helping customers to find the right activities to improve general wellbeing
A developing business has opened a new outlet at Stonham Barns Park retail village to bring a range of outdoor and indoor hobbies to customers from Suffolk to improve and enhance health and wellbeing.
There’s nothing like learning something new to keep your mind and body active and that’s the message from Adam Hobbs – from Mendlesham – who has left a career as a professional driver and motor spares specialist to set up the new shop.
The idea of Hobbs Hobbies came to the keen fisherman after a lifetime of fishing as he explains, ‘I wanted to bring others to a sport that I started when I was a young boy as I have enjoyed years of pleasure in the great outdoors catching fish. It’s easy and inexpensive to start. It’s just the beginners kit that people need and then it’s the perfect sport for individuals and families to follow.’
The fishing theme fits perfectly with Stonham Barns Park as it has three separate fishing lakes used by lodge owners and anglers from around the East of England. Bob Nudd MBE – a 4x World Champion and 7x Team Champion fishing icon – is ambassador for the venue’s fishing activities while continuing to fish throughout the season on the European circuit. With around 2.9 million people regularly fishing British lakes, rivers and coastal waters it is a sport that has seen a resurgence of interest since the years of lockdown.
‘It’s something I feel strongly about. I feel that with age comes a slower pace of life which is not healthy for either your body or mind. Health experts are looking to encourage people to be proactive about their wellbeing and hobbies can keep the mind and body active. It’s all about health-span as well as lifespan. This is why I thought it would be good to open the new outlet at Stonham Barns Park to encourage people to take up hobbies. It’s a venue that positively oozes energy promoting fishing, golf, dancing, music, cycling, motorcycling, wildlife watching, kiting, camping and other outdoor sports. It’s all about getting outdoors and doing something or learning a new activity.’
The new self-titled one-stop shop is for those who love fishing, outdoor games, and toys. In the store, customers can find a range of fishing tackle and bait to cater for any angling needs including reels, rods, lures and lines.
In addition, to fishing supplies, the outlet also stocks Kombat UK products, a British company that designs and manufactures high-quality tactical clothing, bags and equipment. The brand is popular among outdoors enthusiasts, hikers and paintball enthusiasts because of their durable and practical designs. Also stocking the increasingly popular Sluban bricks traditional board games, classic puzzles, action figures and more.
Hobbies do take people’s minds off their stresses and strains and invariably involve people communicating and spending time together which is all beneficial for better mental health. The shop stocks activities for those from ages 5 to 105.
Concludes Adam Hobbs, ‘It’s all about going back to feeling younger again in these days of the cost-of-living crisis. We should remember what life is about and make sure we do something that makes us feel good.’
The new business is located opposite Café 24 and Stonham Garden Centre at Stonham Barns Park. To find out more visit: www.stonhambarns.co.uk/retail/retail-village/
Stonham Barns Park is a bustling family complex offering accommodation, attractions and activities based in the heart of Suffolk, UK. Activities at the leisure, retail and holiday venue include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Café 24 Restaurant, Legends Sports Bar, The Golf Centre including Adventure Golf and FootGolf, and new Adventure FootGolf Course, The Teapot Pottery, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and glamping and fishing lakes.
Stonham Barns Park has been serving the community of Suffolk since it first opened in 1987 and is still as much a family destination as it was when it first opened, and it is now becoming a more prominent part of Suffolk tourism which is growing exponentially year on year. Stonham Barns Park itself welcomes many visitors from all over the UK – particularly from London, the South-East and from as far away as The North and Scotland.