News 6 | Chalmers News PR

Alcester jeweller crafts bespoke ring worth thousands to support local cause

Posted on January 11, 2026January 12, 2026 by admin

Camilla Jones, jeweller, The Esther Project Gala

Supporters of a fundraising Gala Dinner have the chance to win a bespoke diamond ring worth £4,750 thanks to a local jeweller.

Camilla Jones in Alcester has crafted the one-of-a-kind ring to be raffled off in aid of The Esther Project’s Touch of Pink Gala, which takes place on February 7th. But you don’t have to be there to take part with the raffle going live online today! (Jan 12^th)

At the heart of the elegant 18 carat rose gold ring sits a stunning 1.57 carat natural cushion-cut champagne diamond, complemented by two antique diamonds.

Jeweller Camilla Jones said: “As soon as we heard about the Esther Project, we wanted to find a way to support the amazing work they do.

“We are lucky enough to work with beautiful things every day, and hear so many stories of heartbreak and love, particularly from women. We are so happy to have the opportunity to support this amazing charity and the women they work with.”

The Esther Project was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 – her mission, to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions.

Esther House – a seven-bed supported living accommodation, opens its doors for vulnerable women who need a safe space to recover.

Lianne said: “On hearing about our inaugural fundraising gala dinner, Camilla has been nothing short of incredible in her support, and we are absolutely in love with this beautifully designed bespoke ring and are thrilled to offer our supporters and wider community the chance to win such a special piece.

The funds raised through the raffle will make a significant difference to the work we do alongside women in the Esther community who are experiencing social or economic disadvantage — supporting access to counselling, therapeutic sessions, trauma-informed courses, and opportunities to rediscover their potential, dreams, and purpose. We cannot wait to announce the lucky recipient of this extraordinary ring on Valentine’s Day.”

The full evening of entertainment, at Kings High School, is being compered by award-winning host and broadcaster Kirsty Leahy of KLP, and includes live music from all-female electric-acoustic trio String Infusion and talented singer songwriter Shanade Morrow. Shanade also leads regular lyric-writing, poetry and singing lessons at The Esther House Monday drop-in sessions.

Also helping to keep the guests entertained throughout the evening will be Angus Baskerville, wowing with his table magic – and DJ James Farmer will see the night out with plenty of dancefloor fillers.

Camilla Jones, jeweller, The Esther Project Gala — **Kirsty Leahy is hosting**

Highlights of the evening also include the chance to get your photo taken wearing the Queen Cape, handmade by the Esther ladies earlier this year and now touring the area to raise awareness. The impressive patchwork is made up of more than 1,000 hand-stitched hearts and flowers and took over six months to complete.

There will also be the chance to see the first showing of an exclusive photographic exhibition by sponsor Karen Massey Photography. The Behind Closed Doors collection aims to create a visual narrative which brings awareness to the lived realities of survivors, while preserving their dignity and truth.

Camilla Jones is also kindly gifting 20 handmade silver heart pendants to the Esther ladies who took park in the photoshoot.

She said: “The pendants we made are meant as a reminder that we all have value and are worthy of love, regardless of the scars that shape us- we deliberately left the rough file marks that shaped them as part of their design.

“We are really honoured to hear that they will be gifted to the amazing women who shared their stories through the photos.”

The Esther Project, gala, Camilla Jones — **The Esther Project was established in 2023**

Other sponsors of the event include The Paul Rigby Group and Pentlands Accountants, Chalmers News PR, The Leader Marketing Partnership in Henley-in-Arden, Bia’s Kitchen Show, Vibe Immersive, Table Art, Box Factory and PSL Lighting.

Tickets cost £99 each or a table of ten for £950, and are available to book via HERE. Further information about sponsorship packages is also available here or by getting in touch with kerry@theestherproject.co.uk.

The ring will be available to view in person, with raffle tickets on sale at the gala but tickets are also sale HERE. The lucky winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

Donations can be made to The Esther Project via HERE.

Young magician and autism advocate celebrates latest award

Posted on January 11, 2026January 11, 2026 by admin

Angus Baskerville, magician, award — **Photo by Brian Irvine.**

A young south Warwickshire entrepreneur and autism advocate is celebrating his latest accolade after being voted Best Wedding Magician in The Cotswolds Awards.

Angus Baskerville’s latest award recognises his inspirational story of how magic ‘saved his life,’ and his ongoing mission to advocate for autism and mental health.

