Begin 2 Network CIC

04/09/2026

What a great way to end the week! 🎲♟️

Last night was the B2N Games Night at the Pickled & Tipsy Café.

A big thank you to Jim at Pickled & Tipsy for continuing to support the event and for welcoming B2N back again on Thursday 1st October.

John Farey – Founder of Begin 2 Network

It was great to see people returning from our first games night, especially after being asked, “When is the next one?” That was a really positive sign that people enjoyed the evening and wanted to come back.

I managed to get two games of chess in and, surprisingly, won both! We both came to the conclusion that we were a little rusty, so the board will definitely be coming out again next month. ♟️

I have fond memories of playing chess in the social clubs I used to attend, and I think that’s one of the reasons I’m so fond of board games. They have a simple way of bringing people together.

Last night was a perfect example. People who had never met before were sitting down, challenging each other to games, talking and having a laugh. For me, that’s what the B2N Games Night is about — creating opportunities for people to connect.

Although I should probably mention that I took a serious beating at Connect 4! 😁 I also discovered that it’s actually played competitively in different parts of the world — clearly I need more practice!

Thank you to everyone who attended, and thank you to Pickled & Tipsy for your continued support. 🙂

See you again on Thursday 1st October! 🎲♟️

03/09/2026

With FarmingUK – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/09/2026

Busy day today — day two of volunteering, stripping back brambles and overhanging branches along the boundary fences.

The aim is to make the area more presentable and, importantly, safer for guests using the site. Good to see the difference a bit of practical volunteering can make.

02/09/2026

B2N Connecting with Upper Lighthorne 🌱

Yesterday, B2N Director John Farey visited the Upper Lighthorne allotment group, following an introduction to Community Champion Emma Hills through the Your Southam network.

It was a really positive experience. The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming and inclusive, with young families and people of different ages coming together.

What stood out most was the conversation. Some residents openly shared concerns and frustrations they were experiencing, which was a valuable reminder that sometimes simply having someone willing to listen can make a difference.

The visit also gave John and Emma an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge. Emma brings valuable experience in community networking and project management, while John was able to contribute from his background in gardening, biodiversity and land management.

Further connections were also made with people from the council and church, showing how one introduction can lead to several new conversations.

A very worthwhile afternoon and a great example of what B2N is trying to achieve — bringing people together, listening, sharing knowledge and building meaningful community connections.

(picture is of the plot in it's early stages and now a thriving allotment)

31/08/2026

Good morning to all, hope you had a great weekend.

John Farey, Director of B2N, have had a weekend of reflection after what has been a busy few weeks.

I attended Sunday service as normal at St James’ Church, where I assist by volunteering.
Before the service, I swept the path down as a lot of leaves had fallen.
When wet, these can become slippery, and I always try to think about our elderly community members one slip could lead to a long recovery.

Vikki the Vicar led another good service, and as always, it left me with a few thoughts to take away.

🎲 This Thursday, 3rd September, is our second B2N Board Games Night at Pickled&Tipsy's Café. The first was a great evening, with a licensed bar and food menu available, so come along and join us.

📰 It’s also newsletter week!

See what B2N and John Farey have been up to in the community, including involvement with:

• Southam Sports & Social Club
• Southam United F.C.
• Regulation 19 Council Meeting
• Community volunteering
• New connections and projects
• And more.

There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes, and August has certainly given me plenty to write about!

Thank you For Your Support Post And Share

28/08/2026

Well worth it get back to basics…

We have a couple of last minute places become available for our next FREE 7 week woodland wellbeing course that starts next week Wednesday 2nd Sept!

Might this be an open spot for you?

Please contact [email protected] to book your place and we would love you to join us around the fire at a lovely time of year as the summer turns to autumn.

More info here https://arccic.co.uk/adult-wellbeing/courses/

28/08/2026

Director John Farey spent the day volunteering at Southam United Football Club yesterday, tackling an overgrown walkway and making it safer and more accessible.

Become a volunteer and help shape the community around us.

24/08/2026

On 19 August, Begin 2 Network Director John Farey attended and completed the Enhanced Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training.

The course explored how everyday conversations can help identify when someone may need support with issues including mental health, debt, unemployment, relationships or personal safety.

The training developed skills in recognising verbal and visual cues, discussing concerns appropriately, signposting people to suitable services and making referrals where needed.

This directly supports B2N’s approach using conversations and community engagement to help people find direction, support and opportunities before problems become more difficult.

Thank you to everyone involved in delivering such an informative and valuable session.