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Children build Guys for Warwick Bonfire

Posted on October 25, 2024 by admin

Remember, remember the ‘/2nd’ of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot…and remember also that the annual Town Bonfire and Fireworks is being held this Saturday at Warwick racecourse.

Warwick Mayor, Cllr Dave Skinner visited Newburgh & Westgate Primary Schools to see Guys made by the children for the Bonfire. The Mayor was greeted by excited children with their guys to inspect and have pride of place next Saturday.

Come early and enjoy hot food and drinks, bars are open, as well as the traditional open air food stalls. The racecourse is also offering a ticket in the Kingmaker Bar with a great view of the show.

Warwick Lions club are selling hot mulled wine, Kimberley Sweets will be back, and local Samba band Sambassadors of Sound will entertain everyone, with the grandstands and bars providing protection if it gets damp.

This year the show is set to music by award winning Fantastic Fireworks. Gates open at 5 pm and there will be a short children’s show at 6 before the bonfire is lit at 6.30pm followed by the main show.

Warwick Rotary fireworks

Tickets can be purchased on-line from HERE.

Advance tickets – Adults & children 15 and over – £9; children under 15 £2; and infants 3 and under free.

Organisers Warwick Lions, the Rotary Club of Warwick, are delighted by the support from Warwick Racecourse which is handling all the ticketing and are hoping for record crowds again this year. Warwick District Council has examined the plans and registered our event, so don’t buy your own, come and enjoy our firework display.

Local sponsorship has been provided by Taylor Wimpey Homes, Geberit, Wenman Healthcare, Godfrey Payton, Delta Marriott hotels, Warwick Startins Kia, and the pallets for the Bonfire are supplied by Uniparts Logistics. All proceeds go to local charities.

By Jackie Crampton

Review: Beleza Rodizio

Posted on August 27, 2024August 27, 2024 by admin

Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

Those who appreciate the often rare combination of quality AND quantity in a dining experience – will be in their element thanks to the latest arrival to Stratford-upon-Avon.

South Warwickshire foodies can count themselves lucky their little part of the world has been chosen as only the second UK location for Beleza Rodizio, a premier Brazilian steakhouse.

Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

Renowned for its authentic rodizio-style dining and vibrant atmosphere, this is a meat-eater’s paradise with a rather fun and unique feel – and one that stands every chance of ‘carving’ out its own place in a culinary market as crowded as Stratford and south Warwickshire.

Beleza meaning ‘beautiful’ in Portuguese, showcases an exciting and authentic Brazilian rodizio – an all-you-can-eat extravaganza – and you’re in control of the flow of food thanks to the double-sided red and green card on your table. The green side tells the passadores that you’re ready to eat while the red signals that you’d like a break.

Sumptuous skewers are carved table-side, the Rodizio-Style Service offers meats including beef, lamb, chicken, and pork, all expertly seasoned and grilled. And, to help ensure a first-class experience, you’re given all the right tools for the job, including a seriously sharp steak knife and tongs for grabbing hold of the sliced meat direct from the skewer.

There is also a Gourmet Salad Bar offering a selection of fresh salads, traditional Brazilian and Argentianian side dishes, and hot items to complement the main courses.

On an alternative menu (you pay slightly extra for this menu) you’ll even find Wagyu, the world’s most expensive beef from Japan – most expensive because of the way the cattle are fed which leaves it with a unique tender buttery flavour.

To help wash it down, there are some great Signature Cocktails, including Brazil’s famous caipirinhas and a curated list of wines, to enhance the dining experience.

The impressive and vibrant décor makes for a fitting sumptuous backdrop to the rich flavours of Brazilian cuisine.

For the uninitiated in this style of service (as were we) my advice is to pace yourself. The passadors are circulating constantly with a variety of meats from the menu so there’s no need to ‘give the green light’ every time you see them passing. This can result is having less time to savour the overall dining experience. Take your time over the plate of food and enjoy extra drinks and salad bar trips between the meat fest.

Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

The costumed passadors even offer side dishes on a skewer, including garlic bread and onion rings and there’s also pineapple carved at your table if you’d like some to accompany your gammon!

I love the fact that, with one all-you can eat price of between £27.95 and £32.95 at lunchtimes and £42.95-£45.95 for dinner (depending on the day), you can bust your belly without busting the bank. – So easy to do these days.

Beleza Rodizio, Stratford

Belza Rodizio, in Bell Court, is a fascinating feast for the senses, an immersive dining experience that I think will prove popular, even to a local dining scene that already has everything.

