Excitement hots up for local foodie vying for triple national awards success

Excitement hots up for local foodie vying for triple national awards success

When it comes to awards, Leamington’s favourite food champion Bianca Rodrigues-Perry certainly has an appetite for winning!

The Brazilian-born entrepreneur is making a big mark on her new community, after being named as a finalist for three national awards.

In June she will learn if she’s been named Outstanding Entrepreneur or Start-up of the Year in the Ladies First Network Business and Inspirational Women Awards and Business Start-up of the Year in the Business Success Recognition Awards.

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, Bia's Kitchen Show
Photos by Dave Perry Photography

The recognition follows the launch, in January, of Bianca’s new pilot TV show championing local businesses – and now reaching over 32.5k followers on Instagram alone, with some of the episodes reaching 3.6k views on YouTube in less than 24 hours – and growing.

Bianca said: “I feel honoured to be acknowledged, not just for an award, but also as an entrepreneur starting out. It’s a surreal feeling when your ideas materialise. I am proud and also grateful to everyone who nominated me, and I hope we can keep inspiring our community.”

Bia’s Kitchen Show highlights some of the best of the area’s foodie scene when it’s streamed to audiences twice monthly on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook.

It is an extension to the successful Bia’s Kitchen brand and features local independent chefs and restaurateurs cooking signature dishes as well as Bianca’s own top tips and recipes.

The passion project also marks the latest chapter on a journey of reinvention for the 44-year-old Brazilian-born mum-of-three, who walked away from a high-flying career in marketing in Rio de Janeiro after meeting a Leamington man.

Despite huge transition in her life, the one constant has been her passion for cooking. She started cooking for friends, hosted cooking classes in Warwick and even a pop-up restaurant in Kenilworth. Buoyed by the positive feedback – and a win on Channel Four’s Couples Come Dine With Me TV show – she launched herself as a private chef and reignited her entrepreneurial spirit with successful businesses – Fresh to Freeze, a pre-cooked food delivery business which thrived throughout the pandemic – and Bia’s Kitchen.

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, Bia's Kitchen Show

Bianca is planning the release of the first in a series of books later this year, compiling some of her guests’ best recipes, the profits from which will support two causes close to her heart – post-natal depression and mental health.

The Ladies First Awards ceremony takes place at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam, on June 13th while the Business Success Recognition Awards will be announced on June 29th at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.

Ladies First co-director Tracey McAtamney said: “Bianca is a force of nature! Her enthusiasm and passion for cooking lights up a room and encourages others around her to appreciate food for both business and relaxation.”

See episodes of Bia’s Kitchen Show here.

For more information about Ladies First Professional Development Network visit here.

For more information about the Business Success Network visit here.

Coventry and Warwickshire finalists join Lionesses among those announced for sixth inspirational women awards

Coventry and Warwickshire finalists join Lionesses among those announced for sixth inspirational women awards

Ladies First awards
The awards judges/ Photos by Karen Massey Photography.

INSPIRATIONAL achievers from Coventry and Warwickshire have been named among the finalists in the sixth Ladies First Network Business and Inspirational Women Awards.

Finalists, selected from hundreds of nominations from across the UK, were invited to an independent judging day at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Leamington, ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam, on June 13th.

New categories are also among those being contested this year, including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses.

Ladies First awards
The Lionesses are to receive The Inspiratonal Women Award . Photo via Getty Images)

The Awards were unveiled at The House of Commons in January and are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington.

Tracey said: “With over 300 nominations entering this year, each and every finalist should be exceptionally proud of their achievements.

“We strive to make every finalist feel special and like a winner, with goodie bags, certificates and professional head shots on interview day. A huge thank you to Mallory Court, the Awards Team, all of our judges and sponsors Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Alsters Kelley Solicitors and Pertemps for a fabulous day!

“We are beyond excited to announce that we are presenting our 2024 Inspirational Woman Award to the England Football Team.

“The Award is in recognition of their outstanding leadership which embodies true spirit, determination, unity and excellence. Also, for their profound impact on the world stage, inspiring and capturing young hearts around the globe!”

