Warwickshire College The Inspirer

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ISSUE 1

GAZELLE STUDENTS

meet their business heroes Warwickshire College students got their chance to rub shoulders with some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs at ACCELERATE 2013, one of the UK’s largest business festivals.

The students were lucky enough to hear from inspirational leaders including Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, School for Startups founder Doug Richard, nails inc chief Thea Green and Sean Fitzpatrick, legendary All Blacks rugby captain. Students also got the chance to put their questions to the Wikipedia founder on issues ranging from getting started to learning from failure and structuring a business.

Warwickshire College is one of only 21 Gazelle Colleges in the UK which means that

students don’t just get a qualification, they also get the chance to attend events like Accelerate 2013 and meet the best in the business.

Students also get other unique opportunities – to pitch their business idea to the Enterprise Board, become a competition finalist, or be part of a student business enterprise with their college classmates.

Being a Gazelle college student means focusing on learning the skills employers are really looking for - such as communication skills, creative thinking, problem-solving and timemanagement. It’s not about being an entrepreneur, but learning to think with an entrepreneurial mind. To use your initiative and be brave. It’s not just a college course you’ll get at Warwickshire College, it’s a NEW way of life.

Above: Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia founder, talks to students at Accelerate 2013

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NEW super food grown in UK by student Sophie Sidaway

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• Spitfire Theatre - what’s on • Style and Sound showcase event

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• New heights for tree fellas • Bridal shop success • We’re kissing it better

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• Jan Waterston designer of the NEW Squid Bench • Budding entrepreneur Josh

Sophie’s Superfood... a berry exciting business idea

Student Sophie’s unique business idea will see the production of the first commercial crop of Juneberries in the UK, and Warwickshire College is backing her all the way.

Sophie Sidaway, organic horticulture student, made her pitch to the college’s Enterprise Board who gave their full support with a grant to buy and import plant stock from Canada and make sure the land at Pershore College was ready. The fruit is in high demand in Canada already and is very commercially successful - it’s used in pies, smoothies, jams, wine, yogurt and more. Sophie and the team plan for the same success in the UK.

Juneberries – a delicious fruit, a bit like dark cherries or raisins with a hint of almond. They have high nutritional qualities similar to other superfoods such as blueberries, they have high levels of protein, calcium, iron and antioxidants.

Sophie said, “ After researching the Juneberry for 18 months I was very interested to find out more and explore the possibility of cultivating a successful long-term crop in the UK. “ It was great to benefit from the college’s Enterprise Grant (designed to help business startups) and to be offered a half-acre plot for five years, as well as access to equipment and expertise. It’s a dream come true! “ I will grow the enterprise locally to produce good yields of tasty, sweet berries, and experiment with a range of processing channels. In addition, I will be propagating from this stock and endeavouring to grow a wider range of cultivars for comparison studies.”

Anthony Simmons, from Warwickshire College said: “ As a Gazelle college, we are committed to supporting students who have innovative business ideas, and the Enterprise Board is a great way to do this. There is a lot of work ahead for Sophie, but we’ll be there to support her and look forward to seeing the first crop of Juneberries next year.”

Supporting enterprise

PA M P E R Y O U R P E T S

Our skilled staff and students can trim, clip and groom your pooch Prices start from £18 | Open weekdays | Call 01926 318 323 Warwickshire College Animal Welfare Centre, Moreton Morrell, Warwick, CV35 9BL

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Wood you believe it…

Arboriculture students’ new business is already a BIG success New arboriculture business P&B Trees branch out with a successful pitch and secure Warwickshire College’s tree maintenance contract.

The talented tree fellas, Andrew Plester and Graham Bird, will now maintain trees across the college’s six sites, transporting their young business to new heights.

Set up by two arboriculture students at Moreton Morrell, P&B Trees relied on the support of the college’s Enterprise Board to give the young businessmen invaluable advice and guidance.

