Oaklea web captures us together!

It is often stated the power of the web knows no bounds….well here is a tale that truly lives up to that.

Our very own Oaklea Finance supremo, Charles Holdsworth, is the living embodiment of that.

Earlier this year his son – also called Charles – bit of a theme here – who he had lost touch with over time – dropped by Oaklea HQ hoping to catch up with Dad. He’d spotted Charles on our website doing the ‘Peaky Beardies‘ fundraiser a year ago (reminder here https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/theres-summit-going-on/)

“Knowing me knowing you – aha!”

They’ve both now reached new heights (out hiking this weekend just gone above Derwentwater)…all thanks to the www!

Here’s Charles on how all this came about – though he will have to ask the younger Charles to work on the facials if he wants to join the ‘Peaky Beardies‘ – just saying – membership has its privileges!

Such a positive outcome – the younger Charles was in the army and now works in Cumbria in the Mental Health sector whilst doing an MSC in Psychology at Lancaster University.

Friends re-united & then some!

We love it when a plan comes together – July also marks World Friendship Day – diaries at the ready it’s Wednesday 30th July! (#WorldFriendshipDay)

“Friendship plays a crucial role in promoting trust, empathy, and mutual respect among people. Celebrating this day highlights the value of relationships in overcoming misunderstandings, reducing conflict, and building more inclusive societies. The event also aligns with the United Nations’ goal of encouraging dialogue among civilizations and promoting peace. In a world that can often feel divided, World Friendship Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the difference we can make by reaching out and supporting one another.” United Nations

How to get involved – be like Charles!

There are many meaningful ways to mark World Friendship Day / International Day Of Friendship 2025:

• Reach out to friends: Send a thoughtful message, make a phone call, or arrange a get-together to express your appreciation.
• Make new connections: Take the opportunity to introduce yourself to someone new, whether in your community, school, or workplace.
• Organise a group activity: Host a picnic, a cultural exchange, or a virtual event to bring people together.
• Support organisations: Consider donating to or volunteering with groups that promote friendship, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.
• Share positive messages: Use social media to spread stories and quotes about friendship, using the relevant hashtags #WorldFriendshipDay #InternationalDayOfFriendship #FriendshipDay2025 #CelebrateFriendship #SpreadKindness #FriendshipMatters

“Reach out – I’ll be there”

Charles & Charles certainly lived up to one of the key elements – ‘making new connections’ and ‘reaching out’!

This bonding lark is infectious….yesterday fellow ‘Peaky Beardy‘ and our webmaster, Simon was out volunteering with his son for Yorkshire Dales National Park in Mallerstang.

There’s a Beardy missing I hear you say – fear not – Oaklea’s Matthew Douglas was contacted…but he was snowed under….Charles signal clearly only works with close relatives!