tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44132012661546561832024-03-08T05:12:14.146-08:00CLU Import For BlurbVPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.comBlogger411125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-15929866514886260922013-12-24T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.366-08:00Merry Christmas![caption id="attachment_7529" align="aligncenter" width="640"]<a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/merry-christmas-and-bertrams-christmas-jumper-day.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7529" alt="Christmas Jumper Day at Bertrams" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/merry-christmas-and-bertrams-christmas-jumper-day.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="567" /></a> Bertrams have pulled out the stops! Click on the pic to enlarge if needed[/caption]<br/><br/>What better way to finish <em>Community Link-Up</em> for 2013 with our third and final look at festive jumpers!<br/><br/><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Bertrams</span></strong> have sent us a fine selection of knitwear from the day, together with the news they raised a fantastic <strong>£219.38</strong> in the process :)<br/><br/>Which means the overall total raised for Save the Children now stands at <strong>£363.76</strong>.<br/><br/>All that remains is to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.<br/><br/><em>Community Link-Up</em> will return on January 6th 2014.VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-72540906340375476432013-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.389-08:00It's Secret Santa... With a Twist![caption id="attachment_7518" align="aligncenter" width="640"]<a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/presents_by_tree.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7518" alt="Christmas presents by the tree ready to take to the refuge" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/presents_by_tree.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> Christmas presents by the tree ready to take to the refuge[/caption]<br/><p style="text-align:left;">Lisa Lynn added a fresh twist to the IT department's Secret Santa at <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rowan House</span></strong> last week, by arranging for everyone to buy presents for children at <a href="http://www.swindonwomensaid.org/" target="_blank">Swindon Women’s Aid</a>.</p><br/><br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_7519" align="alignright" width="191"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/23/its-secret-santa-with-a-twist/lisa_with_presentscropped/" rel="attachment wp-att-7519"><img class="size-medium wp-image-7519" alt="Lisa with the presents" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/lisa_with_presentscropped.jpg?w=191" width="191" height="300" /></a> Lisa with the presents[/caption]<br/><br/><i>“I thought that instead of doing Secret Santa for ourselves and getting something that we don’t really need, we could buy something for a charity that caters for people who won’t be spending Christmas with family. The Women’s Refuge is a great idea, as many of the women here have children that do not receive much – if anything – on Christmas Day.”</i><br/><br/>She and her generous colleagues presented gifts to a total of 28 children aged between 1 and 18 on Thursday. Lisa even got in touch with the refuge beforehand to find out the gender and age of the children staying there, so every child received a gift that was appropriate for them.<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Lisa </span>put a lot of thought into how it would work and put together a spreadsheet of everyone taking part, plus the ages and gender of the children who would get a present. You can see from the pictures she gathered masses of them!<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Lynsey Bull added: </span><br/><br/><em><span style="line-height:1.5;">"...it seems the twist to secret Santa has gone down a treat and everyone is really happy about doing it."</span></em>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-50049678821933412802013-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.374-08:00Bob has a 'Bit of a Do'[caption id="attachment_7501" align="aligncenter" width="640"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/20/bob-has-a-bit-of-a-do/bob-newcastle-cheque-presentations/" rel="attachment wp-att-7501"><img class="size-large wp-image-7501" alt="Beat Beat presenting cheques" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/bob-newcastle-cheque-presentations.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="213" /></a> Bob Beat giving the representatives their cheques. From left to right we have Caedmon Primary School, Cleveland Hall Community Centre and Whickham Juniors Football Club[/caption]<br/><p style="text-align:left;"><em><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Newcastle</span></strong>'s Carol Inglis has sent us this heart warming story...</em></p><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Bob Beat, a Supervisor in Customer Service, has managed to do even more with his ‘Spare Time’. He organised ‘ A Bit of a Do’ for 3 different local organisations that he is involved with - Whickham Juniors Football Club, Cleveland Hall Community Centre and Caedmon Primary School. The total for the night was <strong>£400</strong> which was divided between the 3 organisations.</span>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-59705626442678316002013-12-19T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.330-08:00Christmas Jumper Day... Take 2[caption id="attachment_7472" align="aligncenter" width="640"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/18/christmas-jumper-day-take-2/christmas-jumper-instore1476077_10151751374641971_174849352_n/" rel="attachment wp-att-7472"><img class="size-large wp-image-7472" alt="Instore show off their festive jumpers" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/christmas-jumper-instore1476077_10151751374641971_174849352_n.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> Another fine festive selection as modelled by James Bullen, Rachel Underhill and Sophie Morris[/caption]<br/><br/><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Instore</span></strong> took the opportunity to show off their Christmas jumpers last week as part of their staff raffle and buffet festivities.<br/><br/>Meanwhile those too shy to go on camera at <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rowan House</span></strong>, raised a further <strong>£69.38</strong> for Save the Children.<br/><br/>Thus the total raised for <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/26/bring-out-your-festive-jumpers/" target="_blank">Christmas Jumper Day</a> now stands at <strong>£144.38 </strong>:)VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-76214364572500984252013-12-18T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.339-08:00Houtschild's Festive Spirit<em><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Houtschild</span></strong>'s Annemarie Fennema reminds us that a simple action with the smallest of donations can amount to something very large indeed when everyone's contribution is added together. This is a super story with which to celebrate both the spirit of the season and also our second contribution from our international colleagues in Holland</em> :)<br/><br/>A small article in our local newspaper was the start of a very good plan.