Really looking forward to attending this event today - a collaboration between Enterprise Oxfordshire Business and the Athena network, a networking brunch celebrating women in business.
Both Athena and Enterprise have introduced me to so many women in my area who have inspired my business growth, and connected me with like minded people. So great to have them all in one room!
#InternationalWomensDay
#Oxfordshire
#WomenInLeadership
A small village with a big idea 💚
Since moving back to the countryside 3 years ago, I’ve been part of a brilliant group of villagers working to create a sustainable, community-owned shop and café in Kirtlington (Oxfordshire).
After a huge amount of work, we’ve raised £200,000 - 75% of our target - through community shares, sponsorship and grants. We now have 200 shareholders, which is an incredible achievement.
However, we still need to raise £75,000 by the end of January for the project to proceed. We can be open THIS SUMMER if we can raise these funds.
I’m now reaching out to friends and contacts beyond the village in my network to ask if you might help with a £20+ donation. You don’t need a personal connection to Kirtlington to support this — community businesses work.
National research by @plunkett_uk shows that 97% of community-owned businesses survive long-term, compared with just 44% of new small commercial enterprises. These projects strengthen local economies, support sustainability, create jobs, encourage volunteering and build real community resilience - positive and heartwarming outcomes in these challenging times.
If you’re able to help, donations can be made here (very quick form + bank transfer):
👉.uk/pages/donate
And if you’re curious, there’s lots more about the project here:
👉 .uk
On Facebook/Instagram @kirtlingtoncommunityshop
Thank you for supporting community, sustainability and rural resilience 🌱
#communitybusiness
#shopforkirtlington
#shoplocal
#ruralenterprise
#community
Oxfordshire residents come and support the Kirtlington pop-up community shop and café this Saturday 3-5 in the village hall. Enjoy delicious cream teas, browse local artisan items, stock up on meats, veg, honey, fish, win a prize in our tombola and meet the amazing local suppliers of our future shop. #communityshop #communitybusiness #localproduce #sustainablebusiness @plunkett_uk .uk
@carlypoole25 hey you creative genius mistress of the combs and pins and now my sister-in-law thank you so much for my #weddinghair - just so exactly what I wanted. And your song for us was magical you #songbird ♥️. Photo credit: @amandadeadmanphotography
Gratitude to @the_witchs_britches who worked tirelessly to create my nature themed #weddingdress The original dress I bought just wasn’t doing it for me so she ripped out all the lining and replaced with sage green underskirt, added green lace trimming, and spent days sowing on leaf and daisy appliqué. The final ensemble was exactly what I wished for. THANK YOU Trudy for your hours of creative work and spiritual blessings. Photo credit: @amandadeadmanphotography
Praise for Angela Kilcoyne from @british_classic_car_hire who brought the #showmanship and style I had dreamed of to our #peakyblindersstyle themed wedding. ‘Victoria’, the beautiful vintage vehicle, driven by Angela in elegant costume, delivered my girls and me aisle-side with horn blaring. Thanks so much Angela! @lizzie5855@kathludlow@ellie_riv1 photo credit: @amandadeadmanphotography
@mwcelebrant delivered our hand fasting wedding ceremony @jennersbarnevents a couple of weekends ago. She is a very special person and we are blessed to have tied the knot with this #celebrant. She gave us so much time and attention in the lead up with preparations. The service was so personalised to our needs with strong nature themes in beautiful surroundings. We feel like she is now our friend and I will certainly be contacting her for vow renewals and any other family events that require her magic! She even bought a 1930s dress to fit the Peaky Blinders theme. Thank you Maxine from the deepest places in our hearts ♥️
Amazing life affirming walking week on #camino with my darling friend @tania.harrison who snapped this amazing picture #CaminodeSantiago #northernspain #theway #trekking #walking #epicview #pilgrimage #mindfulness
