3 - 2023 | Chalmers News PR

Three new businesses move in to Stratford’s Bell Court

Posted on March 7, 2023March 8, 2023 by admin

Bell Court, Stratford, Tempest, Libertines, Papersky

Three new outlets are arriving in Stratford’s Bell Court this spring.

For foodies, The Tempest café bar opened its doors last month and award-winning burger restaurant Libertine Burger is opening its third restaurant on 20^th March.

The cult burger brand, which also has restaurants in Leamington Spa and Rugby, will create at least 20 jobs with the opening of its new venue in Bell Court.

Bell Court, Stratford, Tempest, Libertines, Papersky — Libertine formally opens on March 20th

Offering a range of signature beef, chicken and vegan-friendly burgers, it puts provenance first, sourcing its beef from award-winning Warwickshire butchers Aubrey Allen.

Charles Harris, founder of Libertine Burger, said: “We’re delighted to be taking up our new home in thriving Bell Court. It’s a great place for us and we can’t wait to meet all our new neighbours and open our doors to our customers in Stratford-upon-Avon.”

The Tempest is a new family-run café and wine bar offering breakfast, brunch, cannolis and selection of Italian wines and beers.

Owner Leonardo Shinh said: “The Tempest was inspired by our love for Stratford and a deep purpose to serve our community.

“I grew up in cafés, they have always been my second home. I worked in them, studied, socialised, and built stronger relationships in them. My mission is to offer Stratford a bit of Europe, a personal connection in our service and most importantly to create that intimate experience as if you feel you are sitting in a play.”

Bell Court, Stratford, Tempest, Libertines, Papersky

Another new name being spotted by Bell Court shoppers is Papersky, a small family-run bespoke framing service and art gallery.

Owners Paul Buck and Samantha Mortimer sell unique Art, notebooks, cards and other products all handmade by Papersky. They also offer Craft Experience Days, Photographic Workshops and exhibitions.

They said: “Papersky represent a few carefully hand-picked international artists, tailored to complement our vision and own unique artwork; making Limited Edition and Open Edition artwork readily available to a wider audience.”

“We use FSC-Certified wood in all our bespoke frames and are mindful of zero waste. Every order is made for the customer. Off-cuts allow Papersky to offer ready-made frames and we reuse all our suppliers’ packaging materials.”

Bell Court, Stratford, Tempest, Libertines, Papersky

Rich Jones, Centre Manager of Bell Court, said: “We’re once again excited to be welcoming these new, local businesses to the centre and further strengthening our food and retail offering, both for locals and visitors.”

Visit: https://www.bellcourtstratford.com/

Warwick children’s charity receives $10k grant from MDRT Foundation

Posted on March 6, 2023 by admin

Rachel Ollerenshaw receives the cheque from Michael Bibb

Molly Ollys children’s charity is delighted to have received a $10,000 (circa. £8,300) grant from the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation.

The MDRT Foundation gives to charitable organisations worldwide, demonstrating the generosity, service and impact of MDRT members. It is a global, independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals.

Molly Ollys is a children’s charity, based in Warwickshire, which emotionally supports children in the UK who have life-threatening illnesses. The Charity delivers wishes to make the children smile; it donates its Olly The Brave therapeutic toy lion and story books directly to families and through more than 70 hospitals, and it carries out bespoke projects with NHS hospitals to improve the care of children with life-threatening health conditions.

The grant from the MDRT Foundation will be used to help fund the training of two Paediatric Palliative Consultants at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Co-founder of Molly Ollys, Rachel Ollerenshaw explains how this money will help; “Molly Ollys funded BCH’s first Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Medicine for three years, before the NHS took the role on. We know first-hand how crucial these Consultants are in helping children with terminal illnesses to have the best quality of life – even if there is not quantity.

We are very grateful for this grant which will help improve the palliative care of children and young people treated at the hospital.”

Molly Ollys, golf, fundraising — Rachel Ollerenshaw with charity mascot Olly The Brave

The grant was officially awarded to the Charity on 28^th February by Michael Bibb who has been a member of the MDRT for many years. Mr Bibb explains why he put Molly Ollys forward; “I have been a supporter of Molly Ollys for a number of years. I have seen how the work the Charity does brings joy to these extremely ill children. Being a father-of-four, I cannot imagine how devastating it must be to have a child with a life-threatening health condition. It is so important there is the right treatment and care for these children whose lives may not be long. MollyOllys will be using this grant to make a real difference to these children and their families.”

