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FleurFest hailed huge success

FleurFest hailed huge success

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FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys
Emma Woodhouse with Andy OBrien from K9 Club who judged the dog show.

Hundreds of revellers soaked up the sun and the atmosphere at a popular festival which returned to a local village pub at the weekend.

The second FleurFest, hosted by The Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford, on Saturday, also raised funds for Warwick children’s charity Molly Ollys.

The event brought a host of entertainment and activities throughout the day, from live musicians to performers – including stilt walkers and bubbleology. There were also family activities and workshops, from face painting and hair braiding, plus the chance to enjoy pony rides with Pampered Ponies as well as paint your own pottery in a craft tent run by Crazy Kiln.

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys

Visitors were also invited to bring their proud pooches to compete in a dog show, sponsored and judged by Andy O’Brien at K9 Club – with Prettiest Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Wisest Elder (8+yrs old) and Cutest Puppy (under 2yrs) all being crowned!

Live music acts included Jam House regular Carl Sinclair; new Shropshire-based band Soul Perfection; three-piece acoustic covers band The Laundry Room and Lapworth musician Dan Robinson.

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys

The Fleur De Lys, which was last year named Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards Pub of the Year, is nestled on the banks of the Stratford Canal between winding roads which used to be part of The Forest of Arden. The garden boasts an acre of land and is also popular as a stop-off for canal users.

Emma Woodhouse, who runs the pub with her husband Nick, said: “What an absolute privilege to see so many people in our garden for FleurFest this year. This event really was a love letter to our community, celebrating all the things our pub stands for – family and friends, core memories, gorgeous dogs, good times and great company.

 

“We’re thrilled that so many people turned up to enjoy all the live music and activities throughout the day, seeing every smiling face on a pony ride or chasing StiltMan around making it worth every minute of the planning process. It was also an honour to partner with Molly Ollys again and help raise funds to support their vital work.

“We loved giving the stage to local musicians and upcoming artists who knocked it out the park at one of their first ever gigs – remember you saw them here first! Most of all, we’re really grateful to all the fans of the Fleur who turned up to support us; the shocking statistic that pubs are closing at a rate of two per day this year has proved that their support is more important than ever and we appreciate each and every person who visits us.”

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys

Molly Ollys is a south Warwickshire-based charity which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to help with their emotional wellbeing. They provide gifts and wishes to individuals and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

The charity also works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community, including funding consultants in paediatric palliative medicine and the creation of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.

Throughout the 15 years Molly Ollys has been running, it has raised more than £5 million; has provided more than 5,500 wishes; supported more than 21,500 children and distributed more than 23,000 Olly The Brave books to more than 70 hospitals – making those darkest of days brighter for so many families.

Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “We had a fantastic day at FleurFest and were so grateful to their team for inviting us along to raise awareness of Molly Ollys. The weather stayed fine and we met lots of people on our stall as we held a number of games for families. In all, we raised £310, so would like to say a massive thank you to those people who make donations on the day.”

FleurFest 2026, Fleur de Lys, Molly Ollys
Molly Ollys fundraised on the day.

For more information about Molly Ollys or to donate visit HERE.

Plenty of spoilers here. . .

Plenty of spoilers here. . .

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British Motor Museum, Spoiler Alert

This summer The British Motor Museum is inviting visitors to return to the golden age of hot hatches in their brand new exhibition: ‘Spoiler Alert: The Hot Hatch Story’, celebrating these everyday heroes of the streets.

This exhibition is inspired by the energetic atmosphere of car meets and the bold visuals of era-defining car magazines, immersing visitors in the 80s and 90s hot hatch culture in a space brimming with nostalgia.

Iconic hatchbacks on display include a 1983 Renault 5 Alpine, 1981 VW Golf GTI, 1990 Vauxhall Astra Mk 2, 1981 Ford Escort XR3, and a 1988 Peugeot 205 GTI. Visitors will love exploring the enduring legacy of these iconic vehicles through a range of dynamic exhibits and installations.

You’re also able to customise your own hot hatch designs and enjoy an interactive hot hatch-themed photo opportunity, as this new exhibition celebrates their lasting impact on automotive culture to this day.

British Motor Museum, Spoiler Alert

The 80s and 90s marked the golden era of hot hatches, which brought a legendary combination of the lightweight practicality of an everyday family car with turbocharged engines, sharp suspension, and sportscar styling. Celebrated for their accessible performance, the hot hatchess became cultural icons and remain highly sought after by enthusiasts today.

This exhibition is good for all, but offers a particularly interesting drive down memory lane for those of a particular vintage, such as myself, from the 60s, 70s & 80s. These ‘souped-up’ cars, many of which have now even reached classic status, were often first or second cherished vehicles.

