Best of buddies so happy to be back in business
AUNIQUE Burscough attraction which was forced to close just three months after its launch has reopened its doors.
Like so many businesses across the country, Brew and Buddies Play and Learn Centre had to close in March as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and find new ways to keep money coming in.
The centre, located at Merlin Park, combines tutoring with soft play and a cafe to offer an educational and fun attraction. Although the soft play area is required to remain closed, other aspects of the business have resumed to complement other services introduced during lockdown.
Lydia Garrett, director of Brew and Buddies, said: “The first few weeks were really tough. We only opened in December, so everything associated with business was terrifying, let alone a pandemic shutting us down.”
With the help of husband Simon, she has been able to deliver treat boxes and lockdown lunches dressed as Peppa Pig or Chase from Paw Patrol.
“Seeing the little ones’ faces, knowing a lot of them have been stuck in for months, has been really emotional. One mum had the delivery as a surprise for her little ones, and she cried!.
“We have been really strict with social distancing so everybody feels safe. Some families have stayed inside and Peppa has put her trotter up to the window”
Lydia, a secondary school English teacher, is now also running socially distanced booster/ confidence classes in the rooms upstairs.
She said: “We started when the schools opened and obviously because I still work in a school, I am acutely aware of the procedures that need to be in place for everyone’s safety.
“The children have been amazing, they’ve genuinely raised my spirits and made me realise why Brew and Buddies is so important for our community. We are providing a bit of structure and familiarity of schoolwork, phonics, maths, reading - all things I know I have struggled with at home”
The married couple have three daughters who have been at home with them and Lydia says they fully understand the stuggles parents have endured while schools have been closed.
“Despite my chosen profession, home schooling is a nightmare. The girls all need different attention at different times and we usually end up falling out over something.
“I employ several primary school teachers who have been amazing at guiding me in what to teach the younger children. We’re all just desperate to go back properly now.
“It’s a big family affair, they all worry with me. I’m so lucky to have such supportive friends and family around me.
“Like everyone else, these last few months have been so uncertain and terrifying. I’m so glad that everyone I know has managed to stay safe.
“We have a new booking system so cleaning can be planned efficiently between play times. I want to make sure everyone feels reassured that they and their children are safe when they come to Brew and Buddies.”