Brecks Cottage B&B was 10 years old in April 2007. We couldn’t mark the occasion with a party for all our guests, so we celebrated with a year long raffle in support of a local charity called

 'Sue's Place - The Newark and Notts Child Bereavement and Loss Centre'.

The lucky winner of ’Brecks Cottage Bear’ was drawn on 31st December 2007 at a New Year's Eve party in nearby Egmanton. The draw was made by Mrs Iris Bex (pictured here with Sue Thomas). Iris first drew a ticket purchased by the party hostess, but it was put back and the lucky winners are Mr and Mrs Parry from Harrow.
Brecks Cottage Bear has arrived and his new family report he is settling in well
with their other bears.

Sue Thomas presented a 'Brecks Cottage Bear' and a cheque for the entire proceeds of the raffle to Sue Tomlinson, founder of Sue's Place, on 15th January. Sue was presented with a 'Comfort Bear' to go with the tin she requested for on-going support of Sue's Place as her nominated charity.

About Sue's Place - Brecks Cottage's nominated charity

Sue’s Place is unique. It is a special place where bereaved children aged 3 - 18 and their families can go to find the support and guidance they need to face the future.

Although it is a natural part of life, the death, loss or separation of someone close can be a distressing and overwhelming experience for anyone. Their reactions depend on their age, maturity and understanding of events.

Experience has shown that children gain a great deal from meeting others of their own age who have had similar experiences. If they are given the chance to express their own feelings they can learn to adjust to their loss. The organisation has a wide range of experienced and trained volunteers. The service is funded entirely by grants and voluntary donations.

The service offers free, confidential help in a variety of ways:

¨ Individual support for children by a trained volunteer including the compilation of a memory book

¨ Workshops enabling the children to meet others with similar experiences

¨ Parent/Carer support groups.

¨ Special events for children

 How do they help?

¨ Through activities and individual support - in a safe, non-threatening and supportive environment such as the child's own home, school or at Sue's Place.

¨ Children are helped to understand the feelings they are experiencing and to find ways of coping with the death of, or separation from, someone close.

Contact Sue on 01636 642 807 or see www.sues-place.co.uk