Competitions & Events 2014

EXCLUSIVELY for students

at Gazelle Colleges

Pantrepreneur Competition A student competition, in partnership with social entrepreneur Ben Ramsden and Pants to Poverty. The winning team takes an extraordinary trip to India to work with the farmers and their families who produce the Fairtrade products for Pants to Poverty.

Real Business: Gazelle Future 50 A partnership with Real Business magazine to create the Gazelle Future 50 - an index profiling 50 high achieving Gazelle students from across the UK. Youth Employment Convention This event brings together stakeholders, professionals, policymakers and ministers across the education, employability and skills sectors. Students can network, visit exhibitions and take part in debates and discussions.

Andrew says: “ I always had ambitions to set up my own business; however, I was amazed at just how much support we received from the college to help us realise this ambition.

The process of pitching our idea to their Enterprise Board, and receiving advice and guidance from the dedicated team of intrapreneurs, really helped us to focus on what we wanted to achieve and on how to set about launching P&B Tree Services.”

Graham adds: “ Not only has the college enabled us to gain our qualifications to become professional tree surgeons, it gave us the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to run our own enterprise. We know that the opportunities and support given to us by our Gazelle college will help us succeed.”

Interested in the services of P&B Trees?

Go to www.pandbtrees.com

International Festival of Business A global gathering of the world’s most inspiring businesses; an arena where industries meet to trade ideas, products and contacts. Bringing together cities from across the world in 61 days of events, exhibitions, showcases and celebrations, the Gazelle Colleges Group will ensure that the enterprise and entrepreneurial skills of students and staff is demonstrated.

Market Maker competition This competition encourages students to develop new business ideas with leadership and advice from the business community and providing an opportunity for investment. The main event and selection of the winners takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week, and is hosted by the Institute of Directors in London.

The Edge Challenge A competition open to past and current students of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and Gazelle students. Students have to develop a business start-up based on an innovative and viable idea. The winner will receive £3000 to develop their idea, as well as access to a top business mentor for 6 months.

2nd and 3rd prizes of £1250 and £750 are also available.

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Because they’re worth it…

Students train in and run NEW commercial hair and beauty salons Hair and beauty students at Leamington Spa can look forward to working in commercial salons that feature a large 18-station hair salon with nail bars, retail area for professional products and two large beauty salon areas with 32 treatment beds.

There is also a hair training salon and state-of-the-art learning space where students will develop their skills. They’ll get hands-on experience working with real clients in the salons, using leading industry professional products such as Elemis, St Tropez, Opi and L’Oreal.

Jan Jones, Academy Leader for Hair, Beauty and Therapies said: “ This is a really exciting time for students. As a Gazelle college, we are committed to helping our students develop employability skills to get them ready for work at a high professional standard, and the new salons will be key to that.

Our students will learn the skills they need to get a job in the industry or set up their own business and be guided to have every opportunity to gain employment.”

Making history is sew easY

Chris said: “ We’re absolutely delighted to be the first business in the college’s incubator units. As a former teacher, I think what the college is doing in helping students gain employability skills is absolutely right, so it’s been great for us to offer work experience to another former student, Lauren, who’s now studying fashion at university.”

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Our professional staff and students run these salons Mariane Cavalli, Principal and CEO of Warwickshire College, said:

Entrepreneurial costume students Chris White and Pauline Onions made history by being the first company to move in to one of Warwickshire College’s specialist business incubator units.

The fully-equipped office spaces at the college’s Henley-in-Arden centre allow students to work and learn in a professional environment. They are perfect for new business start-ups and will make expanding the new business, Mrs Papendick: Historical Seamstress, so much easier.

Book your appointment today at Warwickshire College

Pauline said: “ We had a fantastic time doing the course and didn’t want it to stop!

Starting the business has enabled us to carry on doing what we love, and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards from here.”

“ These incubator units take our commitment to supporting our students one step further, offering practical business accommodation but with the unique benefit of support, advice and mentoring from the college as part of the package. “ I wish Chris and Pauline all the best with their venture – it’s wonderful to see their passion and enthusiasm and I’m sure they will be very successful.”