<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">The article described an initiative by one of the Dutch Lions clubs. Back in 2012 they began collecting coupons from Douwe Egberts coffee and exchanging them for coffee to distribute among the local food banks. This year they did so again and the number of coupons they received was overwhelming. Coupon clipping is a typical Dutch habit.</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">In our office we drink lots of Douwe Egberts tea and coffee but we do not really know what to do with the coupons. We had loads of them just lying around, and feeling an early Christmas spirit coming on, we decided to donate the coupons to this good cause. </span><br/><br/>In just two weeks we came up with <strong>23,844</strong> <strong>points</strong>, which amounts to some <strong>50 packs</strong> of coffee.<br/><br/><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/18/houtschilds-festive-spirit/douwe-egberts-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-7484"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7484" alt="Douwe egberts 1" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/douwe-egberts-1.png" width="372" height="110" /></a><br/><br/>On December 10th, before we sent them our parcel, the Lions’ total score was almost 7 million points. How much coffee would that be? And what would that look like in terms of coupons?<br/><br/>On Saturday, after the first big count, the score was well over 11 million points!*<br/>That sure feels good!<br/><br/><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/18/houtschilds-festive-spirit/douwe-egberts-picture-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-7485"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7485" alt="Douwe Egberts picture 2" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/douwe-egberts-picture-2.png" width="159" height="104" /></a>The count goes on for another fortnight...<br/><br/><em>What a fantastic idea Annemarie and thank you! I think this is something to keep in mind for 2014 with e.g. the various coupons given away by supermarkets from time to time here in the UK. </em><br/><br/>* = which makes the total donated in excess of 23,000 packs by my reckoning - that's an awful lot of coffee - <em>Ed</em>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-89830618390575883792013-12-17T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.321-08:00Christmas Jumper Day... Take 1[caption id="attachment_7464" align="aligncenter" width="640"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/17/christmas-jumper-day-take-1/wednesbury-christmas-jumper-day-collage/" rel="attachment wp-att-7464"><img class="size-large wp-image-7464" alt="A selection of festive jumpers at Wednesbury" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/wednesbury-christmas-jumper-day-collage.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="177" /></a> A fine selection of festive knitwear from Wednesbury - click on the pic to enlarge[/caption]<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_7480" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/17/christmas-jumper-day-take-1/christmas-jumper-nac-photo/" rel="attachment wp-att-7480"><img class="size-medium wp-image-7480" title="Christmas jumper NAC photo" alt="Christmas jumper NAC photo" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/christmas-jumper-nac-photo.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a> NAC also showing a good turnout[/caption]<br/><p style="text-align:left;">Congratulations to the Customer Services team at <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Wednesbury</span></strong>, you have the honour of sending the first pictures for Christmas Jumper Day 2013 :)</p><br/>And what a fine turnout it was, netting contributions of <strong>£38</strong>.<br/><br/><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">NAC</span></strong> weren't to be outdone, with their selection raising <strong>£37</strong>.<br/><br/>Did your location take part in Save the Children's <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/26/bring-out-your-festive-jumpers/" target="_blank">Christmas Jumper Day</a>? We have space on the blog this week for your pics!VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-8428341449823597852013-12-16T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.312-08:00Michael Nets A Nifty SilverBreaking news re the European Championships from the British Swimming Twitter feed late yesterday afternoon:<br/><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">200m Breaststroke SILVER for <a href="https://twitter.com/mj88live">@mj88live</a> - more than 1.5 seconds off his British record as he makes podium in 2:01.43. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23EuroSC&src=hash">#EuroSC</a><br/><br/>— British Swimming (@britishswimming) <a href="https://twitter.com/britishswimming/statuses/412250166834384896">December 15, 2013</a></blockquote><br/>A new British record in this event <em>and</em> the 100m breaststroke earlier in the championships (in 57.89 seconds, though sadly no medal) marks a notable return to form after Michael's recent <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/02/michaels-fine/" target="_blank">heart scare</a> :)<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Note that this is a short course (25 metre pool) championship and Michael beat his Bath team-mate Andrew Willis, who finished in the 4th place </span>heartbreaker<span style="line-height:1.5;"> (albeit in a new English record).</span><br/><br/>NB British Swimming's <a href="http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/" target="_blank">website</a> has a neat video of Michael discussing this week's <em>Duel in the Pool</em>. Look out for news of the broadcast times on <em>Community Link-Up</em> later this week.VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-56483725662206420902013-12-11T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.269-08:00Sending Aid to the Philippines[caption id="attachment_7430" align="aligncenter" width="640"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/11/7429/wp_20131205_07_56_41_pro/" rel="attachment wp-att-7430"><img class="size-large wp-image-7430" alt="Typhoon relief at Borehamwood" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/wp_20131205_07_56_41_pro.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="360" /></a> Leticia Catores with the donations collected from staff & contractors for the Philippines[/caption]<br/><p style="text-align:left;"><em>The pictures of the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines have touched the hearts of many people in the UK, who have dug deep and given generously to the relief appeal. Smiths News was no exception, as Chris Foord reports...</em></p><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">With 10%+ of <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Borehamwood</span></strong> staff coming from the Philippines and all of them considered friends and/or colleagues we decided to try and pull together and gather some well needed supplies to send over, with help from Leticia Catores and Chris Foord in organising and spreading the word. From all that was donated we have managed to get around 8 black bin bags of clothing/goods from Smiths News staff & contractors.</span><br/><br/>This will now be shipped over to the Philippines to aid as many people as it can, in the wake of the typhoon.<br/><br/>Many thanks to all that helped and donated and our thoughts go out to all that were affected, or are family and friends.