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Festive fundraiser hopes to tackle local food crisis

Posted on December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 by admin

Coventry Foodbank, Micro Musical

Warm-hearted volunteers have joined forces to support Coventry foodbank with the launch of its latest festive fundraising campaign to help tackle the rising food crisis.

The foodbank is appealing for support to help meet increasing demand through a new fun five-part Micro Musical, filmed in collaboration with two local professional singers.

The fun social media campaign with a serious message, aims to raise awareness as well as thousands of pounds for the foodbank, which has 15 centres throughout the city.

Coventry Foodbank, Micro Musical — Coventry Foodbank Founder Gavin Kibble and staff in the third song, written by Dan Hodges.

Some 35 people took part in the filming throughout October and November. Coventry singer songwriters Ruth Kelly and Dan Hodges have provided professional vocals for the musical, part one of which will be released on Sunday. (December 1^st)

It is hoped the video, which airs in its entirety for the first time on December 11th, will surpass the success of the last year’s video, which raised £13,500.

Spokesman for Coventry foodbank and the project’s coordinator, Rich Smith, said: “For the past few years at Coventry foodbank, we’ve done something a little bit daft and quirky at Christmas to raise awareness of the ongoing problem being faced by thousands of people across our city. Each week, Coventry foodbank is supporting around 500 people in food crisis, and we’re reliant on the generosity of the individuals, organisations and businesses to be able to continue giving that support.

“The Christmas campaign has become a bit of a tradition. Every year I’m asked: ‘What are we going to be doing for a Christmas campaign this year?’ – people are genuinely excited to see what we’re going to do. The Micro Musical is as daft as it sounds, but hopefully also a little touching and heart-warming.”

The series of five short songs – all around a minute in length – will play between December 1^st and 9^th, each capturing some aspect of the process involved in receiving an emergency food parcel – from driving vans, sorting and packing food, answering phones, coordinating deliveries or being a listening ear to someone needing help – and culminating in the chance to watch a full run-through of the whole musical on December 11^th on Facebook, Instagram or at coventryfoodbank.org.uk

Rich added: “Across Coventry, we’ve got hundreds of volunteers who regularly give their time to make the foodbank work – the musical is an ode to their incredible, sacrificial work. The songs and videos have been devised and sung as a completely internal project, using the talent and expertise of our volunteers, staff and some professional singers who have given their time to make the musical sparkle.

Coventry Foodbank, Micro Musical

“Coventry foodbank can only do what we do because of the generosity of others, so if you’re able to, please give to the foodbank this Christmas at coventryfoodbank.org.uk/musical.”

The first video of the Micro Musical can be seen HERE.

Guests help celebrate Bianca’s ‘Culinary Journey of Gratitude’

Posted on November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 by admin

Local business owners and special guests in Coventry and Warwickshire gathered to celebrate the launch of a new book championing hospitality and resilience in the local community.

‘Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude’ is the first in a collection being launched by Brazilian-born entrepreneur and foodie Bianca Rodrigues-Perry last week.

Bia's Kitchen Show, book launch, Leamington

It comes ahead of the first anniversary of the successful Bia’s Kitchen Show, hosted by Bianca, and celebrates the region that, for the last 15 years, she has called home.

The book showcases some of the area’s brilliant local chefs, nutritionists, and food and drink artisans who share some of their own recipes and top cooking tips, alongside Bianca’s.

But the project is also rooted in her own journey of overcoming personal mental health challenges through a passion for cooking. It’s in this spirit that the self-taught chef-come-author has also pledged to donate the book’s profits to Mind Warwickshire, a cause very close to her heart.

Anja Kozerski and Jo Meakin of Whittles of Binswood with Bianca Rodrigues Perry. Photos by Dave Perry Photography.

On the night, Bianca talked candidly about her personal battles with mental health which began after leaving behind her family and a high-flying marketing career in 2009, emigrating from her native Rio de Janeiro to Leamington as the new Mrs David Perry.

But Bianca’s combined passions of cooking and entrepreneurialism became a lifeline – even going on to win Couple’s Come Dine With Me on Channel Four. Buoyed by her early business success running a thriving food delivery service during lockdown, it was in January this year that she stepped out of the shadows of her busy Cubbington kitchen once more, and into the limelight. The Bia’s Kitchen brand was born.

