Begin 2 Network

19/06/2026

NL002 – Begin 2 Network Newsletter
Issue 002
June 2026
Status: Complete
Date Completed: 11/06/26
Author: John Farey
Approved By: John Farey.

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WELCOME TO NL002
Welcome to the second edition of the Begin 2 Network (B2N) Newsletter.
Since the publication of NL001, progress has continued across community engagement, project development, communications and digital infrastructure.
B2N is still in its early stages, but the purpose remains clear: to help reduce isolation and increase community engagement.
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What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

FOUNDER UPDATE
The past few weeks have been focused on putting the foundations in place for Begin 2 Network.
This has included developing internal systems, building communication processes, engaging with local contacts and continuing to shape the next stage of the project.
The aim is to build B2N carefully, responsibly and in a way that supports long-term community benefit.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement remains at the heart of B2N.
Recent activity has included attending local events, speaking with residents, volunteers, councillors, charities and community organisations, and continuing to build relationships across the local area.
These conversations are helping to raise awareness of Begin 2 Network and support its aim of reducing isolation and increasing community engagement.
As B2N continues to develop, community feedback and local partnerships will remain an important part of the project’s growth.
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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Stakeholder engagement is continuing to develop as part of the early growth of B2N.
This has included contact with councillors, community representatives, local organisations and Members of Parliament.
These conversations are helping to introduce B2N, explain the purpose of the project and explore possible areas of future support and collaboration.

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT
Work has continued on the digital foundations needed to support B2N as it develops.
Recent progress includes:
• Domain registration completed.
• Professional email system established.
• Website development underway.
• Social media presence active.
• Google Business Profile submitted and awaiting completion.
These tools will help B2N communicate more clearly, share updates and provide accessible information as the project grows.
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PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
A significant amount of work has continued behind the scenes.
This has included:
• Administrative systems.
• Communication frameworks.
• Marketing structure.
• Social media processes.
• Project records.
• Engagement planning.
This work is important because it helps create a clear structure for B2N before wider activity increases.

LOOKING AHEAD
The next stage of B2N will focus on careful development and practical community engagement.
This includes:
• Continuing conversations with local stakeholders.
• Developing volunteer opportunities.
• Exploring venue options.
• Preparing for future community activities.
• Building awareness of the B2N vision.
• Continuing work on funding and support opportunities.
Further updates will be shared as the project develops.
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GET INVOLVED
B2N is being developed to help reduce isolation and increase community engagement.
If you are a resident, volunteer, charity, community group, local organisation or business and would like to learn more, please get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
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Thank you for your continued support and interest in Begin 2 Network.
John Farey
Founder & CEO
Begin 2 Network CIC
What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

19/06/2026

JJ002 – The Mayor Making
Date: 14/05/26
Location: Southam Community Centre
Author: John Farey
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OVERVIEW
This journal records my attendance at the Southam Annual Town Meeting and Mayor Making ceremony held at the Southam Community Centre. The event provided an opportunity to hear directly from local organisations, learn about community activities taking place across the town and engage with councillors, volunteers and charity representatives.
The evening also provided valuable insight into the challenges facing community organisations and highlighted the importance of participation, volunteering and local engagement. Looking back, it was one of the first occasions where I openly discussed the ideas that would later become Begin 2 Network.
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What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

