Posted on 24th Jul
Independent shops in Edwinstowe, Ollerton, Southwell and Newark are opening their doors for a Happy Families-inspired walking trail.
Created by Newark and Sherwood District, the trails are free and designed to encourage families to shop local and explore their local high streets as they collect character cards hidden in participating shops.
Watch a video about Edwinstowe’s trail
Each town has a series of eight collectable picture cards to be discovered. The cards feature fictional shopkeepers with designs influenced by the traditional card game Happy Families.
Unique to each set of cards is the addition of a character based on a real-life shopkeeper from each town.
Coun Paul Peacock, council leader, said: “The Happy Families trails are a great way for visitors to have some fun with their family this summer and be in with a chance to win an amazing prize!
“It’s so easy to get involved. Venture to either Newark, Southwell, Edwinstowe or Ollerton to take part. I know the participating shops are excited to welcome new people through their doors!”
Anyone wishing to complete the trail simply needs to obtain a free trail sheet from a participating shop displaying a poster in their window. Trail sheets should be returned to the shop detailed on the sheet for entry into the prize draw.
Prizes up for grabs include tickets to enjoy Snow White pantomime at Palace Theatre Newark, a £250 MasterCard voucher to spend in local shops, and a £100 toy bundle. Plus, the first 25 entries received in each town will also win a back-to-school pack!
Martin Bishop (pictured), of Access Models, Newark, who represents Newark as the character Mr Hobby, said: “I am really excited about the trail and I jumped at the chance to become a character and promote what Newark has to offer! It’s a fantastic way to remind people that you can’t beat a personal, friendly in-store experience. The kids will love it, and the prizes on offer are substantial so head into town and keep a look out for the posters in shop windows.”
Watch a video about the Ollerton trail
Carole Willey, of, Merry Maid, Ollerton, who is depicted as the Miss Knit’N’Sew character in the trail, added: “I’m looking forward to seeing so many new and familiar faces in and around Ollerton, popping in to say hello to me in Merry Maid and the other shops involved and taking part in the Happy Families trail this summer!
“I really welcome the effort the council is taking to get people into our lovely shops and supporting our businesses. It’s been no secret that the last few years have felt hard for us independent shops, but the continuous support of the local community, old and new, means a lot.”
More information on how to take part, and hints about where to find the character cards in each town, can be found at https://www.newark-sherwooddc.