<br/><br/><em>NB The Disasters Emergency Committee's <a href="http://www.dec.org.uk/appeals/philippines-typhoon-appeal/updates" target="_blank">website</a> shows what's happening with the relief aid going out to the Philippines. </em>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-34304960921423292092013-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.253-08:00Announcing the Community Link-Up Awards 2013<a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/community-link-up-awards-banner-2013.png"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7415" alt="Community Link Up Awards Banner" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/community-link-up-awards-banner-2013.png?w=640" width="640" height="79" /></a><br/><br/>It's time to celebrate!<br/><br/>Community Link-Up has been a great success this year because of your hard work, so today sees the launch of the Community Link-Up Awards to say "thank you". 2013 saw the broadening of our community initiative into three key strands, so it's appropriate that the Awards have also changed to reflect this.<br/><br/><a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/clu-awards-logo.png"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7417" alt="CLU Awards logo" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/clu-awards-logo.png?w=300" width="300" height="284" /></a>This year's categories are:<br/><br/><em>Fundraising Awards</em><br/><ul><br/> <li>Fundraiser of the Year (team)</li><br/> <li>Fundraiser of the Year (individual)</li><br/> <li>Most Inspirational Individual</li><br/></ul><br/><em>Volunteering Awards</em><br/><ul><br/> <li>Volunteer of the Year (team)</li><br/> <li>Volunteer of the Year (individual)</li><br/></ul><br/><em>Link-Up Awards</em><br/><ul><br/> <li>Best Link-Up Event</li><br/> <li>Best Link-Up Location</li><br/></ul><br/>You'll find all the details of this years Awards including their nomination criteria in the <a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/cluawardsbrochure2013finallow.pdf" target="_blank">Awards Brochure</a> (NB this is a pdf download). You can also download the <a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/cluawardsnominationform2013finallow.pdf" target="_blank">Nomination Form</a>.<br/><br/>The closing date for Award nominations is <strong>Friday 17th January 2014</strong>.<br/><br/>Nomination forms can be sent to Laura Morris at any time up to the closing date via <a href="mailto:Laura.Morris@smithsnews.co.uk" target="_blank">email</a>.<br/><br/>Or you can post them to: Laura Morris, Group Communications Executive, Rowan House, Cherry Orchard North, Kembrey Park, Swindon, SN2 8UH.<br/><br/>Good luck and happy nominating!VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-29517482734761567922013-12-05T03:30:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.239-08:00The Consortium go Dotty for Children in Need<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/06/the-consortium-go-dotty-for-children-in-need/consortium-children-in-need-2013/" rel="attachment wp-att-7401"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7401" alt="Consortium Children in Need 2013" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/consortium-children-in-need-2013.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="420" /></a><br/><br/>PJs, onesies and all kinds of dotted wear, not to mention a celebrity visit from Mr Blobby, meant a fun time was had by all at both The Consortium's Trowbridge and Shrewsbury sites recently. All in the name of Children in Need :)VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-60126071830723317562013-12-04T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.222-08:00Stockport in the Community[caption id="attachment_7392" align="aligncenter" width="640"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/04/stockport-in-the-community/dscn2982/" rel="attachment wp-att-7392"><img class="size-large wp-image-7392" alt="All spick and span for the Christmas Fair - a job well done" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/dscn2982.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> All spick and span for the Christmas Fair - a job well done[/caption]<br/><br/><em>'Tis the season of goodwill and <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Stockport House</span></strong> are showing us the way today with their tale of how they helped their local community recently. Keith Foster has more...</em><br/><br/>As part of our involvement within the local community in the Brinnington area of Stockport, a number of our team at Smiths News in Stockport volunteered to help to prepare the Church Hall at St Lukes Church in time for the upcoming Christmas Fair.<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">The Church Hall was in need of some serious tlc and our team spent time discussing and agreeing exactly what support the representatives of the Church required.</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Once this was agreed our team swung into action and prepared and then painted the interior of the Hall and made it look “fresher than it had ever been”. To be honest the most time-consuming part of this whole project was deciding on what colour paint was required!!</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;"><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/12/04/stockport-in-the-community/dscn2972/" rel="attachment wp-att-7393"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7393" alt="Stockport in the community inside photo" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/dscn2972.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a>The ladies at the Church Hall were delighted with our efforts as the painting work was completed on the day before the Christmas Fair and they were excited about showing off their improvements to the broader Community.</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Smiths News also donated a number of raffle prizes and members of the Smiths News team baked cakes to sell at the fair on the day.</span><br/><br/>It was really nice to instigate this project within the local community and “give something back” as we employ a large amount of people from within this area. Not only did the Hall look much better, but the people who use this facility (which is many different Groups throughout the whole of the Community) really appreciated what we had done. However one of the most important things was that we all had some “fun along the way” together, and hopefully this is the beginning of a relationship that we can look to develop within the community in the future.<br/><br/>Thad Barker (Senior Neighbourhood Management Officer for Stockport Council) said: “On behalf of Stockport Council and the local Community we are really grateful for the support that Smiths News in Stockport has given to us. This is the first time that anybody has done anything like this for us, and for that we all say a really big thank you. It is fair to say that your help and support has brightened up not only the Church Hall but the whole feel of the place and the ladies down there are really thrilled.”<br/><br/><em>What a fantastic effort Keith, the results of which look set to brighten up events in Brinnington for many months to come. We look forward to hearing how this project develops with your local community and sharing it via Community Link-Up.