Mrs Papendick make off-thepeg and bespoke Regency inspired and replica garments, selling to clients all over the world through their website www.mrspapendick.co.uk.

Recently they have expanded their offer, accepting commissions for theatrical costumes and costumes from different historical periods.

The incubator units were officially launched at a dedicated ‘Making History’ event, which also marked the start of Mrs Papendick’s residence at the Henley-in-Arden business venue.

Guests of the launch were invited to view the incubators units and see beautiful costumes brought to life by students from the college.

(L-R) Chris White, Mariane Cavalli and Pauline Onions - with students in costume behind

Gateway to success…

Student Ben designs NEW gates for Leamington Spa’s iconic library.

Local property company TAG approached Warwickshire College with a golden opportunity for students to support a reallife renovation project. The team at TAG were looking for fresh, creative ideas and the Gazelle college students did not disappoint.

Blacksmithing student Ben Aitken (tutored by the women’s world blacksmithing champion, Michelle Parker) submitted a 2D technical drawing , mostly hand-drawn and waited to hear their final decision.

This type of collaborative working is not unusual at a Gazelle college and this opportunity has proven to be a fantastic gateway to success for Ben.

Students at Warwickshire College are regularly given the opportunity to get involved with real life projects helping them to develop the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workplace.

Simon Tate, partner at TAG loved Ben’s design and said “ It really stood out. He has picked out elements of the building and really reflected them in the design for the gates. His presentation was also very impressive.”

Ben Aitken receives his prize from Simon Tate, partner at TAG

All the world’s a stage... students perform with professional actors

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Spitfire Theatre Company

The actors at Spitfire Theatre Company are busy preparing for their next professional performance with half of their cast made up of performing arts students at Warwickshire College.

Spitfire, a Warwickshire College student business enterprise, is a unique and entrepreneurial operation made up of 50% students and 50% professional actors. This rare set-up gives students the chance to work alongside those with industry experience and improve their own skills.

Additionally the professional rehearsal process allows them to experience both rigorous performance preparation and on-the-job training.

Spitfire Theatre Company produces a number of productions each year, as well as other specialised contracts and corporate events.

Find out what’s on and when at www.spitfiretheatrecompany.yolasite.com

PRESENTS

Fear and Misery of the Third Reich 11th – 14th February 2014 Macbeth 26th – 30th May 2014

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SC-ART SC-ART video production video production Set-up by Warwickshire College in 2012 SC-ART is an entrepreneurial student business enterprise. It offers students the opportunity to gain experience in paid video production work.

Projects include: • Corporate videos • Promotional videos and more...

Need a film crew? Book us now - email dbeckett@warkscol.ac.uk

Back to the fashion future Hundreds of visitors experienced the future of fashion and music at Warwickshire College’s annual ‘Style and Sound’ event.

This must-see fashion and music showcase was put together by students on the BTEC Fashion and Clothing and BTEC Music Practice courses.

In recent years both courses have established a impressive reputation for new talent in these exciting industries.

Ex-fashion students are now working as designers for prestigious names such as Chloe, Tom Ford, Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker, Sisley and H&M.

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Some of the ex-music students have achieved success in bands such as Dance a la Plage and Luna Kiss, both touring and signed by independent record labels, or playing as session musicians for bands including Marillion and The Specials. Will Pound has found success as a self-employed folk musician, appearing on Goldie’s Band and nominated as BBC Radio 2’s Folk Musician of the Year.

Don’t miss out on the next show, visit www.warwickshire.ac.uk/events Interested in a future in fashion or music? Call 0300 45 600 49.

Fashion and music students collaborate to host impressive showcase event

Jan Waterston’s

squid bench

Meet Jan Waterston - furniture design student at Warwickshire College, recipient of prestigious Alan Peters award and designer of the NEW squid bench at Coombe Abbey Park Hello Jan, it’s great to meet you.