This year, the MDRT Foundation will award over $1.6 million (£1.3 million) in MDRT member-endorsed grants to over 300 charitable organisations worldwide. For more information, visit mdrtfoundation.org.

About the MDRT Foundation:

The MDRT Foundation was created in 1959 to provide MDRT members with a means to give back to their communities. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $40 million in more than 70 countries throughout the world and in all 50 U.S. states. These funds were raised by MDRT members and industry partners. For more information, visit mdrtfoundation.org.

About MDRT:

Founded in 1927, Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of more than 86,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 70 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit www.mdrt.org and follow them on Twitter @MDRtweet

Champion boxer puts his weight behind race day fundraiser

Posted on March 2, 2023 by admin

Molly Ollys, Warwick Racecourse

More than 3,000 visitors came along to the Family Fiver Day at Warwick Racecourse during the Friday of half term (Friday 24^th Feb), helping to raise more than £1K for local charities.

The racecourse teamed up with Morrisons Leamington Community Champion, Alex Pearson and four Warwickshire charities to organise a fun-filled day of free activities and entertainment for kids.

Molly Ollys, Safeline, LWS Shelter and Warwickshire Search and Rescue manned games and activities across the day in the Paddock Pavillion. There was face painting, a tombola with hundreds of prizes, real lizards and snakes that children could hold and stroke, a bucking bronco, dominos, giant Connect 4, an arts and crafts table, giant snakes and ladders and Beat The Buzzer.

It was £5 per adult and kids went free. Olly The Brave – the mascot of the charity, Molly Ollys – was very popular with children and dished out hugs, fist pumps and high-fives.

A total of £1,173.97 was raised on the day, meaning each charity will receive £293.

Warwick Mayor, Cllr Parminder Singh Birdi, Whitnash Mayor, Cllr Barry Franklin, boxer Lewis Wiliams and Leamington Mayor, Cllr Nick Wilkins, Alex Pearson, Community Champion at Morrisons Leamington and Vicky Hunt from Warwick Racecourse.

Gold medal Commonwealth boxer, Lewis Williams visited the Pavillion and took time to learn about each charity and the work they do to help improve people’s lives.

Lewis happily squared up to Olly The Brave and told the Molly Ollys Team that he was grateful to understand how the charity helps children with life-threatening illnesses and that Molly Ollys is doing a great thing.

Also in attendance at the race day were the Mayors of Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash who came along to show their support.

Emma Brayne from Warwick took her two kids and their friends to the event. She said; “Family Fiver Day was great fun. I am really glad we came as we wouldn’t necessarily of thought of having a family day out at the races, but all the activities as well as the races kept us all entertained. We would definitely come back.”

More about Molly Ollys

Molly Ollys was set up following the experiences of Molly over the 5 years she received treatment for kidney cancer at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Between 2017 and 2020, the charity funded Birmingham’s first paediatric palliative consultant as there was no such consultant for the region. That position has now become permanent and is currently funded through the NHS.

The charity works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community. One key project was the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This is a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.

The charity is well-known for its therapeutic toy lion, Olly The Brave, which has its own Hickman line and a detachable mane. The soft toy helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack which includes a six-part book series. For more info, please visit here

Review: Moxy Chester and Artezzan Restaurant and Bar

Posted on March 2, 2023March 2, 2023 by admin

Moxy Hotels, as a brand of Marriott, are designed to stand out from the crowd and Moxy Chester is no different.

Just a five-minute walk from the city centre and train station, first impressions upon arriving at the hotel are positive. Themed throughout with stylish nods to its locality near the racecourse, a stunning steel horse installation and series of murals themed on racing set the vibe for our stay. A unique artist’s interpretation of the infamous Shot Tower landmark has also been specially created inside.

One might say Moxys are proud to be different and are a particularly good choice of stay for the seasoned traveller who seek practicality, but not at the expense of comfort. Moxy Chester has been cleverly designed to work with our modern-day ways of living, from the Grab and Go 24/7 snacks and beverages stand to the bar which doubles a check-in, communal ironing rooms and multi-use lobby area where you can eat your breakfast or drink the night away with friends or chill with one of the games or books available.

Moxy Chester, Marriott

The mezzanine level continues the relaxed vibe upstairs with more squashy sofas and quiet corners but, if you’re feeling competitive, there’s also a pool and football table and board games, as well as books, at your disposal.