</em> :)VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-12440679903028406992013-11-28T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.191-08:00Sam's Off to MoonWalk[caption id="attachment_7374" align="alignright" width="230"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/28/sams-off-to-moonwalk/blob-c8c52f56b2745dcb2277b30a472f19a7/" rel="attachment wp-att-7374"><img class="size-full wp-image-7374" alt="Photo of Sam pre-moonwalk" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/blob-c8c52f56b2745dcb2277b30a472f19a7.jpg" width="230" height="230" /></a> Sam - pre-MoonWalk[/caption]<br/><br/><em>We have our first <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/30/fancy-a-moonwalk/" target="_blank">MoonWalker</a>!</em><br/><br/><em>Sam Lucas, a graduate trainee at <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rowan House</span></strong> is putting her best feet forward next May to take part in this colourful and demanding event. Now it's over to Sam to tell you about the walk and why she has decided to take part...</em><br/><br/>On Saturday May 10<sup>th</sup> 2014 I will be taking part in the London Moonwalk to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer related charities. This is a 26.2mile power walk through the streets of London, with all participants wearing brightly decorated bras to show their support for the cause.<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">The MoonWalk is in its 13</span><sup>th</sup><span style="line-height:1.5;"> year and has so far raised over </span><b style="line-height:1.5;">£72million</b><span style="line-height:1.5;"> which has funded large scale research projects to help fight cancer, supported integrated care provision for cancer patients, helped contribute to new hospital operating facilities and so much more. </span><br/><br/>WalkTheWalk<span style="line-height:1.5;"> [who organise the MoonWalk - <em>Ed</em>] is a grant making charity and the funds raised are donated to charities, hospitals and research projects all over the UK including: </span>The Christie<span style="line-height:1.5;"> in Manchester, </span>FACT<span style="line-height:1.5;"> Cancer Support in the North East, </span>Helen Rollason<span style="line-height:1.5;"> Cancer Charity in the South East, </span>Maggie's Centres<span style="line-height:1.5;"> in Scotland and many more.</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">I chose to take part in the </span>MoonWalk<span style="line-height:1.5;"> for a number of reasons: </span><br/><ol><br/> <li>To join thousands of others in raising money for such an important cause.</li><br/> <li><span style="line-height:1.5;">As a personal challenge - I don't think my little legs will know what's hit them after 8 hours of power walking (I'm sure I must be taking twice as many steps as everyone else!!)</span></li><br/> <li><span style="line-height:1.5;">Walking around London in a nicely decorated bra seemed like a pretty good way to spend a Saturday evening!</span></li><br/></ol><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">I am not the most ‘athletically minded’ and have never done an event of this nature so if anyone has any words of wisdom to share in preparation for some long walks ahead – please send them my way!</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">I have set myself a target of raising <strong>£500</strong>, so every donation will be greatly appreciated.</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">If you would like to make a donation, please click on the link to my <a href="https://moonwalklondon2014.everydayhero.com/uk/sam-lucas" target="_blank">donation site</a>.</span><br/><br/>Thank you very much for your support. Photo to follow upon completion!<br/><br/><em style="color:#444444;line-height:1.5;">Good luck Sam and I'm sure the distance walkers we've featured here on Community Link-Up will have plenty hints and tips to help you on your way. I hope this post garners plenty of donations for you to take you through your paces during training!</em>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-1078218353173763532013-11-26T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.167-08:00Bring Out Your Festive Jumpers!<a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/christmas-jumper-pattern-snowman-sweater.png"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7361" alt="Christmas snowman jumper" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/christmas-jumper-pattern-snowman-sweater.png?w=210" width="210" height="300" /></a><strong>Save the date! December 13th is Christmas Jumper Day!</strong><br/><br/>Ron Weasley's mum was famous for her knitted Christmas jumpers in the Harry Potter books; maybe someone in your family has the same claim to fame? If so, it's time to search those cupboards and bring out your festive jumper stash!<br/><br/>Or perhaps you preferred Sarah Lund's stylish jumpers in <em>The Killing</em> and have one of your own like <a href="http://www.sarahlundsweater.com/" target="_blank">this one</a>. No problem, that counts too!<br/><br/>It's all a bit of fun to raise some festive cash for Save the Children.<br/><br/><strong>Who can take part?</strong><br/><br/>NB This is a general blog post available to everyone in Smiths News, so do check whether your location is taking part first. If it is, and you don't have any customer-facing meetings planned, then we're asking for a donation of £1 to take part.<br/><br/><strong>OK, I'm in, but I don't have a Christmas jumper</strong> :(<br/><br/>That's no problem, you could buy, borrow or decorate one!<br/><br/><a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/christmas-jumper-day.png"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7360" alt="Mini jumpers by Debbie Bliss" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/christmas-jumper-day.png?w=212" width="212" height="300" /></a>Sweater style knows no limits, so why not get creative and decorate your own glitzy knitwear with tinsel, stars, baubles and snowflakes?<br/><br/>Deramores are Save the Children's partner wool supplier* - they also have plenty of <a href="http://www.deramores.com/christmas-jumper-day-freebies/" target="_blank">freebie knitted and crochet decoration ideas</a> to make your jumper festive. <span style="line-height:1.5;font-size:16px;color:#444444;">So far there are patterns for puddings, a holly garland, robins, stockings, bears and snowflakes with more to come.</span><br/><br/>The Save the Children website also has a downloadable <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day/knitters" target="_blank">mini jumper pattern</a> created by Debbie Bliss, which you could add to your clothing as your cheeky contribution to the day!<br/><br/>This is a fun idea suitable for lots of locations to join in. Don't forget to send us your photos!<br/><br/><strong style="line-height:1.5;">Or make your own</strong><br/><br/>A festive jumper isn't just for Christmas Jumper Day! If you're looking for a longer term project and like the look of the snowman sweater featured at the top of this post, then you'll also find a link to <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day/knitters" target="_blank">the downloadable pattern</a> on the Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day website.<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">The Deramores website has a selection of <a href="http://www.deramores.com/christmas-jumper-day-patterns/" target="_blank">other festive designs</a> for an alternative to the snowman jumper e.g. snowflakes.</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">* = Throughout November Deramores are also donating 50p to Save the Children where any order includes one ball of sirdar wool.