Yorkshire-based food group, Regal Food Products Group launches products from Regal Foods and Yorkshire Baking Company on Ocado.com, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket. The listing with Ocado.com will see an extensive range of products listed on the online platform, covering both world food and mainstream cake. Regal Foods will offer a solid range of bakery, snacking and juice favourites, including Cake Rusk, Bombay Mix, mango juice, popcorn and cake, whilst the food groups mainstream cake brand, Yorkshire Baking Company, will allow customers of Ocado.com to enjoy the brands famous Mega Loaf range and Yorkshire Parkin. Arainn Cleland, Sales Director of Regal Foods, said: “We are thrilled to be further strengthening our product availability with Ocado Retail. With a selection of our core ranges growing at a rapid pace, the new listing will ensure wide availability for customers old and new” Amar Gohil at Ocado Retail, said: “We’re delighted to be launching a range of Regal bakery, snacking and juices on Ocado.com, offering our customers even more choice than before. Over the past couple of years, we’ve also noticed that customers are looking to enjoy the famous Mega Loaf and Yorkshire Parkin, bringing a taste of Yorkshire straight to our customers door.”

Herringbone Barnton, the newest addition to the Buzzworks family, is preparing to open soon, bringing a new and expanded experience to the area - and unveiling the most exciting menu in its history. The food menu has been crafted around a thoughtful curation of daytime favourites, vibrant evening plates and crowd-pleasing gourmet burgers - all prepared fresh daily - and, for the first time at a Herringbone venue, the team is gearing up to serve handmade, sourdough pizzas. Led by Head Chef Ghassen Saidi, who brings over two decades of international kitchen experience, its culinary offering showcases seasonal ingredients, bold flavour combinations, and some much-loved staples from Herringbone’s sister venues. Ghassen, who trained in Paris and worked across Europe before settling in Edinburgh 13 years ago, is passionate about elevating simple dishes with flavour and finesse, bringing his experience as Head Chef at Herringbone Abbeyhill to the new location. He said: “This is the first time we’ve introduced pizza at Herringbone and we’ve really made it our own. From a prawn and red pepper number with house pesto, to steak and pistachio with pomegranate molasses, each pizza is crafted with care and layered with unexpected touches." “We will also have a daily gourmet pizza, which allows us to get creative and offer something new to our customers every day." “Guests can look forward to the best quality ingredients and we always prepare our dishes fresh. Our goal is to exceed expectations in every dish - so even the simplest plates are given an extra layer of flavour and creativity.” The new venue – which will bring up to 40 jobs to the region – will offer Herringbone’s cool but casual experience within one of the city’s most vibrant suburbs. The menu is available from morning to night, with breakfast and coffees being served daily before brunch from 9am - a perfect pitstop for locals on the school run or midweek meet ups. Daytime dishes range from East Lothian seafood chowder to crab linguine with pink grapefruit, while evening diners can tuck into standout plates like chargrilled pomegranate chicken or Cape Malay curry. Vegetarian and vegan guests will also feel welcome with mouthwatering menu options like the seared watermelon steak and crispy chilli tofu bang bang salad. General Manager Chris Robinson, a Barnton local himself, says the new opening is “personal.” He added: “I grew up in Barnton and live here now with my family, so it was important to me to employ locally and become an amenity to the community. Barnton, Cramond and the surrounding areas have been crying out for a brand like Herringbone to open up in the area so I’m really proud to be part of this. We have over 30 members of staff employed so far with the vast majority being local." “The menu is outstanding, but it’s more than just food. We’ve got over 30 wines by the glass, amazing seasonal cocktails, and the most beautiful venue design – think herringbone floors, panoramic windows, a custom-tiled bar, and even self-levelling tables (no more wobbly drinks!). There really is something for everyone.” In true Herringbone style, the space is as welcoming to casual drinks as it is to celebratory dinners. Those keen to be first in line for updates and rewards can also sign up for the Buzzworks Benefit Card, which offers points with every purchase and a welcome bonus on registration. Located at 201-205 Whitehouse Road, the new venue is the fourth Herringbone venue to be opened by Buzzworks, with the group already operating sites in Edinburgh’s Goldenacre and Abbeyhill, as well as the much-loved original Herringbone in North Berwick. Herringbone is part of the award-winning Buzzworks group, which has been recognised as one of the top 100 companies to work for in the UK and is committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. The company offers competitive rates of pay, industry-leading training and development opportunities, and flexible working options to help team members achieve a healthy work-life balance. The award-winning company offers an aspirational dining and entertainment experience across Scotland through its other stylish brands – Scotts, Lido, House, Vic’s & The Vine, The Duke, Thirty Knots, The Bridge Inn, and The Fox.

