Wirral activity centre receives ₤1,850 donation from Liverpool football legend

BARNSTONDALE activity centre was visited on 6 June 2019 by 1 of the most famous and popular football managers in the North of England. Rafa Benítez, former manager of Liverpool FC (and current manager of Newcastle United FC), dropped into Barnstondale to present staff with a cheque for ₤1,850. This welcome donation will be used at the centre to enable children with additional needs to enjoy life-changing experiences at Barnstondale.

Rafa Benítez is a legend in the North West of England, ever since his days as Liverpool football manager in the mid 2000's, particularly after leading the team to European Champions League glory in 2005. During that time, he and his wife Montse made the Wirral their adopted home and over the years have supported Barnstondale and many other local charities. His work with a range of charities has made him a popular figure, both on and off the football pitch. The money Rafa donated on this occasion was raised by charging for his signature on a variety of Liverpool-related football memorabilia from the 2005 win.

During his visit, Rafa spent some time viewing the site, including having a go with the rifles in the new target hub. Rafa expressed a keen interest in helping children with additional needs, especially autism, and was pleased to hear that his gift would make a real difference to the young visitors' time at the site.

Heidi Hughes, Barnstondale's business director, is thrilled with the latest contribution from the Benítez family:- "We have benefitted in the past from donations from Rafa and Montse Benítez, which have made a big impact on the fundraising that went towards buying the trailer to go with Barnstondale's jeep and installing the Sensory Trail. It was lovely to see Rafa again and this latest donation will enable us to provide added focus on making our experience as all inclusive as possible. We want everyone to take something away from visiting us; it's not just the time spent at our centre, but the experiences and skills that the youngsters take home with them that matters too."

Barnstondale is a residential activity centre in the heart of Wirral, which is passionate about supporting children and young people of all abilities. Situated in 15 acres of beautiful natural woodland and countryside, the centre welcomes day visitors or residential guests to enjoy its many facilities. The accommodation is housed in fabulous traditional log cabins and the range of exciting indoor and outdoor activities including a climbing wall, archery, rifle shooting and more.

For further information on Barnstondale contact the centre on:- 0151 648 1412 or visit their website.

The search for Southport's best interiors returns - Anglian Home Improvements launches:-'Styled by Me III'

ANGLIAN Home Improvements has joined forces with interior designer, Sophie Robinson, to launch a search for the nation's best amateur interior designers, and it is calling on people in Southport to share photographs of their home styling successes this summer. Returning for a third consecutive year, Anglian's:- 'Styled By Me' competition celebrates the nation's passion for Instagrammable interiors by inviting style conscious homeowners in Southport to showcase their home tailoring highlights. From a home improvement project or complete room transformation to a carefully curated:- 'shelfie' or a simply styled corner of the home, the competition is once again expected to prompt a wide range of entries. The search will close, on Sunday, 21 July 2019, and all those who share a snap of an area or room that they are particularly proud of before this date will be in with a chance of winning up to ₤1,000.

Rachael Munby, Group Marketing Director for Anglian Home Improvements, said:- "Given the response we have had to 'Styled By Me' over the previous 2 years, we are really excited to bring it back for a 3rd time; and we are thrilled to have Sophie Robinson on board once again casting her expert eye over the entries as guest judge. Styled By Me gives everyone the chance to demonstrate their flair for stand-out interiors. Whether you are truly home improvements obsessed or you simply love creating a living space that reflects your creativity and individuality, this competition is for you. Seeing the evolution of home styling trends and interior design looks is one of our favourite things about the competition, and we are looking forward to seeing this year's entries; and to seeing what makes your house a home."

Sophie Robinson will return as the judge of Anglian's:- 'Styled By Me' competition. A much loved interior designer and judge of:- 'The Great Interior Design Challenge,' Sophie has also previously featured as an on screen designer for BBC One's 'DIY SOS,' ITV's '60 Minute Makeover' and Channel 5's 'Cowboy Builders!' With over 20 years' experience, Sophie is widely regarded as an expert, and she inspires her scores of Instagram followers daily with her love of colour and passion for design.

Commenting on this year's 'Styled By Me' competition, Sophie Robinson said:- "It's been a pleasure to be involved in Anglian's nationwide search for the best amateur interior designers over the past two years, and it's great to be judging the competition once again.  The competition attracts such a vast range of entries; from timelessly classic schemes to those which interpret the very latest trends, from photographs which pop with colour to those which are strikingly monochrome, and from entire room sets where every last design detail has been considered to a single piece of furniture or area of a room which has been minimally styled. I would really encourage everyone to get involved and to show off their home spaces!"

To enter:- 'Styled By Me,' simply share a photograph via Instagram, tagging @anglianhome and including the hashtag #Anglianstyledbyme in the post. Entrants are also required to follow @anglianhome and to write their Town or City in the caption of the post. For more information and terms and conditions, please visit:- AnglianHome.Co.UK.   After the closing date of Sunday, 21 July 2019, a winner will be selected in each of Anglian's 4 UK Regions along with a National Winner. Regional winners will receive ₤500 and the national winner will receive ₤1,000.