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Back in the saddle for Cotswold Tour d’Ilmington

Posted on June 10, 2022June 10, 2022 by admin

Tour d'Ilmington, Shipston Rotary Club — A previous year.

Cyclists of all abilities are invited to sign up for this year’s Cotswold Tour d’Ilmington, organised by Shipston Rotary Club.

The popular event on July 3rd, will see fundraisers taking part in one of three rides across 10-, 30- or 100-mile courses, all starting and finishing from Newbold on Stour Village Hall.

Rotarians hope it raises even more than the £5,000 from last year’s event, which returned after an absence in 2020 due to Covid.

The 10-mile gentle Steve Edwards Family Fun Ride starts at 10am and visits Ilmington, where there is a refreshments station at the halfway point, before returning to Newbold.

The more challenging David Lockwood Hilly Ride starts at 10am and follows a 30-mile route around Ilmington and features over 2,500 ft of hard climbing.

And, for the longer distance riders, the 100k Classic Ride, at 8.30am, takes them through undulating Warwickshire and the Vale of Evesham countryside before returning back to Newbold.

Shipston Rotary Club, Tour d'Ilmington

The event is once again being organised in partnership with Shipston Home Nursing, one of the charities set to benefit from the day’s proceeds.

Rotarian and Tour Veteran Bob Armstrong, said: “SHN is a highly respected Shipston/Stour Valley charity providing much needed end of life care in people’s own homes. They have become under increasing pressure as a result of Covid. Our partnership also includes supporting each other’s fundraising events like Rotary’s Tour and SHN’s 10k Run.

He added: “This is a unique event, which by having three different routes, caters for riders of all ages and levels of skill and experience. The routes are through glorious Warwickshire and Cotswold countryside.

“It is not competitive in as much as riders are not timed and it is essentially a fun event. This provides riders with the opportunity to support local Rotary charities and good causes or those of their own choosing.”

Registration costs between £18-£22 for adults and £6-£8 for juniors (aged 12-16) and can be completed on the day or online here

Wedding day winners finally get to enjoy their big day – and mini moon

Posted on June 9, 2022June 10, 2022 by admin

A STRATFORD couple who won their wedding day in a radio competition, finally got to walk down the aisle at the weekend – three years on!

Laura Murphy and Adam Cherrington were over the moon when, in summer 2019, they were chosen in a public vote as the most worthy recipients of the prize package – only to have to then cancel their nuptials twice due to the pandemic.

The special day was also to mark new beginnings for the couple who have overcome personal heartache in the past including the loss of Laura’s late partner – and daughter’s dad – to a fatal road accident on Warwick Road in Stratford 10 years ago.

But it’s been a particularly long time coming after being forced to postpone the date twice during lockdowns.

The 42-year-old mum-of-two said: “The winner was being announced live on local radio in October and we were told the presenter would turn up at the winner’s house just after 8am. It got to about 8.40am and we hadn’t heard anything so we thought, it wasn’t us. As Adam stood up to leave to go to work he saw them outside. We were listening to the radio which was on a slight delay so we didn’t expect anyone to be outside but there they were! We were completely overwhelmed to have won.”

Laura and Adam’s bumper prize consisted of a honeymoon from Winchcombe Farm Holidays in Upper Tysoe as well as a reception for up to 40 guests at The Crown Plaza in Stratford; a wedding dress from Boho Bride in Stratford; wedding rings from Cotswold Jewellers in Shipston, a cake from Caking and Baking in Leamington and suits from Albie and Lonnie’s in Rugby.

Laura added: “We originally planned the wedding for August 2020 and then again for May 2021. It was all very grey about when the restrictions would be lifted and it was giving me really bad anxiety so I just wanted to make a decision.

“I was heartbroken. But I wanted all the build-up to the day and we wouldn’t have been able to go wedding dress shopping or have a hen do or stag do or any of that.

She added: “Even though we’d won this wonderful wedding, we got to the point where we thought, shall we just go abroad and just do it there? But we decided not to do that in the end because it meant the world to have our friends and family there.”

Just the alpacas for company on the newlyweds’ blissful mini moon

Laura recalls it was love at first sight for the couple, who met at Ettington Chase where they both worked five years ago.