This is a culinary ‘experience’ in the truest sense, probably best enjoyed in group occasions or celebrations. Give it a go – but you might want to starve yourself for the day to make maximum enjoyment!

Bookings can be taken via their website here.

New inspirational event promises to Raise Up women

Posted on August 22, 2024August 22, 2024 by admin

Catherine Williamson, Raise Up Conference

Local ladies celebrating triumph over adversity will be sharing their uplifting stories in a bid to inspire other women at a brand new event in Leamington next month.

The inaugural Raise Up Conference, organised by the Leamington Soroptimists, will hear from a dozen leading lights in the worlds of business and charity in south Warwickshire, whilst also fundraising for good causes.

Their deeply personal tales will touch on a host of topics, from physical and mental health challenges, through to bullying, addiction, grooming, misogyny and physical abuse.

All proceeds from the day will support Warwickshire-based charities The OurJay Foundation, Esther Project and New Futures Nepal.

The event, on September 29^th, is the latest passion project of Soroptimists President – and Leamington podcaster and author – Catherine Williamson, pictured above, whose Gobsmacked! Podcast is also dedicated to celebrating inspirational life stories, and has now been heard in more than 113 countries.

Of the conference, she said: “As Soroptimists, we are dedicated to raising up the lives of women and girls locally, nationally, and globally. It’s all about giving back to our community in the spirit of service. And our next event is a very special one.

“Each speaker is a Soroptimist who has transformed their hardships into strength and faced significant personal challenges—whether it’s overcoming chronic exam anxiety, surviving bullying and grooming, or enduring six heart attacks.

“This conference aims to provide attendees with inspiration, hope, and practical insights through the personal experiences of our speakers. It will shine a light on how we can triumph over adversity; our speakers’ stories raising up our own lives with insights, hope, wit and wisdom.”

Compered by Catherine, inspirational keynote speakers throughout the day are:

Catherine Williamson, Raise Up Conference — From left: Hannah Simnett, Dayle Adams and Julie White

Hannah Simnett, from Sutton Coldfield.

Hannah is the Founder and CEO of Cherished, a Birmingham-based charity dedicated to empowering and supporting young girls in her community who felt marginalised or bullied. Drawing from her own experiences, Hannah has transformed personal pain into a powerful purpose and is an award-winning leader and speaker who has inspired countless women to overcome obstacles.

Recently, her work was also recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, often described as the MBE for charities.

Dayle Adams, from Leamington
Dayle is a Reiki Master, Holistic Therapist, and Psychic Medium with a passion for end-of-life planning and spiritual growth, empowering individuals to face life’s transitions with peace, clarity, and celebration.

Inspired by the death of a close friend, Dayle founded ‘Planning Ahead of Time’ – a service that encourages open conversations about loss and end-of-life planning – and ‘Night of Our Light,’ an annual event that celebrates the lives of lost loved ones.

Julie White, from Coventry

Julie is the owner and MD of D-Drill & Sawing with branches across the UK, and holds a series of key industry titles, including chair of Build UK and the first female chair of The Drilling and Sawing Association.

Julie is also a previous winner of the Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year – following in the footsteps of Karren Brady, and is a familiar face on national news programmes including BBC’s Question Time, The One Show, Daily Politics Show, BBC Breakfast, Sophy Ridge on Sunday and Sky News.

Raise Up Conference, Leamington — From left: Lianne Kirkman, Nicola Enoch and Dr Mandy Barnett

Lianne Kirkman, from Leamington

For nine-and-a-half years Founding CEO of Helping Hands Community Project in Leamington, Lianne has recently stepped down from that role in order to focus on The Esther Project, a new initiative providing gender-specific supported accommodation for women affected by trauma and abuse, which often results in homelessness, addiction, and criminal behaviour.

Her journey began after she overcame a significant mental health crisis, which inspired her to set up the project as a way to give back to the community and support others facing similar struggles. She is also a recipient of a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Dr Mandy Barnett, from Leamington
A psychology graduate, clinical educator and retired consultant physician, Dr Barnett has worked for over 30 years in the NHS and as an Associate Clinical Professor at Warwick Medical School.

Based on her own experiences as the mother of two children with Tourette’s Syndrome, she published a guidebook for parents called ‘It’s NOT All About Swearing! A Practical Guide to Tourette’s Syndrome for Parents in a Post-Pandemic World.’

Nicola Enoch, from Leamington

Two years after giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome, Nicola established The Ups of Downs, a charity which now works with around 70 families. This was followed, in 2017, by the launch of Positive about Down syndrome, a website and social media support network accessible to parents worldwide, and is now part of the national charity Down syndrome UK.

