7 - 2019 | Chalmers News PR

Teenager’s close shave for charity!

Posted on July 12, 2019 by admin

A PLUCKY 16-year-old from Wellesbourne has shed her long locks to help raise money and awareness for a local charity.

Florence Lloyd, a student at King’s High School for Girls in Warwick, has raised more than £450 so far after having her head shaved on Thursday (12th July).

Florence Lloyd, Molly Olly's Wishes — Florence before her head shave with Olly The Brave, the Molly Olly’s Wishes lion mascot. Photos: www.davidfawbertphotography.co.uk

Her hair will be sent to The Little Princess Trust – a charity that supplies and funds real hair wigs to children who suffer hair loss through illness – while proceeds will benefit Warwick-based charity Molly Olly’s Wishes.

The charity was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

It works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Florence, who is preparing to study A-levels in September, said: “A lot of the girls in my friendship group had been friends with Molly at Claverdon School and talk about her a lot so it’s as if she is also part of that friendship group, as if she is here.

“From everything I hear I thought she was so brave and had an amazing attitude. And it made me think about how brave all those children are who lose their hair through illness and I wanted to use that to help others.”

She added: “I was very nervous but couldn’t see what they doing at first because they started at the back. It was a very surreal feeling at the end when I saw myself. I looked so different.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet to be honest. It is quite a shock when I wake up in the morning and see myself in the mirror. But I’m proud of myself for going through with it. It looks and feels good actually!”

Florence’s family, including parents Caroline and John and brother Oliver, were all on hand to lend their support at Hair Management at Nuffield Wellbeing Centre on Warwick Gates.

Mum Caroline said: “We’re immensely proud of her. We are partly defined by our hair, especially girls and it’s a massive thing for her to do this.”

Trustee and founder of Molly Olly’s Wishes Rachel Ollerenshaw, said: “Hair loss is often a harder thing to accept than we maybe imagine. I remember when Molly lost her hair for the first time, how uncomfortable it felt for her both physically and emotionally.

“It became coarse and fell out in clumps and obviously changed how she herself and others saw her. Flo’s challenge is very symbolic and certainly makes a statement and draws attention to the issue of hair loss .

Molly Ollerenshaw just a few weeks before she passed away, aged eight.

“For a girl of her age it is a big thing to do and we are very grateful to her for helping raise money and awareness for Molly Olly’s as well as donating her hair to The Little Princess Trust. Thanks also to Hair Management for their support.”

Donations can still by made here

Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or how to donate can be found at: www.mollyolly.co.uk

Nominations open for Leamington Business Awards 2019

Posted on July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 by admin

NOMINATIONS have opened for the sixth Leamington Business Awards which is set to raise thousands of pounds for local charities.

The Awards are for the first time being organised by the Leamington Business Forum.

Leamington Business Awards 2019 — Handing over: HB&O Managing Director Mark Ashfield and Jonathan Smith from the Leamington Business Forum.

Jonathan Smith of the Leamington Business Forum – a former awards judge – takes over from the previous organisers Chartered Accountants and Financial Advisors Harrison Beale & Owen who last year opened it up to include new categories as well as businesses and charities in a wider area. The South Warwickshire Achievement Award, sponsored by Tara&Co, and the Warwick District Charity of the Year Award are designed to showcase inspirational businesses and charities who have a strong connection to Leamington but fall outside the traditional postcode boundary for the awards.

Set up in 2014, the Awards champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations while also raising vital funds for local charities, culminating with a glittering black-tie ceremony on November 15^th.

Returning to its previous home, this year’s ceremony will take place at the newly renovated Royal Pump Rooms which has recently been acquired by Just Inspire Events. And it will be presided over by Master of Ceremonies, Dave Sharpe.

Businesses have the opportunity to enter 12 categories: New Business of the Year; Business and Community Award; Customers Service Excellence Award; Young Person of the Year Award, Employer of the Year; South Warwickshire Achievement of the Year; Innovation of the Year; Outstanding Achievement of the Year; Independent Business of the Year; Property Business of the Year, Warwick District Charity of the Year and The People’s Choice Award.

A winner from all the categories will also be selected for the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award – Business of the Year.

Jonathan Smith said: “The Leamington Business Awards is specifically designed to suit businesses of all sizes and stages. The broad range of categories means there is something to suit everyone, including specific awards for non-profit making organisations and new start-ups.