Bia's Kitchen Show, Leamington, Book launch — Bia signs a book for Steve Bazell of That Gin Company, who also sponsored the launch event.

Since then Bianca and her show, which is streamed twice monthly on YouTube, have won the affections of a loyal and growing UK audience, even winning the entrepreneur a national award, recognising the enterprise and compassion she has shown in her work with local businesses.

She said: “I was filled with joy from the incredible support I received during the book launch, especially knowing that it benefits such a wonderful cause. It felt like a dream come true, and the experience was deeply emotional. Sharing my story with so many people and realising that I’m not alone on this journey brought me to tears.

“I feel truly blessed to have an amazing team that works diligently to accomplish our goals. The message of togetherness resonates strongly with me; we are stronger united, and my mission is to connect individuals with through their food and authentic stories!”

She added: “As well as sharing great recipes from fantastic local chefs, the idea behind the book is to hopefully inspire with the message that you can have a bad day or a bad period in your life and come back with a determination to succeed all over again. Hence the title ‘A Culinary Journey of Gratitude.’ Through food and through supporting other people, we can all do better.

“Food has played a huge part in my own journey of recovery from a very dark place. If sharing my personal story goes some way towards helping and inspiring other people who are struggling, I find that incredibly rewarding. Empowering others is what also empowers me.”

The event was sponsored by some of the 20 local businesses which feature in the book, including headline sponsors Whittles of Binswood in Leamington which hosted the party and That Gin Company, in Warwick.

Anja Kozerski, General Manager at Whittles, said: “Whittle’s at Binswood has loved being part of Bia’s Kitchen Show. Bia is a passionate, empathic and community spirited individual that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and seeing her grow. To be co-sponsor of her book launch event was a great honour and I cannot wait to see what is next for her on her journey.”

Bia's Kitchen Show, Leamington, book launch

Steve Bazell, pictured above, of That Gin Company, said: “It’s been exciting being part of Bianca’s first book, not least because it celebrates local independent businesses.

“It was also a fun experience being a guest on one of her shows and, after witnessing the growth of her Bia’s Kitchen Show brand, we were proud to become a headline sponsor for her book launch event. We wish her continued success with the show next year and look forward to seeing what else she has in store.”

Private fine dining chef Raj Darji, of Scratch Cook Social in Leamington provided some of his food on the night. He said: “Being on Bia’s show has been an incredible experience. From the first moment I met Bia and right through to book launch it has been a real journey of discovery and I feel truly humbled and honoured to be invited in to her world!”

Guests also had the chance to feast on a selection of food from some of the featured chefs, including Scratch Cook Social, Paprika Club, A Good Catch, Homewrecker and Emie’s Little Bakery, all in Leamington; and Tropical Brazil Foods and Rodizio Rico in Coventry. And centrepiece of the evening was the book recreated from cake by Cakes by Sophie Page in Coventry.

Sophie said: “Bia is a great person and being on her show was a day of hilarity and fun that I’ll always remember.

“I was thrilled to get the opportunity to be in Bia’s book, amongst so many other great chefs and talents. It’s given me a new eagerness to explore all the great restaurants in Warwickshire too.

Sophie Page, Bianca Rodrigues Perry and Bia’s make-up artist Naomi McKeever

“As someone that’s experienced mental health issues and lived with others who suffer too, I think the heart behind this book and the fact that proceeds go to Mind is brilliant and I’m proud to be a little part of that.”

Martin Serafino, Head Chef at Italian restaurant Tavola, in Leamington, said: “It’s an incredible honor to have my recipe featured in this book. This collection brings together the passion and stories of so many talented chefs, showing the power of connection and inspiration. My contribution is a reflection of my journey, where tradition meets innovation and every ingredient is treated with care and love. I’m proud to be part of a project that brings such diverse flavors and ideas to the table.”

All profits from Bia’s Kitchen Show: The Cookbook – A Culinary Journey of Gratitude go to Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.

The book, published by Birmingham-based The Book Chief, is now available for order from Bia’s Kitchen Show at HERE and through Amazon.