</span>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-43654186593390032052013-11-22T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.176-08:00A Week For Children in Need[caption id="attachment_7346" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/22/a-week-for-children-in-need/childreninneedfeeltheobject/" rel="attachment wp-att-7346"><img class="size-medium wp-image-7346" alt="Children In Need Feel the object" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/childreninneedfeeltheobject.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a> NAC and BLS staff had their own version of a "bush tucker trial" with the Feel the Object competition[/caption]<br/><br/>For Children In Need, the <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">NAC</span></strong> held a number of activities which raised almost <strong>£180.00</strong> for the charity. As usual, <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">BLS</span></strong> also took part in the fun!<br/><br/>Tina Cronin, Jackie Atkinson, Andrea Briggs, Vicky Rhodes put their thinking caps on to devise a whole week of activities from 11th to 15th November. Jackie reports:<br/><br/>"Tina organised a name the bear competition which raised £60, a great start.<br/><br/>As well as a fun quiz on Friday afternoon, Jackie organised a guess the toddler photo competition which raised some laughs. It’s amazing how you can see features in photographs that you can recognise in people 50 years later.<br/><br/>Andrea had great fun in putting together a feel the objects competition for staff to take part in on Friday afternoon. All the objects were either food or from the kitchen, including things like coconut, tomatoes, radishes and Weetabix. It was very amusing to watch the horror on people’s faces as they put their hands into the unknown boxes and the relief when they realised the contents weren’t alive.<br/><br/>As always we had a few food activities as well, Mo Uddin brought us some of his home-made curries and starters to buy for lunch whilst Mumtaz Sultan kindly brought in some of her home baking for us to sample as well. Both were very much appreciated by the always hungry NAC staff and of course helped towards our overall fundraising total as well."<br/><br/>Fantastic news, thanks Jackie. That makes a combined total (along with Monday's report) of <strong>£549.37</strong>.VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-28844754262038615852013-11-20T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.151-08:00All the Fun of Children in NeedOK, so we've had the build-up to last week's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008dk4b" target="_blank">Children in Need</a>, so how did everyone get on?<br/><br/>First up is <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rowan House</span></strong>...<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_7333" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/children-in-need-rowan-house-trolley-photo.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-7333" alt="Children in Need Rowan House trolley photo" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/children-in-need-rowan-house-trolley-photo.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a> l-r: Sam Marlow, Kayla Watts (donning Pudsey ears!), Laura Morris, Jennifer Taylor, Jade Cholod[/caption]<br/><br/>Laura Morris said:<br/><br/>"We had a great selection of homemade sweets, cakes, cookies and truffles on offer - we did a trolley dash around both floors of the office so people didn't even need to get out of their seats :)"<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Just like their trolley, the total raised is a bit of a moveable feast. The latest update we have is </span><strong style="line-height:1.5;">£168.62</strong><span style="line-height:1.5;">!</span><br/><br/>Next, we have the first of two reports hailing from Borehamwood: <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">NNSC</span></strong> to be precise for the first...<br/><br/><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/20/all-the-fun-of-children-in-need/photo3/" rel="attachment wp-att-7335"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7335" alt="photo3" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/photo3.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a><br/><br/>...they had a pyjama day which was one of this year's fun activities suggested for all Children in Need participants.<br/><br/>I see we have an "elephant in the room" to rival the Tigger onesie Richard Osman was wearing on Friday's edition of <em>Pointless</em>!<br/><br/>The total raised was a nifty <strong>£80</strong>.<br/><br/>... and last but not least Kelly Carey from Smiths News <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Borehamwood </span></strong><span style="line-height:1.5;">completes our round-up...</span><br/><br/><img class="size-medium wp-image-7338 alignleft" alt="Children in Need Borehamwood collage" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/children-in-need-borehamwood-collage.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="300" /><br/><br/>... "our staff made Poppadums, Samosas, Onion Bhajis, Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Brownies and lots of other delightful things. We charged £2 a plate and raised £80.<br/><br/>We also took part in playing “Guess what song Pudsey and Gary sang live in concert” we charged £2 a guess and £30 went to Children in Need and £30 went to the winner.<br/><br/>Altogether Borehamwood Group raised a total of <strong>£121</strong>."<br/><br/>That makes a grand total of <strong>£369.62</strong> - great stuff!VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-76795083606645736212013-11-18T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.135-08:00Nic Tries a Double Link-Up<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/18/nic-tries-a-double-link-up/iw-combined-charities-fair-2013-002/" rel="attachment wp-att-7321"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7321" alt="IW Combined Charities Fair 2013 002" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/iw-combined-charities-fair-2013-002.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="224" /></a>Last Monday, Nic Hewlett of <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rowan House</span></strong> swapped her desk in Swindon for a day at the Inner Wheel combined charity event in Cirencester.<br/><br/>She managed to combine two Community Link-Up elements by linking together fundraising and volunteering when she applied for her day's Volunteer Time. As you can see (to the left of the picture), her role for the day was helping out on one of the many stalls.<br/><br/><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/18/nic-tries-a-double-link-up/iw-combined-charities-fair-2013-001-copy/" rel="attachment wp-att-7323"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7323" alt="IW Combined Charities Fair 2013 001 - Copy" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/iw-combined-charities-fair-2013-001-copy.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="224" /></a>The money raised on the day - <strong>£234</strong> - will go towards the many charities - both local and further afield - supported by Cirencester's Inner Wheel, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2013.<br/><br/>Nic's fundraising - and Smiths News - were celebrated in the Inner Wheel's national magazine <a href="http://content.yudu.com/Library/A28ous/InnerWheelAssociatio/resources/5.htm" target="_blank">this summer</a> when her fellow member Liz Tovey reported on her receiving Smiths News's Community Champion of the Year award last year. Said Liz:<br/><br/>"Nic our youngest member - and the first with no ties to Rotary - joined us two and a half years ago and is already on the committee, showing a great enthusiasm and totally 'being a friend'.