This new attraction is a good excuse to revisit this expansive and fascinating museum which also hosts regular car festivals, such as on the day we visited, Father’s Day. It proved to be the perfect day out for my petrol head husband and sons!

‘Spoiler Alert’ will runs until Spring 2027 in The Rubery Owen Gallery at The British Motor Museum. To find out more information, visit HERE.

Giant Peach, Big Heart: Local dancers perform for Nepalese orphaned children

Giant Peach, Big Heart: Local dancers perform for Nepalese orphaned children

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Feed The Hungry UK, Nepal, dance schools
The evil aunts Spike and Sponger.

Two local dance schools bring James and the Giant Peach to the Leamington this July – with every ticket sold helping to build a permanent home for 37 orphaned children at a school in Nepal.

 The Leamington and Warwick Academy of Dance and Pointe the Way Ballet School in Warwick, are lifting the curtain on two performances of James and the Giant Peach at the Royal Spa Centre, next month. Proceeds from the production will be donated to Feed The Hungry UK’s campaign to build an accommodation block for orphaned children at the Innovative Academy in Nepal.

Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book tells the story of young James Henry Trotter, an orphan who finds friendship, family, and a place to belong in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Feed The Hungry UK, Nepal, dance schools
Pastor Ruben Rasaili with children at The Innovative Academy in Nepal.

The production features dancers and performers from both the Leamington and Warwick Academy of Dance and Pointe the Way Ballet School, and promises to be a spectacular celebration of the talent, energy, and dedication of some of the region’s finest young performers.

The Innovative Academy in Nepal educates 440 children aged 5-16 from some of the country’s poorest communities, entirely free of charge. Among its pupils are 37 orphans who have no family or home of their own, and who currently live on the school site.

The Nepalese authorities have ordered the school to provide dedicated accommodation for these children – and have threatened to shut the school entirely if a separate living block is not built. The total cost of construction is £70,000.

Feed The Hungry has already raised £23,000, and ground floor of the building has been completed. The performances of James and the Giant Peach aim to raise vital funds to complete the next phase of the construction work, and ultimately, give these children a safe, permanent place to call home.

Feed The Hungry UK, Nepal, dance schools
Pastor Ruben Rasaili at The Innovative Academy in Nepal.

The campaign is run in partnership with Pastor Ruben Rasaili of Mission for Tribes and Nations, who oversees the Innovative Academy and its community.

Principal Vivienne Kibble said: “We are so proud of everything these young performers have achieved, and we wanted their hard work to count for something beyond the stage. When we learned about the children at the Innovative Academy — 37 orphans in exactly the same position as James himself — it felt like the perfect fit. We hope audiences will come along, be wowed by our incredible dancers, and help us do something truly meaningful.”

James and the Giant Peach plays at The Royal Spa Centre, Leamington, on July 4th and 5th at 1.30pm and 6.30pm both days. Tickets are available HERE.

Find out more about the work of Feed The Hungry UK HERE.

Award-winning beauty entrepreneur celebrates latest of 13 accolades in less than three years

Award-winning beauty entrepreneur celebrates latest of 13 accolades in less than three years

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Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, Hockley Heath, Paola Spiga

A passionate Italian entrepreneur who once gave massages to royalty has transformed her lifelong dream into one of the West Midlands’ most celebrated beauty and wellness destinations, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Paola Spiga, founder of the award-winning Glam & Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath, Solihull, has been named a finalist in the Small Business Awards UK’s Best Beauty Business category; her latest recognition in a remarkable run of 13 awards and accolades achieved in less than three years since opening.

The announcement adds to an already outstanding record. In June 2026, Paola was honoured with the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Solihull Customer Commitment Award, widely regarded as one of the region’s most prestigious business accolades.

Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, Hockley Heath, Paola Spiga
Paola received The E2 Media Award of Excellence earlier this year.

That followed a Fresha Highly Recommended Winner title in March 2026, an E2 Media Award of Excellence in January 2026, and a coveted Top 3 Best Beauty Salons in Solihull listing by Three Best Rated in December 2025.

Earlier in 2025, Paola was also recognised as the Best Massage Therapist in Solihull for 2025, reached the Regional Finals of the Muddy Stilettos Awards in the Best Beauty Salon/Clinic category, was a finalist in the HBA UK Hair and Beauty Awards for Beauty Therapist of the Year, and was shortlisted for the UK Small Business Awards Best Business Start Up.

