3 - 2022 | Chalmers News PR

Warwickshire businesswoman launches unique range of bespoke wallpaper and murals to help customers design with a difference

Posted on March 17, 2022March 17, 2022 by admin

A brand new business born out of the Covid lockdown, aimed at creating one-off walls for people’s homes and businesses, marked its launch with a showcase of its unique work in the heart of Warwick.

Designer Claret is the brainchild of Warwickshire entrepreneur Clare Underwood, who had a complete career change during the lockdown which led to the establishment of her on-trend interiors business.

The business offers a range of luxury wide wallpaper and murals, using designs created by a Warwickshire illustrator as well as another London-based artist. Designer Claret also creates customised wallpaper for customers with their own ideas thanks to its own in-house team of two apprentices from Stratford-upon-Avon College.

Designer Claret, decor, Warwick, small business — Sophie Langston, Designer Claret, artist and illustrator Juliet Bawden; artist and illustrator Diane Maybey; Clare Underwood, founder of Designer Claret and Rhoda Barton.

The company has already had several commissions for its luxury wide wallpaper, including a statement dining room wall and powder rooms in an independent restaurant and tapas bar, both in the historic town of Warwick. The latter hosted an official launch on March 9th, 2022 where its Prussian Blue Cabbages design was showcased to an array of guests.

Clare said: “We had a fabulous day at our launch with lots of support from people locally and from London and beyond. We’re looking forward to what the spring will bring.”

At the launch, held at Bonito tapas bar in Warwick, guests got the chance to meet the artists whose designs are featured on Designer Claret’s wallpaper. Designer, maker, author and journalist Juliet Bawden, who has had over 70 craft books published and designs, makes and writes for magazines including Coast, Simply Sewing and Reloved as well as the Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley websites travelled to Warwick for the launch, which was also attended by published author and illustrator Diane Maybey, whose work includes writing and illustrating six books for children’s charity Molly Olly’s Wishes and also specialises in designing healing spaces.

Both artists’ designs are printed onto luxury flaxen, non-woven, one-metre wide wallpaper for a high end finish aimed at the luxury prime residential and hospitality markets.

On top of that, Designer Claret can take commissions to work with clients’ own unique designs or images to create the wallpaper of their dreams, such as a recent project to enhance a commercial space for Evera Recruitment at Pure Offices with a 6.7m woodland scene and company logo designed in-house.

“People don’t want their home or business to look the same as other people’s,” said Clare. “They want something unique or bespoke that says something about them and that’s what we create.”

Completed commissions include a single mural on a bedroom wall for one client who wanted it to include a wooded landscape with a potential connection to India that would make them feel “as though I am wandering into a forest”.

After several meetings, Designer Claret produced a unique print that was turned into a giant mural and put in place by a local decorator. Their client was over-the-moon, saying they were “thrilled” by the design. She said: “Nothing could have prepared us for the fabulous effect of the wallcovering. Our bedroom looks absolutely stunning – it’s like waking up on holiday every day!”

Entrepreneur tastes success after pivoting his wine tasting business during pandemic

Posted on March 16, 2022 by admin

Tomelier, Tom Newbold, wine tasting, Rugby — Tom Newbold

A Warwickshire man who turned his back on a career in law to set up his own wine tasting business just before the pandemic struck, has unveiled plans for expansion ahead of his third anniversary.

Tom Newbold was forced to reinvent his fledgling wine tasting business when Covid-19 put a sudden halt to all face-to-face events in March 2020.

Quickly pivoting the in-person business model, he also introduced virtual tasting packs, which became popular and, post-pandemic, continue to be so, now making up around a third of Tomelier’s total revenue.

Tom, from Rugby, is now recruiting other wine experts to help build his brand beyond the Midlands and offer more face to face tastings UK-wide.

He said: “After working in law for ten years, I started to fall out of love with the industry and specifically my long commute.

“I love wine but there is so much choice out there and so many confusing labels, it can be really daunting for consumers. From this came the idea of a tasting company where I could introduce people to different styles of wine and using my knowledge explain to them why or why not they worked for their palate.”

The bespoke virtual tastings, delivering airtight wine pouches by post, have proved particularly popular with corporate clients who can involve teams of colleagues scattered across the country.

“The business had only been running for less than a year with a focus on tastings at venues and conference centres throughout the Midlands. We had worked hard to build up connections in the industry and had some exciting events lined up. Of course this stopped overnight,” recalls Tom.

“It was incredibly worrying not knowing what the future held but, early on into the first lockdown we started hosting live tastings on social media with wines that people could pick up in big supermarkets. These tastings gained popularity and a loyal following and we realised that there was an appetite for virtual tastings. We subsequently developed a way of sending out 100ml samples, securely and safely whilst maintaining the integrity of the wine inside.”