View Bia’s Kitchen Show HERE

The independent businesses featuring in the book are:

Nikki Ryan Coaching @nickyryancoaching

Paprika Club, Leamington

Emi’s Little Bakery, Leamington

Tropical Brazil Foods, Coventry

Banh Mi Caphe, Leamington

Scratch Cook Social, Leamington

Mari-Carmen Fitness, Leamington

Cakes By Sophie Page, Coventry

Sophie’s Culinary Bites, Coventry

That Gin Company, Warwick

Warwickshire Gin Company, Leamington

The Woodsman, Stratford

The Magic Wingdom, Leamington

Homewrecker Pimento Cheese, Leamington

The Leopard Spots, Leamington

Scott’s Chocs, Leamington

A Good Catch, Leamington

Nailcote Hall Hotel Golf and Country Club, Berkswell (Special Breast Cancer Awareness Month recipe)

Tavola, Leamington

Rodizio Rico, Coventry/Birmingham/London (Christmas recipe)

Whittles of Binswood, Leamington

Rotarians join forces to bring Christmas joy to domestic violence refuges

Posted on November 20, 2024November 20, 2024 by admin

Rotarians, Toy Box Appeal

Rotarians from across Coventry and Warwickshire are joining forces to bring some festive cheer for children who have fled domestic violence this year.

Rotary Clubs in Leamington, Warwick, Warwick Avon, Stratford, Kenilworth, Southam 2000, Rugby, Rugby Breakfast, Shipston, Alcester and Bidford, Arbury, Nuneaton, Coventry, Coventry Jubilee, Coventry Phoenix and Meriden Rotary Clubs are among those supporting the 2024 Rotary Toy Box Christmas Appeal.

Each club will help fund the boxes filled with over £80 worth of new toys suitable for that child’s age and gender, which will be distributed to more than 580 children at six refuges in the area.

The scheme, which is being run in conjunction with national charity Kids In Mind, hopes to raise £14,600 to fund enough boxes for Rotary’s Heart of England District 1060.

Rotarian Bill Elliott, who has run the appeal for the last four years, said: “I felt that this project was much needed for these vulnerable families as, I had in my working life, seen what despair these families suffer when they have to move out of their family home with virtually nothing.”

“This year in the UK over 5,600 children will be residing with their single parent (usually their mother) in a domestic violence refuge, many initially arriving at the refuge with only what they can carry and having witnessed or experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Having been forced to leave home at a moment’s notice, they are fleeing from domestic violence, moving over 30 miles or more from their friends, staying in a strange place, not knowing what tomorrow will bring.

“The location of these refuges by necessity need to remain secret, which often means that these single parent families and especially the children are often forgotten or remain ‘anonymous’.

Kids in Mind is a Hertfordshire-based charity, established by Gordon Moulds CBL DL and Julian Margolin specifically to provide wellbeing and mental health support to children that have escaped serious domestic violence and found sanctuary in a Women’s refuge.

UK Rotary clubs working for, and within their own local communities are committed to ensure ‘Every Refuge, Every Child’ receives a Rotary Christmas Toy Box.

A Toy Box provides a child with a sense of security, comfort and a distraction from their daily challenges.

Research has shown that children who have access to toys and play materials tend to have better cognitive and social development and are able to express their emotions, enabling them to work through difficult experiences. Any public donations can also be made, direct to Bill Elliott via: billmeg29@hotmail.co.uk

More information

Currently there are around 450 staffed Women’s Refuges in the UK with a pre-pandemic average of over 20000 children and their mothers passing through every year.
Children who have experienced domestic abuse often suffer from a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioural problems.
According to the Birmingham Crisis Centre, around 50% of refuge children have personally suffered abuse, mainly sexual, of which 70% are at the hands of their father.
The children that have been sexually abused have the highest rate of suicide, excluded from school and runaways out of any group in the UK.
Many children with mental health issues also experience difficulties in school, potentially leading to the need for special education services. Children with unaddressed mental health issues often struggle academically, which can result in lower educational attainment.
Children with experience of domestic abuse are at a higher risk of engaging in criminal behaviour., substance misuse and decreased employment prospects in adulthood. In adulthood they are more likely to have a perceived below average quality of life.

