A weekly ‘Bun Run’ delivery of homemade cakes launched by a Bridlington care home has become a popular fixture in the town – and is helping forge new friendships along the way. Beechwood Care Centre, operated by Highgate Care, launched the Beechwood Bun Run in partnership with Bridlington Gold Radio at the beginning of June, giving local people the chance to win a box of homemade cakes and buns each week.
Fourteen weeks and deliveries later, treats made by Beechwood chef Tracey have made their way to homes, birthday celebrations, a Canasta group and local businesses across Bridlington. The idea came from Beechwood’s front of house manager, Claire Gill, as a way of raising awareness of the care home while doing something positive for the wider community.
Listeners enter the competition through the Bridlington Gold website, with a winner selected each week before Claire heads out across the town to make the delivery. Among the recipients have been Laura, the Bun Run’s first winner, who received a cake for her mum’s birthday; Linda, whose delivery arrived in time for her own birthday and was shared with her family; and Karen, the niece of one of Beechwood’s residents, who shared her cake with her Canasta group.
One delivery has even led to a new friendship with the home. After receiving a Bun Run delivery, local resident Netti began following Beechwood on social media and has since started attending and supporting charity events at the care centre.
Claire said: “The Bun Run started as a fun way of getting Beechwood’s name out into Bridlington, but it’s become much more than that. At Highgate, kindness is key, and the Bun Run is a really simple way of putting that into practice in our local community. Every week we get to meet someone new and hopefully brighten their day with something Tracey has made here at the home.
“Seeing someone like Netti go from receiving one of our deliveries to coming along and supporting our events is lovely, because that’s exactly the sort of connection we want Beechwood to have with our community. It’s also helped us build a really good relationship with Bridlington Gold, who now support and promote other events we’re holding at Beechwood.”
Bridlington Gold Radio’s Mike Hammond said the Bun Run has been “incredibly well received” by his listeners. He said: “Initiatives like this matter because they strengthen community ties and remind us how powerful small moments of kindness can be.”
The weekly treats are prepared by Beechwood chef Tracey, before Claire delivers them to the winning home or workplace. Recipients have also included local timber merchant West Building Supplies, while Bridlington Gold’s DJ Woofer has even managed to get his paws on some of the homemade treats. The Bun Run continues weekly, with local people able to enter through Bridlington Gold Radio.
Beechwood Care Centre in Bridlington is operated by Highgate Care and provides residential, nursing and dementia care.
Photos provided by Beechwood Care Centre.