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Fundraisers overcome ‘roadblocks’ in charity challenge

Posted on August 2, 2024 by admin

Molly Ollys, Warwick

Determined fundraisers overcame a puncture and the hottest temperatures of the year to complete a 21-mile charity trek around south Warwickshire this week.

Prolific fundraiser and Morrisons Community Champion in Leamington, Alex Pearson was this year joined for the first time on her annual fundraiser for Warwick charity Molly Ollys, by its founder Rachel Ollerenshaw.

Molly Ollys, Warwick — In Pageant Gardens with Mayor of Warwick Dave Skinner.

The pair, who planned to travel around the region on an electric rickshaw, fell foul of an irreparable flat tyre just an hour into the eight-hour journey but decided to complete the challenge on foot and managing to raise £2,000.

Molly Ollys mascot Olly The Brave went along for the ride and they were met en route by the mayors of each of the three towns they visited, Councillor Dave Skinner in Warwick; Councillor Judith Clarke in Leamington and Councillor Alan Chalmers in Kenilworth as well as the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Raji Kair Gill.

Alex’s previous pedal-powered fundraisers for Molly Ollys have included a pedalo along the Grand Union Canal and a side by side tandem cycle ride. She said: “What a day! When you plan a fundraiser and it’s all good and then on the day something has to go wrong.

“Sadly we had to ditch the tuk tuk but we still ploughed on. It was great to bring the awareness of the charity to passers by. We did it but the heat was not on our side. Being the hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 30’c we did struggle but everyone we saw was kind offering us drinks, ice cream and food.

“It’s amazing to know we raised over £1,000 and that Morrisons is matchfunding it. I really appreciate Rachel taking time out of her busy week to help me and keep me company.”

Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and husband Tim 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 who 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.

Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Our day didn’t go quite as planned. Alex has done annual challenges to support Molly Ollys over the past four years and her team of friends that usually support were not available this year, so I offered to help ride the rickshaw. Little did I expect that it would turn into a walk.

“Not being the fittest, this then did turn into a challenge for me on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, but it was good fun, great to be supported by the Mayors and High Sheriff and has helped raise both funds and awareness. Big thanks to Alex and everyone for their support.”

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

Posted on August 2, 2024 by admin

Bell's Diner, Hatton Shopping Village, Warwick

Bell’s Diner is ringing in exciting changes at Hatton Shopping Village & Garden Centre in Warwick.

The new diner, which opened last week (July 25^th), is affectionately named after milking cow Bluebell who has been residing at Hatton Adventure World since it opened over 30 years ago.

Creating ‘a cosy and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home,’ the eatery promises to satisfy the ultimate comfort food cravings, from pancakes and waffles through to burgers or indulgent sundaes and shakes.

Bell's Diner, Hatton Shopping Village, Warwick

Hatton Shopping Village & Garden Centre sits adjacent to Hatton Adventure World and so also offers the perfect respite from a full-on day of fun at the family attraction.

Owner Johnnie Arkwright said: “Bell’s Diner is ready to become the favourite spot in the heart of Hatton Country World, offering a delicious dining experience that promises to delight every palate.

“Our menu is crafted with love and precision, featuring mouth-watering brunch options, fluffy pancakes, and crispy waffles that are perfect for starting your day right. Or at lunchtime you can savour the juiciest burgers and end your meal on a sweet note with our indulgent sundaes and creamy shakes.

Bell's Diner, Hatton Shopping Village, Warwick

“At Bell’s Diner, we believe in creating memorable moments with every bite, making us a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. We are thrilled to bring a new and delicious fare to the vibrant community of Hatton Country World. Our diverse menu and friendly service make us the perfect choice for the next meal and we very much look forward to it becoming a beloved part of this already wonderful destination.”

Hatton Country World offers the ultimate destination for a fun day out on the 100-acre site with a host of shows and activities daily, a regular calendar of events, a four-acre laser combat field and one of the largest indoor play areas in the Midlands.

There are over 450 creatures great and small, 40 birds of prey and 150 Guinea Pigs, all located in the Warwickshire countryside with a variety of food outlets and a shopping village and garden centre.

Bell’s Diner opens between 9am-5pm every day and further information is available here.

Review: The Almanack, Kenilworth

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by admin

The Almanack, Kenilworth

Now summer has finally arrived it’s good news to hear about another pub in the area adding an outdoor eating area to their offering.