Finalists from the Coventry and Warwickshire area are:

Elinor Perry

Business Woman of the Year (Sponsored by Edwards Wealth)
Elinor Perry – Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, Leamington
Jackie Allan – Revolve, Leamington
Jaide Ellery-Martin – Jaide’s Stage Studios Limited, Rugby
Louise Adkins – Share Haulage, Rugby

Lai-Yee Cheung

Trailblazer of the Year (Sponsored by Alsters Kelley Solicitors)
Helen Morton – Helen Morton Advocacy, Leamington
Lai-Yee Chung – Sanjay Foods/IXL Event Centre, Southam
Naomi McKeever – Naomi M Makeup, Coventry

Hannah Teale

Sustainable Business Leader:
Hannah Teale – Diffuse Retail, Warwick
Lyn Lapworth – ECO for ALL, Arlescote
Claudine Pearson – Rubbish Friends, Stratford
Amanda Bourne – Tree-v Limited, Nuneaton (based in Coventry)

Tracy Evans

Inclusive Leadership (Sponsored by Ash Family Law)
Anja Kozerski – Audley Binswood, Leamington
Tracy Evans, Pertemps Network, Meriden

Vicky Farmer

Business Resilience Award (Sponsored by Affiniti Search)
Emma Sansom – Flamingo Marketing Strategies, Leamington
Clare Everest – Everest Fitness, Health & Wellbeing Centre, Southam
Vicky Farmer – Feelgood Factor, near Atherstone
Jo Williams – Joco Interiors Limited, Nuneaton

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry

Outstanding Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by Chalmers News PR)
Bianca Rodrigues-Perry – Bia’s Kitchen Show, Leamington
Arabella Arkwright – Hatton Country World, Warwick
Sharon Varaitch – Build & Conquer, Warwick

Tina Riley

Family Business of the Year (Sponsored by Benussi Law)
Tina Riley – Modern Homes, Leamington
Andy and Ann Hawkins – Franklins & Hawkins Funeral Directors, Coventry
Michael and Karen Mogan – Mogan & Mogan, Coventry
Tracey McCabe – Talentwise Solutions Limited, Coventry

Siobhan Lewis

Rising Star & Future Leader Business & Insirational (Sponsored by Bia’s Kitchen Show)
Siobhan Lewis – Jewson, Leamington

Joanne Maddison

Start-up of the Year (Sponsored by Audley Binswood)
Emma Field – Harmony at Home, Leamington
Naomi Weetman – Paintbox Blooms, Kenilworth
Bianca Rodrigues-Perry – Bia’s Kitchen Show, Leamington
Joanne Maddison – Maddisons of Warwick
Emma White – My Optician, Coventry

Perm Bassi

Excellence in Technology & Innovation (Sponsored by Nomuda)
Perm Bassi – Unique Therapies, Warwick
Becky Patel – Tech She Can, Coventry
Louise Campton – Primary Goal Limited, Coventry

Jenny Davis

Excellence In Health & Wellbeing (Sponsored by Air Aesthetics)
Jenny Davis – Arts Uplift, Harbury
Laura Dee-Patachi – Laura Dee Counselling and Psychotherapy, Stratford
Lisa Devine – Therapy and Fitness Centre, Leamington
Julia Senah – Almond Care, Nuneaton

Kirsty Heath

Wellness Coach of the Year
Kirsty Heath – KH Bespoke Therapy, Bishops Tachbrook
Doroteya Goundry – Mission Nutrition Coaching, Southam
Lily Cook – LCD Sports Therapy and Yoga, Coventry
Pallavi Prasad – Positive Power Coaching, Coventry

Jo Meakin

Excellence In Professional Services (Sponsored by Pertemps Network Group)
Katie Wilber – Cotswold Connected, Stratford
Jo Meakin – Audley Binswood, Leamington
Natalie Ellis – Rebox HR, Rugby
Sarah Van Ristell – Armstrongs Chartered Accountants, has offices in Nuneaton and Coventry

Richard Smith of Feed The Hungry

Campaign of the Year (Sponsored by Richard George Tailoring)
Coventry Foodbank/Feed The Hungry team, Coventry
Gabrielle Back – Savers Charity, Baginton

Cathy Wahlberg

Charity of the Year & Community Champion (Sponsored by Therapy & Fitness Centre)
Peggy King – ILEAP Charity, Kenilworth, Leamington and Stratford
Amanda Harris – Change Grow Live, Leamington and Wellesbourne
Cathy Wahlberg – Dassett Pottery Clay Club CIC, Southam
Naomi Rees-Issit – OurJay Foundation, Rugby