It was following the birth of his daughter in 2016 that Tom took his first steps into the wine retail industry and going on to achieve a Distinction in the Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wine as well as the prestigious Michael Cox Vintners Award.

But as he approaches Tomelier’s third anniversary – and with his sights firmly set on growth – Tom has recruited wine professionals to offer tastings in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and is also on the lookout for someone in the north of the country.

Tom added: “Whilst the pandemic has clearly been horrific for so many people, it has forced us a business to adapt and think outside the box, and I don’t think we would have ever developed the virtual tasting side of the business if we hadn’t had to experience lockdown. With everyone shut up inside this proved very popular and we were incredibly busy throughout the period of the pandemic.

“A lot of businesses have also now adapted and see the benefits and financial savings of not having a large group travelling to one location. People are also happier using virtual meeting technology and having a tasting from the comfort of their sofa has the added benefit of you not having to drive home afterwards!”

Further Information:

All Tomelier tastings are bespoke to the customer’s brief and budget. Wine is sourced from a number of places depending on what the customer wants to achieve in their tasting. Unlike a lot of wine tasting companies, Tomelier does not sell the wines tasted and as such the tasting does not turn into a sales event. This means they can be objective, discussing the shortcomings of those wines if necessary. There is also full transparency with customers about where the wine is sourced and how much it costs.

Tom’s favourite wine is a Syrah (Shiraz) or a Syrah blend from either the Rhône valley or the South African winelands.

Visit: https://tomelier.co.uk/

Steve’s emotional reunion with the firefighter who saved his life

Posted on March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 by admin

A south Warwickshire man has said thank you to the firefighter who saved his life following a recent blaze which destroyed his family’s home.

Steve Taylor presented Pip Blair with a bouquet during an emotional reunion at Winchcombe Farm, a holiday retreat on the Cotswolds border, he runs with his wife Jo Carroll.

Steve, 64, collapsed while trying to contain a blaze at the farm, in Upper Tysoe, on January 14th, which raged for more than five hours.

Pip was among the crew from Banbury who attended, along with other appliances from Hook Norton, Fenny Compton and Shipston, managing to resuscitate Steve after administering CPR for more than 20 minutes.

Winchcombe Farm, fire, reunion, Steve Taylor — Rugby Fire Station Manager Andy Paxton, Jo Carroll and Steve Taylor at Winchcombe Farm.

Steve, who has suffered two previous heart attacks, is now continuing his recovery at home after undergoing a triple heart bypass at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. He has also had a defibrillator fitted in his heart.

He said this week: “Pip is a very special person. On the night of the fire I remember my sight going and collapsing onto the stone slabs. Then my heart stopped for three minutes. The next thing I remember was Pip’s warm arms above me and a feeling of safety. I knew I had come back from a cold, dark, silent place. It was a surreal experience and I owe her my life”

On the night of the incident, Pip, who previously worked in the Ambulance Service, was called away from the fire by colleagues to attend to Steve, whom she had to shock three times following his collapse.

She said: “It’s pretty rare to get someone back from cardiac arrest of the extent that Steve had suffered. I’ve only had one other similar case where they survived in my seven years in the ambulance and fire service. He was a very lucky man.

“It was the most amazing feeling when he finally came round. I asked him to squeeze my hand and he did. Then he started talking and at this point I called Jo over. Everyone was so relieved.

“It was so lovely to see him again the other day. When I walked in, there were big smiles, he gave me a big hug and we had a really long chat. It was quite emotional really.”

She added: “The worst part about my job is we do the best we can to help people, whether it’s putting a fire out or administering first aid, and then go and don’t see the aftermath of it all, so it’s good to know there’s a happy ending to this one.”

The family of four is still counting the cost of the blaze which was started by an ember from their log burner. They are now living in temporary accommodation in one of their guest lodges while the repairs are being assessed.

Jo, 51, said: “We’re likely to be out until at least late summer, as there is extensive work to be done to the roof, electrics and plumbing plus there is significant water damage.

“But we’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends, family, villagers, staff, school mummies and guests since the fire. They’ve helped us move into our temporary home, until our own home is repaired and helped us with everything from replacing school unform to books and toys for our children.

“There are no words to express the gratitude and thanks we have to Pip and her colleagues from the Fire Service. We are forever indebted to them for everything they did to help us that night. I still have a husband and my children still have a father because of them.”

Last week Jo and Steve also presented Rugby Fire Station Manger Andy Paxton with a cheque for the Firefighters Charity. And they have already already purchased a defibrillator for the farm with plans also in place to roll out first aid training across their team, which will be delivered free of charge by a friend and former guest at Winchcombe, Gill Cleeve.