Members of Family Business United will be travelling across the UK for their annual road trip in electric style this year thanks once again to support from Hendy Group. The Family Business Road Trip is an annual event which aims to put the family business sector on the map, and this year the team will be arriving at a range of family-run businesses in style as they take to the road in a Lotus Eletre. Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy said he was delighted the group could once again support this road trip and enable the team to sample the very latest in electric cars. “As a family business now in its sixth generation, having traded for over 165 years, we are keen to support other family-run enterprises,” said Paul. “Family Business United is a fantastic organisation which champions the success of so many family businesses across the UK, amplifying the family business voice and doing so much to shine a light on family firms and all that they do, and we’re sure the team will enjoy this year’s road trip in the Lotus.” During the course of the 2025 Family Business Road Trip, there will be behind the scenes tours of family firms, interviews, dinners and plenty of photo opportunities and social media posts that all seek to raise the profile of the family business sector and all that it does on a daily basis to keep the nation going. The road trip will visit a wide range of companies, showcasing a range of success stories in industries as diverse as manufacturing, farming, hospitality, transport and distribution, property, food production, flour milling and food distribution. Companies set to feature in this year’s road trip include Potter Space, Massey Feeds, Hydraulics Online, TL Dallas, Regal food Products Group, AV Dawson, Potter Space, FH Brundle, Maldon Oysters, Dina Foods, Wyke Farms and Kellys Bronze. As Paul Andrews, founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “The world of family business never ceases to surprise, delight and demonstrate positivity, be it in Bristol, Middlesbrough, Bradford or anywhere else for that matter. Families in business are different. They take the long-term view, they care and they know they have to innovate, invest and evolve to become sustainable for generations to come.” “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and each year the Family Business Road Trip affords us the opportunity to get behind the scenes, see what family businesses do what they do on a daily basis, where they do it and it is a real privilege to be welcomed and shown around by family business leaders that are justifiably proud of what they do, many from family businesses that have been doing it for generations.” "With over 5 million family firms across the UK employing more than 15 million people, this is a sector that makes a significant contribution to the national economy each and every day through the jobs they provide, the wealth they create and the income they generate, not forgetting the taxes they pay, the investments they make and the communities in which they support. Family business matters on so many levels." “Each and every business we visit cares about what they do, how they do it, the people that work for them and the broader community in which they operate. We are delighted to be on the road once again in a car provided by the Hendy Group and look forward to putting the family business sector on the map.” “As we sit here about to embark on our journey that will take us all over England, I cannot help wondering what incredible stories we will uncover this year as we shine a light on dozens of family firms across England, hear their stories and reflect on the legacy of previous generations and discover their plans for the future.” “Let the journey of family business discovery begin!” You can keep up to date with the journey as it unfolds on social media using the hashtag #FamilyBizRoadTrip2025 .

Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Oldham Council to build a new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park. This is a key element of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham as part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority. The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase. Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities. Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications. Since 2023, 2,000 trees have been planted and six ponds created to support local wildlife on the Urban Farm, alongside a community garden and wildflower meadow. The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Arooj Shah commented: "Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together. Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation." “The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It’s a win-win for our borough.” Northern Roots CEO, Anna da Silva, added: “This is an exciting moment in the development of Northern Roots and a key step in unlocking the potential of the site. We are incredibly grateful to all the partners who have supported the vision for Northern Roots and helped bring the project to this stage, particularly Oldham Council, our local communities, and our funders." "Northern Roots is pioneering a new, sustainable approach to harnessing and nurturing urban greenspace that we hope will become a model for future generations.” Willmott Dixon aims to complete the Visitor Centre in summer 2026. Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, said: “As an Oldham-based business we are excited to be shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project." "Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience." “We will continue to work with local schools and colleges through site visits, industry workshops and employability sessions. To date, our project team have also volunteered more than 115 hours supporting Oldham people, including with The Salvation Army and the Northern Roots charity.” Natalie Palframan, Key Account Manager (North) at Procure Partnerships: "We’re proud to have supported Oldham Council in the procurement of this transformative project. Northern Roots is a brilliant example of how sustainable infrastructure can be delivered hand-in-hand with real social value, from upskilling local people and creating employment opportunities, to supporting long-term placemaking and environmental regeneration." "We’re proud to be playing a small part in helping local authorities like Oldham Council drive forward high-impact projects that deliver for both people and place.”