Jo Wheelwright-Horne

Volunteer of the Year
Emma Baker – CoppaFeel, Hampton-in-Arden
Jo Wheelwright-Horne – Sunday Lunch Club, Stratford
Amanda Burford – Packmore Estates, Warwick
Safeena Mohamed, foster carer, Coventry

Holly Nixon

Networker of the Year
Holly Nixon – The Athena Network: South Warwickshire, Warwick
Larissa Redman-Windsor – Southam Business Community CIC, Southam
Sarah Darby – Alsters Kelley Solicitors, Nuneaton

Anita Dinnes

Business Consultant/Coach of the Year
Anita Dinnes – BCSL Consulting, Stratford

Steven Bazell

Business Man of the Year (Sponsored by Pertemps Network Group)
David Blick – Warwickshire Gin Company, Leamington
Richard Gunton – Richard George Tailoring, Leamington
Steve Bazell – That Gin Company, Warwick
Jon Burgess – Jon Burgess Wellbeing, Leamington
Robert Singleton and Gavin Leach – Windmill Hill Brewing Company, Leamington

David Blick

For the full list of finalists visit: https://ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk/

This year’s awards are also supporting The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients.

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

Join Founder along 34km foodbank fundraiser in Coventry

Join Founder along 34km foodbank fundraiser in Coventry

Feed The Hungry, Coventry Foodbank
Canon Gavin Kibble MBE in the Coventry Foodbank warehouse

The Founder of Coventry foodbank is taking steps to raise awareness and funds as demand on the facility continues to intensify.

Canon Gavin Kibble MBE is inviting members of the public to join him on all or part of The Great Coventry Foodbankathon – a 34km route stopping at all of the city’s 15 foodbank centres, on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th.

It is expected the Foodbankathon, starting from the most westerly foodbank centre in Canley and ending at St Catherine’s Church in Stoke Aldermoor, will take around nine hours to complete.

Individuals and businesses are also being invited to sponsor the initiative and are hoping to beat last year’s total of over £5,000.

It marks the latest challenge for Gavin, who turned 60 this year, and who has worked hard to return to rude health since suffering a heart attack two years ago.

He said: “This year we want to go even bigger with a larger team walking, running or even skipping the route, with an aim to raise even more money to support the foodbank.

“I’d love it if as many people as possible could join me on this pilgrimage from West to East of Coventry to celebrate 13 years of the life of Coventry Foodbank. Please come and join me for one or two segments of the route or, if you’re feeling really up for it, the full 34 kilometres! Or just join us en route and take some photos to help raise awareness.”

Gavin Kibble, Coventry Foodbankathon
Last year – Gavin Kibble with his wife Viv, Debbie Rumbsy and Tracey Hayes and Revd Gareth Irvine, Vicar of St Laurence’s Church

Over 250k people have received food from the Foodbank in the 13 years since Gavin founded it. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a Coventry foodbank every week.

Gavin says the walk will also support his training towards a planned 200-mile Coast to Coast charity trek starting on May 18th in aid of Feed The Hungry UK, of which he is Projects Director.

He added: “If you don’t fancy taking part and aren’t able to give money, you can help by raising awareness of the Foodbankathon and, on the day, you are welcome to come and support those doing the walk.”

More information about taking part or donating is available here

Businesses interested in sponsoring The Great Coventry Foodbankathon are invited to contact: fundraising@coventryfoodbank.org.uk

Gavin Kibble, Coventry Foodbankathon

The route will take in the 15 Coventry foodbanks and the central distribution warehouse as follows:

  • Canley, St Stephen’s Church
  • Our Lady of The Assumption RC Church, Aldermans Green
  • Allesley Park Evangelical Church
  • Queens Road Baptist Church Centre
  • Christian Life Ministries
  • Mosaic Hope Centre
  • RCCG Holy Ghost Zone
  • Foleshill Baptist Church
  • St Francis of Assisi Church
  • Holbrooks Evangelical Church
  • St Laurences Church
  • Coventry City Mission
  • Walsgrave Baptist Church
  • The Halo Centre, Binley
  • Willenhall Foodbank (Haggard Centre)
  • St Catherine’s Church, Stoke Aldermoor

Please be aware that the suggested route for the Foodbankathon uses public roads. It is the participants’ responsibility for their own safety when taking part in the event. Coventry Foodbank cannot bear any responsibility for the safety of participants taking part.

