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Nailcote Hall’s 20th Snow Ball brings Christmas cheer

Posted on December 12, 2025December 12, 2025 by admin

Nailcote Hall Hotel, Berkswell, Snowball, Salvation Army

The annual Snow Ball at Nailcote Hall Hotel Golf & Country Club has raised more than £5,000 for The Salvation Army.

The charity have also received sackfuls of gifts for their Christmas Toy Appeal, which will be delivered to disadvantaged children in the area on Christmas Day, thanks in part, to donations from the 220 guests who attended on the night in Balsall Common.

Nailcote Hall Hotel, Berkswell, Snowball, Salvation Army — Sue Cressman and the winner of a diamond pendant Cath Freshwater.

Hotelier Sue Cressman said: “The Snow Ball starts all of our Christmas Party Nights at Nailcote Hall. We have produced this event for 20 years and it goes from strength to strength. We are grateful to our sponsors Bidfood Food Service who, without their kind donation, we would not be able to present the top class entertainment we have each year.”

“This year there was a bumper amount of toys and gifts donated with a room filled with presents. I am so very grateful to all that attended this very special event.”

Helping to create the event’s festive atmosphere were The Salvation Army Band plus ‘special’ guests, Santa – ably assisted by Mrs Claus, Fairies, and The Elf on the Shelf.

A festive three-course meal was followed by performance courtesy of Britain’s Got Talent finalist Pippa Langhorne and the night ended with an auction, raffle and dancing to The Soundations, before Nailcote Hall’s resident DJ Franco wrapped up the evening’s entertainment.

Sue added: “We’re already taking bookings for The Snow Ball 2025 which will be on November 28th. This event goes from strength to strength, helping the vulnerable members of our community.”

Nailcote Hall has a host of Party Nights lined up on the run up to Christmas, including Beatles Tribute Show and The Dreamettes, both on December 19^th, Party Hits Night with The Core Band on December 20th on and New Year’s Eve Black Tie Ball. Bookings can be made via HERE.

Group that supports vulnerable women opens new shop and community hub

Posted on December 12, 2025 by admin

The Esther Project, Leamington, charity — **Photo by Karen Massey Photography.**

A Leamington group that works to support vulnerable women in the community this week celebrated the opening of their new shop and hub – back at the place where the project was first conceived nine years ago.

At an event on Wednesday (December 9^th) volunteers and specially invited guests gathered to mark the launch of the pre-loved shop, women’s hub, workspace and counselling room which has been 18 months in thew planning.

The unit, in Gloucester Street, is an extension of The Esther Project, a CiC established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023, followed by Esther House, a seven-bed supported living accommodation. A new drop-off point on the same street has also opened to help keep the shop stocked with pre-loved goods.

The Esther Project, Leamington, charity

The space, the original home of the early concept Esther Group in 2016,, can offer a full programme of support, training, and employability opportunities—from counselling sessions in the dedicated therapy room, to creative workshops and trauma-informed courses in the hub, and barista training and cooking classes in the kitchen. The women can also gain hands-on retail and customer service experience as supported volunteers in the pre-loved shop, helping them build confidence and new skills for the future.

Cutting the ribbon on both the shop and hub spaces were The Lord Lieutenant Tim Cox, Deputy Lieutenant, Clare Sawdon and High Sheriff Karen Lynch.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “We are very keen to support what Lianne and the fundraising team are doing. Thank you to the volunteers and everyone whose help has meant we have the foundations now for this project and we need to make sure it continues to grow.”

Lianne’s mission is to create, nurture and empower a 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 offers vulnerable women a safe space to recover.

Lianne said: “This marks a meaningful return to the very building where The Esther Group first began back in 2016, making the launch feel like a true homecoming. The hub has been created as a women-only space offering vital access to support, group workshops and therapeutic counselling. It will also provide hands-on opportunities for women to gain confidence and build skills in retail, barista work, baking, sewing and other skills.

“We’re proud to be working in collaboration with various other individuals and businesses such as the Corner Cottage Bakery who will be helping by offering real, practical experience that can open the door to future employment.

She added: “This new chapter has only been possible thanks to the incredible support we’ve received from the community and our partners. Reaching this point in just 18 short months is something we’re truly grateful for, and we look forward to welcoming women from across the area into a warm, supportive and empowering environment.

The Esther Project is a gender-specific initiative supporting women facing mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison, or experiencing homelessness.

Until now, The Esther Project has operated primarily through a weekly drop-in session at All Saints Parish Church each Monday, alongside remote support, workshops, and training delivered off-site.

A timetable of courses is being planned including Kintsugi, yoga, skincare, trauma courses and wellbeing sessions.