She recalls: “There was definitely an instant attraction. The HR manager introduced us at work and I shook his hand and when I went back up to the office I said to the girls. ‘I’ve just met the new chef. I’m going to marry him!’ ”

It’s also a huge relief for Adam who, during the pandemic, had to take time away from the professional kitchens he loved, to work in care homes.

The 37-year-old said: “The delays to the wedding were incredibly frustrating but we knew the day was going to come eventually and the fact that people were losing loved ones to Covid put it into perspective.

“While it would have been lovely to get married in 2020, at least the time has come for us. It’s been a long time coming but looking on the positive side, we have had more time to deliberate over it and decide what we actually want on the day.”

Winchcombe Farm, mini moon — Their welcome pack included Champagne

The newlyweds have just returned from their mini moon courtesy of Winchcombe Farm, where they started married life together in what’s been dubbed one of the most romantic retreats in Warwickshire – Will’s Treehouse.

Co-owner of Winchcombe Farm, Jo Carroll, said: “We are delighted to have finally been able to welcome Laura and Adam to Winchcombe for their honeymoon, after so many postponements due to the pandemic.

“Will’s Tree House is a firm favourite for honeymooners and we have had so many couples who, like them, have had to reschedule their special stays over the past couple of years. But the best things in life are worth waiting for and we are delighted they finally got to start their married life in the tree tops. We wish them both every happiness.”

Following their stay, Laura said: “We are still on Cloud 9. We lead very busy lives and the three days away were so tranquil and relaxing. The most amazing welcome hamper helped us while away the hours in the hot tub. Will’s Treehouse was the perfect finish to our perfect wedding and we’re so grateful to Jo and her team.”

Winchcombe Farm is an idyllic five-star boutique holiday retreat on the Warwickshire and Cotswolds border.

The remote family-run retreat nestles on a private estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and beneath the famous battlefield landmark of Edgehill. It’s an oasis of tranquillity with just sheep, chickens, moorhens, ducks, ponies and alpacas for company.

Designed with outdoor living in mind, this unique collection of six beautiful holiday homes – includes Warwickshire’s only treehouse – offering the height of luxury and nestling in four sycamore and ash trees – three of them growing through the outside deck and one even growing through the kitchen!

Luxury features range from private hot tubs, hanging chairs, hammocks and outside shower, to barbecue shed, pizza oven, BBQ hut, firepit for toasting marshmallows and even geodesic domes with king size circular bed plus personal telescopes for a spot of stargazing! Guests even receive a welcome hamper on arrival to start their holiday in style.

Inside, the properties are well equipped with all the latest technology including 55-inch SMART TV and DVD and, in the kitchen, a range on lush josephjoseph and SMEG accessories plus all the mod cons.

Competition hotting up as fine dining chefs take part in Foodie Awards cook-off

Posted on June 8, 2022June 8, 2022 by admin

Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards, cook-off, Paul Foster, Ellen Manning — *From left:* Tobias Reutt, Colm Jones, Paul Foster, Ellen Manning and Sam Barnett.

The heat was on for three local chefs who competed in a Cook Off this week for the Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards.

Tobias Reutt, of Earlsdon Supper Club, Colm Jones of The Green Dragon and Sam Barnett of The Loft, all in Coventry, had one hour to prepare a dish of their choice in their bid for the title of Fine Dining Chef of the Year.

These dishes were then judged, at The Farm in Snitterfield on Tuesday, by Michelin Star chef Paul Foster, of Salt in Stratford and Warwickshire food blogger and journalist Ellen Manning.

Paul Foster’s successful career has so far earned him a Michelin star, three AA rosettes, a place in the top 50 UK restaurants in The Good Food Guide and has been awarded Observer Food Monthly ‘Young Chef of the Year’ and The Good Food Guide ‘Best Up and Coming Chef’ award.

The winner will be among those revealed at the Foodie Awards ceremony at The Box at Coventry’s Fargo Village, on Thursday (June 16^th). The second Awards, being run in partnership with Visit Coventry and Visit Warwickshire, focuses on quality, service and innovation with an emphasis on farm to fork, including best artisan food and drink producers, farm shop, independent food and drink retailer, newcomer, street food trader and chef or cook of the year.