We’ve been following your fantastic story and we’ve even seen the YouTube video of you making the incredible Squid bench so we’d really like to find out more!

pure imagination and turn it into something real. A bit of their imagination to be experienced.

That’s very inspiring, is that what led you to study as a furniture craftsman?

Yes to some extent, but it was when I was working as an exhibition builder in Spain that I fell in love with the craft. I was surrounded by creative carpentry and sculpture, and seeing what could be done with timber was amazing. I joined a furniture making course at Warwickshire College to learn the skills and techniques and my confidence grew with my tutor’s encouragement.

Jan receives the prestigious Award for furniture design

What inspires a master furniture designer like you?

Well, it’s still early days for me so I’m not quite a master – more of an apprentice I guess, but as a designer I find this quote very inspiring ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ William Morris.

I design pieces that are useful and beautiful on the eye. Functional design and pleasing aesthetics together are timeless. It’s always amazed me that designers take

The NEW Squid bench is beautiful, you must be very proud Tell us more…

Thanks, I am very proud. I won a design competition to build the bench for Coombe Abbey Country Park. It took four months to create and install, and lots of hard work.

I knew Coombe Abbey had approached the college to find talented student designers and I felt so lucky to get involved. If I’d been studying anywhere else I wouldn’t have had this opportunity.

When I was chosen I won a prize of £500, but best of all I know that around 400,000 people a year will be using my bench.

The bench was a memorial for Keith Sealey’s parents (from Sealey Furniture Makers). How did you feel designing such an important piece?

It was a fantastic project to work on. It was like any project when it came down to the processes and the problems you face; but it was during installation and contact time with Keith that made me realise how important this project was.

It was a big deal for my career, but it was a bigger deal for Keith, he created a legacy for his parents and that’s what made it very special and very heart-warming.

Before you go we have to ask why a squid?

Haha it didn’t start out as a squid.

I didn’t even think I’d be making a squid-shaped bench. It came from talking to Keith. His greatest childhood memory was walking around Coombe Abbey with his parents and I thought - that’s the roots of it. The roots of his relationship with them was those happy times and that was my

What does Jan’s tutor Jamie Ward think? “ Getting students involved in real projects is what being a Gazelle college is all about.

It’s been fantastic for Jan – especially seeing the bench enjoyed by the public. He deservedly won the college’s outstanding student award this year, and we wish him every success for his future.”

starting point. I wanted to create something that represented foundations, firmly putting down their roots in their favourite place.

The next stage was materials and what in nature has root-like aesthetics. I was originally looking to design a bench that had roots going into the ground, but what I decided upon is far more creative and a lot more fun. I think it suited this project much better.

I know Keith has said he’s happy not only as there’s a great memorial for his parents, but also because my design was realised - he’s a fantastic advocate of the students and what the college is doing.

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A budding entrepreneuR...

Josh Egan-Wyer, former horticulture student, presents Plant Ident

... and tells us how studying at Warwickshire College helped him realise his ambition of becoming an entrepreneur in the horticulture industry.

What is Plant Ident?

Plant Ident is a web-based plant identification system which I have developed for use at our Pershore centre.

How did you come up with such an innovative idea?

I had plant identification lessons during my course and found them really interesting; however, I thought it was a process that could be improved. To start with I wanted to re-build the plant database (that showed plants within the college grounds) to make the plant identification process easier.

However my big idea was to link this into the labelling system using QR codes - something that had never been considered.

That’s amazing Josh, but how did you get started?

I took my idea to the college Enterprise Board. I was a little worried at first thinking it was going to be like Dragons’ Den—but it turned out to be a much more supportive process and one that I really enjoyed. The Enterprise Board

helps students develop business ideas if they are a viable venture and also supports students who need further help with things like financial planning.

So what stage are you at?

The website has now been launched at www.warkscol.ac.uk/plantident.

