1 - 2026 | Chalmers News PR

Warwickshire’s award-winning ALSO Festival returns for 13th year

Posted on January 29, 2026 by admin

ALSO26 Festival, Compton Verney — ALSO stage

The UK’s most inspirational summer festival – combining ideas, music, comedy, food, wellness and nature – has announced the first wave of speakers, performers and experiences for its upcoming 13th edition: ALSO26.

Taking place between 10th – 12th July 2026 at Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire, ALSO is one the country’s most family friendly festivals with activities and experiences for all age groups.

Growing in visitor numbers year on year, the unique festival attracts thousands of visitors across the three days. The theme for the 13^th edition is Oh Fortuna, playfully exploring luck and chance – asking how much fortune is already written and how much is down to luck.

Heading up the impressive line-up is writer and BBC Radio 4 presenter, Claudia Hammond who will present the psychological toolkit for anyone feeling overwhelmed, tech commentator Jamie Bartlett will explain how to talk to AI and investigative journalist Oliver Bullough will take a deep dive into the global economy of money laundering.

Curious, clever and creative, ALSO Festival collaborates with celebrated best-selling authors, revolutionary scientists and impassioned experts, allowing ideas to run wild and truly reconnect with nature via a sublime 17th century setting designed by Capability Brown.

ALSO26 Festival, Compton Verney

Festival goers can lose themselves in talks, tours, workshops, experiences and activities such as:

journey into the world of the Tyrannosaurus rex with Mark P. Witton
look at the flavour of quantum physics with Ben Allanach
explore the history of hand reading with award-winning historian Alison Bashford
take a glimpse into the divine beauty of space with David Tong
consider how mathematics shapes creativity with Marcus du Sautoy.
be part of the Saturday Night Spectacular, exploring the O Fortuna theme with lights, lanterns, and a heavenly headdress masterclass
take on friends in the Space Hopper Championships
join the ALSO Art Club for a state of flow
learn the Charleston with Fiona Ring

Diccon Towns, ALSO Festival CEO and co-founder said; “ALSO25 throws open its gates this July for visitors to dive in and choose their own adventure. They can journey to the edge of human understanding at a Big SciTech session, get to grips with the inner workings of the human mind at a Psych+ talk, delve into the written word at one of our Great Literary talks, discover their new favourite band at a Future Music set or enhance their Blue Mind with time spent in, on or by the water.

“This is a hand-built, next generation festival like no other in the UK. Who else offers the chance to have your ribs tickled at a super-smart comedy show, get to explore mythological forest installations inspired by Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fate or learn a new skill at a workshop.”

ALSO26 Festival, Compton Verney

Festival goers can enjoy the genre-defying sounds of Sheep, Dog & Wolf (Daniel McBride), whose avant-pop compositions mix experimentalism, folk and electronica. Tribo will bring their high-energy samba drumming. The return of ALSO’s Future Music Programme will offer the best way to discover up and coming musicians, while exceptional DJs will keep guests dancing from the lakeside Rum Bar to the straw-bale Bunker 54 before closing the weekend with Hoolla Music’s Ecstatic Dance.

Dishing out the laughs will be multi-award-winning political comedian and activist Mark Thomas and lyrical wit from poet Luke Wright in Later Life Letter. Robin Ince returns to the Woods Stage and for a touch of French flair, Marcel Lucont presents his legendary show Cabaret Fantastique and hosts a panel reflecting on 10 Years of Brexit.

ALSO26 delivers its most ambitious wellness programme to date, centred around the all-new lakeside Sanctuary Sessions. Numinity (founded by sisters Melissa and Holly) bring a curated series of transformative experiences designed to explore the festival’s theme. There will be Neural Reprogramming Meditation to rewire limiting beliefs, a Manifestation Lab to map out your future, and Fortuitous Breathwork. Guests can also try Rasa Fire Yoga, Scented Yoga or go on a guided Scented Walk.

Revellers can immerse themselves in the Blue Mind theory with the return of the ALSO Sauna – now upgraded with Ice Baths and Cold Plunges; Take to the water for SUP Yoga, enjoy Wild Swimming at its most magical with guided Dusk, Dawn, and Moonlight sessions under the stars.