“For the first time last year, organisations outside Leamington had the chance to enter the South Warwickshire Achievement Awards and this year we have also introduced the Warwick District Charity of the Year Award and the Property business of the Year Award while the Young Person of the Year Award was open to 16-26-year-olds.”

The judging panel is made up of leading Leamington business experts: Roger Scott of Lloyds Bank; Sarah Windrum from IT Consultancy Emerald Group; Louise Richards from touring dance circus company Motionhouse; and Mark Ashfield, Managing Director of HB&O – and former awards organiser.

Mr Ashfield said: “We are extremely proud of our involvement with the Leamington Business Awards, from winning the professional services category four years ago, to organising the event on behalf of the town in recent years.

“As a local business ourselves, we have experienced how the event can act as a catalyst in building strong professional relationships throughout the town as well as offering a platform for smaller businesses to thrive. We are excited to see how the event grows under Jonathan’s management and wish him and the event every success.”

The Awards are also being supported by Business & Innovation Magazine and further sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Jonathan Smith at: leamingtonbusinessawards@gmail.com or Jon@LeamingtonBusinessForum.co.uk

Further details about the awards categories and how to nominate are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk

To nominate a business visit: https://www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk/enter-a-business Nominations close on Friday, August 9^th after which a shortlist of four finalists for each category will be announced. Finalists will be contacted by email and via the website and social media.

CATEGORIES:

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lodders Solicitors)

This award will go to a new business that has been established on or after 30th March 2017. A business that is increasing its potential, the Judges will be interested in innovative products, services and processes. The judges would like to know more about the ‘personality’ of the business and the qualities which make the business successful.

Business and Community Award (Sponsored by Royal Priors Shopping Centre)

Open to businesses that, in addition to their commercial activities, go the extra mile to create a positive impact within their local community. Judges will be looking for evidence of contribution to the community, staff engagement and awareness of community issues, commitment to ongoing community or charitable activities for non-commercial gain.

Customer Service Excellence Award (Sponsored by The Box Factory)

This category is open to any business that can demonstrate excellence in customer service. Judges will be looking for evidence of how you embed a culture of customer service across its organisation, training, how it seeks and act on feedback from customers and any strategies in place to ensure it provides the highest level of customer care.

Young person of the Year (Sponsored by IAPS)

This award recognises the young person who has achieved the most over the past year, whether that’s at school, at work or through another project or charity initiative. We’re looking for young people who are an inspiration to those around them, whether that’s through creativity, achievement or entrepreneurial spirit. Entrants must be aged between 16 and 26 on 30^th March 2019. The winner of this category will receive a cash prize on the night.

Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Bravissimo)

This company’s staff are its greatest asset. We want to hear from businesses which are going above and beyond to offer a positive working environment for employees. Judges will be looking for examples of career progression, equality of opportunity, commitment to training and development of a positive working culture.

South Warwickshire Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by Tara&Co)

In recognition of the number of companies neighbouring Leamington that contribute to the town, this award recognises organisations based in South Warwickshire that contribute to Leamington. Judges will be looking for evidence of achievements during 2018/19 such as growth, innovation, community support, and customer service.

Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by Withers and Rogers)

This is open to any business which has developed an innovative product, process or service. From advances in technology, manufacturing and science to creating a winning new recipe or a revolutionary new business service, this award is about recognising those businesses which are pushing the boundaries and finding creative ways to improve their business and customer service.

Outstanding Achievement of the Year (Sponsored by The Kingsley School)

This award aims to recognise a person/persons that have shown outstanding dedication and achievement within business, organisation or community. This award is open to individuals and/or teams working possibly within a company whom often go unrecognised but who have made a significant impact within the organisation they work, going beyond their job requirements.

Independent Business of the Year (Sponsored by HB&O)

This award will go to the independent business from Leamington Spa that can demonstrate first-class customer service and innovative products and services, whatever industry they are in. The judges will be looking for evidence of the uniqueness and the ‘personality’ of the business; the qualities which make the business successful and how they serve and delight their customers.

Property Business of the Year (Sponsored by Bellagio Stone)

This award recognises a business or organisation in the property sector that has made an outstanding achievement over the past year in their field of expertise. It includes property developers, renovators and builders as well as service providers, such as estate agents, letting agents, architects, surveyors, planning specialists and other property-related businesses.