Gill, who will become Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon in May, runs Brookvale First Aid which offers training in first aid skills.

Gill said: “In the UK there are over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests a year and the survival rate is low – just 1 in 10 people in the UK survive. However early CPR and defibrillation can double the chances of survival, this is why knowledge of CPR and access to a defibrillator is vital, so we can change those statistics.”

Pip agrees: “The more people trained in it the better, especially in places that are in the middle of nowhere like Winchcombe. If we hadn’t been there that night it would most likely have been a very different story,” she said.

Winchcombe Farm, Jo Carroll, Steve Taylor, Coronavirus, Tysoe — Steve and Jo in front of one of the lodges.

More about Winchcombe Farm

Winchcombe Farm is an idyllic five-star boutique holiday retreat on the Warwickshire and Cotswolds border.

The remote family-run retreat nestles on a private estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and beneath the famous battlefield landmark of Edgehill. It’s an oasis of tranquillity with just sheep, chickens, moorhens, ducks, ponies and alpacas for company.

Designed with outdoor living in mind, this unique collection of six beautiful holiday homes – includes Warwickshire’s only treehouse – offering the height of luxury and nestling in four sycamore and ash trees – three of them growing through the outside deck and one even growing through the kitchen!

Luxury features range from private hot tubs, hanging chairs, hammocks and outside shower, to barbecue shed, pizza oven, BBQ hut, firepit for toasting marshmallows and even geodesic domes with king size circular bed plus personal telescopes for a spot of stargazing! Guests even receive a welcome hamper on arrival to start their holiday in style.

Inside, the properties are well equipped with all the latest technology including 55-inch SMART TV and DVD and, in the kitchen, a range on lush josephjoseph and SMEG accessories plus all the mod cons.

https://winchcombefarm.co.uk/

Fundraising in memory of young man who took his own life

Posted on March 8, 2022 by admin

Red Lion, Hellidon, fundraising, mental health awareness, Papyrus, Freespirit Pub Company — The Red Lion team

Staff at a pub swapped roles for a special night of fundraising in memory of a Warwickshire regular who took his own life on New Year’s Day.

The Turning Tables dining experience last week raised nearly £1,000 and marks the first in a series of charity events organised by The Red Lion in Hellidon, in aid of three mental health and suicide charities close to the family’s heart.

Twenty-two-year-old Leonard Eadon, from Napton-on-the-Hill, tragically took his own on life on the morning of January 1st.

The only child of Andy and Lynda Eadon, he was a popular figure in the local community, and between his studies, often worked with his dad at the family business, F L Eadon & Son Farm, in Southam.

Andy and Lynda said: “Losing our son, Len, as we did, and at such a young age was a massive shock. It has left an equally large void. We have also seen so many of his friends who are hurting badly and are shocked by what happened.

“We decided, early on, that we need to do something to try to prevent other parents, families and friends from going through a similar, dreadful experience.

“The response from the local farming community, and wider, was immediate and so very heart warming. Of course it will never replace our fantastic, caring, humorous and loving son and friend. But knowing others care and hearing their tales of shared experiences and laughter with him goes a long way.

“Len enjoyed meals and drinks with his friends at the Red Lion. They have kindly set up some amazing fundraising events in March and April to help support Len’s legacy. We are touched and very grateful to them, their customers and everyone who has made donations.”

The former Southam College student also had his sights set on a career in agriculture having recently completed a degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams University in Shropshire.

Len’s funeral took place at Banbury Crematorium on what would have been his 23^rd birthday, February 14th. He was involved in all sorts of hobbies, including drumming, sports and clay pigeon shooting as well as being a talented mechanic. And his funeral procession included a Landrover which he’d recently rebuilt from scratch with his best friend.

Len’s uncle, Larry James, who is helping with the fundraising campaign, said: “It’s been an absolutely unbearable time. It’s really hard to grieve. Firstly because of the shock, you’re thinking it can’t be possible. Secondly, you can’t work out why he did it and will probably never know, and thirdly, constantly asking yourself, what could I have done? It’s the same for all his friends and family.

“I spoke to him the evening before he went out with a friend to a New Year’s Eve party and everything seemed fine. This sadly shows the importance of young people opening up about their fears and worries. It is okay to say ‘all is not okay’ and to ask for help.”

The Red Lion’s Turning Tables event invited customers to be wined and dined as part of a topsy turvy evening of hospitality which saw front of house staff swap roles with kitchen staff. It was the first of three events at the pub, total proceeds from which will be divided between the Eadon family’s nominated causes – PAPYRUS, The Farm Safety Foundation and The Farming Community Network.