ALSO26 Festival, Compton Verney

Families can choose from a Bat Walk in the Far-Out Forest or learn circus skills with Patches Circus School. Award-winning Warwickshire theatre group, Playbox will bring high energy musical theatre workshops and evening storytelling. There will be a Mini Beasties Safari, a Tiny Dancers Family Rave or kids can build a den with ex-Marine Dave Hamblett. And due to popular demand, the Festival Nannies are back to give parents some free time to enjoy themselves.

There is plenty to entice foodies. Syrian-born chef, Imad Alarnab brings his Somerset House-based restaurant Aram to the fields for a special Sunday Long Table Lunch, as well as the Aram by Imad Deli which will be serving up incredible food throughout the weekend. River Cottage is putting on a legendary Woodland Long Table Lunch, Georgia Hearn hosts a demo and tasting with her book The Brunch Club and cooks up a Saturday night Feast of Fortunes and Award-winning chef James Whetlor returns to ALSO to for Friday night’s French Bistro.

Tickets are available HERE.

Tier 2 Weekend Tickets are currently available: £180 for adults, £390 for family or £75 for a volunteer ticket in return for working one shift. Day tickets are also available. Under 5s go free.

Parking is free, but there are also a limited number of car passes available which allow vehicles access to the campsite as well as campervan passes.

Women invited to day of inspirational speakers and fundraising

Posted on January 28, 2026 by admin

Ladies First Professional Development, Warwick Castle, International Women's Day — Pictured clockwise from top left: Arti Halai, Suzanne Virdee, Kim Madill, Elinor Perry, Sarah Hosking MBE and Colleen Fletcher MBE.

A group of inspiring professionals will be in the spotlight in more ways than one during an event at a local iconic landmark ahead of International Women’s Day.

For one night only Warwick Castle will be lit up with IWD colours in honour of the special event organised by Ladies First Professional Development Network Group.

The event, which celebrates female resilience, will feature a line-up of speakers all sharing their personal stories, insights and journeys to success, offering motivation, empowerment and inspiration. And companies are being invited to sponsor tickets for those who would otherwise be unable to attend.

Ladies First Director Tracey McAtamney said: “We are seeking support to ensure this event is accessible to women who would otherwise be unable to attend. This includes women facing financial hardship and schoolgirls who would benefit from exposure to positive role models and empowering messages at a formative stage in their lives.

“We are inviting companies to sponsor a ticket or tickets to enable these women to attend. In recognition of your support, all sponsoring companies will be acknowledged on the night, featured in our event brochure and promoted across our social media platforms.

“Your support will help provide guidance, inspiration and hope to women who need it most.”

She added: “My focus has always been to create a supportive community that offers mentorship through both the good times and the challenging ones.

“Over the years, I am proud to say that we have worked alongside many charities, raising funds, helping to shine a light on the incredible work they do and amplifying their impact.

“On a personal level, this journey has introduced me to some truly remarkable people – many of whom I now call friends. It has reinforced my belief that choosing your ‘tribe’ and your business network carefully is essential, not only for professional success but for personal growth and resilience.”

The occasion is also raising funds for Leamington-based organisation The Esther Project – a gender-specific initiative dedicated to supporting women experiencing domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison or facing homelessness, incorporating Esther House – a seven-bed supported living accommodation.

Founder Lianne Kirkman said: “We are so grateful to Ladies First for choosing to support The Esther Project through this International Women’s Day celebration. When women stand together, transformation happens.

“Ladies First’s support through this event will fuel our work to give the women we work with, the safety, stability and empowerment they deserve. We’re proud to walk alongside such a dedicated community of inspirational women.”

Ladies First Professional Development, Warwick Castle, International Women's Day, The Esther Project — Lianne Kirkman who founded The Esther Project. *Photo by Karen Massey.*

The evening is being hosted by TV presenter and producer Arti Halai and the speakers are: broadcast journalist Suzanne Virdee; Chief Superintendent of The West Midlands Kim Madill; Sarah Hosking MBE; former MP Colleen Fletcher OBE and Elinor Perry, MD of Pentlands Accountants & Advisors.

Arti Halai has spent 15 years in TV as a presenter, reporter and producer for BBC and ITV and over 15 years as an entrepreneur and public speaker.

She said: “I’m truly delighted to be hosting International Women’s Day with Ladies First. This evening celebrates women’s voices, stories, and achievements – and the power that comes when women support one another. When women speak with confidence, the impact ripples far beyond the room, creating stronger communities and lasting change.”