Our Moxy experience gets off to the best possible start with the offer of a complimentary welcome cocktail to settle us in. Very welcome indeed following our two-hour road trip and a great way to kick off the mini break.

I love the playful spirit of this small chain boutique hotel which succeeds in setting a relaxed vibe throughout your stay – even for dog owners.

Moxy Chester,Marriott

The stripped back contemporary theme continues into the rooms, which are cleverly designed to maximise every inch of space, including wall hanging pegs. Better suited for shorter stays in my view but there’s also a small hanging area as well for dresses and suits. The space is also equipped with flat screen TVs, built-in USB ports and nifty motion-activated LED guidelights around the bed. Perfect for those trips to the bathroom in the dead of night.

Moxy Chester, Marriott

A stand-out touch was the personalised welcome message on our bathroom mirrors. (We were asked about our hobbies beforehand!) Very instagrammable!

The location is perfect with a pretty 10-minute canal-side walk into town – and even a Waitrose literally across the way for those inevitable emergency purchase of forgotten toothbrush or other sundry item!

Moxy Chester, Marriott

Verdict

This 194-bedroom boutique hotel overlooking the canal, is an ideal clean, fresh and modern base for both the weary business traveller and city tourist. But for those looking for rooms in which they can spread out in plenty of personal space, luxuriate in a hot bath or enjoy a spa treatment, there are more suitable options.

Visit Moxy Chester here

Artezzan Restaurant and Bar, Chester

Dining

When in Rome (well Chester!) and seeking that special meal out, I urge you to look no further than Artezzan Restaurant and Bar.

Just 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel (or, in our case, an inexpensive Uber ride) it’s clear to see why this culinary oasis achieves the holy grail of five stars in TripAdvisor. What a find!

Artezzan takes an honest approach to Mediterranean inspired food served in a modern, fresh and feel-good way. Its unique dining experience even extends to food preparation at your table, for certain dishes. And the team make it their mission to ensure all your needs are met throughout your time in the restaurant.

Artezzan Restaurant and Bar, Chester

The food and drinks menus are extensive and delightfully varied with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options as well, something welcomed by my vegetarian companion who is more often than not faced with slim pickings.

My Lamb Shank Tajine, which blended the meat with authentic Moroccan spices, mint and pomegranate pearl couscous, apricot and sweet potato stew and candied pine kernels, was simply divine, albeit too hearty to polish off. Plus I had spied the desserts menu early on and was determined to leave space for the Loukoumades (lightly fried Greek doughnuts rolled in cinnamon sugar and a biscuit crumb with choice of dipping sauce.)

Artezzan also enjoys a reputation for its mixology prowess and we were delighted to be able to sample from their splendid range of signature cocktails.

Artezzan Restaurant and Bar, Chester

Artezzan delivers the very definition of the foodie ‘experience’ where you can sit back, soak up the cool vibe and watch the theatre of cooking, pizza tossing and cocktail making going on all around you.

Although not ordered by us, a real highlight was observing the preparation of the Artezzan Grand Carbonara – flambeed with aged grappa and rolled in a huge wheel of Grana Padano cheese and served, at a neighbouring table.

When in Chester, be sure to include this on your itinerary. You won’t regret it.

Visit here

In The Area

Chester’s City Walls are the longest and most complete in Britain and offer great vantage points from which to appreciate the city’s main sights. They can be accessed via four main gateways, including Eastgate, site of the world-famous Eastgate clock, apparently the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben.

Further along the walls overlook Chester Racecourse, aka The Roodee, the oldest working racecourse in Britain, set in the former Roman harbour. Fun fact – this is allegedly the place where the term gee-gees was first coined after Sir Henry Gee, who first allowed racing to take place here in the 16^th Century.

Moxy Chester,Marriott

Other highlights of the city include The Grosvenor Museum with its collection of Roman gravestones and stories of gladiators in pictures and words; Chester Zoo – one of the most visited attractions in the UK; Grosvenor Park and its open-air theatre; Chester Basin or take a stroll along the River Dee.

For us though, shopping was at the top of our agenda so we headed to the city centre, including The Rows, a unique medieval network of open galleries at first floor level that line the main streets. We also spent our final day at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, just outside the city near Ellesmere Port. The UK’s first designer outlet opened in 1995 and remains its largest. You’ll need comfy shoes for this one – but if you don’t have them packed – you won’t be short of choice here.