February 26, 2010
Those heading off for a stay in a Cotswolds holiday cottage in the near future will be able to sample a variety of Fairtrade foods if they head down to an event in Bourton-on-the-Water.
According to the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, the Fairtrade Foundation is inviting people to change their usual foods for sustainable alternatives as part of the Big Swap fortnight.
It kicked off on Monday (February 22nd) and runs until Sunday March 2nd and the Bourton Fairtrade Group are running a special get-together this Saturday in order to mark the initiative.
Among the attractions will be a four-foot high teapot, which is set to make an appearance as part of a competition to guess how many cuppas are consumed in the town, while Fairtrade tea and cakes will be on offer between 10:00 GMT and 16:00 GMT.
As well as sampling some homemade treats, those who visit will also be doing their bit to help the developing world, as the Fairtrade Foundation aims to give farmers in these countries a better deal when it comes to prices and working conditions.
Posted by Matt Smith
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February 26, 2010
A new campaign encouraging people to head to the Norfolk Broads has been launched at this year’’s Boat and Caravan Show.
The Broads Authority has teamed up with the Broads Tourism Forum to introduce a new brochure designed to encourage people to book a Norfolk holiday in the area.
It includes useful tips on things to do, as well as a map pinpointing some of the best attractions.
"We are keen to encourage more visitors from the Midlands and throughout the UK," explained Bruce Hanson, head of tourism for the Broads Authority.
"This is the biggest tourism promotion the Broads has ever seen," he added, noting that it is "great to see" so many local businesses supporting the initiative.
So far, 36 firms have lent their voice to the campaign, including BeWILDerwood, a treehouse adventure park.
Located in Hoveton, the attraction offers young and old alike the chance to explore treehouses, zip wires and jungle bridges.
Posted by Matt Smith
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February 25, 2010
Visitors planning a stay in a Norfolk holiday cottage in the coming months might want to consider checking out Hungate Medieval Art – the city’’s newest arts and heritage venue – which has just launched its programme of events for spring and summer 2010.
Among the offerings are workshops where people can learn more about specialist art, such as how to produce stained glass – a course that was especially popular last year.
"The new programme …gives people the chance to try stone carving and pen and ink drawing," explained centre manage Dale Copley.
Also on offer is Music in the Glass, a special concert by Minstrels Gallery, which specialises in medieval music.
And Tea and Talking Points is returning this year, which gives people the chance to discuss topics of historical interest over a cuppa.
Visiting Hungate Medieval Art costs £3 for adults, while concessions can gain entry for £2.50.
Posted by Ben Webster
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Posted by cottages4you
February 25, 2010
Food lovers could have another reason to embark on a Cornwall holiday after plans to rebuild a fish market in the county took another step forward.
Newlyn Fish market has been given a £2.3 million provisional grant from the European Fisheries Fund for the redevelopment of the site, along with £970,000 in investment from the European Regional Development Fund.
The money will only be given if the remainder of the cash needed is found by Newlyn Harbour Commissioners, but, provided this is achieved, the port – which is 47 m in length between the north and south pier heads – could soon be teeming with fresh seafood caught by fishermen – something that may also boost the availability of local fish in nearby restaurants.
"This is very good news and what we need to do now is to get the whole of the fishing industry of Newlyn behind it," West Cornwall MP Andrew George was quoted by the BBC as saying.
Posted by David Sollberger
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Posted by cottages4you
February 24, 2010
A Norfolk brewery has launched a new beer that will help raise money for the county’’s armed forces.
Wolf Brewery, which is based in Besthorpe, is producing the Hero cask beer after teaming up with a Norwich landlord, the Norwich Evening News reports.
Dougie Clarke convinced the brewery to introduce the drink after reading a book about his grandfather, who served in the first world war.
It will be on sale in his pub – the Duke of Wellington – as well as over 200 other outlets, meaning those wanting to sample it while staying in a Norfolk holiday cottage will probably not have to travel far.
"We hope the beer will play its part in demonstrating to our soldiers that we are behind them in the difficult challenge they face in a very dangerous part of the world," owner of Wolf Brewery John Edwards was quoted as saying.
And visitors to Norfolk can even check out the beverage being made, as the brewery offers tours to groups of between eight and 25 people.
Posted by Toby Lawrence
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February 24, 2010
The Crown Inn has been named the south Cotswolds Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).
According to the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, the watering hole picked up the accolade for the high-quality real ale on offer, something that might prove attractive to those staying in nearby Cotswolds holiday cottages who fancy a refreshing tipple.