Award-winning TV news anchor and freelance journalist, Suzanne Virdee has been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism. And as a published author of A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome and the best-selling A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous, she empowers young girls with advice on navigating the difficult teenage years.

Ladies First Professional Development, Warwick Castle, International Women's Day

She said: “I am thrilled to be a speaker at the Ladies First lnternational Women’s Day Event. Warwick Castle is such a beautiful venue. I’m looking forward to meeting some incredible women and celebrating our achievements, both personal and professional.

“For me the event is also an opportunity to discuss the barriers that still exist and how to tackle them to ensure future generations feel empowered to succeed too.”

Kim Madill’s experience spans over 30 years, including leading teams in Public Protection, Intelligence and Neighbourhood Policing.

In 2004 she was pivotal to the creation of West Midlands Association for Women in Policing and is currently the strategic female lead on the West Midlands Police Superintendents Association.

She said: “‘It’s a privilege to have been asked to speak at the Ladies First Professional Development event on International Women’s Day. The theme for IWD 2026 ‘Give to Gain’ reflects policing values—when we invest in supporting women at work and in our communities, we strengthen our collective response to violence against women and girls.

“I look forward to sharing some of the work I have done to support female colleagues and women and girls in our communities and hopefully inspire you to think about how you can also make a difference.”

On her retirement from the NHS in 2000, Sarah Hosking MBE, from Stratford, founded The Hosking Houses Trust which gives residencies to older women writers and others who need a period of protected time for personal work. Since 2002, she has hosted 200 creative women free for between two weeks and two months and is herself an author of four non-fiction books.

She has a master’s degree in renaissance history from Birmingham University, became an honorary fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023, was awarded an MBE in 2024 and won a Times/Sternberg Active Life award in 2025.

She said: “Aged twenty, I read Virginia Woolf’s 1928 polemic ‘A Room of One’s Own’ and resolved that, on day, I would make it happen by giving the idea bricks and mortar, and a credited bank account.

“I kept this crazy ambition alive throughout a mongrel career of forty years during which I learnt the skills necessary for the undertaking. Aged sixty, I set about raising the money, achieving charitable status, assembling a team, finding a site and obtaining property. We are set for an expanding future with a recent, considerable financial endowment.”

She added: “The relevance of The Hosking Houses Trust to International Women’s Day is simply that any or all organisations that seek to empower women of any age and from anywhere, help achieve its basic tenet of women’s protection and promotion.”

Colleen Fletcher OBE is a retired councillor of 14 years and Coventry North East MP of nine years including Opposition Whip. Among her many other roles, she was also Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Blood Cancer; Cancer; Homelessness; Mental Health; and Pancreatic Cancer.

She said: “For me it is a day when we can come together, to give and to share, and to talk and to listen, in the hope that we can inspire other women and so advance the cause of gender equality here and around the world.”

Elinor Perry is the founder of Pentlands Accountants and Advisors in Leamington, which marked its 20^th anniversary last year.

In 2005, aged 34, she did a management buyout from the existing owners of the business – eventually also going on to buy out her business partner in 2010. And last year was awarded a Ladies First Professional Development Lifetime Achievement Award.

She said: “As a Ladies First Ambassador, I’m honoured to speak at this year’s International Women’s Day event at Warwick Castle. It’s a privilege to stand alongside so many inspiring ladies and celebrate the achievements and potential of women in our region whilst raising vital funds for The Esther Project CIC.”

Ladies First Professional Development Network is a national networking group which organises events and awards for inspirational female achievers across the UK.

Its director Tracey McAtamney is being supported on March 4th by sponsors Alsters Kelley Solicitors, Chalmers News PR; Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR and Visually Virtual Photography as well as contributions by Warwickshire Gin Company.

Tickets and further information about sponsorship are available from Tracey at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk or via HERE.

Review: The Back Garden restaurant, Dormy House Hotel and Spa

Posted on January 25, 2026January 25, 2026 by admin

Dormy House Hotel and Spa, Broadway, review — **The Back Garden restaurant**

Dormy House Hotel and Spa in the beautiful Cotswolds chocolate box village of Broadway, undoubtedly offers the five-star experience.

And central to that is its culinary contribution, enhancing the guest stay with its fine dining credentials.

Four very different restaurants on site provide a generous choice of dining. The Back Garden is an informal but sophisticated space which celebrates the best of local ingredients, including those from its own hotel kitchen gardens. The dining area is bathed in natural light, thanks to large glass windows that overlook the gardens, opening up the connection to the outdoors.