And the Almanack in Kenilworth is the perfect place to dine al fresco with the launch of its new seasonal menu, which we were invited to try.

But there continues to be the warmest of welcomes in all weathers inside with a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who are attentive without being intrusive.

The Almanack, Kenilworth

The Almanack chefs cook with the best of British produce in season and for summer there’s so much to choose from; the best native fish, Devon crab, heirloom tomatoes and sweet English berries alongside free-range chicken and Jimmy Butler Blythborough pork, and the finest British grass-fed beef from Aubrey Allen, 28 day dry-aged for incredible flavour. All the pub’s steaks, Sunday roast beef joints and burgers are supplied by Leamington’s famous butcher Aubrey Allen, a name more commonly seen in Michelin-starred restaurants than local pubs.

The new summer menu is bursting with freshness and zing, from Devon crab cake with creamy avocado, spicy radish and sweet pea shoots to start, Or enjoy to a light dish of grilled courgette and artichokes with whipped Crematta – creamy but dairy-free – zippy Romesco sauce, basil and toasted almonds.

The Almanack, Kenilworth

Move onto a main of Jimmy Butler’s BBQ-glazed pork belly served with summer slaw and fries or a pea and shallot ravioli with baby spinach and a rich butter sauce.

There are Almanack classics that remain on the menu because they’re simply so popular; free-range chicken schnitzel and garlic and parsley butter, peppery rocket, Parmesan and fries; miso-glazed cod with black rice, choi sum and lime, and for hearty appetites the 14-hour slow-cooked beef and ale pie, buttered mash, greens and gravy that is soft and melting and deliciously comforting.

I opted for the Ham Hock Salad to start – a shrewd move on my part as I’d already spotted a deliciously sweet dessert with my name on it so didn’t want to overstuff! It was refreshing and generously portioned and just the right opener to my meal.

My dinner guests were both tempted by the impressive Specials Board and opted for Burratina with heirloom tomato bruschetta, chilli and basil oil and Wild Mushroom Benedict with poached egg and truffle hollandaise.

Hubby stuck with the Specials for his choice of Pea & Ham Hock Risotto, Salsa Verde & Watercress but which unfortunately left him a little underwhelmed. The same can certainly not be said of my 28-Day Dry-Aged Rump Cap Steak which was perfectly cooked to my specifications (always a good test of a restaurant’s kitchen credentials) and the aforementioned Braised Beef and Ale Pie, which received a huge thumbs up from my son.

Three desserts were all polished off enthusiastically – and my much-anticipated Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart did certainly not disappoint. The Summer Pudding with blueberry compote and vanilla ice cream was also a winner for the season.

Prices were on a par with restaurants of this standard in the region, with Starters ranging from £7.50-£10, Mains from £15.25-£33 (a £50 lobster dish and wine pairing was also on the Specials Menu during our visit!) and Desserts from £7.25-£9.25. A Mini Pud (Chocolate Brownie or Smidgen of Cheese) and Tea or Coffee option is also available for £6.95.

The Almanack, Kenilworth

You can also start your day with a great Almanack breakfast (which sound delicious) and Sunday roasts are a popular choice with the locals. Keep an eye out too for their weekday deals that are going down a storm including a second bottle of Prosecco, Crémant or Champagne Piper-Heidsieck on the house when one is ordered between 3pm and 7pm!

It’s easy to see why The Almanack is popular with locals. It’s a modern, vibrant and welcoming space that is very easy to feel comfortable in and with an impressive menu to boot. But, with so many excellent gastropubs vying for our business in south Warwickshire, they all have to work hard to draw in good number of people from slightly further afield. Our experience suggests it is heading in the right direction.

Visit here to book or sign up to hear about news, events and treats.

Rotary ‘leads’ the way with new virtual dog show fundraiser

Posted on July 29, 2024 by admin

Molly Ollys, The Rotary Club of Coventry Pheonix, Virtual Dog Show

Competitive canines will help give ‘paws’ for thought when their owners raise funds for Warwick-based charity Molly Ollys.

A new Virtual Dog Show Facebook event, organised by The Rotary Club of Coventry Pheonix, will search for prize pooches across the country when it runs for two months, from August 1^st-September 30^th.