It also features The Halfpenny Brewery – which is located behind the building and only began producing beer 15 months ago – and chairman of Camra in Cirencester Andrew Frape said that the "general enthusiasm" of the owner and management team was a big factor in their success.
"Plus their well managed and highly popular summer and winter beer festivals certainly didn”t hinder their cause," he was quoted by the news source as saying.
And Donnington Brewery, also in the Cotswolds, was recently named the UK’’s Brewery of the Year by the Good Pub Guide, which praised it for undercutting the prices of pubs that produce their own beer.
Posted by David Sollberger
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February 24, 2010
Volunteers in the Lake District have helped restore an area of woodland in Whinlatter as part of a project organised by Bassenthwaite Reflections.
On Saturday (February 20th), around 50 people helped plant new trees to replace felled conifers in a 3.5 hectare site in Masmill Forest.
"It was fantastic that an amazing project, which has seen around 2,000 saplings planted, got the boost of a further 200 oaks at the weekend," remarked Rachel Graham of the body.
Those that came to help ranged from families to mountain bikers and Ms Graham praised those that pitched in, saying that the day was a "perfect example" of people "going the extra distance".
It is likely that Bassenthwaite Reflections will be organising similar events in the future, which could prove attractive to those who want to get their hands dirty on a Lake District holiday.
Bassenthwaite Reflections began delivering a newsletter to properties in the Lakes last month, highlighting current projects and focusing on a major new eco-tourism campaign.
Posted by Toby Lawrence
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February 24, 2010
A film highlighting the work ethnic minorities do to encourage people to take a Lake District holiday is to be broadcast next month.
The work will be shown on the Community Channel and is the brainchild of two Preston residents, Grough reports.
It follows Khadija and Ahmed, who are brother and sister, on a journey to the Lakes with their family and highlights the work of Mosaic, a project set up to encourage those from ethic minorities to explore the country’’s national parks.
A spokesman for the filmmakers was quoted by the news source as saying that the duo "want to make sure that others in their community also have a chance to visit our most spectacular landscapes".
One of the targets of Mosaic is to recruit and train 200 community champions to promote the country’’s National Parks and ensure that over 4,000 people are able to enjoy the areas of natural beauty.
Posted by Matt Smith
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Posted by cottages4you
February 23, 2010
Cycling fever is breaking out in Pendle following the launch of the National Road Race Championship. A group of local riders and top national cyclists were joined by Olympic gold medallist, Chris Boardman to test out the road race circuit for the first time this weekend.
The riders were treated to clear blue skies and stunning snow covered scenery, with Pendle Hill as the majestic backdrop while testing out the technical and hilly 7.5 mile route located less than 10 miles from the cottages4you offices. Local cyclist and cottages4you employee Caroline Palmer also joined the riders on Saturday. “It’s going to be a very heroic winner on this tough hilly course. I can’t imagine how they will feel after completing 15 laps – I was exhausted after one circuit.”
cottages4you have signed up as headline sponsors for the Pendle Cycle Festival and National Road Race Championships to be held on the 26th and 27th June in the village of Barley, Lancashire. Geoff Cowley, Managing Director of cottages4you said, “Pendle is going to look amazing when the big race is televised on Sunday 27th June. It will bring thousands of new visitors which will be good for local tourism.”
We will also be joining in the action at the cycle festival by entering a team into the National Sportive ride on 26th June. Training will be starting in earnest as soon as the snow has disappeared! Watch this space for more information on the cottages4you Pendle Cycle Festival.
Photos by Larry Hickmott. View more on Flickr.
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Posted by cottages4you
February 23, 2010
A Cotswolds brewery has been named the UK’’s Brewery of the Year in this year’’s awards from the Good Pub Guide.
Donnington Brewery, which is located in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire, received praise from judges as it "beats the bargain prices of pubs brewing their own beer".
The site, which is based at a "picturesque ancient watermill", produces alcoholic beverages for a variety of pubs in the area, meaning those who head out for a pint while enjoying a Cotswolds holiday may well be sampling ale from the firm.
Its owner James Arkell told the BBC that he is "delighted" with the recognition, dedicating it to all the employees at the brewery and the landlords who sell the drinks.
Established in 1865, Donnington Brewery produces two bitters, the 4.4 per cent SBA and the 3.6 per cent BB.
The original mill at the site is still used in the brewing process, with the wheel driving some of the machinery used during production.
Posted by Matt Smith
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