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New community radio station making big waves to expand to Warwickshire

Posted on June 4, 2026June 4, 2026 by admin

Vibe25 Radio, Chicane, Kerry Martin — Chicane and Big Shoresy.

A charity-led community radio station which launched in February is celebrating early success by expanding into Warwickshire from July 1st.

Vibe25 Radio, based in Hampton in Arden, has rapidly grown into a platform reaching thousands of listeners online, through apps, Alexa and, now, available on DAB to south Birmingham audiences. It will soon also be heard in the north of the city, bringing its total audience potential to 600,000.

And it follows an announcement last week that music icon Chicane – a.k.a Nick Bracegirdle – has joined as its new patron.

The legendary electronic music producer, songwriter and internationally acclaimed artist is known worldwide for timeless productions such as Saltwater and Offshore, and a catalogue of iconic dance and chillout releases spanning more than three decades.

Vibe25 Radio, Chicane, DAB — The Vibe25 team.

Both Vibe25 Radio and their sister charity, Smiling Families, are run by husband and wife team Kerry Martin and ‘Shoresy.’ The charity was founded by husband and wife Paul (‘Shoresy’) and Kerry Martin after Kerry experienced a life-threatening illness following the traumatic birth of their son, Owen, leading to ongoing health challenges.

Alongside events, the charity offers support networks that foster friendship, understanding and shared experience.

The pair’s vision for the radio station is that it will help provide another voice and creative outlet for individuals and families facing serious illness, disability, and life-changing challenges.

Shoresy said: “Since our launch we have gone from strength to strength with the support of all our volunteers and supporters and achieiving DAB status has been a huge boos. We look forward to bringing our broad range of shows and music to an even wider audience when we expand to Warwickshire from next month.”

Of the collaboration, he said: “I have been following Nick “Chicane” since his beginnings, 30 years ago and has gotten me through some tough times, so having him as the Patron means so much to me personally and to the rest of the Vibe Tribe. Nick’s values of kindness, community and giving back are aligned with what we believe at Vibe25 Radio and Smiling Families Charity.”

“The partnership will help raise awareness of Vibe’s growing platform while supporting the wider work of Smiling Families, a volunteer-led organisation dedicated to supporting families affected by terminal illness, disability, life-changing conditions, bereavement, mental health challenges, and hardship.

He added: “Nick’s music has been the soundtrack to so many people’s lives, including many of our presenters and listeners. To now have him supporting our vision as Patron is honestly incredible. This means the world to our volunteers, our listeners and the families we support.

“As a volunteer-led station built around inclusion, wellbeing and giving people a voice, having someone of Nick’s stature believe in the project is a truly special moment for the entire team.

“The collaboration also opens the door to exciting creative opportunities, industry exposure, and inspirational pathways for young people and community groups looking to break into media and music production.”

The station, which launched in February, is rapidly emerging as one of the Midlands’ most exciting and community-driven broadcast platforms, blending music, creativity, and social impact to create a unique listening experience.

Vibe25 Radio, Chicane, DAB

Broadcasting across multiple platforms, and using the latest state-of-the-art technology, Vibe25 Radio offers a diverse schedule of shows spanning everything from 80s classics and drive-time hits to dance, trance, and specialist programming, delivered by a passionate team of 30 presenters and volunteers.

Chicane said of the collaboration: “People underestimate the importance of music as therapy, I truly believe in giving back and love what Vibe25 radio are doing. I look forward to what’s ahead.”

Original Calendar Girl makes a ‘date’ with local ladies on eve of special birthday

Posted on June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 by admin

Ladies First Professional Development Network Group, Tracey McAtamney — Tricia meets some of the local Calendar Girls, Amanda Chalmers, Sue Cressman, Tracey McAtamney and Bianca Rodrigues-Perry. Photo by Janus Photography.

As Tracey McAtamney headed into her 60th birthday year, she made a promise to herself – to do something both memorable and meaningful.

And in the background to her milestone celebrations with family and friends this week, a personal project percolates, which is aiming to do just that – a ‘cheeky’ charity calendar!

She’s also brought 38 plucky members of her Ladies First Professional Development Networking group, aged between 19 and 80, in on the ‘act.’ And the calendar, which is now in post-production after a two-day shoot last month at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Leamington, is set for its red-carpet launch in October at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

A highlight of the journey so far for Tracey and her team, came last week with a visit from the original Calendar Girl, Tricia Stewart, who has pledged her support to the latest venture honouring a legacy of 27 years.