<br/><br/>Well done Nic, we are all very proud of your achievement."<br/><br/>And so are we!<br/><br/><strong>Update:</strong> This is post number 500 on the blog! Many thanks to all of you who've contributed news for us to publish over the past three years :DVPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-68432567022568502482013-11-15T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.127-08:00Ahoy Children in Need![caption id="attachment_7308" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/15/ahoy-children-in-need/children-in-need/" rel="attachment wp-att-7308"><img class=" wp-image-7308" alt="Children in Need Gingerbread Men" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/children-in-need.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="224" /></a> Pudsey says 'Hurrah!' :)[/caption]<br/><br/>We have news of another virtual Link-Up!<br/><br/>Following last week's <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/08/i-spy-children-in-need-ahead/" target="_blank">Children in Need preview</a>, <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Newport</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rowan House</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Consortium</span></strong> have all been in touch with news on how they're taking part this year.<br/><br/>Newport's Judy Read says:<br/><br/>"It will be cakes / bacon rolls on Thursday and we are going to be wearing hats for the day – the sillier the better. We will be charging 50p to wear a hat but fining people £2.00 if they don’t join in!"<br/><br/>...and this from The Consortium's Joanne Kent:<br/><br/>"We are having a Children in Need day with people invited to come in wearing spotty clothes and bringing teddies in."<br/><br/>... and I hear there's a sweetie stall at Rowan House with home-made honeycomb. Save some for me!<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">We're standing by to take on board all the pictorial evidence and news on the amount raised. If your location is also taking part, grab that camera phone </span><em style="color:#444444;line-height:1.5;">now</em><span style="line-height:1.5;"> and add your news and pics! Pudsey gets an extra £20 if you do so :)</span>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-59517707377599412912013-11-08T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.119-08:00Children in Need Ahead!<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/07/i-spy-children-in-need-ahead/pudsey-stickers/" rel="attachment wp-att-7284"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7284" alt="pudsey stickers" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/pudsey-stickers.png?w=300" width="300" height="188" /></a>Next Friday (15th November 2013), the UK will explode in a frenzy of Pudsey bears as this year's <em>Children in Need</em> is upon us!<br/><br/><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2012/11/20/newport-supports-children-in-need/" target="_blank">Last year</a> <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Newport</span></strong> decided to support this event and we'd love to hear from any location taking part in 2013.<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Stuck for ideas? </span><br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_4399" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/childreninneed001-copy.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4399 " alt="Pudsey Cupcake anyone?" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/childreninneed001-copy.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="225" /></a> Mmm - Pudsey Cupcake anyone?[/caption]<br/><br/><em>The Children in Need </em>website has a downloadable <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008dk4b/profiles/fundraising-work-2013" target="_blank">workplace fundraising pack</a>, plus plenty of other downloadable <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008dk4b/features/ideas-and-downloads-2013" target="_blank">ideas and resources</a> for you to use.<br/><br/>Remember, there's an additional £20 donation up for grabs for any fundraising stories/pictures featured - about <em>Children in Need</em> or otherwise - here on <em>Community Link-Up</em>.<br/><br/>Simply complete the <a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/publicityform2013.doc" target="_blank">Publicity Form</a> and send us your pics!VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-67326627978878954092013-11-06T01:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.100-08:00Michael's Blog - Busy, Busy Busy...Apologies for the delay in the blog – I’ve had a busy few months and plenty of news to fill you in on!<br/><br/>I have a wee house! I’ve managed to get myself on the property ladder in Bath with some lovely scenery and of course just a few miles from my other home - the pool. Moving house is an enjoyable but hugely stressful experience. I’ve found myself losing entire days to completing fairly trivial tasks like navigating the DVLA website to change my mailing address and deciding on which colour my cereal bowls should be.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_6882" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/teampastelandmj.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6882" alt="Michael With Team Pastel" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/teampastelandmj.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="188" /></a> Michael with InStore's Team Pastel[/caption]<br/><br/>Last month I took part in the Swim Britain Bristol event; a relay challenge in teams of four in the hope of boosting participation numbers in the sport around the UK. I haven’t swum with my mum since I was a kid and I was impressed with her breaststroke skills. Watching my sister, Lauren, however was a different story and I thought at one stage I would have to jump in! I did advise her to do some training before the event ;)<br/><br/>The <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">InStore</span></strong> team were strong too and congratulations to Laura, Lisa, Sam and Sophie for completing the event in some impressive times.<br/><br/>In between settling into the new house, I’ve been competing at the World Cup circuit; a series of 8 competitions in 8 different countries around the world from August – November. Most recently I competed in Moscow, Dubai & Doha with some encouraging results. It’s not often I get to stand atop the podium but I managed to do so in Dubai and Doha after collecting a few more Silvers (shock) at the earlier stage. My results there have given me a nice boost of confidence after a difficult finish to last season and things are back on track.<br/><br/>Singapore, Tokyo and Beijing are the last 3 destinations on the circuit which will start next week. I’m looking to build on the results from last month and continue to build confidence in the lead up to the European Championships in Denmark early December, followed by the Duel in the Pool meet – Europe vs USA just before Christmas in Glasgow.<br/><br/>An exciting few months of racing is lined up. Travelling is one of the great perks of the job. Visiting places like Moscow, Tokyo and Beijing is a great experience and one which I may not have had, if it wasn’t for swimming.<br/><br/>The World Cup circuit is acting as a tough travel and racing schedule for me in preparation for the Europeans and Duel meet. The European Champs is another opportunity for me to challenge the best in the world and another race with some great rivals including Daniel Gyurta – the Hungarian swimmer that has dominated the 200m Breaststroke in recent years.