This site will transform the plant learning experience of college students and visitors, but also provide an invaluable resource for staff as well. I know that the encouragement and support given to me by the Enterprise Board will make sure we’re successful.

Any advice for other budding entrepreneurs?

Yes always get involved and if you can, choose to study at a Gazelle college. I had a great idea and Warwickshire College helped me start a successful business venture, this would not have happened for me at school - I'm very excited about my future.

I can’t believe I was the first project to go before the Enterprise Board and I’m now running my new company, Plant Ident, with their guidance and support.

PERSHORE PLANT CENTRE Specialists in trees, shrubs and fruit

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www.warwickshire.ac.uk/plantcentre

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40,000 GREEN BOTTLES

OF CIDER, JUICE & PERRY PRODUCED BY STAFF & STUDENTS AT PERSHORE COLLEGE EACH YEAR.

www.warwickshire.ac.uk/avonbank

festival ear plugs make some noise

Ear plugs designed by students at Warwickshire College could be hitting the shelves at stores across the world thanks to an innovative real-life project.

3D Design students have teamed up with global company Cirrus Healthcare to make a set of earplugs for noise reduction at festivals and concerts, aimed at young people.

AVONBANK JUICE IS AN AWARD WINNING COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION UNIT AND STUDENT TRAINING FACILITY

Malcolm Boothman, and graphic designer Peter Helliwell from Cirrus Healthcare, visited the students at college to give them a design brief and talk about their products leaving the students to research and develop their designs.

Malcolm was so pleased with the designs that he has chosen three ideas to take forward. The winning trio are Luca Frondella, from Leamington Spa, Kai Triassi, from

Stratford-upon-Avon and Chris Gould, from Rugby.

Along with great praise, the students’ work also brought them some hard-earned cash, a welcome reminder that they are indeed getting real-life experience of the working world. Each student received £200 and Cirrus made a £500 donation to their course at Warwickshire College.

Great venues get

great results Discover Warwickshire College’s business and conference centres in Rugby, Warwick and Henley-in-Arden • Spacious air conditioned rooms • State-of-the-art equipment • Video conferencing and full audio-visual • Natural lighting and wi-fi enabled • Flexibility – book for 2 to 260 delegates

Design students Luca Frondella (left), Kai Triassi and Chris Gould (far right) with Malcolm Boothman from Cirrus Healthcare.

• Free parking • Value for money • Freshly prepared food • Experienced staff

visit www.warwickshire.ac.uk/conferencing

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3D Art Solutions is a Warwickshire College student business enterprise.

Highly trained students design products using the latest technology.

We offer: 3D printing, laser cutting, engraving, scale drawings, models and renderings Contact 3DD@warkscol.ac.uk or 01926 319055 for a quote

EAT MORE FRUIT! Students at Pershore College’s Avonbank Fruit produce and supply 23 to 30 tonnes of high quality fresh fruit to supermarkets and

greengrocers each year.

Find out more at www.warwickshire.ac.uk/avonbank

Avonbank Fruit... helping you stay healthy & full of natural energy

It’s all white for bridal business team...

Warwickshire College students Dee Evans and Rosie Oliver-Evans have officially opened their new bridalwear business – The Dress Shop in Rugby.

owners and to be in an environment with other entrepreneurial students really helped”.

The Dress Shop is open six days a week, with evening and Sunday appointments available for in-store fitting and party experiences in their elegant dressing rooms.

The mother and daughter team studied with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at the college’s Rugby centre, giving them the The duo have big plans to expand confidence and business nous to with offerings to include bridal start out on their own.

Rosie said accessories and online sales, as well as forging relationships with local schools to offer a bespoke prom “ The PJEA course seemed an ideal outfit service. Eventually, they hope way of getting the training and support we needed on all aspects of to take the business to other stores or franchises nationwide. running a business. It was inspiring to hear from successful business

Mum, Dee said

Warwickshire College said:

“ We’re extremely passionate and excited about this venture and can see a bright future ahead for The Dress Shop. I wanted to provide brides with high quality, beautiful wedding dresses at a reasonable cost and Rosie saw an opportunity to include inexpensive, quality bridesmaid and prom dresses so together we developed The Dress Shop and launched what is already proving to be a successful business venture.”