Review: Scratch Cook Social

Review: Scratch Cook Social

Scratch Cook Social, Leamington, private chef

Breaking bread with friends in the familiar surroundings of your own home is a popular past time.

But it’s also one which, at least in my household, has diminished in recent years due to busier lives.

I wonder too, whether a post-pandemic society is still leaving its mark on dinner parties. Have we been left with a new-found appreciation of the convivial atmosphere of a busy restaurant, united with fellow diners by our love of a social occasion.

But, since being invited to partake in one of Scratch Cook Social’s private dining experiences, I’m genuinely keen to repeat it.

Scratch Cook Social, Leamington, private chef
Poppadoms and Mint Sauce

Having grown up as a second generation Indian immigrant in London, Rajesh ‘Raj’ Darji was exposed to a wonderful concoction of cultures, aromas and flavours. Later in life and mainly through his long corporate career, Raj was able to travel to, and live in different parts of the world. All of these experiences have informed the types of ingredients he likes to cook with and the styles in which they are prepared.

Today, Scratch Cook Social exists in south Warwickshire as a celebration of Raj’s passion for creating traditional Indian dishes in a contemporary style, working with his diners to curate a bespoke menu to suit every palate or occasion.

Scratch Cook Social, Leamington, private chef
Desi Scotch Eggs

As a guest of Raj, you have the choice of tasting menus ranging from four to seven courses, along with optional wine pairings – making for a deliciously adventurous – journey through food.

With dietary requirements nailed down a couple of weeks in advance, Raj was given free rein to work his magic and what he presented on the day left us with a memorable first impression of his culinary prowess.

Poppadoms and Mint Sauce (Toasted padad, mint-infused yoghurt sauce and kachumber salad) were the perfect delicate palate cleanser and pre-show to the starter of Desi Scotch Eggs (Quali egg, lightly spiced duxelles, panko and Malabar sauce).

Scratch Cook Social, Leamington, private chef
Lamb Tenderoast

This was followed by the main event – in every sense – with Lamb Tenderoast, again with Raj’s unique Asian twist by adding Tandoori Masala, coconut-infused crushed sweetcorn, pomegranate, pickled onions and chutney. I could have personally lived off this for the week. A melt-in-the-mouth plate of food absolutely popping with the most exquisite combination of flavours and aromas.

The Scratch Cook Social dining experience was concluded with Raj’s take on a classic -the French Financier, an almond cake, complemented with apple strips and cardamom foam. The perfect finale to a show-stopping foodie extravaganza and one that leaves you craving an encore.

Scratch Cook Social, Leamington, private chef
Financier, apple and cardomom foam

And every course was introduced by our friendly host and paired with a specially selected wine from Scratch Cook’s hand-picked ‘wine cellar.’ (The wine pairing is optional but certainly recommended) – and another advantage of private dining from home right there!)

After dinner it’s a great feeling to know you can just retire with your companions to bask in the shared five-star dining experience and enjoy what remains of the wine and conversation. Meanwhile our host is busy donning his washing up gloves and eventually leaves our kitchen as clean and tidy as when he first arrived. What’s not to love?

Scratch Cook Social, Leamington, private chef

After 22 years in the corporate world, the nouveaux entrepreneur is clearly enjoying his reinvention as a fine dining chef and, if my experience is anything to go by, will continue to build on his early success, elevating more and more recipes that excite our senses.

Keen to share his passion and culinary tips and techniques with as many others as possible, Raj also offers cooking classes and team building events, including Spice Blending Nights and Kitchen Takeovers and collaborations.

Visit here for more information.

Free and discounted tickets for volunteers who help build three-day festival in Warwickshire

Free and discounted tickets for volunteers who help build three-day festival in Warwickshire

ALSO24 Festival, Compton Verney
Rob Doolan at ALSO

As preparations continue to secure leading lights in the worlds of music, comedy, wellness, food and nature for ALSO24 Festival this summer, the heat is on to find Midlands volunteers willing to help bring the festival to life.

Now in its eleventh year, ALSO24 – on July 12-14th, brings together performers and musicians, best-selling authors, celebrated scientists and experts in a variety of fields to create a one-off ‘magical and immersive experience,’ in Compton Verney, Warwickshire.

ALSO24 Festival, Compton Verney

Festival organisers are now looking for volunteers from across the Midlands who would like to take advantage of discounted or free tickets, in exchange for their time and graft in the weeks running up to the event.