Hendy Group has added the UK’s fastest-growing vehicle brand, BYD, to its portfolio, expanding its reach across the South Coast to 23 different marques. A vacant vehicle showroom in Tonbridge, Kent is being comprehensively redeveloped to accommodate the Chinese carmaker’s full electric and hybrid model range. Renovations of the 3,200 square foot showroom are due to be completed ahead of the first customers being welcomed in early June. Alongside extensive indoor and outdoor display areas for new and used BYD models the Tonbridge dealership will provide a service and MOT facility for vehicles from any brand, making use of a new, state-of-the-art nine-bay workshop. The opening has prompted the creation of 12 new jobs. Hendy is currently seeking new colleagues to fill roles in sales and aftersales at the site and is accepting applications via their website. Paul Hendy, Chief Executive of Hendy Group, said: “BYD is already the fastest-growing brand in the UK in 2024, and we share the brand’s ambition and customer-first ethos. Working with such an ambitious brand opens up many new opportunities for us, and for our customers. We’re anticipating strong demand in the coming months as those in and around Tonbridge visit to discover what BYD has to offer.” Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK added: “As BYD continues to grow rapidly in the UK, our trusted retailer partners are crucial to our ongoing success. Hendy Group is perfectly positioned to represent us on the south coast, and bring a huge amount of experience in the automotive retail market. I am delighted to welcome the team at Hendy Group to join BYD on its fast-paced and exciting journey."

Malting capacity at the UK’s largest malting site has increased further following the commissioning of a new germination and kilning vessel (GKV) at Malt Limited’s Tweed Valley Maltings. The new GKV, which became fully operational in late 2024, has increased annual malt production capacity by up to 15,000 tonnes per year, bringing total production capacity at the Berwick-uponTweed site up to 260,000 tonnes per year – around 90% of which is destined for the distilling industry. Groundwork on the GKV, which is where the second and third stages of the active malting process – germination and kilning – take place, started in May 2023 as part of a £10 million investment. It is the tenth GKV to be built at the company’s Tweed Valley Maltings, with the total capacity of the vessel being 400 tonnes per batch. Malt produced in the new GKV – as well as the other nine GKVs on-site – has a significantly lower carbon footprint than the industry average, with energy for the kilning stage supplied by the site’s neighbouring Energy Centre. Developed in partnership with AMP Clean Energy, the Energy Centre – comprising three 6MW biomass boilers and one 12MW electric boiler powered by curtailed wind energy – reduces carbon emissions from kilning by 90%.Due to how energy-intensive the kilning stage of the malting process is, this equates to a reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions at the Tweed Valley Maltings site of up to 80%, and up to 55% company-wide. The company’s GKV project has been swiftly followed by another multi-million-pound investment in the shape of a new peated malt production plant with storage facilities. The £6 million plant has the capacity to produce 25,000 tonnes of peated malt per year, with its bespoke design providing the ability to seamlessly monitor and tweak phenol levels – the measurement of how lightly or heavily peated the malt is – to customers’ desired specifications. The development also includes an abatement technology in the form of air centrifuges which reduces particulate emissions by up to 90%. Tim McCreath, Managing Director at Simpsons Malt Limited, said: “We are delighted to have increased malting capacity at our Tweed Valley Maltings with the construction of a new GKV and peated malt production plant." “Investing regularly in our infrastructure is a key strategic and operational priority of our fifthgeneration, family business, helping us to drive the quality, consistency and sustainability of our products and processes." “In recent months, it has been fantastic to welcome many distillers to our Tweed Valley Maltings, where they have been able to witness not only the investments that have been made with the new GKV, but other projects including our Energy Centre development and the construction of ten new malt storage silos.”

