Hilton East Midlands Airport and Hilton Nottingham help secure homes for hens at The Carpenter’s Arms
The Carpenter’s Arms received a welcome boost to its plans to rear chickens when staff from local Hilton East Midlands Airport and Hilton Nottingham lent their support.
The project forms part of the charity’s ambitions to turn a one-acre piece of wasteland at its Six Hills site (situated midway between Melton Mowbray and Loughborough) into a purposeful meadow space to grow fruit and vegetables, rear chickens and keep bees. An important step needed before welcoming the hens to their new home is the erection of suitable fencing. Three staff from Hilton East Midlands Airport and Hilton Nottingham’s maintenance team came along to dig and install the first eight of 68 poles, turning their hands to the work quickly and encouraging two residents of the programme who worked alongside.
Richard Spence, CEO of The Carpenter’s Arms said:
“It’s thrilling for all involved to see the Malone Meadows project taking shape and the project would not be able to evolve at such pace without the help of so many local champions.
“We were delighted when Hilton East Midlands Airport and Hilton Nottingham reached out to offer the support of their maintenance team. It means we progress with setting up a happy home for our first intake of chickens and become more self-sustaining when it comes to growing our own food and reducing our monthly food bill, currently costing in the region of £6,000 to £8,000.”
Sue Cave, Area General Manager, Hilton East Midlands Airport and Hilton Nottingham, added:
“Our ‘Travel with Purpose’ strategy seeks to create a positive impact in the communities we serve. When we heard about The Carpenter’s Arms meadows project, we knew we wanted to get involved. We’ve already identified other areas where we might lend our support to the charity, so this first initiative hopefully sows the seeds for a growing relationship.”
The Carpenter’s Arms is now seeking the loan of a digger and driver to help with the next phase of the project which is digging the trenches for the chickens’ perimeter fencing.
Interested parties can learn more about the project via The Carpenter’s Arms fundraising page.
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When I left the Military, I had problems in my marriage and was a victim of domestic abuse. I totally lost it and turned to alcohol. The Carpenter’s Arms were willing to take me on and knowing they were signed up to The Armed Forces Covenant was a big thing for me. I have grown with the programme, and I have now got self-worth. I wake up every morning thankful. I’m blessed.
Brian, resident
As a magistrate, I see the devastation of addiction to a person’s life, as well as their family and friends, when they end up in the Court system. The Carpenter’s Arms offers an opportunity, strategies and support to face and overcome addiction, and turn people’s lives around. It offers people hope at their lowest ebb to gain self-confidence and self-worth which are invaluable gifts.
Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP, High Sheriff of Leicestershire
I got out of prison on the 14th of December 2017 and went straight to The Carpenter's Arms and felt the labels go. My first clean test in 24 years felt amazing. I had never seen my little girls through clean eyes. It was overwhelming! All the victories that were coming for me just for being in this place.
Garry, resident
I’ve known The Carpenter's Arms now for several years and it's great to see the way in which they have grown. What they've done in terms of supporting the defence community has been extraordinary. They show such great enthusiasm and such an ability to reach into people's lives.
Bruce Spencer, MoD Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands
Before my arrival at the Carpenter's Arms, I was lost in a very dark place, haunted by past memories, suppressed by the use of drink and drugs. A local Christian charity recommended The Carpenter's Arms and I was thrown another lifeline and my hope was restored. My spirit, body and soul have been renewed, and I have re-established family connections and built bridges I once burnt.
Bradley, resident
The Carpenter’s Arms is one of our alliance charities working in the area of addiction. We draw on their understanding of what's going on, and their work and solutions for people living with addiction. It helps support our policy and working forward to sustainable living and aspirations in life after addiction.
Steve Meadwell, Regional Manager (Midlands), Centre for Social Justice
I have been suffering from mental health for over 10 years and was addicted to crack, cocaine, cannabis, and steroids. My life was unmanageable. My life has changed completely and I’ve been able to see my son again. I was lost and broken and now I am blessed. I am now a House Dad in phase 3 and I’ve been put on the Pathways as a Support Worker.
Blake, resident
I'm the trustee of the Carpenter's Arms and, this year, I’m also the Mayor of Charnwood. I first met Brian and Judith when I was a Magistrate Chairman of the Drug Rehabilitation Committee. The most rewarding experience was when I finished sitting on the bench and watched the amazing successes at The Carpenter’s Arms in capacity as a trustee. To sit and listen to the clients tell their stories, what they have done and how they have come out the other side with new beginnings, I think for me is the most rewarding. The court couldn’t do it, but The Carpenter's Arms did.
Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, Mayor of Charnwood and trustee of The Carpenter’s Arms
After years of hard drug addiction and causing a lot of pain and suffering for myself and my loved ones, I walked through the doors of the Carpenter's Arms. In the space of a few weeks, I started to see and think more clearly and within months my life had changed drastically for the better. I can't thank the Carpenter's Arms enough for giving me a second chance at life.
Marcus, resident
I've been an alcoholic for 3 years. Whilst it has been a challenge at The Carpenter's Arms, I have been clean for 1 month, have more energy and motivation to do things. A routine has helped me a lot, as well as being able to be around people which has helped me speak more easily. I am excited to go back to work and see my family more.
Rob, resident
I was a broken man after 16 years addicted to heroin and crack, with no confidence or self-worth. Through coming to the Carpenter's Arms, I have been able to break free from my addiction, have learnt how to love myself, how to treat others and how to deal with everyday life without drugs. I am now happily married with 6 beautiful kids and have had a job for the last 6 years.
Scott, resident