Tricia, now 77, famously had the idea for the Alternative WI Calendar, which launched in April 1999, going on to sell more than 300,000 calendars and raising £6.5m.

Ladies First Professional Development Network Group, Tracey McAtamney, Nailcote Hall — Tricia meets Tracey and Sue, who hosted the meeting at her hotel, Nailcote Hall, in Berkswell.

As ‘Miss October,’ she was one of 11 plucky Yorkshire ladies, aged between 45 and 65, to pose for the Rylestone & District WI naked calendar, the first of its kind, which inspired a hit movie, West End stage play and musical.

In a private gathering at Nailcote Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Tricia offered words of support and advice to Tracey and the Ladies First Calendar team – Amanda Chalmers, Jane Collier and Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, while being hosted by sponsor, and fellow Calendar Girl, Sue Cressman, last week.

As well as being director of Ladies First for ten years, Tracey also runs Surviving Bereavement Foundation offering bereavement support and cafes in the region.

As a former Coventry Carnival Queen and Miss Coventry City in 1985, she is no stranger to the celluloid spotlight, but admits the motivation for the calendar runs deeper.

She said: “Turning 60 is the heart of this charity calendar – not trying to look younger, but honouring the woman I am today. Like many women, I’ve had moments of doubting myself and feeling the pressure of unrealistic expectations. It’s easy to focus on what we think needs fixing instead of recognising our worth as we are.

“This project is about caring for myself, inside and out, growing in confidence, and choosing to live as the happiest, healthiest version of me. More than anything, I hope it encourages other women to feel proud of themselves too – because we deserve to celebrate who we are right now.”

She added: “I feel truly honoured to have the support of Tricia, the original Calendar Girl. She is an extraordinary woman who created something remarkable at a time when it had never been done before. Meeting her was incredibly special – she was warm, generous, and full of wonderful stories about both the calendar and the film that followed. Hearing her experiences firsthand made the whole journey feel even more meaningful.”

The mix of local and national charities set to benefit from the 2027 calendar are: Surviving Bereavement Foundation; Molly Ollys; Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind; Prostate Cancer UK; The Esther Project; Teenage Cancer Trust; Arrive Alive; Shakespeare Soroptimists; The Luca Foundation; A Child’s Heart; Anthony Nolan Trust; Women’s Aid; The Katie Piper Foundation; Birmingham Hospice; The Friendship Project; SAMM (Support After Murder & Manslaughter); Birmingham Children’s Hospital; The National Autistic Society; The NTCG Rock Community Food; WAITS; DORCAS; Endometriosis UK; Myton Hospice; Purple Community Fund PCF; Blue Badgers; Dementia UK; The Queen Brain Tumour Fund; Blood Cancer UK; Edward’s Trust and breast cancer equipment for Birmingham hospitals.

Tricia said: “It was wonderful to meet the ladies and see first-hand all the work that’s going into this latest calendar.”

Recalling her story, she added: “We did it as a team in memory of my friend Angela Baker’s late husband John, never realising that it would become so huge. It was when we saw a proof of the calendar for the first time that it hit home what we were actually doing and how amazing the photographs looked, that was a magic moment.

“The idea started off as me making a joke! It was totally against the image of the WI which is why I thought it was so funny.

“We just couldn’t believe it when, in 1999, we were approached by Disney about making the film, but we were aware we had to let them use dramatic licence on the story a bit, this wasn’t going to be a documentary.

“Angela had rights on the script, and happily, before we all signed up, we were assured it was being filmed mainly in the Dales with mainly English actors.

“Angela got a phone call from Julie Walters one day to say she’d like to come to lunch and meet us, which she did and, over time, we met them all. Helen Mirren turned up with sunflowers for Angela – and a cheque for £5k for the charity! We even went to Cannes with them which was a very special memory, as was performing at The Royal Variety Performance. They are all fantastic actresses and it felt incredible to be a part of it.”

Headline sponsors for the calendar so far include Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, where the calendar is being shot and Unique Venues Birmingham. Any companies interested in getting involved are invited to contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

In the meantime, what advice would Tricia offer the 2027 calendar cohort?