A Nottinghamshire outdoor activity centre that has been enjoyed by thousands of scouts for decades has received a welcome financial boost from a global packaging firm. Walesby Forest, a not-for-profit organisation established in 1938, is an international outdoor adventure activity centre set in 250 acres of Nottinghamshire forest. The inclusive site, which works in partnership with the City of Nottingham Scouts, was named as the recipient of April’s charity donation by Colwick-based The Wilkins Group as part of the packaging giant’s ‘year of giving’ campaign. The family-owned firm's 12-month campaign is championing a different Nottinghamshire charity each month during 2025 and making donations to lessen the impact of the current challenging economic climate. Having already donated thousands of pounds to good causes across the city and county, including Green’s Windmill Trust in Sneinton, Papplewick Pumping Station in Ravenshead, and Stonebridge City Farm, this week staff at The Wilkins Group chose Walesby Forest to receive a £1,000 cheque having been inspired by the location's facilities, longevity and values. Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK's leading brands, said: “We have been deeply inspired by how this remarkable non-profit organisation embraces and upholds the strong heritage of scouting values, mission, and purpose." “It is a privilege to support them in such a worthwhile mission to bring outdoor activities and adventures to a multitude of visitor groups.” Walesby Forest is an internationally renowned outdoor activity centre among Scouts and Guides. It is also open to the public, with its main visitors coming from schools, colleges, and universities. Guy Laurie, CEO for Walesby Forest, said: “Huge thanks go to The Wilkins Group for its donation. We are the green lung for many young people in inner-city districts. As a not-for-profit organisation we offer bespoke and inclusive experiences aimed at educating our visitors in a fun and safe environment within the heart of the incredible Sherwood Forest in Robin Hood country.” “This donation means a lot to us and such an amount goes a long way. It will allow us to offer subsidised places to between 200–300 young people for a weekend.” The charity has over 30 adventure activities including outdoor climbing, kayaking, archery and air rifles, plus a range of accommodation and camping areas maintained and managed by dedicated staff, instructors and volunteers. Walesby Forest prides itself of offering equal opportunities regardless of economic background. Justin said: “We know times are hard for so many people and organisations across the country at the moment. With our roots in Nottinghamshire, we are taking the spirit of Robin Hood and spreading donations across the county throughout the year to worthy recipients." “Our donation is helping to promote the development of young people, giving them the opportunity to learn new skills, gain life experiences and grow as individuals.” The Wilkins Group announced its ‘year of giving' campaign in December. It kick-started the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers. Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. The Wilkins Group is dedicated to improving its local community spaces and mitigating the environmental impact of industry. Creating packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry, it is already leading the way in alternatives such as board trays for food packaging, including the use of compostable materials, and 100 per cent plastic-free hangers. The Wilkins Group produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka Pies, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.

As one of the UK’s largest food and agriculture businesses - and a female-owned company - Noble Foods is proud to be actively supporting the next generation of women leaders through its Women in Leadership Apprenticeship programme. Launched as part of Noble’s wider 2050 Impact Strategy, the initiative is designed to help talented colleagues develop the skills, confidence and practical experience needed to grow into leadership roles across the business, from operations and logistics to technical, farming and commercial teams. Now well underway, the programme has already created valuable opportunities for colleagues like Lucie Wilson and Lauren Robertson, who are using the course to build professional capabilities while gaining perspective from both inside and outside the industry. “The course has had a positive impact on my knowledge and confidence, setting me up with tools and real-world challenges that will benefit me for years to come,” said Lucie. “It’s also allowed me to network with likeminded women – sharing stories and learning from each other.” Lauren added: “The apprenticeship taught me not just about managing departments, but about how to lead and encourage others. I’ve been lucky to have brilliant support at Noble, and this course has pushed me even further.” Delivered in partnership with Raise the Bar, the scheme includes two pathways - a Level 3 Team Leader and a Level 5 Senior Manager programme - tailored to meet women at different points in their careers. Each pathway blends expert coaching, one-to-one development and practical leadership training, while also addressing gender-specific challenges such as imposter syndrome and confidence in communication. There are no formal qualifications required to join, just a passion for growth and a commitment to lead with authenticity. For Noble Foods, the ambition is clear: to nurture a more inclusive, innovative and progressive workplace. One that reflects the future of British food production. With industries like agriculture, food manufacturing and logistics historically less accessible to women, the business sees education and career development as vital areas to champion. Louisa Hogarty, Group HR Director at Noble Foods: “Developing women leaders isn't simply about representation - it's a strategic necessity that unlocks fresh perspectives and innovation. Our Women in Leadership programme goes beyond professional development. By investing in these pathways today, we're building a stronger business and a more equitable industry that better serves our people, animals and planet." Noble’s support for women in the sector goes beyond its own walls. The company has recently played an active role in wider industry efforts, including through Women in Poultry Production, and is proud to see two of its team members shortlisted as finalists in the upcoming National Women in Agriculture Awards.