New categories this year will also recognise Foodie Start-up, Fine Dining Restaurant and the International Taste Award. And the finalists in the Casual Dining Chef of the Year category will compete in front of a live crowd at this weekend’s Pub In The Park event in Warwick, judged by Former British Bake-off winner Candice Brown and food and drink broadcaster and champion Nigel Barden

Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards, cook-off, Paul Foster, Ellen Manning, Tobias Reutt — Tobias Reutt talks judge Paul Foster through his recipe.

Paul Foster said: “I’m always looking for the same things when I judge a competition, first and foremost is execution and seasoning and then technique, but the most important thing is how it tastes. What have they done with the ingredients, are they seasonal, and the presentation.

“There’s been some really intersting dishes today, a diverse mix of cuisines and standards. There’s been some really well executed techniques and there are some things that need some improvement but I think the point of this competition is not just winning it, it’s so the chefs will learn from this and can grow. It was tough to come to a decision. I didn’t know what to expect and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.

“It’s a really positive awards. It’s great for the area, great for the local food community to show how diverse it is, to celebrate and for people to network as well.”

Fellow judge Ellen Manning said: “It was a real privilege to be involved in the judging of the cook-off and to see some of our great chefs doing what they do best. The Foodie Awards is a great way for our wonderful local restaurants to show off what they do and the talented teams behind them, so to be there in person alongside one of our area’s most lauded chefs and restaurateurs was a real treat.

“As Paul said, competitions like this aren’t just about winning, but about raising the bar when it comes to the quality of the food scene in Coventry and Warwickshire, and I look forward to seeing all of the finalists go from strength to strength.”

Tobias Reutt is hoping he can take the title for the second year running with his duck breast recipe. He said: “I’ve practised this dish quite a few times. It embodies how far I’ve come as a chef. It’s a real privilege to be a finalist again. “It’s been a crazy year after winning last year and I would definitely encourage chefs to enter these awards.”

Colm Jones, who chose to cook a Rainbow Trout dish, said: “I was very surprised to be selected for the finals and it’s good to see it’s all Coventry boys. I’m up against some very good chefs.”

Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards, Jonathan Smith, Ellen Manning, Paul Foster — Sam Barnett and judge Ellen Manning.

Sam Barnett, who has been heading up the kitchen at The Loft since it opened just a few months ago, said: “My boss entered me into the competition and didn’t tell me but I was very happy when I found out I made the finals. I’ve never done anything like this before but I’m all for challenging yourself. It’s exciting to be a part of it.

“It’s nice to be back here because I’ve been away for so long and hopefully we can get a good name for the city.”

The Foodie Awards will once again be raising money for The Trussell Trust network of eight food banks in Coventry and Warwickshire.

For the full list of finalists visit here

@foodieaward

Couple pledges to make CPR training an annual event after near-death drama during fire at their home

Posted on May 31, 2022May 31, 2022 by admin

Winchcombe Farm, defibrillator, CPR training, Gill Cleeve — CPR training day at Tysoe Social Club. Photos by David Fawbert Photography.

A south Warwickshire coupled who became campaigners for CPR following a major fire at their home, have hailed their community first aid training day a huge success.

In January Steve Taylor, 64, collapsed while trying to contain a blaze at Winchcombe Farm, a holiday retreat he runs with his wife Jo Carroll in Upper Tysoe.

Steve was recently reunited with the firefighter who managed to resuscitate him after administering CPR at the scene for more than 20 minutes while the blaze was still raging.

Now the father of two is continuing his recovery at home after undergoing a triple heart bypass and having a defibrillator fitted in his heart. He’s gone on to become an advocate for the UK Resuscitation Council, helping to raise awareness of the importance of everyone learning life-saving CPR skills.

Some 28 members of the community joined Winchcombe staff for the event, hosted by Gill Cleeve of Brookvale First Aid. It also marked the unveiling of a new defibrillator on the Winchcombe Farm Holidays site, the second in the village. There is also one at the old fire station.