Sally Bee, from Stratford-upon-Avon

By 36, Sally had survived her first three heart attacks and is now a proud member of the six Heart Attack Survivors Club. Despite living with a potentially fatal heart condition, Sally channels her experiences into positivity, sharing life tools through her bestselling books, TV shows, and online club.

Her ITV Daytime health segments broke records, with over 1.2 million downloads in a week and her new chat show, ‘Don’t Go Faster Than Your Guardian Angel Can Fly,’ is a popular watch.

Tessa Morton, from Leamington
Following an early career in acting and presenting, Tessa has spent the last 20 years growing her successful Tessa Morton Partnership, working as a trainer and coach advising and directing professionals with communication challenges.

More recently she has qualified as a cognitive behaviour therapist and runs voluntary drama and social skills groups for young people on the autistic spectrum through not-for-profit organisation Act for Autism, a passionate advocate for the autistic community.

Tamar Groeneveld, from Leamington
Tamar is a seasoned Wellness Expert, Personal Trainer, and Mind Coach with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in enhancing life experiences by aligning mental, emotional, and physical health. Tamar leads yoga and wellness retreats in the UK and Crete, focusing on energy healing and self-awareness.

Visitors on the day will also have the chance to hear from other guest speakers to be announced, but including Zelda Wilson, from Hampton Magna and Saorise Welland, from Leamington.

Zelda recently returned from her latest adventure – a 500km cycling trip on a fold-up bike over the Alps – despite still battling Grade 4 terminal cancer!

Saorise found sobriety three years ago at the age of 26 and is now in the process of writing a book exploring her turbulent past with alcohol, drugs and an eating disorder.

Catherine said: “The conference is designed to resonate with anyone who values resilience and the power of overcoming obstacles. Whether you’re a leader nurturing the next generation or someone seeking inspiration in your own life, this conference will serve you tremendously.

The Raise Up Conference takes place on September 29^th at The Fold in Leamington. Tickets are £40, to include a light lunch, and are available HERE.

For more information about Leamington Soroptimists visit HERE.

Coventry and Warwickshire finalists join Lionesses among those announced for sixth inspirational women awards

Posted on April 24, 2024April 24, 2024 by admin

Ladies First awards — The awards judges/ Photos by Karen Massey Photography.

INSPIRATIONAL achievers from Coventry and Warwickshire have been named among the finalists in the sixth Ladies First Network Business and Inspirational Women Awards.

Finalists, selected from hundreds of nominations from across the UK, were invited to an independent judging day at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Leamington, ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam, on June 13^th.

New categories are also among those being contested this year, including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses.

The Awards were unveiled at The House of Commons in January and are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington.

Tracey said: “With over 300 nominations entering this year, each and every finalist should be exceptionally proud of their achievements.

“We strive to make every finalist feel special and like a winner, with goodie bags, certificates and professional head shots on interview day. A huge thank you to Mallory Court, the Awards Team, all of our judges and sponsors Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Alsters Kelley Solicitors and Pertemps for a fabulous day!

“We are beyond excited to announce that we are presenting our 2024 Inspirational Woman Award to the England Football Team.

“The Award is in recognition of their outstanding leadership which embodies true spirit, determination, unity and excellence. Also, for their profound impact on the world stage, inspiring and capturing young hearts around the globe!”

Finalists from the Coventry and Warwickshire area are:

Business Woman of the Year (Sponsored by Edwards Wealth)
Elinor Perry – Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, Leamington
Jackie Allan – Revolve, Leamington
Jaide Ellery-Martin – Jaide’s Stage Studios Limited, Rugby
Louise Adkins – Share Haulage, Rugby

Trailblazer of the Year (Sponsored by Alsters Kelley Solicitors)
Helen Morton – Helen Morton Advocacy, Leamington
Lai-Yee Chung – Sanjay Foods/IXL Event Centre, Southam
Naomi McKeever – Naomi M Makeup, Coventry

Sustainable Business Leader:
Hannah Teale – Diffuse Retail, Warwick
Lyn Lapworth – ECO for ALL, Arlescote
Claudine Pearson – Rubbish Friends, Stratford
Amanda Bourne – Tree-v Limited, Nuneaton (based in Coventry)

Inclusive Leadership (Sponsored by Ash Family Law)
Anja Kozerski – Audley Binswood, Leamington
Tracy Evans, Pertemps Network, Meriden