Trojan, the trusted name in quality workwear, has launched its most advanced product range to date, a high-performance, multifunctional collection of trousers, jackets, gilets, fleeces and footwear, all Engineered to Perform. With decades of experience manufacturing performance workwear for tradespeople, contractors and professionals, Trojan has adapted its range to suit modern demands. This insight has been woven into every seam, stitch and fibre of the new range, designed to be functional yet stylish. The Trojan range also comes with more sustainable options made from durable fabric and reinforced features to increase the longevity of workwear that is used in tough working conditions. It also has extended washability meaning it can withstand more washes, retaining colour stability and not shrinking. From lightweight layers to weatherproof outerwear, breathable fleeces to rugged footwear, each item in the collection has been expertly engineered for durability, comfort and performance, helping the garments withstand the strain on and off site, every single day. The new range includes: · Performance Trousers – Designed for durability, flexibility and all-day comfort, with reinforced stitching and movement-enhancing panels. · Jackets & Gilets – Featuring weatherproof insulation and breathable linings for year-round protection. · Fleeces – Lightweight and warm, crafted to layer effortlessly without restricting movement. · Footwear – Built tough with comfort-first technologies, including advanced sole grip, shock absorption and GORE-TEX® options. All Trojan products are designed to meet the needs of today’s tradespeople, combining fabric technology, rigorous testing, and clever design features to ensure high performance with no compromise on comfort or style. Simon Allan-Brooks, Chief Commercial Officer at Arco said: “Performance starts with what you wear, that’s why this range goes beyond the basics. We haven’t just made workwear – we’ve engineered every piece of clothing to elevate the wearer’s experience, combining innovative materials with Trojan’s deep understanding of the needs of workers. This range is designed to perform while providing more stylish options for workers nationally.”

St Austell Brewery has launched an ambitious recycling initiative to reduce the general waste in its managed pubs by 80%. The new initiative, in partnership with leading waste management company, Biffa, includes the introduction of a streamlined waste system across St Austell Brewery’s 45 managed pubs. Teams across the company’s South West pub estate are aiming to double the amount of waste being recycled as part of the plan, with a goal of hitting the 80% target by the end of this year. From educating and engaging colleagues on correct recycling, through to minimising food waste, St Austell Brewery is aiming to reduce its environmental footprint whilst also rewarding teams for hitting their targets. All of St Austell Brewery’s managed pubs now have colour-coded bins which are divided into three sections: dry mixed recycling for tins, cans, paper, dry cardboard, foil, magazines, plastic containers and metal lids food waste for tea bags, coffee grounds, bones and uneaten food general waste for anything else In addition to making waste segregation easier, St Austell Brewery is rolling out a supporting employee encouragement plan to help drive engagement and participation. This includes a leaderboard for pubs, where the team with the highest reduction in waste overall will be rewarded with online vouchers to spend every quarter. Helen Sprason, Area Manager and member of the Sustainability Steering Committee at St Austell Brewery, said: “One of the first things we did when we started the project was to engage our pub teams about proper recycling. For some team members this involved a trip to Biffa’s Redruth MRF (Mixed Recycling Facility) to get a first-hand look at the importance of thorough recycling." "We recognise that given our scale we have a huge opportunity to really make a difference. Last year, we successfully reduced total waste in our managed pub estate by 40%, and we are now aiming for an even greater impact. We’re confident this is one of the biggest waste management schemes to be undertaken by a pub company.” Emily Coon, Sustainability Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “Reducing general waste by 80% is a bold target, but through our partnership with Biffa and a steadfast commitment to proper waste segregation, the initiative is already making a big difference.” Emily added: “We’re excited about how we can scale the waste management scheme in the future. The goal is to create a culture of sustainability, where colleagues feel confident and engaged in the process of reducing and recycling waste. Whilst we are committed to minimising food waste across our business, where surplus does occur, we’re proud to partner with Olio. Powered through an app, this relationship ensures that good food is shared with local communities rather than going to waste.” Following the launch of the new waste scheme in the managed pubs, the company is now planning to extend it across its two breweries (St Austell and Hare, near Bath) and its head office and depots across the South West. Since the launch of the general waste reduction campaign in 2025, St Austell Brewery has seen encouraging progress across its managed pubs, with average reductions ranging from 5% to 15%. Leading the way is Haveners in Fowey, which has shown exceptional improvement. At the start of the year, general waste made up 46% of their total waste, but they've impressively reduced that figure to just 10.82%. This marks a remarkable 36% reduction at a single site - an achievement that sets a strong example. Biffa, which has waste deposits across the South West, will undertake regular audits to track the success of St Austell Brewery’s initiative; this data will provide valuable insights into where improvements can continue to be made. Paul Tregunna, Account Director for Biffa’s Cornwall head office, said: “This is a substantial undertaking, particularly in the hospitality sector, and we are proud to be supporting St Austell Brewery with this important initiative. We look forward to fully supporting the company’s ambitious efforts to improve sustainability and waste management across all of its managed pub estate.” Last year, St Austell Brewery released its first impact report, demonstrating the family-owned business’ commitment to sustainability and its efforts to have a positive impact on people and the planet. With more than 160 pubs across the South West, two breweries, a drinks wholesale business and six distribution centres, St Austell Brewery is one of the region's largest private businesses. Sustainability has long been at the heart of St Austell Brewery’s mission. Since 2002, the company has partnered with Cornish farmers to source local barley, minimising food miles by building a strong South West supply chain and supporting local businesses. Over the last three years, the business has undertaken initiatives aimed at tackling its carbon footprint, including reducing emissions from the drays which transport beer across the country by updating the lorries to Euro 6 engines, and its partnership with a food waste platform to redistribute leftover food from managed pubs to local communities.

