Dobbies' Southport store invites families to enjoy a Teddy Bears' Picnic

DOBBIES, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting families to roll out the picnic blanket and gather around this summer as it unveils its brand new event at the Southport store, Teddy Bears' Picnic, where children get to make their very own teddy bear keepsake to take home.

This interactive 90 minute session, taking place during the summer holidays, is designed for families with children aged:- 3 to 10 years old and is taking place in the afternoon on:- Saturday, 27 July, Saturday, 3 August and Sunday, 4 August 2024, at the Southport store. Families with younger children can also get involved and enjoy the picnic experience.

Dobbies' Teddy Bears' Picnic allows kids to have a go at building their very own teddy bear to take home. Children will get the opportunity to stuff, fluff and name a teddy bear of their choice, with a teddy birth certificate to mark the occasion.

Dobbies' colleagues at the Southport store will uncover tales of bear adventures at the storytelling corner, gathering everyone around for a group reading, and host a variety of games and activities inspired by teddy.

Kids will also get to tuck into their own picnic box that comes with the choice of a cheese, ham or tuna sandwich, a drink and selection of snacks. Adults can enjoy cake and a hot drink as part of the experience.

Sarah Murray at Dobbies developed this event and is looking forward to welcoming children of all ages along to the Teddy Bears' Picnic at the Southport store. She said:- "This brand new event is a great opportunity for kids to come together and experience the wonderful joy that comes with making their very own teddy bear to take home. Children will also enjoy a picnic experience, filled with food, fun and storytelling. We're encouraging families cosy up and get comfy by bringing their own picnic blankets, beach towel or cushions."

For more information on Dobbies' Teddy Bears' Picnic visit:- Dobbies.Com.

Edge Hill University retains top spot in UK for student accommodation

STUDENTS have voted Edge Hill University as the best in the UK for accommodation for the 2nd year running.  The University is number 1 in the Uni Compare UK rankings for 2025, retaining top spot after another year of glowing reviews from students.

Vice Chancellor Dr John Cater said:- "Being recognised as the top university for student accommodation in the Uni Compare poll for a second year is fantastic news and a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff. It highlights the exceptional quality of our housing and the supportive environment we strive to create for our students. This achievement is particularly meaningful as it is based on the honest feedback and reviews from our students themselves. Accommodation is a crucial factor in which university students choose and greatly influences their overall experience, so we are thrilled to be leading the rankings in this important area."

Overall, Edge Hill was ranked 6th in the Top 100 UK Universities and ninth for the quality of its courses.

Earlier this month the University was announced as a finalist in 3 categories in the Global Student Living Awards: Best Value for Money, Best University Housing and Best Student Community, in addition to Best Moving in Experience.

Improvements to the student experience are ongoing, including:- the largest ever investment in student accommodation to add another 232 en-suite rooms, opening in 2024, alongside a new Students' Union and Life Sciences building as part of a:- £53m campus development.

Edge Hill offers a range of accommodation and all 1st year students are guaranteed a place on campus.

Book a place at 1 of our upcoming Open Days on:- 5 July and 6 July 2024, find out more about our award winning accommodation or book a tour of the campus.