Business Resilience Award (Sponsored by Affiniti Search)
Emma Sansom – Flamingo Marketing Strategies, Leamington
Clare Everest – Everest Fitness, Health & Wellbeing Centre, Southam
Vicky Farmer – Feelgood Factor, near Atherstone
Jo Williams – Joco Interiors Limited, Nuneaton

Bianca Rodrigues-Perry

Outstanding Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by Chalmers News PR)
Bianca Rodrigues-Perry – Bia’s Kitchen Show, Leamington
Arabella Arkwright – Hatton Country World, Warwick
Sharon Varaitch – Build & Conquer, Warwick

Family Business of the Year (Sponsored by Benussi Law)
Tina Riley – Modern Homes, Leamington
Andy and Ann Hawkins – Franklins & Hawkins Funeral Directors, Coventry
Michael and Karen Mogan – Mogan & Mogan, Coventry
Tracey McCabe – Talentwise Solutions Limited, Coventry

Rising Star & Future Leader Business & Insirational (Sponsored by Bia’s Kitchen Show)
Siobhan Lewis – Jewson, Leamington

Start-up of the Year (Sponsored by Audley Binswood)
Emma Field – Harmony at Home, Leamington
Naomi Weetman – Paintbox Blooms, Kenilworth
Bianca Rodrigues-Perry – Bia’s Kitchen Show, Leamington
Joanne Maddison – Maddisons of Warwick
Emma White – My Optician, Coventry

Excellence in Technology & Innovation (Sponsored by Nomuda)
Perm Bassi – Unique Therapies, Warwick
Becky Patel – Tech She Can, Coventry
Louise Campton – Primary Goal Limited, Coventry

Excellence In Health & Wellbeing (Sponsored by Air Aesthetics)
Jenny Davis – Arts Uplift, Harbury
Laura Dee-Patachi – Laura Dee Counselling and Psychotherapy, Stratford
Lisa Devine – Therapy and Fitness Centre, Leamington
Julia Senah – Almond Care, Nuneaton

Wellness Coach of the Year
Kirsty Heath – KH Bespoke Therapy, Bishops Tachbrook
Doroteya Goundry – Mission Nutrition Coaching, Southam
Lily Cook – LCD Sports Therapy and Yoga, Coventry
Pallavi Prasad – Positive Power Coaching, Coventry

Excellence In Professional Services (Sponsored by Pertemps Network Group)
Katie Wilber – Cotswold Connected, Stratford
Jo Meakin – Audley Binswood, Leamington
Natalie Ellis – Rebox HR, Rugby
Sarah Van Ristell – Armstrongs Chartered Accountants, has offices in Nuneaton and Coventry

Campaign of the Year (Sponsored by Richard George Tailoring)
Coventry Foodbank/Feed The Hungry team, Coventry
Gabrielle Back – Savers Charity, Baginton

Charity of the Year & Community Champion (Sponsored by Therapy & Fitness Centre)
Peggy King – ILEAP Charity, Kenilworth, Leamington and Stratford
Amanda Harris – Change Grow Live, Leamington and Wellesbourne
Cathy Wahlberg – Dassett Pottery Clay Club CIC, Southam
Naomi Rees-Issit – OurJay Foundation, Rugby

Volunteer of the Year
Emma Baker – CoppaFeel, Hampton-in-Arden
Jo Wheelwright-Horne – Sunday Lunch Club, Stratford
Amanda Burford – Packmore Estates, Warwick
Safeena Mohamed, foster carer, Coventry

Networker of the Year
Holly Nixon – The Athena Network: South Warwickshire, Warwick
Larissa Redman-Windsor – Southam Business Community CIC, Southam
Sarah Darby – Alsters Kelley Solicitors, Nuneaton

Business Consultant/Coach of the Year
Anita Dinnes – BCSL Consulting, Stratford

Business Man of the Year (Sponsored by Pertemps Network Group)
David Blick – Warwickshire Gin Company, Leamington
Richard Gunton – Richard George Tailoring, Leamington
Steve Bazell – That Gin Company, Warwick
Jon Burgess – Jon Burgess Wellbeing, Leamington
Robert Singleton and Gavin Leach – Windmill Hill Brewing Company, Leamington

For the full list of finalists visit: https://ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk/

This year’s awards are also supporting The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients.

To enquire about sponsorship opportunities contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

Review: Hotel Indigo Bath and city highlights

Posted on February 25, 2024February 25, 2024 by admin

After a busy few hours of retail therapy and sightseeing in the beautiful and bustling city of Bath, it is important to have somewhere comfortable to rest up and reflect on the joys of the day.