Intimate MO (open for dinner, Wednesday to Sunday) offers a showstopping chef’s table eight-course tasting menu for up to 12 discerning foodies each evening.

The Back Garden, Dormy House, The Cotswolds, review — **Braised Beef Blade**

In The Back Garden, My Paddock Farm Scotch Egg with Spiced Apple and Pear Sauce proved a winning choice of Starter from a tempting menu which also included: Revills Farm Beetroot Soup, Smoked Crème Fraiche, Cumin and Sourdough Croutons; Caramelised Onion Tart with Crispy Kale, Smoked Shallot Puree and Pickled Walnut or Venison Farmhouse Terrine with Dormy’s Homemade Fruit Chutney, among others.

My friend’s Crispy Filo Prawns With Seaweed and Chilli Dip were given a big thumbs up and we were both impressed by the portion sizes, oftentimes sacrificed as part of the fine dining experience.

Main course brought another fish dish her way in the form of BBQ Monkfish, Tikka Masala Sauce, Spiced Cauliflower and Potato while I devoured the Braised Beef Blade which simply melted in my mouth, complemented by the Crushed Celeriac, Crispy Kale and Horseradish, Red Wine Sauce and side dish of Garlic Mash. (I couldn’t resist)

Locally brewed Hawkstone Ale formed the basis of the Risotto dish – served with Wild Mushrooms, Watercress and Old Winchester Cheese while their other options included: Outdoor Pig Company Chicken and Mushroom Pie; Cready Carver Duck Breast, Caramelised Onion, Braised Salsify and Crab Apple and Cider Sauce, plus Stokes Marsh Farm Beef Wellington, Stinking Bishop Dauphinoise and Peppercorn Sauce (to share.)

The high standards dictated a third course was definitely in order and so my Sticky Toffee Braeburn Apple Pudding with Clotted Cream Ice Cream lived up to its promises as one of the most delicious desserts I’ve enjoyed in a long time. My dining companion’s Warm Chocolate Fondant with Candied Chestnuts and Conker Coffee Liqueur Ice Cream also hit the spot and neither of us regretted a single calorie!

Other sweet treat options include Caramel Crème Brulee, with Pear and Sherry; Fig Leaf Tart with Pickled Blackberries and Blackberry Sorbet and Dormy Plum Souffle, Pistachio and Preserved Plums. Cheese and Biscuits also available – served with thyme, honey and crab apple jelly.

Elsewhere on site, The Greenhouse café at the spa – with its own sun terrace – serves breakfast, cakes, coffee, nutritional light lunches and snacks, whilst the modestly named The Shed, is a cosy lounge bar that offers the perfect pitstop for everything from fireside light bites to pre- or post-dinner tipples.

A fun feature which catches a lot of attention in the bar is a wine dispensing machine (yes, that’s right!) This enables guests to help themselves to their tipple of choice simply by popping in their credit card and making a selection. And I’m assured all the wines are kept at optimum temperature. Now where can I get one of these for my kitchen at home??!

Back in The Back Garden, breakfast is a deliciously lavish affair of freshly cooked options as well as a buffet – where you can even grab yourself a range of nutritious options, including a health drink shot, to set you up for the day!

All these spaces are tastefully and individually designed in keeping with the opulent yet sophisticated ambience the hotel is striving for.

Dormy House Hotel & Spa is a 17^th-Century farmhouse which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment. It has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic origins of its family owners with Scandi-chic décor and hand-picked furnishings throughout.

It exudes a casual (definitely not snobby) sophistication and delivers a five-star level of service the price tag would dictate (it’s hefty!) That said, for the most discerning it’s a clear choice for that special dinner or even the ultimate weekend retreat.

For more about the dining options visit HERE.

Read my review of Dormy House Hotel & Spa HERE.

Review: Dormy House Hotel and Spa

Posted on January 24, 2026January 26, 2026 by admin

Dormy House Hotel and Spa, Broadway, review

Nestled high on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway – Dormy House Hotel forms part of a trio of distinctive properties, alongside The Fish Hotel and Foxhill Manor, each offering a different expression of the estate’s countryside hospitality.

Luxury and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect luxury getaway at the charming Dormy House Hotel and Spa – a rather special haven that offers the ultimate in opulence.

The 17^th-Century farmhouse, which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment, now has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic origins of its family owners with Scandi-chic décor and hand-picked furnishings throughout.