A Lake District spa resort is giving some of its guests the chance to dip into the annals of popular music with the introduction of a diverse collection of vinyl records. Winander Club at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has launched daily afternoon sessions in its top floor bar and lounge thanks to a growing collection of vinyl LP albums. The Vinyl and Victoria sponge sessions – with alternative cakes available to order – came about as a result of regular Winander Club guests donating their records after a vintage style turntable record player was installed in the lounge. The idea at Low Wood Bay is to allow guests to indulge in a bit of nostalgia whilst sitting and enjoying the panoramic views over Windermere to the Langdale Pikes, slowing down from the hectic pace of modern life, physically putting a record on and taking more time to relax. The current collection of albums features renowned artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd from the 1970s and 1980s, through to more recent classic LPs from the likes of U2, Adele and Oasis. Executive chairman of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Simon Berry says: “Vinyl records have always had a unique appeal that many people still appreciate today, offering a nostalgic, in-the-moment experience." “And you can see from the growth of concerts and festivals fronted by artists from back in the day that there are a few generations keen to immerse themselves in the fantastic music of those eras." “And what better way for our guests to do it than to take a seat in the Winander Club lounge, put a record on, study the album sleeves and relax and unwind. They can explore some great tracks for the first time or reminisce about the times they may have listened to these songs on vinyl many years ago.” Low Wood Bay is seeking to grow its collection of vinyl records, both through Winander Club regulars donating albums and with staff asking family members whether they have any dusty LPs and sleeves languishing in the attic which could be brought back into daily use and enjoyment. General manager at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Mark Needham adds: “We’ve got albums from several decades and genres and it would be great to see how much musical history and diversity we can provide for our guests to enjoy as the vinyl record collection grows.” Above Photo: Simon Berry (left) and Mark Needham from English Lakes Hotels with the Winander Club vinyl collection.

After being leased for the last 50 years a ‘secret’ Christchurch marina is back under the control of the family who own it. Little Avon Marina is tucked away behind the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre and is now being overseen by Charles Wallrock and his sister Jo Turnage. Their father, the war hero Commander Michael Wallrock, bought what was then an ornamental pond in 1969. He dug out the marina and created an attractive little haven in the shadow of Christchurch Priory on the River Avon. Since 1975 it has been leased, but now it has returned to the family who have plans to invest in it. It will be managed by Saviour Aquilina who also runs the country’s second oldest paddleboarding shop there and hires our paddleboards and kayaks. Charles said: “I was brought up here and remember my father digging it out. It is a wonderful little marina with room for more than 30 boats – with several berths available this year." “Most people, even locals, don’t know it exists because it is like a secret – tucked away behind the leisure centre’s rear car park. Some boat owners have been with us for decades and we want to create that sense of community that I remember from my childhood." “There is a lovely iconic boat shed and slipway so anyone can carry out repairs in the dry. Having been leased for many years we decided the time was right to take it back and return it to a lovely place to spend down time." “Saviour has been running his business – The SUP Store – here for years and there is a great shop and teas and coffees for sale." “He hires kayaks and paddleboards and also does repairs and sells some great brands. It is a beautiful and stunning location and we have plans to invest in it to further enhance the site.” Saviour said: “Paddleboarding and kayaking are increasingly popular and we teach people, hire equipment, repair boards and we are also one of the pioneers of paddleboard racing. We also offer storage for kayaks and other watercraft." “We’re open every day of the week through the summer and we plan to have BBQs and create a relaxing haven for everyone.” Above Photo: Charles Wallrock and Saviour Aquilina at Little Avon Marina