Any professionals who would like to offer their time for workshops or courses at the hub are invited to contact Kerry Steward at: kerry@theestherproject.co.uk

Lianne added: “I would like to thank so many people who have helped us on this journey to create such a warm welcoming space, especially our sponsors, Richards Cadbury Trust, Rosemary Lamb, The Box Factory, Heart of England and two further anonymous donors. We’ve also had the help from Martin Adams & Co, JLR, Haystoun Construction, Balfour Beatty, Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre, Gemma Grao, Michelle Abrahall, Rachael Reid Interiors, Feldon, Dunsmore Solicitors, Marianne Taviner, Laurence and Zani Franklin, TonyG Ltd, Karen Massey Photography and Farmers Fayre.

“The opening of the Pre-Loved Shop and Women’s Hub represents more than a new space. It’s a fresh start, a safe place to grow and a reminder of what can be achieved when a community stands together.”

The shop and drop-off points, at No. 6 and 12 Gloucester Street, are open between 10am-4pm Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Women can self-refer themselves to the hub via this link HERE.

Racecourse nominates Molly Ollys as charity partner of the season

Posted on December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 by admin

Molly Ollys, Warwick Racecourse

Racegoers are being invited to take a punt that will pay off for local charity at Warwick Racecourse this season.

Molly Ollys has been announced as the charity partner for the 2026 race season, with the first of ten fundraising races commencing on January 10^th. Highlight of the dates, which each attract between 2-8,000 racegoers, is the annual Molly Olly Race Day on April 23^rd.

The charity will also be beneficiaries of Warwick Racecourse’s Corporate Golf Day, on June 12^th.

Thomas Williams, General Manager of Warwick Racecourse said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Molly Ollys as our Charity Partner of the Year for 2026. Our connection with this wonderful organisation goes back many years, and Molly Ollys Raceday continues to be one of the true highlights of our season.

Molly Ollys, Warwick Racecourse

“The work the charity does is nothing short of remarkable, and we’re excited to work alongside the racing family and local community to support their fundraising efforts and help raise vital awareness throughout the year.”

Warwick Racecourse is one of the oldest and most historic racing venues in the UK, with roots dating back to the early 18th century. The racecourse has earned a reputation as a proving ground for future stars of Jump racing and often welcomes stars of the sport throughout the season.

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

Molly Ollys, Warwick Racecourse — **Rachel Ollerenshaw being interviewed at a previous Warwick race day.**

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 more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Olly The Brave is a therapeutic toy that helps children understand their treatment journey. Along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series, stock the lion and books 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 said: “Molly Ollys is thrilled to partner with Warwick Racecourse as their inaugural Charity of the Year. The collaboration will give us the opportunity to raise awareness of the work we’re doing to support children around the UK with life-threatening illnesses at 10 separate race days throughout 2026.

“With a number of popular race days at the all-jumps course, the racecourse attracts people from all over the country. Not only will this provide Molly Ollys with the chance to raise important funds but also speak to a number of different people from around the UK.

Molly Ollys, Warwick Racecourse

“We have worked with Tommy Williams and his team on a variety of events over the past few years, including race days, Warwick Half Marathon, golf days and the Warwick Racecourse Business Club.

“We have a fantastic relationship with the team and have enjoyed working with them for a number of years already. We sincerely hope this new initiative will help both organisations flourish.”

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

How would your organisation use £100k grant to help young people?

Posted on December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 by admin

Norton Foundation, grant

Local organisations in Coventry, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Solihull, are being invited to apply for a grant of up to £100k to fund capital projects to help young people under the age of 25.

The Warwickshire and West Midlands-based Norton Foundation is seeking proposals as part of a drive to improve the personal development of young people through creating opportunities within the region.

Bids must be primarily focused on training, education, personal development or rehabilitation.

The announcement comes at a time where there is a lack of provision for young people due to cuts in services by statutory bodies and reduction in grants to voluntary organisations.

Alan Bailey, Chairman of the Foundation, said: “This is the eighth such capital grant we have made in the last 25 years, and we have high hopes that the 2025-2026 grant of up to £100,000 will achieve the same high level of permanent provision for young people as the previous seven.”

Norton Foundation, grant — Hillstreet Centre in Rugby received a grant in 2021.

In the past thirty years, the Foundation has given over £4 million in grants to help the region’s youth. Previous grants have included funding a youth centre in Sydenham as part of the SYDNI community centre.

In 2005 the grant went to a substantial residential unit at Coventry Scout Council’s Rough Close campsite and activity centre and in 2010 a grant of the maximum £100,00 was made for the purchase by the charity free@last of a building to house a youth centre in Nechell’s Birmingham.

Also in the that year the District Council for the building of the Depot youth centre at Alcester received £100,000.

In 2015 two grants were made – £250,000 to Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Adis to refurbish a refuge and £125,000 t Leamington and District Scouts to build a lodge at the Hatton campsite.