THE EVENING
After arriving at the Southam Community Centre, I began by greeting familiar faces. The first person I spoke to was the Mayor, Lee Ellard, who I had met on a number of occasions through community activities including bell ringing, Southam in Bloom and events at St James Church.
I then took the opportunity to wish Cllr. Graham Foster well ahead of the ceremony and also spoke with Cllr. John Harrison before proceedings began. There was a positive atmosphere around the venue as residents, councillors, charity representatives and community volunteers gathered for the evening.
Before the meeting started, guests were able to help themselves to refreshments and spend time talking with one another. While waiting for the formal proceedings to begin, I spent some time looking at the newly unveiled Wellington Bomber display in the entrance hall. Initially, I thought the unveiling was going to reveal a mayoral honours board, so it raised a smile when I discovered it was actually a tribute to a Wellington bomber connected to the Flying Fields area. The Community Centre itself sits on land associated with the former wartime training airfield, making the display particularly relevant to the history of the site.
Once called to order, the meeting began with Mayor Lee Ellard speaking about her year in office. It was interesting to hear about the events she had attended, the organisations she had supported and the work that had taken place throughout her term as Mayor.
This was followed by presentations and updates from a variety of local organisations, charities and community groups. I found this part of the evening particularly interesting as it provided a valuable insight into what is happening across the community. Listening to the representatives speak highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by local organisations. A common theme was the difficulty some groups face in attracting younger people to become involved, with several organisations relying heavily on long-serving volunteers.
For me, this was one of the most valuable parts of the event. It demonstrated the breadth of activity taking place within Southam and highlighted the importance of community participation. It also provided an opportunity to better understand the organisations already working hard to support local residents.
The formal handover then took place, with Cllr. Graham Foster becoming Mayor of Southam and Cllr. John Harrison becoming Deputy Mayor. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to continue networking over refreshments.
I spent time speaking with charity representatives, community volunteers and other attendees, learning more about their organisations and their involvement within the town. These conversations provided a useful insight into the community sector and the opportunities available for people looking to become involved.
One comment in particular stayed with me. After listening to the presentations from the various organisations, someone remarked, "Just imagine, that could be you standing up there next year."
At the time, I hadn't really thought about it. I was focused on the idea itself rather than where it might lead. The comment caught me by surprise and gave me something to think about. Looking back now, it feels like an important moment, as it was one of the first times someone else could see the potential of what I was trying to build before it had formally become, Begin 2 Network.
The evening concluded with an opportunity to congratulate both Cllr. Graham Foster on his appointment as Mayor and Cllr. John Harrison on becoming Deputy Mayor.
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REFLECTIONS
Looking back, I believe events such as the Annual Town Meeting and Mayor Making are important community occasions that should not be overlooked. They provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from local organisations, learn about volunteering opportunities and understand the challenges and successes facing the community.
For anyone looking to become involved in local community life, this can serve as an excellent starting point and a pathway into volunteering, participation and engagement opportunities.
What stood out most was seeing so many organisations gathered in one place. The evening offered a snapshot of Southam's community infrastructure, the people who keep it running and the challenges many groups face in securing the next generation of volunteers.
It reinforced my belief that community starts with turning up, listening, talking to people and becoming involved.
Looking back now, I can see why the event left such a lasting impression on me and why it became an important part of my own journey towards creating, Begin 2 Network.

ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTED
• Southam Derby and Joan Club
• Southam United Bowling Club
• Southam Twinning Association
• Southam United Charity
• Southam and District Lions
• Monty School of Boxing
• St James Church
• Southam Heritage
• Graham Adams Centre
• Southam WI
• Southam United Football Club
• Southam Volunteer Transport Scheme
• Southam in Bloom
• Southam Christmas Lights
• Southam Rugby Football Club
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Document Reference: JJ002
Document Title: The Mayor Making
Status: Draft
John Farey
Founder & CEO
Begin 2 Network CIC
Email: [email protected]
What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

11/06/2026

Keep up the good work Craig 😁

Date for your diaries - Saturday 29th August

Tiltfest: End of Summer Festival

We’re bringing you 10+ live acts , genuinely more bands than you can shake a stick at! Plus a free‑and‑easy open mic session to kick things off.

If you’re a singer, drummer, bass player, guitarist (or anything in between), come and get involved. This is your chance to jump in and be part of the day.

Drop Let It Be Live a message to book your slot.
Let’s see out the summer in style.

08/06/2026

John's Journal

REF - FB004

Reflection of the Day

Looking back, today was far more than just a meeting.
It was a reminder that community is built through conversations, kindness and connections.
The day started with a trip from Southam to Kenilworth. While waiting for my connection, I bought a multipack of crisps from the pound shop, being mindful of the money I had available for the day.
My first good deed of the day was sharing some of those crisps with a homeless person sleeping in an archway near the bus stop.
Later, a member of staff near B&M wished me a good morning while I was gathering my thoughts before the day ahead.
I spent time with the volunteers at St John's Church, listened to their stories and received a warm welcome.
I then had the opportunity to meet Sir Jeremy Wright MP and discuss Begin 2 Network, community engagement and some of the opportunities and challenges facing local communities.
From sharing some of my crisps with a homeless gentleman near a bus stop, to a chat with a member of staff at B&M, to a church coffee morning, to meeting an MP, every conversation added something to the day.
Networking isn't always about formal meetings. Sometimes it starts with saying hello, listening to people and taking an interest in their story.
Overall, today was a fantastic experience.
I would like to thank Sir Jeremy Wright MP for taking the time to meet with me, the volunteers at St John's Church for their warm welcome and all the organisations and individuals who quietly make a difference within their communities every day.
On a personal note, I would also like to recognise businesses such as B&M that provide opportunities for people who may face additional challenges in life. Inclusion matters, and opportunities can make a real difference.
The Kenilworth Experience reminded me that communities are built one conversation at a time.
Full document available on request:
JJ001 – The Kenilworth Experience – A Day of Community, Conversation and Connection
To request a copy, please contact John Farey by email:
[email protected]
What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

