Coventry & Warwickshire in business
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Coventry hosts the West Midlands’ Annual Justice service SENIOR MEMBERS of the Judiciary, Magistracy, Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service, the Police & Crime Commissioner, and senior police officers joined Mayors and Mayoresses, cadets and leading multi-faith figures in Coventry as the city hosted this year’s West Midlands’ Annual Justice Service. More than 400 invited guests attended the event hosted by the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Louise Bennett OBE DL, and held at Coventry Cathedral to celebrate and recognise the efforts of individuals who work in the administration of justice in the region. The service was also attended by Col. George Marsh MBE TD DL, representing Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, and given in the presence of Lady Justice Thirlwall DBE, Lady Justice of Appeal and Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, the Senior Presiding Judge for England, and Wales.
The service was officiated by the Very Reverend John Witcombe, the Dean of Coventry and Chaplain to the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, who said this year’s event marked an historic occasion for Coventry. Not only was this the first time the city had hosted the event, which has always taken place in Birmingham, this landmark occasion had also taken place during Coventry’s year as the UK’s City of Culture. During his sermon, the Dean spoke of Coventry’s status as a city of peace and reconciliation and the importance of helping those around us to achieve their full potential – a key theme in Louise’s shrieval year as she advocates equal opportunities for young people from all walks of life. In addressing the congregation Louise said: “It seems very appropriate that, today more than any day, here in the city of peace and reconciliation, we offer our sincere thanks and appreciation
to the judiciary, the magistracy, all of those who work in our courts and tribunal services and our legal system, our police, prison and probation services, emergency services and health care professionals.
“It is immeasurable.”
“A thank you for all the work you do to keep us safe, not least during these unprecedented and constantly changing times of a Covid19 pandemic.
The event ended with a reception and choral music from Fridays’ Choir – a community interest company founded by Tyler Campbell to provide a safe, sociable event for 15 to 17 year olds every Friday and steer them away from knife crime, gangs, and violence.
“Your work to administer justice, to give peace and hope to those who seek justice, to care for us and to keep us safe in our daily lives is invaluable.
Guests were also invited to join a VIP tour of the Turner Prize exhibition, taking place at the nearby Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
First look inside the new Abbey Artisan Market A new artisan produce shop championing local independents and a 1950s-style dessert diner have been unveiled at an award-winning Warwickshire hotel. This is an exciting new endeavour by No Ordinary Hospitality Management, the company which manages Coombe Abbey Hotel, just outside of Coventry. The two new outlets, which have seen a £185,000 investment, are inside the visitor centre at Coombe Abbey Park. No Ordinary Hospitality Management also runs The Café in the Park, Kiosk in the Park and an ice-cream kiosk located within the grounds of the 500-acre parklands. The launch coincides with Luminate Coombe, a family-friendly illuminated Christmas light trail, and is located close to outdoor tree top adventure site Go Ape. The Sundae Club with its retro teal leather booths and diner bar stools combined with baby pink walls has
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an authentic 1950s vibe. There’s even a playlist airing music from the era. Visitors can order a wide variety of ice cream sundaes, waffles, crepes and shakes ranging from a Knickerbocker Glory sundae to caramel shortcake waffles and mango milkshake, along with vegan potted ice-creams, cheesecakes, cakes and hot drinks. The Abbey Artisan Market is fully stocked with produce from local suppliers, including Coombe Abbey Gin specially created by 1000 Trades Distillery, an award-winning artisan spirits producer in Redditch.
Founder Philip Warren set up the distillery last year and has already clocked up two top spirit awards in the last 12 months.
undergoing a £5.6 million restoration project, and six beautifully restored historic cottages offering boutique stays for short breaks.
He said: “It’s fantastic that Coombe Abbey is supporting our distillery. For us, it’s a massive opportunity for brand awareness with such a large footfall to the park and it’s a very good idea to diversify the business on their part.”
The plan is for Coombe Abbey to grow as a destination day out, as well as a four-star hotel well-known for its extensive top-class social events programme and acclaimed afternoon teas.
A range of Christmas gift packs are also available, plus Holy Cow artisan curry kits, preserves and chutneys from The Bay Tree and Cotswold Fayre as well as outdoor wear from Regatta Clothing. No Ordinary Hospitality Management also operates a number of historic buildings in Coventry: St Mary’s Guildhall, a Grade I-listed medieval building in Bayley Lane currently
“It’s fantastic that Coombe Abbey is supporting our distillery. For us, it’s a massive opportunity for brand awareness with such a large footfall to the park and it’s a very good idea to diversify the business on their part.”
Richard Harrison, managing director of No Ordinary Hospitality Management, said: “Our desire is to drive visitors to Coombe as more of a destination and to give people an extra reason to visit. “We’re passionate about supporting local suppliers in The Abbey Artisan Market and would like to invite local food and drink producers across Coventry and Warwickshire looking to showcase their products in the store to please contact No Ordinary Hospitality Management. “With The Sundae Club, we had an idea to create a fun, colourful dessert diner with a 1950s feel in a different setting as usually they’re found on the high street. Hopefully it will be the first of many.”
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