Winchcombe Farm, CPR training, fire, Tysoe, Gill Cleeve — A captive audience

Gill, who also became Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon earlier this month, said: “CPR training is so valuable to a community, it will give people, the knowledge and confidence to step in and help if the worst should happen. This is why I’m always delighted to be asked to train community groups.

“Training doesn’t take long, but it can have a lifelong impact on someone’s life. Without CPR the person will die within minutes and the chances of survival will get lower the longer it takes someone to help.

“Every year in the UK, NHS Ambulance Services attempt resuscitation in approximately 30,000 people. Most of cardiac arrests occur in the home (approx 80%) or in the workplace (approx 15%).

Steve Taylor, owner of Winchcombe Farm Holidays, said: “Gill very kindly offered to run this training course for us, after she heard how CPR saved my life. We threw the invitation open to everyone in our village and are thrilled that so many people wanted to join us.

“Less than 1 in 10 people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital in the UK survive. By training our community in life saving skills, if the worst happens, they’ll be there to give someone the best possible chance of survival.”

Winchcombe Farm, CPR training, Tysoe, Gill Cleeve — Gill Cleeve of Brookvale First Aid demonstrates CPR.

While bystander CPR is attempted in 7 out of 10 cases, using a public access defibrillator is reported as being used in less than 1 in 10.

A cardiac arrest happens when there’s a problem with the heart’s rhythm, meaning it stops oxygenated blood from pumping around the body. This will lead the person to collapse, stop breathing and become unconscious.

The family of four is still counting the cost of the blaze which was started by an ember from their log burner. They are now living in temporary accommodation in one of their guest lodges while the repairs on their home continue.

Jo said: “Gill is just the most fabulous trainer and took all the fear away from administering CPR, if ever you find yourself in the situation where it is needed. She covered everything you could possibly need to know to help save a life of someone in cardiac arrest, including how to use a defibrillator.

“It was such a success, and there is so much demand from the local community to learn these skills, we are hoping to make it an annual event.”

Visit Brookvale First Aid here

Visit Winchcombe Farm Holidays here

Winchcombe Farm is an idyllic five-star boutique holiday retreat on the Warwickshire and Cotswolds border.

Winchcombe Farm, defibrillator, fire, Gill Cleeve, CPR training — Gil Cleeve receives a bouquet from Steve Taylor.

Finalists unveiled for Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards 2022

Posted on May 30, 2022 by admin

Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards, Paul Foster, Candice Brown, Visit Coventry — Nadhim Zahawi MP and Sarah Windrum Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire LEP

THE finalists in the second Coventry and Warwickshire Foodie Awards have been unveiled.

The Foodie Awards 2022, in partnership with Visit Coventry and Visit Warwickshire, is a celebration of the best of the region’s food and drink scene.

More than 50 food and drink businesses across the region will now come under the scrutiny of a panel of judges made up of some of the top names in the industry, including Michelin Star chef Paul Foster, of Salt in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Finalists were chosen from 17 categories that focus on quality, service and innovation with an emphasis on farm to fork, including best artisan food and drink producers, farm shop, independent food and drink retailer, newcomer, street food trader and chef or cook of the year.

All the finalists are now invited to an awards ceremony at The Box at Fargo Village, Coventry on June 16th.

The winners of the Fine Dining and Casual Dining categories will be decided at exclusive cook-off events judged by Paul Foster in June.

Former Bake-off winner Candice Brown and food and drink broadcaster and champion Nigel Barden will judge the Best Casual Dining Chef during a live cook-off on the demo stage at Pub In The Park event on June 12^th

Candice Brown said: “I’m delighted to be judging the final of Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards at Warwick Pub In The Park. It’s so great to have a local initiative involved and a fantastic way to see the local cooking talent out there. I’m looking forward to crowning the next Best Casual Dining winner.”

Paul Jones, of Visit Coventry, said: “Visit Coventry is thrilled to be supporting the Foodie Awards for the second year. We are delighted with the response to the Food Hero/Community Award and would like to thank all those who voted for the winner of this category. We appreciate that these are exceptionally challenging times for all businesses right now and, we hope the Food Hero/Community Award will shine a light on those businesses who have gone above and beyond to help support their local community.”