<br/><br/>These competitions are all key markers in the race to Glasgow 2014 – the biggest race of my career. I’m training harder than ever and doing everything I can to stay fit and healthy for the trials event next April and the Games themselves in July 2014.<br/><br/>Thanks for your continued support.<br/><br/>…if anyone is in the area, feel free to stop by for a cuppa!<br/><br/>Thanks for your update Michael - we were so pleased to see you strike gold in the World Cup races! Team Pastel were also thrilled to meet you at <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/03/team-pastel-really-proud-of-our-achievements/" target="_blank">Swim Britain in Bristol</a> :)<br/><br/>Good luck for the next set of World Cup competitions, the Europeans <em>and</em> the Duel in the Pool, your busy schedule looks set to continue!<br/><br/>NB Michael's too modest to mention he's a Games Ambassador for next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, alongside Jessica Ennis-Hill and Nicola Adams :DVPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-61539672950193665122013-11-04T04:00:00.000-08:002014-01-07T09:51:29.110-08:00Counting Steps to Aid Small Publishers<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/04/counting-steps-to-aid-small-publishers/countingstepsfrontflat/" rel="attachment wp-att-7297"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7297" alt="counting steps front cover" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/countingstepsfrontflat.jpg?w=189" width="189" height="300" /></a>Here at Smiths News we’re used to ensuring the printed word gets out on time on a daily basis. You may not know that Group Communications Director Mark Charlton has taken this one step further by becoming a published author.<br/><br/>His book <i>Counting Steps</i> was published last year and was nominated for Welsh Book of the Year. Not bad for a debut!<br/><br/><b>This week</b> Cinnamon Press - the book’s publisher - are offering <b>Kindle</b> readers the opportunity to read Mark’s book for free!<br/><br/>There are no gimmicks, no catches - just a free download instead of the usual £4.49. There's even an extract to read online.<br/><br/><a style="line-height:1.5;" title="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Counting-Steps-Mark-Charlton-ebook/dp/B00GAGVJQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383469814&sr=8-1&keywords=counting+steps" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Counting-Steps-Mark-Charlton-ebook/dp/B00GAGVJQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383469814&sr=8-1&keywords=counting+steps" target="_blank">Click here for free kindle download of Counting Steps</a>,<span style="line-height:1.5;"> or forward this link to yourself, where you can do this later!</span><br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Next week it will be at the bargain price of £1.59 and then it goes back up to £4.49.</span><br/><br/>Giving away free copies might seem counter intuitive, but it's an established, if costly, technique that publishers use to rise up the rankings - and the impact on later sales is evidently positive. It costs publishers a lot to do this...<br/><br/><b>Note:</b> Mark has also donated all his royalties and tutoring fees to good causes such as the <a href="http://www.autism.org.uk/" target="_blank">National Autistic Society</a>. For the past two years he’s also volunteered to tutor at the <a href="http://www.tynewydd.org/" target="_blank">National Writers' Centre of Wales</a>.VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-58094896921308092162013-11-01T02:00:00.000-07:002014-01-07T09:51:29.091-08:00Paris to Swindon News<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/11/01/paris-to-swindon-news/_mg_6064/" rel="attachment wp-att-7272"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7272" alt="_MG_6064" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/mg_6064.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="426" /></a><br/><br/>We have the latest fundraising news from the Paris to Swindon bike ride!<br/><br/>Between them the team have raised a total of...<br/><br/>... drumroll...<br/><h1><strong>£23, 243.49</strong>!!!!!!!</h1><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Sponsorship is still coming in, so we may yet see the magic total of £25,000 raised from this flagship event. If you haven't done so already, then the <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/about/flagship-fundraisers/paris-to-swindon-bike-ride/team-news-and-sponsorship-links/" target="_blank">team page</a> has all the necessary links for you to support the cyclist or charity of your choice. Let's make all those sore muscles and tired legs really worthwhile!</span><br/><br/><strong>Update 5th December 2013</strong>: the magic £25,000 has been reached! We have a record for the total raised via our bike rides of...<br/><h1><strong>£25, 626.74!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></h1><br/><strong>NB Cyclists:</strong> If you have received any offline donations, you can update your donation page to reflect the full picture of your fundraising efforts.<br/><br/>We're preparing a fundraising special, which will have lots of good news about everyone's efforts this year. Keep your eyes peeled!VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-70613339272791241002013-10-28T02:00:00.000-07:002014-01-07T09:51:29.067-08:00Steve's Marathon Effort[caption id="attachment_7248" align="alignright" width="320"]<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/28/steves-marathon-effort/20131018_124044-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-7248"><img class=" wp-image-7248" alt="Steve poses outside Smiths News" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/20131018_124044-1.jpg?w=640" width="320" height="441" /></a> Steve poses outside Smiths News with some remarkably fresh looking shoes ;)[/caption]<br/><br/>Steve Milner from <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Birmingham</span></strong> recently completed the <a href="http://www.leicestermarathon.org.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Marathon</a> in a time of 4 hours 20 minutes 13 seconds and finished 340th out of over 3000 runners.<br/><br/>He's raised over <strong>£400</strong> so far, which will be going towards the <a href="http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/what-we-do/specialist-services/units/queen-elizabeth-hospital-young-persons-unit/" target="_blank">Children's Cancer Unit</a> at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital.<br/><br/>This is one of the specialist cancer units supported by the <a href="http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/" target="_blank">Teenage Cancer Trust</a>. There are 27 of these located around the country, with 3 of them serving Birmingham. A further 9 are in development or refurbishment.<br/><br/>Another of the existing units is at The Christie in Manchester, a name which should be familiar to <em>Community Link-Up</em> readers already, via the cycling efforts of <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/09/17/steve-rides-a-ton/" target="_blank">Steve Benson</a> plus <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/07/25/they-did-it/" target="_blank">Lynn Henshaw, Mike Makinson and Tom Sheehy</a>.