Dormy House Hotel and Spa, Broadway, review

We were instantly made to feel like special. I hadn’t even finished manoeuvring my car into a space when a smiling staff member dashed over to greet us and relieve us of our luggage, ushering us in out of the impending rain shower.

In keeping with its homely vibe, there is no check in desk but rather a friendly face to greet us in the first lounge (yes, there are multiple cosy areas in which to hunker down by a roaring fire and enjoy a good book or newspaper and glass of something cold). From here we are given a brief tour of the venue, so not to miss anything (although I do think there’s something fun about exploring on your own.)

Indeed, the property offers a real sense of home while is at the same time, grandiose in feel, with its preserved paneled hall, window seats, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, chandeliers and artworks among the many stand-out original features.

It was quickly clear this was going to be hotel luxury at another level. And our Courtyard Suite delivered opulence and home comforts in equal measure. (Who doesn’t love a mini fridge filled to bursting with complimentary snacks? Chilled ready-to-drink cocktails proved the perfect pre-dinner treat.) Premium brand coffee, local beers, soft drinks, water and snacks were also a welcome addition.

Clever and stylish interior design made the very best use of the space which was separated by a pristine bathroom, into living and sleeping quarters. The Courtyard Suites are just two among the 39 individually-styled rooms, including a musical Studio room complete with record player and vinyls and soundproofed drum kit (you can be let loose with no fear of reprisals!) How cool is that?

But it’s the attention to detail that most stood out for me, from the music already playing as we entered our room (although no instruments here!) to the premium toiletries and special touches throughout – including a collection of current lifestyle glossies to flick through whilst enjoying aforementioned treats.

Dormy House Hotel and Spa, Broadway, review

While rooms are not available until 3pm, guests are invited to make full use of Dormy’s on-site facilities from midday, including what some might regard as the jewel in Dormy’s crown – the House Spa has a string of awards to its name. The latest is a 5 bubble Spa rating in the Good Spa Guide just last year.

And this is where the Scandie theming most excels, with its thermal suite, featuring Himalayan salt sauna, aromatic steam room and snow and tropical showers, alongside the 16m indoor infinity pool and outdoor terrace hydrotherapy hot tub – aside a roaring fireplace! It’s all too easy to while away a big quota of your day in this very soothing spot! I swear I could feel those stresses and strains ebbing away with the water.

For those who desire it, there’s also a gym, meditation suite, wave massage bed and float tank, plus a menu of facial and body treatments for the ultimate indulgence.

Dormy House Hotel and Spa, Broadway, review

Between spa sessions there isn’t far to amble to The Greenhouse spa café, for a healthy snack or smoothie should you desire.

And, modestly named The Shed, the cosy lounge bar is the perfect pitstop for everything from fireside light bites to pre-dinner cocktails en route to The Back Garden fine dining restaurant, where there is a focus on high-welfare meats and produce from the hotel gardens.

It’s little surprise to me that Dormy House wins high praise from so many quarters, not least the likes of Vanity Fair and Good Housekeeping Magazines which praise the hotel’s ‘creature comforts’, spa-hotel ambience’ and ‘culinary flair.’

I’m lucky enough to have stayed in some incredibly beautiful hotels across the world – who knew one of the most memorable would be 40 minutes down the road?

Dormy House has a casual (definitely not snobby) sophistication and five-star level of service the price tag would dictate (it’s hefty!) That said, for the most discerning it’s a clear choice for the ultimate weekend retreat which is far from off the peg and offers that ‘extra’ touch of luxury you’re looking for.

An especially good choice ahead of Valentine’s Day for a romantic break that won’t fail to both woo and wow!

Visit: https://dormyhouse.co.uk/ for more information.

Local women make a date with fundraising calendar launch

Posted on January 15, 2026January 15, 2026 by admin

Ladies First Professional Development Network, charity calendar — **Photos by Visually Virtual Photography.**

Plucky female fundraisers across the region are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto a ‘dating scene’ with a difference!

More than 30 women, aged between 18 and 80 will stand in front of the camera striking a series of poses for a ‘sassy and sophisticated’ charity calendar – in aid of a host of nominated local and national charities.

And among those taking part is a familiar face on local and national screens, former TV newsreader Suzanne Virdee.

Behind the fun initiative is Ladies First Professional Development Network – a national networking group which organises events and awards for inspirational female achievers across the UK.