Hoping for a full house for charity bingo fundraiser

Posted on November 18, 2024 by admin

It’s eyes down for festive fun and fundraising at an event in aid of a Warwickshire children’s charity next month.

The Christmas Charity Boogie Bingo Extravaganza has been organised by Leamington Spa Soroptimists in aid of Molly Ollys.

Guests can compete for holiday-themed prizes in multiple rounds of bingo and other fun games and stalls throughout the evening as well as enjoy a Christmas Platter buffet.

There will also be a chance to learn more about the charity and other ways it can be supported.

Molly Ollys, Catherine Williamson, Gobsmacked!, Boogie Bingo

President of Leamington Soroptimists, Catherine Williamson learned more about the work of the charity in a recent interview with Rachel for her podcast Gobsmacked! which is being broadcast in January.

She said: “Supporting Molly Ollys is our way of bringing light and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, especially during the festive season.

“Their incredible work touches the lives of so many by creating special moments and providing essential support. We’re proud to rally our community for a night of fun, laughter, and giving back to help make these wishes come true.”

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

Olly The Brave forms 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. The mascot has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.

Part of more than £4m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first Molly Olly consultant in paediatric medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Molly Ollys are very grateful to the Leamington Soroptomists for reaching out to us and offering their support. The Boogie Bingo looks great fun, we are all looking forward to it and great that we can raise funds and awareness.

“We are extremely busy with requests from families who need our support. They face many challenges, and our help can make a very real difference but it would not be possible without events like the Boogie Bingo. So please join us.”

For more information about the charity, visit www.mollyolly.co.uk The Christmas Charity Boogie Bingo Extravaganza takes place on Monday, December 9^th 7-10.30pm at St Patrick’s Irish Club, Riverside in Leamington. Tickets are £25 and can be booked here.

Catherine’s Gobsmacked! podcast episodes can be heard here.

Award-winning chef in coworking hub Kitchen Takeover

Posted on November 13, 2024November 13, 2024 by admin

Scratch Cook Social, Kitchen Takeover, 1 Mill Street

A local chef is bringing his culinary skills to a coworking venue in Leamington as part of a Kitchen Takeover day next week.

On November 22^nd only, visitors to 1 Mill Street will be able to order from an exclusively special menu curated by Rajesh Darji of Scratch Cook Social, throughout the day and as part of a fun trivia night between 6.30-8.30pm, with a host of prizes to be won.

It is the latest in a series of popular Takeover events at the coworking space which also houses a coffeehouse and Fluters Bar.

Scratch Cook Social offers bespoke private fine dining experiences and catering, for small groups, working with each client to tailor a menu that suits their specific requirements and dietary needs, but always steeped in traditional Indian flavours.

Having grown up as a 2nd generation Indian immigrant in London, Rajesh Darji established Scratch Cook Social in January this year after walking away from a corporate career following a period of reflection.

This pivot into the food space was borne out of his passion for creating exciting and tasty British-Indian cuisine, drawing on his experiences of living and working around the globe, while always acknowledging a deep appreciation and respect for his Indian heritage.

Raj said: “My working environment generally centres around my kitchen where I get to create and my home office where I spend my time catching up on admin. But, once a week I step out of these two zones and head down to 1 Mill Street which is open to everyone. You can only imagine my excitement when the team invited me to fill in for their great chef Marc while he takes a well-deserved break. I look forward to serving my particular style of delicious and nourishing cuisine to a, largely, new audience.”

The Menu includes a selection of dishes for Breakfast – until 11.30am – as well as Small Plates, Nourish Bowls and Healthy Snacks throughout the day.

Scratch Cook Social, Kitchen Takeover, 1 Mill Street — The one-off Menu for Kitchen Takeover Day at 1 Mill Street in Leamington

Catherine Callicot, General Manager, said: “We are super excited to offer something different to our Mill Street members and community and also have a very exciting Trivia Night happening in the evening, so Scratch Cook Social taking us into the evening is fantastic with small plates. We’re super excited about this new collaboration.”

As well as catering for events and special occasions, Raj’s culinary skills are also on display at regular pop-up events hosted by Café Desa in Regent Grove, Leamington, including, coming up, a five-course Winter Tasting Menu on November 29^th and Desi Christmas on December 6^th. Tickets can be booked HERE