcoming you to Blakemere and all that we have to offer. 
           
If you have visited us before, we look forward to welcoming you back and thank you for your custom.