Author: admin

Youngsters from schools in Warwickshire were among those who enjoyed getting ‘hands on’ for the latest Rotary project which focuses on the subject of Climate Change.

The Handprints For Action Exhibition, organised by Heart of England Rotary Clubs, is the result of the collaborative efforts of more than 25 schools across Coventry and Warwickshire, as well as community groups and Rotary Clubs across the region.

The colourful flower collages – made up exclusively of handprints – are being unveiled by The Lord Mayor of Coventry Rachel Lancaster at a special event at Holy Trinity Church in Coventry, on September 5^th. They will remain on display there until the end of the year.

Running alongside a program of activities, seminars and partnerships to help educate and raise awareness in the local community, it is the culmination of the latest initiative, which has been organised for the last 11 years by Heart of England Environment Officer and District Assistant Governor Gabrielle Back.

Gabrielle said: “We might not know what our ecological or carbon footprint is, but we can keep track of our positive contributions to help heal the environment. Actions that cause positive change, including collecting litter, reducing the amount of waste we throw away, planting flowers for pollinators, using renewable energy, creating homes for wildlife etc. are our ‘handprints’ (what we give – a helping hand, a healing touch.)

“The project has been a huge success. Its purpose is to engage people in thinking about the environment and how their families interact with it and to encourage young people to explore what positive actions they and their families are already doing, or could do, to look after our planet.”

Everyone who took part received a certificate. Primary schools involved in Coventry and Warwickshire included: Coten End School, Warwick; Shipston on Stour Primary School; Burton Green CofE Academy, Kenilworth; Bilton CofE Junior School and Paddox Primary School, both in Rugby; and Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School; Baginton Fields Academy; Cannon Park Primary School; Earlsdon Primary School; St Thomas More Catholic Primary School; Allesley Primary School; St Anne’s RC Primary School, all in Coventry.

Themes over recent years of the Rotary Art project have included Oceans, Recycled Angels, Switch Off, Carbon Footprint, Around The World, Cut Down On Plastics, Green Hearts and Helping Hands. Planning is now under way for next year’s project on Endangered Species.

Any schools or groups interested in taking part can contact Gabrielle at: gabrielle@back.f9.co.uk

To find out more about the work of Heart of England Rotary or how you can help, visit HERE.

Hundreds of festival-goers enjoyed fun, food and a fireworks finale at a community music festival on Saturday.

More than 600 people soaked up the sun and the sounds of local musicians for the second Stratfest, hosted by Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club.

The event, which has been hailed a huge success, also raised more than £1k for Warwick-based children’s charity Molly Ollys.

Rock and Roll party cover band Bands Texan Peacocks, from Stratford, and No Direction, a rock and pop cover band from Snitterfield, headed the impressive line-up. Other acts included Frazer Lepford, performing Indie and Rock; Jake Rees, performing Classical and Pop; guitarist Luke Brougham playing Spanish/Latino and Country; Rock Pop duo The Tickets and Pop vocalist Honor Isabella.

The hotel’s co-owner and General Manager Beverley Haynes, said: “We are still on a high from Saturday after welcoming hundreds of people to The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club for Stratfest.

She added: “We created Stratfest because Stratford deserved its own festival organised by a local family business where our incredible local musicians could connect with their community and experience playing in a festival environment with professional sound, lighting and staging.

“Too often, festivals are priced out of reach for ordinary families, but we believe music should be accessible to everyone – and by bringing together our fantastic local business community as sponsors – and with ticket sales, we can cover the festival costs and maintain these affordable prices. A huge thankyou to our sponsors.

“We were proud to be raising awareness and funds for local charity, Molly Olly’s, also while creating a true family-friendly celebration that brings neighbours together. The guests at the festival generously donated to the charity on the day.

“Stratfest is by Stratford, for Stratford – a festival that belongs to all of us.”

Sponsors included BDR Group, Grenfell & James, Lodders Solicitors, MGC construction, Virtually Visual photography, DPI Signs and Pyrotek Fireworks.

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

The Warwick-based charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

A set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series and the lion have now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres to distribute to children undergoing treatment. Olly has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.

Part of more than £5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and pay for the training of a further two consultants.

Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “It was a privilege to be Stratfest’s chosen charity on Saturday and as expected, the event didn’t disappoint. From incredible music to wonderful food, and from family fun to the spectacular fireworks finale, it was great for Molly Ollys to be part of something that has become a firm favourite on the Stratford upon Avon events calendar. And the glorious weather proved to be a real bonus, no doubt boosting turnout.