Warwick District Charity of the Year (Sponsored by Aubrey Allen)

This award is designed to celebrate the excellent work done by charities, social enterprises and other non-profit making organisations from across the wider Warwick District.

People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by The Leamington Courier)

Voted for by the readers of the Courier and online via the Leamington Business Awards website, as a business that simply stands out for great personal service and customer satisfaction and has brought something special to the town.

Business of the Year – Judges’ Choice (Sponsored by tbc)

A Judges’ Choice award given to the business they feel stands out as an inspiration to other local and national businesses. The winner of this award will be selected from the finalists in the other categories.

The hottest ticket in town!

Posted on July 10, 2019July 10, 2019 by admin

SCHOOL is nearly out but fear not, for there’s a whole summer of fun lined up to help celebrate at Jump In Trampoline Park Warwick.

With the long stretch of school holidays ahead, Jump In’s Summer Pass can help them keep a spring in their step without elevating the budget.

Plus there’s extra fun and games lined up in Warwick, including indoor welly wanging, giant Jenga, Connect 4 and volleyball, all with the sounds of summer playing in the background. There may even be the chance to slap on some bling with a glitter tattoo – or two!

And there’s no better time to enjoy trampolining thanks to the Jump In Summer Pass.

With the Summer Pass in your back pocket it’s the perfect way to keep you and your family entertained – and active – over the school holidays.

The passes represent great value at just £35 for 5 jumps and £60 for 10 jumps and can be purchased now, for use until August 31^st 2019. They can also be used for friends and family to enjoy Jump In together.

When you purchase online you will be sent a unique code to use when booking online via our website or Contact Centre on 01926 356290.
Visit: www.gojumpin.com and select Open Jump.
For full terms and conditions visit: http://www.gojumpin.com/news/summer-trampoline-passes-at-jump-in

Jumpers will have no trouble cooling down after trampolining with the Summer Fest special offer – when you buy three Slush drinks, there’s a fourth one waiting you for you free at Jump In Warwick! (Valid throughout July and August).

As well as Open Jumping, the park offers sessions catering for all age groups, including After-School Club; Toddler Time; Jump and Play (exclusively for under fives); Friday Night Takeover; Relaxed Sessions (with SEN activities and Rebound Therapy) and Fitness Classes (for all ages).

Besides trampolines, the Jump In fun in Warwick includes a giant airbag, dodgeball, battle beam, basketball, plus a soft play area for the under fives. And there’s a special Soft Play and Mini Trampoline Jump offer for under fives as well – in the secure environment of the gated soft play area with lots of space to run free.

On-site facilities include baby change, disabled access and free parking as well as a wide range of tasty refreshments in the Tuck In Café – where most supervising parents like to reside!

What better incentive to get them active and off their screens and onto our trampolines?

Jumping is a low-impact activity that improves core strength (including stronger bones, better posture and increased leg strength); cardiovascular fitness and cognitive development in children (including coordination, mental strengthening, enjoyment and self-esteem).

Regular trampoline exercise has also been proven to increase metabolic rate, helping the body process nutrients more efficiently and reducing the risk of osteoporosis by increasing the density of our bones.

Visit Jump In at: https://www.gojumpin.com/locations/warwick for more information about what they offer.

Molly Olly’s benefits from newsreader’s top tips

Posted on July 5, 2019July 5, 2019 by admin

A RADIO newsreader put her faith in local racing talent to win an annual tipping contest for a second successive year at Warwick Racecourse.

Touch FM’s Lindsey Alder will be donating her winnings to Warwick-based charity Molly Olly’s Wishes.

The contest ran over the course of the Qatar Airways May Racing Carnival last month, with Lindsey taking victory on the final day of the season.

It was a close call with only two points separating Lindsey and runner up Roger Hart, with Lindsey benefiting from backing horses from local trainers like Dan Skelton.

Molly Olly’s Wishes supports children with terminal and life-threatening illnesses, which offers terminally ill children 0-18 pastoral support by granting ‘wishes’- which could be anything from buying new hospital equipment, to toys or experiences.

Lindsey said: “I’m delighted, and surprised, to win the contest for the second year in a row. Thanks to Warwick Racecourse for putting it on and commiserations to Roger who I pipped at the last post.

