With the recent news that many businesses can reopen in a few weeks, please continue to do what you can to support the small and independent businesses that are local to you .. ...
But please don't let that stop you from supporting, our beloved local shops and businesses that are currently under threat. If you don't want to venture out, there are ways that you can still support your favourite restaurant or gift shop from the comfort of your own home.
- Shop locally online
Many local shops have moved online or to social media recently. You might not be able to find everything online that you would normally in store, but they still have a great range to choose from. Take a look at Mooch on Market Square for some great gift ideas and Olney Butchersfor all your roast and BBQ needs.
- Buy gift cards or vouchers
Even if you're not getting the goods now, buying a gift card or voucher now for something you'll experience at a later date, is a great way of supporting your local store or restaurant. The Robin Hood in Clifton Reynes is currently closed, but you are still able to purchase vouchers through their website
- Order a takeaway
Who is sick of cooking? Many businesses are providing a takeout including: The Cherry Tree, Out of Office Coffee, Sandwich Land and The Grounds Café at Emberton Country Park. Give them a try!
- Social media
If you are on social media, it is so easy just to follow a business page and like and share their posts. Give them some positive comments, shout about your experience, tag a friend or share a photo of the product you've bought. Just one of these simple acts will help your favourite business get seen by others.
- Take part in online classes
Many business owners are now streaming sessions online; whether it is exercise classes or business training, why not get involved? Local girl, Charlotte Pask, who played Maria Gambrelli in our last production of 'A Shot in the Dark', is also a FiiT instructor at Caveman Conditioning, who has taken all her sessions online.
- Choose to reschedule rather than cancel
For The Arches Theatre, tickets to our summer performances are still available at just £15 per person. We are currently going ahead with two productions, The Merchant of Venice performed by The Wet Mariners on 15th August, and Allo Allo! performed by Milton Keynes Theatre of Comedy (MKTOC) on 12th/13th and 19th/20th September.
If we must postpone the performances, then tickets will automatically roll over to the new date. We would be so grateful if ticket holders would be able to reschedule rather than cancel. The shows will certainly go on ... at some point!
For theatre and the arts, it is very unclear when we will be fully back up and running again, but for now, we continue to work hard to be able to give local theatre lovers something to look forward to.
Keep supporting local and stay safe!
If you'd like to find out more about anything I've written here, call me on 01234 241357 or leave a comment below and I'll be in touch.