“You have to just keep trusting in what you’re doing and keep sight of why you’re doing it,” she said. “Every calendar sold will make a difference. But what becomes quickly clear, is how it also makes a difference to the people taking part, not just the charities.”

More information can be found HERE.

The Original WI Calendar

The aim had been to raise £5,000 and to have a calendar dedicated to the late memory of her friend Angela Baker’s late husband John. The effect of the calendar was expected to last three weeks, but 27 years on it has raised a whopping £6.5 million for the then-named Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, now Blood Cancer UK.

In September 2003, the blockbusting film ‘Calendar Girls,’ based on the story of the Alternative WI Calendar, was premiered at the Odeon, Leicester Square, with Tricia’s character played by Dame Helen Mirren.

The following year the book “The Calendar Girl’s Story” was published and, has since been reprinted and translated into many languages, including Japanese. The girls also posed for further calendars in 2004, 2005 and 2007, as well as a recipe calendar in 2008 and a ten-year anniversary edition in 2010.

The stage musical version, ‘The Girls,’ written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, has throughout the world including Australia, Canada, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, Denmark, Israel, Brazil and Greece, as well as enjoying two UK national tours and a stint in London’s West End. Post-show bucket collections have added thousands more to the charity funds.

Tricia Stewart

Tricia Stewart was born in Sunderland in the North East of England. She trained as a diagnostic radiographer, moving to Skipton in Yorkshire in February 1973, with her husband Ian, who worked for Ilford in the x-ray division. Tricia worked at Airedale General Hospital, leaving in 1976 to have daughter Lizzi. Her son, Micky, was born in 1978.

After living in Skipton for 10 years, they moved into a small village of Cracoe in the Yorkshire Dales. Tricia still lives in the Yorkshire Dales and, as well as undertaking regular speaking engagements about her Calendar Girls experience, runs Body Control Pilates classes.

On her arrival there, a neighbour, Angela Baker invited her to join the WI, telling her that the locals would think she was being funny if she didn’t join.

So Tricia joined Rylstone & District WI in 1985 and became great friends with Angela. The rest, as they say, is history!

Youngest End-to-End Ireland runner smashes £50,000 for local children’s charity

Posted on June 1, 2026 by admin

Samuel Attwell, Molly Ollys

Twenty-one-year-old Samuel Attwell has completed an extraordinary 10-day run from the very top to the bottom of Ireland, becoming possibly the youngest person to achieve the feat, while raising more than £50,000 for Warwick children’s charity Molly Ollys, with donations still continuing to climb.

In a feat attempted by very few solo runners, Samuel, from Redditch, spent ten consecutive days covering vast stretches of rural Ireland, battling harsh weather, fatigue, and unforgiving terrain – for 350 miles!

Setting off from Malin Head in County Donegal, he ran to Mizen Head in County Cork, covering hundreds of miles through Donegal, Derry, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. Along the way he was met with incredible support from local communities, helping push fundraising beyond his original £50,000 target.

Samuel undertook the challenge in support of Molly Ollys, a Warwick-based charity that also delivers vital support across Ireland, including providing its Olly The Brave books to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, alongside granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Samuel is also an ambassador for the charity, which provides vital emotional support to seriously ill children and their families.

Samuel Attwell, Molly Ollys — Samuel is greeted by family and friends at the finish, along with Rachel Ollerenshaw.

His determination is deeply rooted in his own personal loss. Having lost his grandmother to cancer, and then, devastatingly, his best friend who passed away at just 18 years old, these experiences ignited a drive in him that goes far beyond sport.

Speaking after completing the challenge, Samuel said: “I feel absolutely euphoric. This has been the toughest thing I’ve ever done, but knowing it was all for Molly Ollys kept me going every single day. To raise over £50,000, and to see donations still coming in, is incredible.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me. To do this for such an amazing charity and the children and families they help means everything.”

Funds raised from the challenge could help grant up to 100 wishes for seriously ill children, as well as provide vital comfort and support to families during incredibly tough times.

Oakland International Co-Founders and Samuel’s parents, Sallie and Dean Attwell, added: “We are immensely proud of Samuel and all he has achieved.

“To take on a challenge of this scale, and complete it with such determination, resilience and heart, is truly inspiring particularly as he has done it in support of Molly Ollys, a charity making such a meaningful difference to children and families, makes this achievement even more special.”