A previously successful applicant wrote: ‘’The Norton Foundation Capital Grant was instrumental in enabling us to create a brand-new building dedicated specifically to the needs of children and young people in our community. Before this, we had limited space to offer tailored activities and support for younger age groups, but thanks to the Foundation’s generous support, we were able to bring a long-held vision to life.

“The new building has quickly become a vibrant and essential part of the Hillstreet Centre. The dedicated facility has not only allowed us to expand our services, but it has also helped build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging among the young people who use it.

“The impact of this development extends beyond the building itself. It has opened up new opportunities for partnerships with schools, youth services, and local organisations, and has helped us attract further funding and resources to sustain and grow our youth-focused work. Thank you.’’

There are no application forms. Submissions, limited to one side of A4 paper, should include: an overview of the organisation, details of the proposed project and its benefits, an estimated total cost and how the name of The Norton Foundation will be recognised.

Bids must be received before 28^th February 2026, preferably by email to – correspondent@nortonfoundation.org or by post to The Correspondent, The Norton Foundation, Carleton House, 266-268 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AD.

From these bids a short list will be selected and invited to submit detailed proposals and out of these a selection will be made of organisations to present in person to the Norton Foundation Trustees.

Further details are available at the Norton Foundation website HERE.

Warwickshire PR and marketing businesses take the spoils in regional awards

Posted on December 1, 2025December 1, 2025 by admin

Interviewing Denise Lewis

South Warwickshire’s marketing excellence has been recognised with awards for a local PR – and the marketing firm she collaborates with.

Chalmers News PR and Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR have both been won their respective categories – despite the awards being first created for The Cotswolds area.

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.

Amanda Chalmers is a trained journalist with over three decades of experience who now boasts a portfolio of successful PR campaigns through her Warwick-based agency. Her news desk experience and bulging contacts book combine with her boundless enthusiasm, integrity and tenacity to bring the best results for her clients every time.

Amanda Chalmers, Bia's Marketing, Production & PR, Cotswolds Awards

Working with PRs in her capacity as a former newspaper editor in Stratford-upon-Avon, Amanda understands exactly what it takes to make a story stand out to both the journalist and potential audience.

Brazilian-born Bianca Rodrigues-Perry – also known as the face of YouTube’s Bia’s Kitchen Show – launched Bia’s Marketing & PR earlier this year after reprising the successful career in her native Rio de Janeiro before moving to the UK with her new husband 16 years ago.

She has over 20 years of experience in marketing and production, working with a portfolio of international brands including McDonalds, Gillette and M&Ms.

Bia’s Marketing Production & PR offers the full range of marketing and PR services including marketing strategies, branding, website design, mini and large productions, events planning, content creation and social media management. It also offers access to appearance and sponsorship opportunities on sister company Bia’s Kitchen Show, which now boasts more than 80k followers and 23k YouTube subscribers, with an average of 1 million views on Instagram alone.

Amanda Chalmers, Bia's Marketing, Production & PR, Cotswolds Awards — Bianca in action at a client’s recent event

Both ladies are no strangers to awards, Amanda three times being spotlighted nationally for Media Excellence.

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

Earlier this year businesses in neighbouring counties of Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire were invited to get engage more closely with the brand following the launch of the four new dedicated shires sites under the Cotswolds Concierge banner.

Mette said: “This year, we are thrilled to congratulate Chalmers News PR and Bia’s Marketing & PR on winning ‘Best PR Professional in the Cotswolds 2025’ and ‘Best Marketing Professional in the Cotswolds 2025’ respectively.

“Their passion, professionalism and commitment to championing local stories, businesses and charities across Warwickshire, the Cotswolds and beyond perfectly reflects the heart of what these Awards are all about. We’re delighted to see their hard work recognised.”

She added: “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 — from timeless villages and talented food and drink artisans to professional services, boutique hotels and the many creative independents that give the area its unique character.

“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. It’s our way of celebrating the warmth, charm and community spirit that define the Cotswolds — and of letting the public choose the people and places they truly love.

Amanda Chalmers, Bia's Marketing, Production & PR, Cotswolds Awards

Amanda said: “I’m especially proud to be recognised in The Cotswolds, despite most of my client base being in the Warwickshire and West Midlands areas. The principles that drive effective PR apply everywhere and professional reputation knows no borders. Public vote always means the most as well. I’m really chuffed to have made my name in this beautiful part of the world and look forward to hopefully connecting with new businesses there.”

Bianca said: “This recognition is especially meaningful because it was decided entirely by the public. I am deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to vote and support our work at BIA’S Marketing, Production & PR.

“As someone who rebuilt her career after moving from Brazil to Warwickshire, this moment is incredibly special. It’s a reminder that with passion, resilience and integrity, your work will always find the right people. Thank you to my clients and community for believing in what we do.”

Amanda can be contacted at: amanda@chalmersnewspr.co.uk

Full list of Cotswolds Awards winners for 2025 can be found HERE.