<br/><br/> VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-91676206914260994912013-10-25T02:00:00.000-07:002014-01-07T09:51:29.027-08:00Here's to the First Link-Up Fortnight![gallery type="rectangular" ids="6963,6922,6909,6895,6882,6850,6827,6868"]<br/>Congratulations - September's Link-Up fortnight was a great success!<br/><br/>With two flagship events held over consecutive weekends, much of the attention here on <em>Community Link-Up</em> was glued to the <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/category/charity-fundraising/paris-to-swindon-bike-ride/" target="_blank">Paris to Swindon Bike Ride</a> and then the <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/01/futsal-news-the-day-was-a-huge-success/" target="_blank">Futsal tournament</a>. Both events ensured we had the best day, week and month <em>ever</em> in terms of readers turning to this blog for news.<br/><br/>The sporting theme continued with <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Slough</span></strong> devising an event not mentioned before on the blog - <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/09/18/its-game-set-and-match-for-link-up-fortnight/" target="_blank">a Wii tennis tournament</a>! <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Newport</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Instore</span></strong>/<strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Worcester MSC</span></strong> also got into the 'swim' of things by taking part in the Swim Britain events in <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/09/27/and-then-there-was-us/" target="_blank">Cardiff</a> and <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/03/team-pastel-really-proud-of-our-achievements/" target="_blank">Bristol</a> respectively.<br/><br/>Food was also a popular theme, with <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Bertrams</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Peterborough</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Rowan House</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Stockport</span></strong>, and <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Consortium</span></strong> all choosing to take part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning (see <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/02/link-up-and-eat-cake/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/11/consortium-cake-cheer/" target="_blank">here</a>). <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">NAC</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">BLS</span></strong> tooks things a whole stage further by having their very own <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/08/the-great-yorkshire-bake-off/" target="_blank">Great Yorkshire Bake-Off competition</a>! <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Borehamwood</span></strong> held a Food Day, with a variety of sweet and savoury treats on offer. Finally, Rowan House rounded off their quiz evening with a fish and chip supper.<br/><br/>Cross business Link-Ups also came to the fore, with new colleagues from <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Houtschild</span> </strong>and <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Erasmus</span></strong> meeting up for our first Community Link-Up event <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/04/link-up-fortnight-goes-dutch/" target="_blank">held in the Netherlands</a>. Members of the <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Graduate Scheme</span></strong> also ensured a corner of Swindon is a much better place to be with <a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/09/we-hope-you-enjoy-your-new-garden-love-all-at-smiths-news/" target="_blank">their gardening activities</a> at the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis.<br/><br/>We didn't have an official Community Week this year, so it was good to see the opportunity was taken for many Link-Up Fortnight events to have an additional fundraising or volunteering element. Over <strong>£2,000</strong> was raised, as well as the money raised through the Paris to Swindon Bike Ride. Donations for the latter are still coming in, so we're not quite ready to reveal the final total yet.<br/><br/>With hundreds of you taking part and having lots of fun in the process, we can declare Link-Up Fortnight a huge success!<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Thanks to everyone who organised an event or took part, and to all of you who tuned into the blog along the way :)</span>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-1215549213817829832013-10-23T02:00:00.000-07:002014-01-07T09:51:29.060-08:00Futsal Footage<a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/23/futsal-footage/_mg_6178/" rel="attachment wp-att-7204"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7204" alt="Futsal sign" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/mg_6178.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="426" /></a><br/><br/>Photographer <a href="http://kristalikowski.4ormat.com/about-me" target="_blank">Kris Talikowski</a> was on hand last month to take a set of superb shots at our Futsal tournament, so naturally we wanted to share some of them with you!<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Everyone enjoyed </span><a style="line-height:1.5;" href="http://www.danmagness.com/" target="_blank">Dan Magness</a><span style="line-height:1.5;"> showing off his world-class freestyle football skills!</span><br/><br/><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/23/futsal-footage/_mg_6299/" rel="attachment wp-att-7206"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7206" alt="Dan Magness" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/mg_6299.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="426" /></a><br/><br/>Then it was onto the tournament itself. Let's sit back and enjoy the action...<br/><br/>[gallery type="slideshow" ids="7212,7242,7210,7213,7214,7215,7218,7216,7224,7222,7219,7223,7238,7225,7227,7229,7220,7230,7233,7231,7232,7221,7226,7217,7235,7228,7234,7236,7237,7239,7240,7241,7243,7211"]<br/><br/>And you can't beat a good buffet to round things off nicely!<br/><br/><a href="http://communityweek.smithsnews.co.uk/2013/10/23/futsal-footage/futsal-buffet/" rel="attachment wp-att-7209"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-7209" alt="Futsal buffet" src="http://sncommunityweek.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/futsal-buffet.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="426" /></a>VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413201266154656183.post-50137882371057421982013-10-21T02:00:00.000-07:002014-01-07T09:51:29.052-08:00Michael Strikes Gold!Congratulations to Michael Jamieson who won GOLD last week in the men's 200m breaststroke at the FINA Swimming World Cup in Dubai.<br/><br/>He also picked up a silver medal in the men's 100m breaststroke - and this comes just a week after his World Cup double silver medal winning performances in Moscow.<br/><br/><span style="line-height:1.5;">Leading the qualifiers, he claimed gold by almost two seconds in a time of 2.06.68 minutes. Note, this was in a short-course pool of 25 metres, so does not beat the long-course British and Commonwealth record he set at last year's Olympics.</span><br/><br/>Michael's winning form bodes well as he'll be spearheading the European Allstars challenge for the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/swimming/24567401" target="_blank">Duel in the Pool </a> against Team USA in Glasgow on December 20-21.VPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02732971362066784175noreply@blogger.com0