While the challenge is complete, donations remain open, with additional funds helping Molly Ollys continue its vital work supporting children and families across the UK and Ireland.

To donate, visit HERE.

Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw, from Warwick, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing wishes, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

The therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres, along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.

Samuel Attwell, Molly Ollys

Rachel said: “I don’t think any of us fully realised the enormity of the task Samuel was undertaking, to go out day after day when your body is sore, the weather is against you, and you are exhausted is certainly a challenge.

“Samuel has done so well, and we are so proud of him and honoured to have him as our Young Ambassador. A huge ‘Well done’ from All the Team at Molly Ollys.”

Samuel set off embark from the northernmost tip of Ireland on May 18th to its southernmost point – completing the route on 27th May.

Daily Route Breakdown:

Day 1: Malin Head → Derry — 52km
Day 2: Derry → Baragh — 68km
Day 3: Baragh → Ballinamore — 52km
Day 4: Ballinamore → Ballymahon — 61km
Day 5: Ballymahon → Banagher — 48km
Day 6: Banagher → Nenagh — 42km
Day 7: Nenagh → Bruff — 55km
Day 8: Bruff → Millstreet — 70km
Day 9: Millstreet → Kealkill — 55km
Day 10: Kealkill → Mizen Head — 55km

ABOUT MOLLY OLLYS:

Throughout the 15 years Molly Ollys has been running, it has raised more than £5 million; granted more than 4,300 wishes; supported more than 19,500 children and distributed more than 20,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals.

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.

Molly Ollys is also responsible for funding the first ever consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, in 2018 and further provided funding for two more consultants, doubling the number of existing roles in the region.

Molly Ollys need the support of companies and individuals to enable them to help more children. They welcome the opportunity to provide more information about their work. For details contact Rachel on 07747 854914.

Local journalist bags fifth national award after being named an Influential Woman In Business

Posted on May 28, 2026 by admin

Amanda Chalmers, award, Innervision Media

A local journalist of three decades has been named an Influential Woman In Business after celebrating her latest award.

Amanda Chalmers was recognised by Innervision Media for her excellence in PR & Communications consistently delivered by her company Chalmers News PR, based in Warwick.

It is ‘in recognition of demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism and influence in delivering impactful journalism, strategic public relations and high-quality communications services.

The recognition also ‘honours a continued commitment to excellence, creativity and meaningful storytelling, setting a high standard within the communications industry and making a lasting impact through trusted and effective PR solutions.’

Amanda Chalmers, award, Innervision Media

The news brings Amanda’s impressive national awards tally to five, since launching her business seven and a half years ago.

The former journalist’s 30 years in the regional press, culminated with a stint in the Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald editor’s chair between 2014 and 2018, before launching the agency, which specialises in affordable cross-sector PR for small businesses and start-ups as well as charities and not-for-profits.

It follows her recently celebrating being named among the Top 10 Businesses From Home in the UK Small Business Awards, in December, as well as the Ladies First Excellence In Media Award in 2023 and 2025 as well as the Woman Who Awards ‘Achieves In Media’ category gong in 2024.

UK-based Innervision Media focuses on recognising individuals and businesses making a genuine impact in their industry, bringing over 30 years of combined experience across media, PR and awards research.

The company’s Matthew Scott said: “We look at a combination of research, industry presence and overall impact. This includes consistency, how a brand is positioning itself, and the results it is delivering. We also take into account future potential and direction, not just past achievements.

“We have recognised a wide mix of founders, directors and growing brands across sectors such as PR, property, finance, health and the creative industries. In most cases, it comes down to people doing strong, consistent work and building something with long-term value.

He added: “Amanda stood out to our editorial team for her approach to PR, which feels both thoughtful and genuine. Through Chalmers News PR, she has built a strong reputation for helping brands communicate clearly and position themselves effectively in their market.

“It goes beyond visibility and focuses on making sure the message connects. That balance between creativity and results is what really stood out, along with the consistency in her work and a clear sense of long-term direction.”

Amanda worked on newsdesks in and around Warwickshire, including the former Nuneaton Tribune and Rugby Advertiser, and, as deputy editor at the Daventry Express and Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser series before joining the Herald.