“ This is a fantastic success story for us and of course Dee and Rosie – we wish them well with their business. As a Gazelle college, we are committed to giving our students access to entrepreneurial environments and their time at the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy has helped equip them with the tools and mindset needed to succeed in business - we look forward to seeing their business grow and develop.”

Think you could run your own business? This could be you.

For more Director information about the at Peter Jones Enterprise Academy of enterprise go to www.warwickshire.ac.uk/pjea Dee and Rosie with Mark Pawsey MP at the opening of their shop.

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Kissing it better - students give back to the community

The venture is a joint partnership with ‘Kissing it Better’, a national charity that works with local community groups to use their specialist skills to make a difference to the care of patients and carers in hospitals and care homes.

Carole Richardson, Technical Academy Manager for Hair and Beauty at Warwickshire College, said:

Patients at Warwick Hospital have been receiving an extra special service during their stay, thanks to hair and beauty students at Warwickshire College.

From massages and manicures to sets and styles, each week a group of 12 students from the college’s Leamington centre visit the hospital wards to pamper the patients and brighten up their day.

“ We are thrilled with the initial success of our partnership with Kissing it Better and hope this continues for years to come. To see the smiles on the patients’ faces is extremely rewarding and it’s fantastic to see our students developing their skills in a very different environment.”

Since launching in May 2012, the initiative has grown from strength to strength with more

Students pamper patients at Warwick Hospital

students from across the college also offering their skills, including those studying Health and Social Care, Photography, Media and Horticulture.

Jill Frazer, Founder of Kissing it Better, added:

“ I am hugely grateful to Carole and the students from Warwickshire College and Warwick Hospital’s Helen Lancaster, Director of Volunteer Manager, Sharon Nursing at South Warwickshire NHS Elswood, for their great teamwork Foundation Trust, said: that has seen this initiative go from strength to strength.” “ As a Trust we are constantly looking at ways to improve patient In addition to pampering the patients, experience whilst in hospital and we the students also offered treatments would like to thank all the students at to the hospital’s nurses in celebration Warwickshire College who are taking of National Nurses Day. the time to help us to do this.

As an entrepreneurial college, “ We regularly receive comments Warwickshire College places equal value on developing students’ from patients and relatives thanking the students for providing knowledge, skills and behaviours that enable them to demonstrate pamper treatments, which have proven to make a real difference to creativity, innovation, enterprise a patient’s day. We look forward to and entrepreneurialism while working alongside the college on completing their studies. future ‘Kissing it better’ projects to improve patient experience.”

Get the WOW factor!

Our highly-skilled students partner with experienced professionals to provide: • Non-surgical facials • Semi-permanent make-up • Laser treatments • St Tropez tanning • Gel nail polish • Waxing • Elemis facials and more

Late night opening available - 01564 797 833 www.warwickshire.ac.uk/henleyspa

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The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is for entrepreneurial, motivated, bright sparks who are looking for the hands-on skills and knowledge to break into business.

Courses run at Warwickshire College’s Rugby and Leamington centres.

Apply today - 0300 45 600 49

Get more, be more, do more at Warwickshire College Warwickshire College is one of the founding members of the Gazelle Colleges Group.

We believe that we need to equip our students with an entrepreneurial mindset—to be confident, innovative, resilient, enterprise-aware and willing to ‘have a go’—in order to prepare them for personal, social and economic success.

We want to produce future employees who create value. We are leading the way and inspiring a new generation.

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Moreton Morrell Centre Moreton Morrell Warwick Warwickshire CV35 9BL

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Henley-in-Arden Centre Stratford Road Henley-in-Arden Warwickshire B95 6AB

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