The accolades stretch back to the very beginning. In June 2024, Paola was named Start-Up of the Year at the Ladies First Awards just months after launching. She went on to become a finalist at the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards for Outstanding Start-Up, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and later received the Ladies First Excellence in Health & Wellbeing Finalist honour in February 2025, before earning the Ladies First Special Recognition Award in June 2025.

“Thirteen recognitions in under three years are something I could never have imagined when I first opened the doors,” says Paola. “But every single one of them belongs to my clients. They are the ones who trust me, who come back, and who push me to keep raising the bar. This is for them.”

Glam & Glow Beauty Lab, Hockley Heath, Paola Spiga

Paola’s journey into beauty was a calling she discovered almost by accident. After stepping away from a different career including her Pharmacy university path, she enrolled in courses, eventually securing an apprenticeship at a salon in her native Sardinia, where she worked for seven months doing make-up and nails, initially unpaid, simply for the love of it.

“It was the first time I’d ever seen a beautician at work, and it was mind-blowing for me,” she recalls. “That was where my passion truly started.”

That passion would lead her to the St Regis Luxury five-star hotel in Florence, where she spent three transformative years working as a beauty therapist while continuing her studies. It was there she honed an uncompromising standard of excellence, treating guests from across the globe including royalty.

         Paola receives The Ladies First Inspirational Award in 2024.

“Looking back, it was the most important time of my career. That incredibly high standard of service has stayed with me ever since. I always ask myself: if a prince walked through my door right now, would I be ready? Ultimately, I want every client who sits in my chair to feel like a prince or a princess like they’ve never felt before.”

In 2014, Paola relocated to the UK and spent years building her expertise across a range of prestigious salons and Spas. In October 2023, she took the leap and opened Glam and Glow Beauty Lab on Stratford Road in Hockley Heath.

“I always knew I wanted my own salon, but I wanted to do it right,” she says. “For me it was about finding the perfect location, the finest products, and creating a space where every single detail matters. I believed in my skills. I just needed the right moment.”

Win a coveted guest spot on Chat With Chalmers radio show – plus Vibe25 merch bundle!

Win a coveted guest spot on Chat With Chalmers radio show – plus Vibe25 merch bundle!

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Vibe25 Radio, competition

Ever secretly fancied yourself as a guest on Desert Island Discs?

Now, one lucky person can be just that (well, almost!) thanks to Vibe25 Radio!

To celebrate Vibe 25 going live on DAB in Warwickshire from July 1st, The Courier have teamed up with the community radio station to offer readers the opportunity to appear live as the guest on their weekly talk show, ‘Chat With Chalmers.’

You could find yourself in the hotseat as guest of honour being quizzed on the subjects which are important to you. It will be your time to shine and promote yourself or something you’re passionate about, as you take questions from award-winning local journalist Amanda Chalmers.

You’ll also be taking away with you an exclusive Vibe25 Radio merchandise bundle consisting of T-shirt, cap, mug and keyring! Plus you’ll be sent photographic memories of your experience.

In between the hour-long chat Amanda will also be playing five songs which you’ll be asked to choose beforehand, which have special meaning to you!

Amanda, of multi-award-winning Chalmers News PR based in Warwick, is among the ‘Vibe Tribe’ of 30 volunteer presenters at the station, which launched in Hampton-in-Arden in February. Since then it 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.

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.

It has rapidly grown into a platform reaching thousands of listeners online, through apps, Alexa and on DAB to audiences across a huge area of the Midlands which, from July 1st, will include Warwickshire, bringing its total potential listening figures to 600,000.

Amanda said: “The few weeks I’ve been hosting my show has been a lot of fun (as well as a learning curve!) and I’ve been privileged to have sit across from me a rich variety of people with remarkable stories.

“But, after a long career as a journalist, I know that everyone is inspirational in their own way and in this experiment, I am now opening up this exclusive opportunity to the listening audience. We all have an interesting story to share.

“So, if you are itching to go behind the scenes and take the mic as a guest on my show, on July 20th, now is your chance!

“And don’t worry if you miss out this time. There will be another opportunity later in the year!”

Vibe25 Radio is under the umbrella of the Smiling Families Charity, both of which are run by husband and wife team Kerry Martin and ‘Shoresy.’ The pair say the station is helping to provide another voice and creative outlet for individuals and families facing serious illness, disability, and life-changing challenges.

To enter just send an email to: amanda@chalmersnewspr.co.uk and explain in no more than 100 words why you think you would be a good fit for my radio show.

 

Vibe25 Radio, competition

Terms & Conditions:

Entries should arrive no later than midnight on Sunday, July 12th.

You must be happy to appear in photos for social media and publicity purposes.

Under 18s may enter with parental permission but must be accompanied by an adult on the day.

You must be available between 12.30-2.30pm on Monday July 20th.