08/06/2026

Begin 2 Network, John's Journal

REF - FB003

Meeting Sir Jeremy Wright MP

Then came the big moment.
My meeting with Sir Jeremy Wright MP.
I thought I might be a nervous wreck, but surprisingly I wasn't. Perhaps it was the conversations I had enjoyed earlier that morning with the volunteers at St John's Church, but I felt relaxed and confident.
The meeting flowed really well. Sir Jeremy asked plenty of questions, and I felt I was able to answer them directly and honestly.
We discussed Begin 2 Network, community engagement and some of the challenges and opportunities facing local communities.
During our conversation, I also congratulated Sir Jeremy on how Kenilworth is looking as a whole. Whilst there are always challenges facing any town, it was clear that positive developments have taken place and that a great deal of work continues to be invested into the local area.
Before I knew it, my twenty minutes had come to an end.
I genuinely enjoyed the conversation and was pleased to hear that Sir Jeremy would like to stay updated on the progress of Begin 2 Network. He also offered support in terms of future contacts and connections where appropriate.
I left the meeting feeling positive and grateful for the opportunity to introduce B2N and share some of the ideas and ambitions behind the project.
Full document available on request:
JJ001 – The Kenilworth Experience – A Day of Community, Conversation and Connection
To request a copy, please contact John Farey by email:
[email protected]
What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

08/06/2026

Begin 2 Network, John's Journal

REF - FB002

Church Visit

As I continued my walk around Kenilworth, I found myself outside St John's Church.
I decided to have a quick look around and immediately noticed some lovely planting areas around the grounds.
I then spotted a notice advertising a coffee morning at 10am. As the time approached, I thought to myself, "Why not attend?"
I started by walking around the church, taking in the architecture and the beautiful stained-glass windows. I was warmly greeted and welcomed by the volunteers.
There was a birthday announcement during the morning, and everyone joined together to sing Happy Birthday. There was a real sense of energy, warmth and community spirit in the room.
As the morning progressed, I listened to several volunteers share their stories and speak about how St John's Church had made a positive difference in their lives.
The coffee morning itself was free to attend, relying entirely on donations from those who were able to contribute. The church was also operating a food bank that same morning, providing practical support to people who needed it.
I got talking to the volunteers and explained that I attend and support St James's Church in Southam. The conversation naturally moved on to why I was visiting Kenilworth, and before long we were discussing Begin 2 Network.
They were genuinely interested in what B2N is trying to achieve, wished me luck with my meeting and left me feeling grateful for the warm welcome I had received.
Full document available on request:
JJ001 – The Kenilworth Experience – A Day of Community, Conversation and Connection
To request a copy, please contact John Farey by email:
[email protected]
What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

08/06/2026

Begin 2 Network, John's Journal

REF - FB001

Walking Around Kenilworth

Ahead of meeting Sir Jeremy Wright MP, I spent some time exploring Kenilworth and seeing what had changed since my last visit many years ago.
Having attended Kenilworth High School, I found myself looking around with a sense of familiarity and curiosity. My eyes were peeled to see if I could spot any familiar faces, but unfortunately I didn't on this occasion.
As I walked around the town, I noticed just how much had changed. Some areas have clearly seen investment and development, and it was good to see parts of the town looking refreshed and updated.
The planters throughout the town had been neatly dug over and prepared for summer bedding displays, which added to the sense that people take pride in the area.
At the same time, I was saddened to see that The Bear and Staff, Acorn and several other charity shops were no longer trading. It reminded me how much towns can change over time and how important community spaces can become in people's lives.
I later found a seat near B&M to gather my thoughts and plan out my talk. While I was doing this, one of the staff members watering the plants wished me a good morning. It was a small interaction, but it made me smile.
As I sat there preparing for the day ahead, I found myself reflecting on just how much can change over the years, both in our towns and in our own lives.
Full document available on request:
JJ001 – The Kenilworth Experience – A Day of Community, Conversation and Connection
To request a copy, please contact John Farey by email:
[email protected]
What are you waiting for? Let's Begin 2 Network together.

02/06/2026

Building today.
Connecting tomorrow.

01/06/2026

Let the fun begin...

Just over two weeks ago, Begin 2 Network (B2N) received approval from Companies House and officially became a Community Interest Company.

Since then, the journey has continued at pace, with the project now moving through its early development phases and laying the foundations for the future.

What started as an idea has become a reality, and while there is still plenty of work ahead, it is exciting to see the vision beginning to take shape.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the project so far. Your encouragement, advice and belief in the vision are genuinely appreciated.

This is only the beginning.

What are you waiting for?

Let's Begin 2 Network together.