New categories this year also recognise Foodie Start-up, Fine Dining Restaurant and Fine Dining Chef of the Year as well as the International Taste Award.

Foodie Awards Founder Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, said: ”With the Foodie Awards only in its second year, we are thrilled with the response from all the food, drink and hospitality businesses that have taken part in numbers far exceeding those of last year. The quality and diversity of the entries from those businesses and individuals from across Coventry and Warwickshire will make the final judging extremely hard.”

The Awards will once again be raising money for The Trussell Trust network of eight food banks in Coventry and Warwickshire.

All finalists will be invited to a Finalists’ Night on Monday (June 6^th) at Zach’s Barn, Hilltop Farm Shop.

Nadhim Zahawi Stratford MP and Secretary of State for Education, has also lent his support to the awards. He said: “I’m delighted to support the Foodie Awards that promote the food and drink sector in this region but want to say a big thank you and wish special good luck to those finalists who are engaged with the training and development of the next generation of workers and business owners across the Food and Drink sector.”

For further information or to enter the Food Hero Award, visit here

Finalists

Food and Drink Experience Award:

Dough and Brew – Warwick

Enchanted Tea Room – Leamington

Culinary Bites – Coventry

Young Foodie Award:

Pasta Brothers – George Carter, Leamington

Delicious Greek Gyros – Coventry

Veg Food Enthusiast – Katie Todd, Henley-in-Arden

Foodie Startup Award:

St Maur – Alcester

Cureights – Warwick

Trof – Leamington

The Castle and Gin School, Edgehill

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year Award:

The Loft – Coventry

Turmeric Gold – Coventry

The Green Dragon – Coventry

Fine Dining Chef of the Year Award:

Sam Barnett – The Loft, Coventry

Tobias Reutt – Earlsdon Supper Club, Coventry

Colm Jones – The Green Dragon, Coventry

Best Casual Dining Establishment Award:

Dough and Brew – Warwick

Metropolis Bar and Restaurant – Coventry

Sky Blue Tavern – Coventry

Best Casual Dining Chef Award:

Adam Cherrington – Head Honcho Hacienda, Leamington

Sophie Hyam – Culinary Bites, Coventry

Naldo Sheffield – Shefs Food Services, Coventry

International Taste Award Award:

The Cork and Tile – Stratford

Bib Noodle Bar – Coventry

El Greco -Stratford

Farm Shop of the year Award:

The Farm – Stratford

Farmers Fayre – Kenilworth

Hilltop Farm Shop -Leamington

Artisan Drink Producer Award:

St Maur – Alcester

Napton Cidery – Napton-on-the-Hill

Dhillons Brewery – Coventry

Brubl Brewery – Leamington

Artisan Food Producer Award:

Vittle and Smoke -Southam

Little Prince Cakery – Leamington

Prices Spices – Leamington

Bluebell Cottage – Stratford

Independent Food or Drink Retailer of the Year Award:

Lola Provisions – Leamington

Aubrey Allen – Leamington

Wicked Cookies – Coventry

The Best Cafe or Coffee Shop Award:

Forrest Coffee House – Kenilworth

Jacks Shack – Warwick

Esquires Coffee – Coventry

Bumbles Coffee House- Studley

The Best Pub or Bar Award:

Twisted barrel Brewery and Tap House – Coventry

The Coach House – Stratford

Dhillons Brewery – Coventry

The Star and Garter – Leamington

The Street Food Trader of the Year Award:

Boxx ‘n Bar – Coventry

Street Chef – Coventry and West Midlands

Feed Fried Chicken – Coventry

Employee of the Year Award:

Kay Dawson – The Farm Stratford

Katie Underhill – Dough and Brew, Warwick

Kevin Prior – Metropolis Bar and Restaurant, Coventry

Food Hero/Community Award:

Langar Aid Project – Coventry

Metropolis Bar and Restaurant – Coventry

The Pod Café – Coventry

Helping Hands – Leamington

Finham Park 2- Coventry

Social media votes for this category, sponsored by Visit Coventry, are still being counted.