All the latest news from around Warwickshire

Cherry good summer ahead

The end of June marked the start of the 2021 British Cherry harvest, with growers expecting 5,500 tonnes of home-grown British cherries to hit supermarket shelves this summer. The figures are from Love Fresh Cherries, Britain’s largest representative trade body for British cherries in the UK.

Shoppers will be able to buy British cherries in stores from this week, building to the main peak of the harvest from early July through to August.

With UK growers producing cherries across the country including in Kent, Staffordshire, Hampshire, Lincolnshire and Essex, the industry, via Love Fresh Cherries, is predicting another year of good availability for consumers.

Matt Hancock, Love Fresh Cherries spokesperson, said, “Cherries are one of the UK’s most-loved quintessential English fruits for good reason.

“Not only do they taste delicious, but cherries are also packed with a whole host of health benefits that can aid better sleep and exercise recovery, all the way through to menopause.

At a time when staying healthy continues to be a high priority for us all, It’s no wonder around 20 million kg of cherries were enjoyed across the country last year.

“With all signs showing another strong UK cherry season, people across the country will be able to enjoy big and juicy British home-grown cherries at their peak all the way through to September.”

Favourable conditions over the winter months, is leading growers to anticipate another highquality crop, with an abundance of large and juicy fruit across most varieties.

Late season fruit will come from Hereford and Scotland, meaning good availability of UK cherries for shoppers, all the way through to late September. n

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Vogue turns 30

Vogue International, hairdressing and barbering in Royal Leamington Spa, are experts in hair colouring and creative cutting with a fantastic team of highly creative stylists led by Liz Usher.

All their stylists are highly trained at Goldwell Academy and also in-house. 2021 marks Vogue’s 30th year in business in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa, they are extremely passionate about what they do for their clients.

Liz began her journey in Tavistock Street in 1991. Her first competition was the same year when the team won an award for Tresemme for outstanding salon of the year award. This was the start of many. She went on to put on shows for many charity’s, her biggest donation is Myron Hospice. She has arised over £50,000 in her time. Her events have included Auctions,fundraising fashion shows and Fashion shoots (for local and international magazines) to name a few.

Liz and her late husband Neil, invented the company called Easyfoil . This was an invention that changed the way foiling was carried in salon hairdressing across the world. It influenced the culture of colour and still does to this day. Bridal hair and makeup work has always been an integral part of Vogue’s heritage. 30 years of the breadth and depth of communication is the whole concept of work and style that has been the foundation of Vogue. n

GWSR recognises restoration pioneers – 40 years on

A special ceremony at Winchcombe, Gloucestershire station on Tuesday 20th July marked) the 40th Anniversary of the creation of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR). It recognised the extraordinary effort of thousands of volunteers who, over the years, have created the beautiful heritage railway that today operates between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway.

Some of the original volunteers, whose vision and determination 40 years ago laid the foundations of the present-day railway, will receive (received) special awards presented by Colonel Mike Bennett OBE DL, a non-executive director of GWSR Plc.

Col. Bennett will also formally open (formally opened) an exhibition in the Tim Mitchell Building at Winchcombe station. The display has been put together by volunteers from each of the railway’s many departments, to mark the progress made over the past four decades and it remains open on every operating day until September 5th. n

Hatton welcomes an invasion of dinosaurs this summer!

Hatton Adventure World will welcome an invasion of dinosaurs for the first time this summer. 650 million year ago dinosaurs roamed the earth but having ruled the planet for more than 180 million years, they suddenly vanished. However, they have now returned to entertain families at Hatton throughout the summer holidays from 24 July – 5 September!

There will be a roarsome programme where children can get up close to the dinosaurs such as a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and a Stegosaurus with expert Rangers at the meet and greet sessions. There will also be a highly entertaining dinosaur show. Older children can also enjoy a packed programme of activities including three outdoor Laser Combat challenges; Death Match, Domination and Capture the Flag! There are also family shows featuring cabaret and puppets each day. Visitors can also see exotic animals in Scales and Tails and watch the goats in the outdoor Farmyard. Plus, there’s the Tractor Safari, and the indoor soft play area ‘Snorty’s Superslide Mania’!

The all-inclusive price at Hatton ensures a carefree day out on the 100-acre site with up to 30 shows and activities daily, a 4-acre laser combat field and one of the largest indoor play areas in the Midlands. There are over 450 creatures great and small, 40 birds of prey and 150 Guinea Pigs, all located in the Warwickshire countryside with food available in 5 outlets, a shopping village, free parking and an easy to find location.

Tickets cost £16.95 per child and adult and must be booked online. Hatton Adventure World is open every day throughout the year (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day) from 10am to 5.30pm. For more information, please visit the website at www.hattonworld.com/adventure-world or telephone 01926 843411. n