The West Midlands-based organisation, headed up for the last 10 years by Tracey McAtamney, is proudly based on three principles referred to as the three I’s – to Inspire, to Inform and to Introduce.

Tracey said: “As women, many of us struggle with confidence and with feeling comfortable in our own skin. Too often, we are dissatisfied with how we look and measure ourselves against unrealistic expectations.

“I turn 60 this year and people frequently ask how I plan to celebrate. For me, this milestone is not about a party – it is about becoming the best version of myself, both physically and mentally, and encouraging other women to do the same.

“Every woman featured in this calendar has a personal story. They have experienced loss, emotional trauma, divorce, illness, the mental and physical demands of the menopause, and the responsibility of caring for others. These experiences shape us, challenge us and ultimately define our strength.

She added: “Each photo represents a unique story and serves as a celebration of resilience, individuality and everything that makes a woman extraordinary.

“My hope is that participating in this project – standing in front of the camera, will build confidence and self-esteem. At the same time, it shines a light on issues women face and raises much-needed funds for the charities who support us throughout our lives.”

Likely the most recognised of those supporting the calendar project is Suzanne Virdee, an award-winning TV news anchor and freelance journalist who has presented the ITV National News, ITV News London, Channel 5 News and BBC Breakfast, as well as reporting for BBC Radio 4. She’s best known in the Midlands for co-presenting the 6.30pm BBC regional news programme Midlands Today alongside Nick Owen for 11 years.

Over her career she’s also been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism. And as a published author of A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome and the best-selling A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous, she empowers young girls with advice on navigating the difficult teenage years.

Suzanne’s chosen charity for the calendar is WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society), based in Birmingham.

She said: “When I was asked to be part of this project I absolutely had to say ‘yes.’ I am passionate about helping to empower all women to flourish in every area of their lives and this is a brilliant and fun way to do it.

“I’m really excited to meet and make friends with all the women involved in making this calendar. Even more than that I’m thrilled to be able to shine a light on the different issues that stop women reaching their full potential and am delighted to be raising money to do something about it!”

Working behind the scenes alongside Tracey to pull the project together, are the Calendar Girls team Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR, Jane Collier of Visually Virtual Photography and Bianca Rodrigues-Perry of Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR.

Meanwhile, all the featured ladies will gather for photoshoot days at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Leamington in the spring ahead of the calendar’s grand reveal at a stylish red carpet screening event at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre later in the year.

Some of the charities set to benefit include Surviving Bereavement Foundation, which delivers bereavement cafes across the area, as well as: Molly Ollys; Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind; Prostate Cancer UK; The Giles Trust; The Esther Project; Teenage Cancer Trust; Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull; Arrive Alive; The Brain Tumour Charity; Netball Aid; Shakespeare Soroptimists; The Luca Foundation; A Child’s Heart; Anthony Nolan Trust; Safeline; Women’s Aid; The Katie Piper Foundation; Birmingham Hospice; The Friendship Project; RSPCA Coventry & District Branch; The Ruth Strauss Foundation; SAM; New Testament Church of God Foodbank.

Just some of the businesses represented include: Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva of the Rep Theatre; Suzanne Draper and Tara Robinson of Mallory Court; Alsters Kelley Solicitors; Jamieson Christie Wealth Management; Sue Cressman of Nailcote Hall Hotel & Golf Club; Debbie Hickey of Shipston Jewellers; Elinor Perry of Pentlands Accountants; Paola Spiga of Glam & Glow Beauty Lab; Kirsty Leahy of KLP; Siobhan Rowlands of St James Place and mother and daughter pairings of Ruth and Gillian Bridges of J Roberts SPV Ltd; Pauline Edden and Jo Quigley; and Isabella Moore and Sophie Howe of The Olderpreneur Alliance and Comtec respectively.

Also looking forward to striking a pose is retired Coventry MP Colleen Fletcher OBE and Pat Hemmings, wife of former Drifters star Roy. Joining them are the youngest calendar girls, twins Stacey and Tracey William.

Sponsors interested in getting involved are invited to contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

Ladies First holds monthly meetings which hear from inspirational speakers, provide informative business skills workshops and make new introductions.

The group welcomes members and drop-in guests and is an inclusive network involving women of all backgrounds and cultures regardless of what stage they are at in their business life or career, the only requirement being that you have aspirations and the desire to help other women!

More information can be found HERE.