It also acknowledges his unique expertise as an outstanding close-up wedding magician, bringing a compelling stage presence and skilful mix of mind-bending illusions and trickery.

The news also follows the launch of Angus’s first book in Kenilworth, ‘Naughty or Neurodiverse: An Aspie’s Road To Magic’ following his journey from misunderstood child to professional magician, thanks to a new passion he discovered while holidaying with family as a teenager.

Bullied, excluded, expelled from three schools, Angus grew up feeling like he didn’t belong. Diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD at 15, he finally had a name for the chaos he had always felt.

Now he is enjoying huge national success with a magic career that includes a return to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival throughout August, on the back of a sell-out summer one-man show, Hidden Powers, and series of big ticket event performances.

He is also the proud recipient of a clutch of national awards, including last year, The Prestige Award, Ladies First Inspirational Awards and The Derek Award for standout acts at The Fringe.

Of his latest award, the 29-year-old from Binton, said: “I truly believe that hidden powers such as those I’ve found in me, exist in all of us. To be recognised for what I do in adding magic to weddings, the most special day in a couple’s life, is both humbling and hugely appreciated.

“What make the awards all the more special is that they are 100% independent, every nomination and vote coming from members of the public. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me.”

As a Christmas gift in 2014 Angus’ parents Neil and Kate enrolled him on a magic course at the famous Davenport’s in London, bolstered by which he went on to compete in – and win – his sixth form talent contest. He earned money through his talent for the first time, performing tricks for tips in his local pub.

At 19, Angus joined Leamington and Warwick Magic Society and, in 2020 he was accepted as a member of the prestigious Magic Circle. Today, he is in high demand among the magic and public speaking circuits, performing to a who’s who list of rich and famous at prestigious venues across the country, including Windsor Castle, The Grosvenor Hotel Park Lane and Greenwich Theatre in London.

Despite a packed schedule these days, Angus is still finding time to stay true to his pledge to ‘pay it forward’ by helping others overcome the challenges of neurodiversity through workshops, holiday camps, mentoring and public speaking.

He is also a regular keynote speaker at autism conferences, conventions and workshops around the country, and a proud neurodiversity ambassador for numerous charities and bodies.

He added: “Life on the spectrum can be tough but with support, self-awareness and the right environment, it can also be joyful, meaningful and full of magic. I think if I had been diagnosed earlier things would have been different. I just felt like I was a bad person and the whole world was against me. I just didn’t want to be here.

“But I’ve learned so much about mental health and other people and about autism and how you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it. There’s always hope.”

Angus Baskerville, magician, award, book — **Angus published his inspiring story last year.**

The Cotswolds Awards recognise the best businesses in a host of categories across industry sectors, from hospitality and food and drink producers through to retail and professional services.

They were created by Mette Lacey, founder of Cotswolds Concierge. Established in 2011, the online magazine now reaches more than 80k readers who all benefit from its definitive guides and directory spotlighting and connecting local businesses and suppliers.

Mette said: “Warwickshire led the way this year with a strong and warmly received wave of nominations, and we were delighted to welcome even more entries from further afield following our expansion into the four shires that shape the wider Cotswolds — Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.”

“We created The Cotswolds Awards to shine a light on the extraordinary businesses, experiences and people who make this region so special.

“Although the Awards are run by us at Cotswolds Concierge, they are driven entirely by public nominations and votes. They’re completely free to enter, fully independent, and designed to give every business a fair and equal chance. Congratulations to Angus for this well deserved award and for helping to fly the flag for Warwickshire.”

‘Naughty Or Neurodiverse: An Aspie’s Road To Magic’ is available as a Kindle edition or in paperback from Amazon. For further details and to order visit HERE.

Visit: Angus Baskerville Magic HERE.

The full list of Cotswolds Awards winners can be found HERE.

Local agency named among Top 10 Businesses From Home at national awards

Posted on December 21, 2025December 21, 2025 by admin

Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR, Small Business Awards UK

A local journalist of three decades is flying the flag for home-based businesses after celebrating being named a winner in this year’s Small Business Awards UK.

Amanda Chalmers was listed eighth from hundreds of small businesses across the country in the ‘Best Business From Home’ category at the glittering ceremony at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on Saturday. (December 13^th)

The news coincides with the seventh anniversary of the launch of her PR agency, Chalmers News PR, which already has three national awards to its name.

Amanda spent 30 years working in the regional press, culminating with a stint in the Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald editor’s chair between 2014 and 2018, before launching Chalmers News PR, from her home in Warwick, specialising in affordable cross-sector PR for small businesses and start-ups as well as charities and not-for-profits.

Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR, Small Business Awards UK

It is the latest accolade for her agency, winning 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.

The SBA judging panel consists of highly qualified industry professionals, each with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in their respective categories. The Awards celebrate and support small businesses across the UK.

Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR, Small Business Awards UK

The Best Home-Based Business category was introduced to highlight the growing impact of home-based enterprises and the important role they play in today’s economy.

Director of the SBAs said: “This category celebrates entrepreneurs running successful businesses from home, recognising the creativity and drive it takes to thrive outside of a traditional workplace.

“Running a business from home takes vision, dedication, and resilience. We’re proud to celebrate entrepreneurs across the nation who are redefining what modern business success looks like and home-based entrepreneurs are proving that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to build a thriving business from anywhere.

He added: “The UK Small Business Awards celebrate the passion, innovation, and resilience of entrepreneurs across the country. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this is your chance to gain credibility, boost visibility, and connect with industry leaders. Stand out, get noticed, and let your success story inspire others.

“We raised the bar again this year with tougher entry criteria, so making it through, let alone being among the Top 10, is a real testament to the businesses’ excellence, passion, and unwavering dedication.”

SBA CEO Sophie added: “This year we had a record number of entries for The UK Small Business Awards, there were so many excellent finalists for each category and the competition was extremely close. Businesses and individuals that placed on the night demonstrated exceptional quality and commitment through their submissions.”

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.

She said: “There are a lot of business awards out there but very few which acknowledge the hard graft and discipline that go into running a successful business from home, so this is something I feel particularly pleased to have been a part of.

Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR, Small Business Awards UK

“I’m so proud to be named among the UK’s Top 10 businesses from home from what must have been a very strong field. Being a solopreneur can have its challenges – it can feel lonely at times without someone to bounce off and there are a lot of extra skills you have to learn and a huge number of plates to spin.

“But the challenges are far outweighed by the rewards, which feel so much more personal – especially being part of the journey of success for my clients. Their wins also feel like my wins – and that’s an incredible feeling!”

To learn more about the UK Small Business Awards and how to enter for 2026 visit HERE.

Village pub on the scent of a new idea for their visitors

Posted on December 16, 2025December 16, 2025 by admin

Fleur de Lys, Artibus Yard, scent

When visitors drop in to a popular south Warwickshire village pub it won’t just be the aromas of their award-winning pies that will now fill the air – but a recipe of a very different kind.

The Fleur de Lys, in Lowsonford, has teamed up with The Artibus Yard in Kenilworth to create a bespoke scent that they are promising depicts ‘an oasis of calm’ for its guests.

The award-winning pub, better known as the originator of the famous pie brand, has worked with the artisan candle and scent maker to create a signature scent that’s also available to purchase as a diffuser oil.

The ‘recipe’ blends cedar, fig, and cardamom – notes that were chosen in collaboration with licensee Emma Woodhouse to complement the age and character of the pub – warm, earthy, and gently spiced to echo its historic atmosphere while still feeling modern and inviting.

Fleur de Lys, Artibus Yard, scent — **Emma Woodhouse with the diffuser.**

Emma, who has run the Fleur de Lys for the past 11 years with her husband Nick, said: “Anyone who has stepped into The Artibus Yard shop in Kenilworth knows what an oasis of calm it is. Samantha has created a deliciously scented haven amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

“We’ve been lucky to have her host a couple of her candle-making workshops here at the Fleur De Lys over the past 12 months and have been blown away by her knowledge and creativity.

“We asked her to develop a fragrance that conjured up memories of long cosy afternoons by our fireside, the glorious nature of the surrounding countryside and the kind of aromatic experience that we’d be happy to be synonymous with the Fleur. Luckily, she’s a genius parfumier who absolutely nailed our brief, presenting us with a few options before we nailed it down to this gorgeous diffuser oil bursting with cedar, fig and cardamom.”

She added: “We love it so much that we’ve commissioned The Artibus Yard to create a limited run for us so that you can take one home with you too and be reminded of your favourite Warwickshire pub during the times when you’re unable to pay us a visit in person.”

The project marks a first for entrepreneur Samantha Harris who crafts every piece by hand in her studio shop, in Warwick Road.

Sam also offers bi-weekly candle making workshops at her studio, which can also be brought to other venues and sells a variety of home accessories, gifts and confectionery.