“After supporting soldier charity 353 last time out, I wanted to donate my winnings to another local charity and having interviewed the guys from Molly Olly’s Wishes a few times at Touch FM, I decided there was no better choice!

“If putting a few fantasy bets on some horses helps fulfil just one child’s wish, then I’m very happy with the result”.

Lindsey’s £350 donation will also help the charity fund their Olly the brave packs, that assist patient’s emotional well-being by normalising being in a hospital environment through therapeutic toys and books.

Rachel Ollerenshaw, Trustee at Molly Olly’s Wishes, added: “We would like to thank Lindsey for this kind donation and continuing to raise awareness for our charity.

“If people can’t always give money but can raise awareness by telling five people that’s brilliant as well.

“By making connections at local events like this we are able to find the right people to facilitate a wish for somebody like being a jockey for the day as an example.”

This year marked the fourth year that Warwick Racecourse welcomed the May racing carnival to its grounds with more than 11,000 visitors attracted over the month.

Andre Klein, General Manager at Warwick Racecourses, said: “We would like to express our thanks to all of the participants at this year’s tipping contest and everybody who joined us across the Qatar Airways May Racing Carnival

“A special congratulations goes to Lindsey on taking first place for the second year in a row and for donating her winnings to Molly Olly’s wishes charity, another inspiring local cause.

“Lindsey’s win yet again proved the strength of racing talent we have in the region, as many of her backed winners came from right here in Warwickshire.”

For more information about Warwick Racecourse visit www.warwickracecourse.co.uk

To find out more about Molly Olly’s Wishes visit www.mollyolly.co.uk and for more information on how to donate https://www.mollyolly.co.uk/learn-about-donating/

More fun than you can ‘throw’ a stick at!

Posted on July 5, 2019July 5, 2019 by admin

IN part two of my series of blogs about Adventure Sports Warwick, I review axe-throwing. . .

AS a mum of teenage sons I’ve not come across many sports and activities they haven’t at some time dabbled in – that is until recently.

‘Why don’t we go and throw some axes?’ one of them enthusiastically declared a few weeks ago.

Normally this request might have me worried if it weren’t for my familiarity with the nearby outdoor activity centre, Adventure Sports.

And it’s the only place in Warwickshire to offer axe-throwing – an activity incidentally that is rapidly growing in popularity.

How hard can it be? – I reasoned, with, if I’m honest, a slight sense of nervous anticipation. Well, who wouldn’t be nervous by the prospect of standing amidst flying axes hurled about by their over-zealous offspring? (Could this be an opportunity to put an end to mum’s nagging that’s just too good to resist?)

It was soon apparent that my concerns were misplaced. The session is extremely safe and well managed by the Adventure Sports team, who put us at our ease with their affable and reassuring manner. Everyone took on board the short safety talk and was then introduced to the session with a lesson on the basic techniques required to get the axe to hit and stick into the wooden roundel target.

Lightweight 10-inch metal training axes called Angels are used while we perfect our throws from a distance of around three metres, before we’re then let loose on the larger Tomahawk axes. These are heavier and require more technique, although, for me, I found the axes easier to handle and are the ones I enjoyed more, (if limited!) success with.

The 60-minute session is suitable for groups of between two and 24 people aged over 10. – Yes, I was surprised to learn of such a low age limit too! But once you’ve experienced it, you soon realise how safe and accessible it is for all. As I was told by our instructor at the start of the session: “All you’ve got to be able to do is throw!”

And he’s right, of course. Trouble is, while throwing is the easy bit, turns out getting it to successfully stick into the target, not so much so – for me at least!

But we weren’t just left to it. We’re under constant supervision and instruction so are able to improve our methods – and our hit rate – fairly quickly.

And there are some fun competitions thrown in as well, further motivating those us with a more competitive streak! (Not naming any names!)

I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable – and fascinating – experience and another ‘first’ ticked off the family’s adventures bucket list.

Interesting isn’t it, how, in today’s world of technology, gaming, artificial intelligence and so forth, we still find entertainment in an ancient skill once practiced in the Middle Ages! Go figure.

Axe-throwing as a coordinated activity is actually nothing to be worried about at all. It is a lot of fun for any size of group. Not as simple as it might look. . . but then where would be the challenge in that?

Further details on axe-throwing sessions as well as 50 other outdoor adventure activities can be found at. . . https://www.adventuresport.co.uk/