Set in a handsome honey-coloured Georgian Terrace, Hotel Indigo Bath is the perfect base from which to explore the city. The Grade 1 listed boutique hotel soaks up the history, romance and literature, which can all be enjoyed just a few steps away.

The hotel’s communal spaces and each of its 166 rooms have a contemporary design which reflects the influences of the architects and novelists who made Bath famous for its storytelling and passionate social scene. These include ‘Romance & Mischief’ rooms, ‘Literary Hideaway’ rooms, ‘Architectural Beauty’ rooms, ‘Garden’ rooms and ‘The Vaults’. I rather enjoyed the quirky Alice In Wonderland style theme of my Superior Master bedroom while still managing to maintain the opulence fitting of the hotel’s luxury four star credentials.

Our rooms were equipped with comfy Hypnos beds with luxury Egyptian cotton linen, spacious spa-inspired bathrooms, high speed Wi-Fi and a variety of channels to enjoy on a 40” flat screen TV – for those with the time!

I appreciated – and took full advantage of – the in-room complimentary mini bar containing beers, wine, soft drinks and water, as well as a plentiful supply of hot drink sachets and Nespresso coffee machine with pods and biscuits.

While taking a few minutes out from the busy schedule of a weekend tourist to enjoy the refreshments while admiring the historical views from my chaise longue, I felt the stresses of modern life begin to ebb away.

When fully refreshed, it is an added bonus to discover the hotel’s central location makes it incredibly easy to enjoy most of the city’s sights, from medieval Bath Abbey, Roman Baths, Pultney Bridge and breathtaking Royal Crescent to the modern-day galleries, museums and eclectic shopping scene.

When it’s time for some well-earned sustenance, there seems no shortage of excellent chain and independent restaurants dotted throughout the city. But we were invited to stay a little closer to ‘home’ and sample the hospitality of The Elder Restaurant and Bar.

With access both from the street and via the hotel, it is independently run and owned by restaurateur Mike Robinson with a focus on sustainability, seasonality, locally-sourced and wild produce. This is also where our delicious breakfast was served. Hotel guests can also have a drink and snack at the bar throughout the day.

This proved to be a sumptuous yet informal dining experience as well as a culinary journey of discovery from a knowledgeable and passionate team who take the time to describe the ingredients and dishes as they’re presented to us.

If, like us, time is precious during your short city break, be sure to prioritise with a bit of self-indulgence in the form of Bath’s famous Thermae Spa.

Many people’s incentive for visiting the city (although there is SO much more going for it), is the spa’s rooftop pool where you can enjoy spectacular views over the city and its surrounding hills. From someone who’s been lucky enough to enjoy a goodly number of spa experiences, this one is truly unique.

No wonder then that we struggled to drag ourselves away from this calm-inducing oasis. Be sure though to check out the Spa’s other multi-sensory wellness suites, including an Infrared Room, invigorating Ice Chamber, Aroma Steam Rooms and even a Celestial Relaxation Room with heated loungers.

In the basement, you can find the Minerva Bath, incorporating whirlpool, massage jet and gentle lazy river.

Both Minerva and the Rooftop Pool are fed by the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters that gave the city its name. The water fell as rain around 10,000 years ago and then sank to a depth of about 2kms below the Earth’s surface. Here it is heated by high temperature rocks to an estimated 69° Centigrade (156° Farenheit) before rising back up through one of the three springs in the centre of the city.

I could have happily settled in here for the rest of the day – but there was too much exploring to be done and too little time.

Spa towns have inspired literature through the years, and none more so than Bath which plays a central role in books by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Mary Shelley amongst others. Jane Austen resided in a number of properties in Bath for five years and even set two of her six published novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, in the city.

It’s a city I have fallen in love with and is genuinely high on the list for retirement relocation options! But as that is, thankfully, a few years off, I will definitely be returning in the meantime. And when I do, Hotel Indigo Bath will once again be the residence of choice.

A great way to get a handle on what Bath is really all about, is by jumping aboard the Tootbus Open-Top Bus Tour. A great option too for hopping on and off at various points of interest.

Other attractions which should be high on your to-do list whilst in Bath:

The Pump Rooms

The Roman Baths

Bath World Heritage Centre

Bath Abbey

The Jane Austen Centre

The Holburne Museum

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

Royal Victoria Park

American Museum and Gardens

Museum of Bath at Work

Herschel Museum of Astronomy

Visit Bath at: Bath’s Official Tourism Information Site | Visit Bath