“Funds raised from ticket sales and throughout the day will be used on wishes and therapeutic toys for those children we support who have life-threatening illnesses. We’re so grateful to Bev Haynes and her hard-working team at Stratford Park Hotel for choosing Molly Ollys and for making things run so smoothly from start to finish.”

The festival also laid on a host of family activities including bouncy castle, bouncy slide, face painter and fun Rhyme Time and Muddy Munchkins Playgroup, which is based in the grounds of the hotel.

The independent Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, which now has 32 bedrooms, was converted from a farmhouse and opened in 1993, alongside an 18-hole 72-par golf course, offering a range of visitor and guest packages. The adjacent Meadow Barn events venue is popular for bespoke weddings, surrounded by a private arrival courtyard with fountain and terrace seating.

Visit: https://www.thestratfordpark.co.uk/

Next week is Afternoon Tea Week (August 11^th-17^th) – and thanks to a Stratford hotel, the whole family can get involved in the paw-fect sweet celebrations – all year round!

The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club team ensure guests’ beloved pampered pooches don’t have to miss out when it comes to the family treat – and are catered for with a Doggy Afternoon Tea, comprising their very own doggy cupcake and doggy chino!

Doggy afternoon teas have been running at the hotel since 2022 and, at just £10, are proving very popular.

Beverley Haynes, hotel owner, said: “We noticed a huge increase in guests wanting to stay with their dogs for overnight stays. So we decided to offer these to attract locals to visit the hotel who wouldn’t necessarily come for an overnight stay.

“We have plenty of space which means dog owners don’t have to share an afternoon tea experience with non-dog owners, so the experience is nice and relaxed for both types of visitors.”

Afternoon tea originated in England in the mid-1840s, introduced by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. She felt a gap between lunch and the late evening meal and started having a light meal with tea and snacks in the afternoon, a custom she then shared with friends.

This social gathering quickly became fashionable among the upper classes but, as tea became more affordable, the custom spread to the middle classes in Britain and America.

The Afternoon Teas are served at Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club Thursday – Sunday between midday and 5pm. Advanced booking is required. Gluten- and Dairy-Free Afternoon Tea is also available and alcoholic drinks can be purchase separately.

Advance booking is required. Visit: https://thestratfordpark.co.uk/afternoon-tea/

About the hotel

The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club is the perfect retreat from the stresses and strains of life – a haven of tranquillity located within the picturesque countryside of Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon and on the doorstep to Warwick Castle, and a wealth of National Trust Properties.

Inside this elegant 14^th-Century farmhouse, set in over 130 acres of rolling countryside, you’ll find an oasis of calm, comfort and warmth where you can unwind and relax whilst enjoying the highest standards of hospitality, comfort and service.

Whether relaxing in front of one of the many open fires in the comfortable lounges or dining rooms, or strolling in the scenic surroundings, you’ll be struck by the feeling that you have been welcomed into someone’s home.

More than just a business, The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club is a testament to a family team with a vision for growth, longevity and excellence.
Established in 1992, it is the only family-owned hotel and golf course in Stratford-upon-Avon and has grown into a respected destination.

From the fairways of the 18-hole golf course to the warm welcome in the 32-bedroom boutique hotel, every aspect of The Stratford Park reflects a dedication to quality, improvement, and community.

Beverley Haynes and her team take pride in their ‘nothing is off the peg’ approach, ensuring that guests, members and residents always feel at home.

Their success is built on hard work, trust, resilience, and adaptability – key qualities that have allowed them to navigate challenges.

Whether through first-class golf facilities, elegant event spaces, or customer service, Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Course remains committed to delivering an unforgettable experience to all who walk through its doors.

Dining and Events

Visitors are welcome to enjoy an evening meal, Sunday Lunch or Afternoon Tea, served in the hotel’s Conservatory Bar or No.19 Restaurant or, weather permitting, al fresco on the patio overlooking the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. They can also be booked for private dinners.

The adjacent Meadow Barn events venue is popular for bespoke weddings, surrounded by a private arrival courtyard with fountain and terrace seating.

The Elizabethan Suite can comfortably seat up to 120 guests for a delicious meal by our resident Head Chef. It’s perfect for any occasion such as a wedding or any celebration.

Golf Course

The stunning 18-hole par 72 championship golf course has UGSA-specification greens and has been designed to test all standards. The par 3 17^th signature hole deserves special mention, reached at 203 yards over water to an island green.

Members and visitors welcomed every day.