She said: “Scent exploration happens on-site, where each blend is thoughtfully developed for you to discover. This is the first custom scent I’ve created specifically for a pub, which made the process especially exciting and meaningful.”

The Fleur De Lys was this year named Pub of the Year at The Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards. It 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.

The signature scent diffuser can be purchased at The Fleur de Lys shop HERE.

More candle-making workshops at the Fleur will be announced in the New Year.

New Afternoon Tea Room is latest venture of husband and wife entrepreneurs

Posted on December 15, 2025 by admin

Caffeine Project, afternoon tea, Binley Woods — **Rafael and Lisa Hernandez**

Husband and wife coffee connoisseurs from Warwick are hoping to brew up a storm as the doors open on their latest venture.

Lisa and Rafael Hernandez are building on the success of their Caffeine Project coffee house and deli in Binley Woods, with a new Afternoon Tea room.

The modern 35-seater space, previously occupied by a furniture shop, is a hidden gem behind their existing café, which opened on Rugby Road in 2021. It marks the latest chapter for the couple whose entrepreneurial journey began seven years ago with their coffee brand.

Caffeine Project, afternoon tea, Binley Woods

It’s also another ambition realised for Rafael who has a background in hospitality and a degree in Culinary Arts from his native Mexico. His experience includes time spent working as a chef in Stratford before spending 10 years with Illy Coffee, where he learned about the industry from the ground up – literally – getting hands-on with coffee bean picking in Honduras.

He said: “Because of my line of work, I’d had the opportunity to visit practically every single coffee shop in the country and could see what was missing and what needed to change.

“When we opened Caffeine Project it was a gamble, but we wanted to be true to what we believed in, which is to have a place with great quality coffee and food. Likewise, when we opened the deli, we knew we had to offer quality products that we could sell to the public.”

Caffeine Project, afternoon tea, Binley Woods

He added: “I like afternoon teas and I knew that it would be something that could complement the café business really well. Also, as customers ourselves, we realised that there is more need for a high-end afternoon tea experience in Coventry.

“We wanted to offer a really nice contemporary experience, something with a different feel rather than the usual vintage style. It may not have the setting of a stately home or period building but we are confident it is equal in quality and ambience.”

The Caffeine Project signature coffee brand always looms large in Rafael’s business ethos – one of his three blends even brewed especially with locals in mind.

Caffeine Project, afternoon tea, Binley Woods

“I developed a coffee especially for Warwickshire, where people seem to really like strong coffee and that is our Ban de Blend, which is from Honduras, Brazil and Vietnam. Because Vietnamese coffee is quite strong,” he explained.

“If you’ve got good coffee, people will come back again and again. I worked hard to find a blend of coffee that cuts through milk really well because latte and cappuccino and flat white now are the main drinks consumed in the UK.

“And our decaf beans use a Mexican water process, so it’s decaffeinated with spring water rather than chemicals.”

The new licensed tea room opened on October 30^th with the support of Rugby Borough Council grant funding. Work is now under way on creating an on-site baking space to help further expand their offering.

The menu, all prepared fresh on the day by chef Jake Rouse, offers a choice of Afternoon Tea or Sparkling Afternoon Tea in relaxed contemporary surroundings with Vegetarian and Vegan alternatives available. Their Festive Menu is also now running until December 28^th.

Meanwhile, longstanding Caffeine Project Brazilian Head Chef Gustavo Eckhardt is keen to bring both his and Rafael’s international cooking influences to some of the café menu dishes.

Lisa added: “We are incredibly proud of the coffee shop and the community we’ve grown here. One of the things we have always done since the very beginning was to invest back into the business and the people.

Caffeine Project, afternoon tea, Binley Woods

“The staff in the coffee shop and deli are fantastic. They work so hard and they care about the customers. They all have their own part to play in the success.

“When the deli first opened and people started to come in, they were just delighted that they had somewhere like this. We are now getting people that pull up regularly for goods from the shop, especially our coffee and double yoker eggs!

“We’re trying to create a local one-stop quality shop. We listen to our customers. If they suggest stocking certain things, we give it a try. We have so many wonderful regulars that come in the café and deli all week.”

She added: “We always envisioned what we wanted to do with this new space once it became available two years ago, but we knew we had to focus on one business at a time, so we focused on the deli first.

“We’re excited to be widening our offering even more to create a different kind of experience for people who want something that bit extra special. The area was crying out for something like this. We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces through the doors.”
Caffeine Project Afternoon Teas are available between 12-5pm Thursdays to Sundays.

To book visit HERE.