PAPYRUS works to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide, including equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to, suicidal behaviour. https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

The Farm Safety Foundation, also known as Yellow Wellies, is a Stratford-based charity dedicated to raising awareness of farm safety and mental wellbeing in farmers. https://www.yellowwellies.org/

The Farming Community Network is a voluntary organisation, based in Northamptonshire, which supports farmers and their families, with a particular focus on preventing suicide in farming and rural communities. https://fcn.org.uk/

Since opening the fundraising campaign a few weeks ago, the family have already raised more than £18,000 for the charities.

The next event being hosted by The Red Lion is a Chilli & Quiz Night, on Sunday, April 17^th. Tickets for this are £10 per person, available from the pub.

An Easter raffle will also be drawn on the same evening, all proceeds being added to the total pot. Prizes include a Fortnum and Mason Hamper and Afternoon Tea for two at The Castle at Edgehill, a sister business in the Freespirit portfolio. Tickets available at £1 each from the pub.

Red Lion General Manager Jane Hearsay said: “What a fantastic night was had by all for our Turning Tables evening. An incredible evening where roles were reversed, the front of house served up a treat out of the kitchen, served excellently by our kitchen team!

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended and also those who supported with donations from afar for truly amazing charities.”

The family are now planning an event in celebration of Leonard’s life on June 5^th at Stoneleigh Park Estate, in Kenilworth. The day will be themed around farming in the community and will include agricultural competitions, Best Scarecrow Fancy Dress and sporting competitions.

Donations can also be made via: https://leneadon.muchloved.com/ where there is also further information about other events being planned in Len’s memory.

The Red Lion serves food throughout the week and has seven rooms, each individually designed. It is one of five venues under the Free Spirit Pub ownership, owned by Mark Higgs, the others being: The Castle at Edgehill; The Sun Inn, Hook Norton; The Seven Stars, Marsh Baldon and The Bel Inn, Southam.

https://redlionathellidon.co.uk/

Well-known pub starts new chapter as botanical dining destination

Posted on March 8, 2022March 8, 2022 by admin

A brand new restaurant has opened its doors in Warwick, marking the next chapter for one of the town’s well-known pubs.

No. 34 Garden & Grill opened its doors on Thursday (March 3rd), showing how the former Racehorse pub on Stratford Road has been transformed into a unique bar and restaurant for Warwickshire. A launch night opened by the Mayor of Warwick welcomed hundreds of people from the local community and further afield for a first look at the new destination dining venue for the town.

No. 34 Garden & Grill, Warwick

The venue is the brainchild of Jonathan Carter-Morris and Marc Hornby, who run Kenilworth’s oldest pub, the Virgins & Castle, as well as award-winning catering business Caviar & Chips and Shropshire-based boutique wedding venue Stockton House.

The creation of No. 34 Garden & Grill marks their first joint venture in Warwick, but Jonathan is no stranger to the town after previously running The Rose and Crown in Market Place.

No. 34 is planned to be a “botanical dining destination”, featuring a dreamy ambience created by plants and flowers that will give a feeling of bringing the outdoors in as well as providing the perfect setting for people to create moments and memories with friends and loved ones.

It will offer a wide range of drinks as well as brunch, light bites and evening meals, all using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients prepared on site by its team of chefs.

No. 34 Garden & Grill, Warwick

The newest addition to Warwick’s food and drink scene is dedicated to catering for all diets, offering a menu that is half plant-based and vegetarian, with the other half celebrating British farming and sustainable fishing – reflected in the name Garden & Grill.

Marc Hornby said: “No. 34 is a brand new concept for us, and for Warwickshire, but we can’t wait to introduce everyone to what we’ve created.

“The Racehorse was a bit of an institution in Warwick, but it’s time for its next chapter. We want to see it take on a new life as both a destination dining venue and community pub, bar and restaurant that caters for everyone.

“Its name gives a nod to its location in Warwick – at number 34 Stratford Road and in the postcode of CV34 – but it also reflects what we’re offering. We have two menus, one from the garden and one from the grill, offering both plant-based and vegan dishes alongside a celebration of great British farming and quality, local produce.

“We firmly believe that a dining experience is never just about the food, so No. 34 is a calm space that brings the outdoors in, connecting people with the natural world and providing a place where they can unwind and recharge, enjoying great food and drink in beautiful surroundings.”

No. 34 Garden & Grill, Warwick

Jonathan Carter-Morris said: “Warwick has a reputation for having great pubs and restaurants and we’re thrilled to be adding to that. We’ve recruited a great team and think we’ve created something really special at No. 34.

“Now we’ve given everyone a look at what they can expect, we can’t wait to welcome them for the full experience.”