Diccon Towns, the CEO of ALSO, said: “There is no doubt that ALSO wouldn’t be standing if it wasn’t for the phenomenal input from our volunteers. What sets us apart from other festivals is the myriad of ways they can engage with the event.

“If people want to get two-thirds off the ticket price and work a single shift across the weekend, they can do that. If others fancy joining a group of creative spirits on one of our spring build weekends, designing, building, sewing and painting, then come along. Some of our volunteers have been doing exactly this for years.

“The beauty of volunteering in an economic crisis is that it solves two problems: it gives access to the event for those with limited disposable income while limiting production costs to the organisers.”

Volunteer tasks include building and dismantling stages, signage, decoration, painting and building temporary structures.

There are many opportunities to help with the build. Build weekends are on the 27th & 28th April, 18th & 19th May, 1st & 2nd June, 22nd & 23rd June and the 6th & 7th July. The Build Week is the 8th – 11th July and volunteers are needed in the days after the festival to help with the take down.

Volunteers are, of course, needed over the course of the three-day festival as well. The volunteering options range from the opportunity to secure a free festival ticket in exchange for two days of a helper’s time, to a heavily reduced ticket price of £60 in return for one 6-hour shift during the festival.

Or for those who want to get more deeply involved in the delivery of ALSO, volunteers will get a completely free ticket if they are happy to do 3 shifts of four hours each over the weekend. This will most likely be one per day and people could be volunteering on a wide variety of roles from box office and stewarding to stage management, food programming, artist liaison and tech support.

ALSO24 Festival, Compton Verney

Thirty-five-year-old Rob Doolan and several members of his family, including his brother Tim, 37, have volunteered since 2017 and this year’s festival is the ninth one Rob has helped with.

He said: “We just love volunteering at ALSO. It is set in 50 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped and lakeside gardens which are just beautiful. It is unlike any other festival – I find that I reconnect with myself and the world around me.

“I come up the weekend before ALSO with my 9-year-old dog, Milo and we do the building of various things. He loves running about the field and swimming in the lake and keeping the ALSO team relaxed during the run-up.

“The weekend before is awesome as you get to enjoy the site, build lots and spend quality time with friends and family. It’s great to see it progress from a verdant field to a festival and your hard work can make that happen.

ALSO24 Festival, Compton Verney

“I like how it’s a volunteer-led organisation where amazing speakers like Jessica Winter, Adam Kay and Marcel Le Cont are enjoying the festival alongside you. The speakers are invested in the idea of ALSO so it feels like a community experience. That and getting down the Rum Shack or disco bunker and dancing the night away.”

The current line-up for this inspirational summer festival is extremely impressive with big names such as comedian Sara Pascoe, Indie folk band Stornoway, Brazilian-influenced soul and funk collective, The Fontanas, broadcaster and satirist Nels Abbey, TikTok sensation Marcel Lucont, best-selling writer and comedian Adam Kay; experimental musician Jessica Winter and best-selling children’s author Andy Stanton.

 These are just a handful of the acts performing across the weekend…more information on the line up can be found at www.also-festival.com

Aside from performances, festival-goers can be at one with nature or join in with a huge programme of wellness activities such as laughter therapy, fitness workshops, a Zen Ten Spa, fire yoga, moon yoga or floating SUP yoga, wild swimming, paddleboarding, painting meditation, den building, rocket workshop and raft building.

Anyone interested in volunteering can register on the website or email volunteers@also-festival.com for more information.

 

ALSO24 Festival, Compton Verney

About ALSO Festival

ALSO is the annual festival where ideas run wild. An immersive escape set in divine surroundings, ALSO-land features eccentric, playful, thought-provoking programming. It’s a place to get involved, reflect, be inspired and experience ideas through creating, experiencing and experimenting.

Perfect for friends and family alike, ALSO is the place for a transformative weekend filled with quality time, wining and dining in nature with the promise of experiencing something new.

ALSO appears like a magical mirage for one July weekend only in a site borrowed from nature, fauna, beasts, birds, mini-beasts and trees who call it home year-round before disappearing. Everything is built to be designed for the longtime – sustainability is our middle name.

Plus ALSO is an escape from retail, you don’t need to buy things but to experience things we offer only things to do and experiences to book, we love to work and support any businesses or founders or companies that have similar ethics.