‘A brew with a view’ - Doncaster beauty spot is asking for donations in return for a cuppa atop one of the town's best views

The last 12 months has made ramblers out of many people.

With little else to do on a weekend Doncaster people strapped on their walking boots and set out across the town to explore beauty spots.

Claire Pinder, Director at The Austerfield Study Centre, came up with an idea to use this new found love of walking to help her raise funds for the education facility.

Claire, 52, said: “Covid-19 really stopped us in our tracks.

“With schools closed we have had no income for a year and have saldy lost three staff members.”

Claire and her remaining team have spent the last year sprucing up the study centre.

She has been painting the buildings, making repairs and getting the site ready for when children are allowed to return.

“I noticed that the reserve was attracting a lot more people during lockdown and that’s where ‘A brew with a view’ came from,” she continued.

“I set up a table with a flask and biscuits and asked walkers if they would like to donate to the centre in return for a hot drink.”

Claire started this project just two weeks ago and has so far attracted 50 people to her bench.

“It has been a fantastic success and we have had some great donations,” she said.

“It has helped to remind people that they once came to the centre when they were children and that it is worth saving.”

Claire is following the government guidelines around Covid-19 and is supplying disposable cups, hand sanitizer and wipes.

The reserve is 10 acres and Claire is encouraging others to visit the beauty spot as she feels it helps mental health and well being.

"We want this place to survive,” she continued.

"We have been on a knife’s edge.”

Her drinks table will be operating on weekends between 9am to 2pm when the weather is nice.

You can also donate to The Austerfield Study Centre via this link.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.