Amanda Chalmers, award, Innervision Media — Amanda was also named among the Top 10 Businesses From Home in last year’s UK Small Business Awards.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud to be recognised nationally for my work once again, particularly in what must have been a very strong field. And the judges’ comments indicate they understand the important ethos that drives my work.

“While my greatest reward is spotlighting and celebrating my clients’ successes, it is a joy to feel that same sense of achievement myself. Onwards and upwards together!

Professional landscape gardener introduces ancient practices which turned his life around

Posted on May 28, 2026 by admin

Connor Healy, Healy Garden Design, numerology — Photos by Carol Bailey Photography.

A Solihull entrepreneur, who credits numerology with getting his life back on track, is believed to be the first in the UK to now offer it as part of his landscape gardening service.

Connor Healy has introduced the personalised garden mapping, also incorporating astrology and feng shui, which he claims is leaving clients feeling better about their gardens – despite some initial scepticism.

The move has been triggered by recent mental health battles for the 31-year-old who is now determined to pass on his new-found knowledge for the benefit of his Healy Garden Design customers.

Connor Healy, Healy Garden Design, numerology

All these practices are rooted in ancient and divine beliefs around the relationships with numbers, energy flow, elements and celestial cycles.

The launch of his business, eight years ago, marked a return to the trade for Connor who discovered his green fingers as young as two years old, helping his dad’s business in the summer holidays. It had been after several unfulfilling roles in sales and retail that led him back to pursue his own independent entrepreneurial ambitions.

He started out by mowing lawns, eventually responding to customer requests for other gardening services and soon growing to take on permanent staff, Ashton Box and Astley Meadows, both from Redditch.

Connor Healy, Healy Garden Design, numerology

But it was Connor’s own personal journey of healing – and a triple diagnosis of ADHD, autism and diabetes – that led him to launch this latest chapter – which he claims is unique among the trade.

He said: “I had grown the business so much that I couldn’t manage it and it came to a point where I didn’t know how to deal with it anymore and kept burning out. I couldn’t understand why.

“I would tend to catastrophise over every little thing while trying to manage expectations of customers and employees, as well as facing financial struggle.

“I was just moving forward without direction. I almost felt like my mind was scattered. And because of the hormone imbalance with the diabetes, and then with the ADHD and autism, I think it all just became too much to navigate.

“But the diagnoses did answer a few questions and, in particular, helped me understand that as you put systems into business, you also need to put systems into yourself. Habits, values etc. are so, important.”

Numerology is the mystical study of the numerical vibrations behind numbers, letters, and symbols, often used to understand personality, life purpose, and future cycles. Rooted in the belief that all things are interconnected numerically, it uses a person’s birth date and name to calculate core numbers – most notably the Life Path Number – which reveal insights.

Determined to share his numerology knowledge with as many as possible, Connor has also reaches out to people online in need of support. And, this month, he launched his new Numerical Profiling website. www.numericalprofiling.co.uk.

“I really love trying to teach people about this, because it’s helped me understand my patterns, and I take great reward in seeing how it can help others. I realised I could also use it as part of their design vision for their gardens. The readings help you to align your outdoor space with the life you want to lead,” he said.

“The mapping helps my customers make better decisions so making a better long-term investment in their garden and it leaves people feeling more of a sense of achievement. They often tell me afterwards that they feel proud of it because it feels exactly the right fit for them.”

“The free energy readings provide an added element to my work which builds trust quicker because it’s giving them something that no other landscaper does.”

By also adopting Feng Shui (which translates as ‘wind water’), Connor ensures harmony, balance and positive energy flow are optimised in the garden by adjusting furniture layout, incorporating the right natural elements and minimising clutter. While astrology takes into consideration the importance of the sun’s movements as well as aspects of the person’s personality.

But Connor admits it’s a leap of faith for many of his customers, adding: “I think the sceptics will always be sceptics but most people embrace it. I haven’t come across a single person who says the reading is wrong. They’ve agreed afterwards it makes total sense.

“Sometimes certain things aren’t working for them in their garden but they don’t know why and this is where the energy reading reports come in. I give them an angle that no one else offers.”

Connor says he knows his dad, and former mentor, who died in December, was supportive of the successful business he went on to build.

He said: “Dad had taught me a lot but I have also learned a lot as I’ve gone along. I know he was proud of me because other people have told me. It’s been a steep learning curve but now the mapping service has given both the business – and myself – a new lease of life.”