There are ten categories to enter: Handsome Boy, Gorgeous Girl, Cutest Puppy (under 12 months old), Golden Oldie (over 10 years), Best Rescue, Scruffiest Pooch, Best Fancy Dress, Best Action Shot, Caught in the Act (pictured doing something funny or naughty) and Never Forgotten (dogs who have gone over the Rainbow Bridge).

Molly Ollys, The Rotary Club of Coventry Pheonix, Virtual Dog Show

Judges presiding over the entrants are past Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress John and June McNicholas, with all manner of rewards on offer – including photoshoots and hampers – from Jennifer Jefferies Pet Photography, Meriden; Ellie J Photography, Coventry; Snap Perfections, Coventry; Denzel’s Den; Arena Park Tesco, Coventry; Sharp Claws; The Dog Lounge, Coventry; Purdy’s Pet Shop, Coventry and and Pit Pat – and the winners will be announced on October 10^th.

Yvonne Drake-Johnson, President Elect of The Rotary Club of Coventry Phoenix, said: “This is the first virtual dog show we have organised and was initially suggested a couple of years ago by Past President Alan Taylor. We are looking forward to raising valuable funds for Molly Ollys in this different manner and are excited to see the entrants over the next couple of months. By running a virtual dog show allows us to open the competition up to more people and over a much wider demographic area.

“Molly Ollys was an obvious choice for us as the support they provide is invaluable to so many young people and their families. On behalf of this year’s President James Holdsworth, we look forward to seeing the entries and would ask you share the link far and wide to help us help Molly Ollys and thank you and our sponsors for your valuable support in making this event a success.”

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

The Warwickshire-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 wishes, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “This will be the first virtual dog show fundraiser for Molly Ollys. We love all the varied ideas that people think of to support us. Thank you to the Rotary for organising and to everyone taking part. Your help really does make a difference.”

Prices to enter range from £2.50 (for one class) through to £10 (for all five classes). To enter people are invited to visit the Facebook page, upload a photo of their dog, provide the dog’s name and email address. Then use one of the links to pay £2.50 minimum donation or enter more categories using the tiered payment system.

Visit here and pay via here.

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

Doors open on new escape room

Posted on July 29, 2024 by admin

Puzzle fans are set to come knocking when the door to a brand new escape room swings open – and then promptly locks again(!) – in Warwick from this weekend.

Nottah Temple promises to take aspiring adventurers on a jungle expedition like no other when it becomes the third Tulley’s Escape Room to launch at Hatton Country World.

But beware the curse that lies within!

Hatton Country World, Tulleys Escape Room

Teams of between two and eight people are invited to crack the codes and unlock all the secrets as they puzzle their way through a series of gameplay challenges in the latest fun adventure.

In 1824 your long-lost relative, Lord Archington Harrow, the world-renowned explorer and his wife Lady Bessie first discovered an ancient temple. Hidden deep in the jungle, the intrepid explorers found a secret entrance which led them directly into the tomb.

Hatton Country World, Tulleys Escape Room

Now inside this dark and mysterious chamber they discovered the place was full of gold and precious jewels. Lord and Lady Harrow, like all explorers, began to loot and stash the treasure. But then the temple walls began to rumble, and the ground began to shake.

Little did they know they had released the curse of Queen Conteptua, a curse that will destroy anyone in the blood line of Lord Archington Harrow. Now many years later, it is your quest to revisit the temple, return the stolen treasure back to Queen Conteptua and lift the curse!

Hatton Country World, Tulleys Escape Room

Between two and eight people have up to 60 minutes to complete the task before the temple collapses and the treasure is lost forever!

Tulleys Escape rooms, established in Crawley, partnered with Hatton in 2019 to launch the two original games, Mutiny – a swashbuckling adventure to overthrow a bloodthirsty buccaneer – and The Oufitters – where you’re part of a special police task force to crack gangs in Prohibition Chicago.

Hatton Country World owner, Johnnie Arkwright, said: “We are delighted to be opening a brand new room, which is only available at Tulleys Escape Hatton. The new experience has surpassed anything we could have imagined, a truly immersive treasure hunting experience; you have to see it to believe it. We look forward to explorers taking on the new challenge and trying to escape! Good luck.”

Nottah Temple is geared towards adults and teenagers and can be booked from August 2^nd and bookings can be made HERE.