July at Level Best: Summer Adventures, Art Achievements & Plum Perfection!
As the sunshine settled in, July bloomed with colour, creativity and connection here at Level Best. From award-winning artists to tortoise models in the studio, here’s everything we got up to this month!
🎉 Big News: Ben’s Bursary Win!
We’re over the moon for Art Trainee Ben, who received a Firstsite Collectors Group Bursary Award for his incredible colouring book project. Ben even gave a heartfelt speech at the awards evening (with some backstage support from Megan!).
He’s already completed the first page and is aiming to release the book this autumn watch this space! Huge thanks to the Firstsite Collectors Group for recognising Ben’s work and supporting this exciting journey.
🎨 Pastels, Pets & Passion Projects in the Art Room
Our art studio has been a joyful mess this month as trainees explored pastels in all their smudgy glory. Shelby summed it up best: “I’m having loads of fun… and turning green!”
In other studio news, we had some special guests: Flossy and Tallulah the tortoises joined us for a live drawing session! Trainees loved observing these calm creatures up close—thanks to volunteer Xanthe for bringing them in.
🚴♂️ Cycling Fun with Wheels for All
Trainees headed to Acorn Village for an adapted cycling session with Wheels for All, testing out trikes and accessible bikes in a safe, fun environment. The adventure wrapped up with lunch in a beautiful walled garden café.
As Sophie put it: “It was fantastic! Lunch was epic!”
🌳 Growing Connections at Old Heath Rec
Our Horticultural team met with Newtown Regenerative to talk all things green and community-focused at Old Heath Recreation Ground. It was a brilliant meeting of minds, sharing ideas for making urban spaces thrive for people and wildlife.
🍑 Summer Flavours in the Café
- Plum, Vanilla & Cardamom Scones made by Ryan, using plums gifted from the lovely Rowhedge community.
- Freshly cut flowers from Stoney Meadows Farm are brightening up the café in scent and spirit thank you for the generous donation!
🌿 From Plot to Plate: July Harvesting Joy
The Allotment Team have been busy harvesting seasonal produce, our favourite time of year! From the Officer’s Club’s enormous mulberry tree to homegrown veggies, trainees are picking, preparing, preserving and cooking with pride.
Some of the harvest is used in our café, some in preserves, and some is sold to our customers. A true celebration of self-sufficiency and summer abundance!
⚽ Football Dreams with Colchester United
Trainees took to the pitch at Shrub End Community Sports Centre for a football training session hosted by Colchester United. Smiles, goals and team spirit filled the day.
As Owen put it perfectly: “It was pure passion.”
🕊️ DIY Bird Feeders Now in the Café
Connor teamed up with Amy to create eco-friendly bird feeders using recycled coconut shells, lard, and seeds. They’re fun, functional, and available now from the café counter and perfect for garden birdwatchers!
🥤 Barista Brilliance: Iced Coffee Competition Winners Announced!
A huge congratulations to Jaime & Phil, crowned our Iced Coffee Champs! They brewed and served up the best chilled caffeine creations of the month, cheers to you both!
🌈 Pride Prep Underway
Our Seasonal Team have been cooking up two exclusive recipes for Colchester Pride on Saturday 16th August with each inspired by summer flavours and the spirit of inclusivity. You’ll only find them at our Pride stall, so be sure to stop by!
Thank You for a Bright & Busy July!
As always, we’re so proud of our trainees and thankful for our wider Level Best community. Whether you’ve popped into the café, bought a jar of jam, or cheered from the sidelines, your support means the world.
Let’s see what August brings… 🌻
—The Level Best Team
