WORCESTER TRAVEL AGENT NAMED BEST...

WORCESTER TRAVEL AGENT NAMED BEST IN CENTRAL ENGLAND

A Worcester travel agency has been named as the best in Central England.

arrangeMY Escape was named Central England’s Top Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.

 

It is the second year in a row that the agency has taken the crown for the region, and was last year also named UK & Ireland’s No.1 Travel Agency.

TTG editorial director Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its eighth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.”

“We were delighted to see the high street travel agency sector performing so strongly, with almost every finalist reporting a record year of sales in the last 12 months – reaping the rewards of the extraordinary service they offered to clients during the challenges of recent years. There is no doubting that the high street travel agent is here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever.”

About arrangeMY Escape’s win, judges said: “Last year's UK & Ireland No.1 has not rested on their laurels over the last 12 months, from working with a local producer to create a branded gin, to creating bespoke video content for display on the in-store TV. We loved the agency's commitment to taking apprentices and work experience placements, and a new scheme whereby arrangeMY Escape plants a tree for every wedding or honeymoon booking. This is an agency excelling in all areas, and going from strength to strength.”

Jennifer Lynch general manager said “What a wonderful 12 months the agency here in Worcester has had. Winning the UK & Ireland No.1 in 2022 propelled the agencies status and determination. With this we concentrated on our customers and focused on all the finer details as well as strongly introducing sustainability as a core part of our company and customers’ journey. The team are thrilled with this award for the second year running and cannot wait to see what the next 12 months ahead will bring.

The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 27 April, with more than 500 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier-partners in attendance, with entertainment from Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift and chart-topper Chesney Hawkes.

Find more about TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative, see ttgtop50.com and #ttgtop

TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023. The Vox Birmingham. 27th April 2023. Photograph by Steve Dunlop www.stevedunlop.com steve@stevedunlop.com

 

WORCESTER AGENT NAMED BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

A Worcestershire travel agency has been named as the best weddings and honeymoons retailer in the British Isles.

arrangeMY Escape was named UK & Ireland’s Top Weddings & Honeymoons Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.

TTG editorial director Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its eighth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.”

“We were delighted to see travel retailers performing so strongly, with almost every finalist reporting a record year of sales in the last 12 months – reaping the rewards of the extraordinary service they offered to clients during the challenges of recent years. There is no doubting that travel agents are here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever.”

About arrangeMY Escape’s win, judges said: “We had a lot of love for the wedding and honeymoon services of this Worcester-based agency, with their strong focus on LGBTQ+ customers and busy schedule of wedding fairs. Hand holding couples with a bespoke after-sales concierge service and showering them with sweet treats, keepsake luggage tags and the gift of a tree planted in a developing country are just some of the ways this agency woos its happy customers.”

Jennifer Lynch the agencies general Manager said “We take immense pride in this award; our wedding and honeymoon packages have really been refined with care and attention to detail. We really think about the journey our special couples experience with us right from the get-go. As a team we are really proud to achieve such a prestigious award and title and look forward to continuing our innovative wedding and honeymoon offering.

The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 27 April, with more than 500 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier-partners in attendance, with entertainment from Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift and chart-topper Chesney Hawkes.

Find more about TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative, see ttgtop50.com

TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023. The Vox Birmingham. 27th April 2023. Photograph by Steve Dunlop www.stevedunlop.com steve@stevedunlop.com

 

 

Congratulations to arrangeMy escape!

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CUPP CELEBRATES NATIONAL BOBA TEA DAY WITH FREE BOBA TEA GIVEAWAYS

CUPP, a popular boba tea brand in the UK, is excited to announce their National Boba Tea Day celebration on Sunday, 30 April. To celebrate the occasion, CUPP will be giving away free boba tea to the first 100 customers at all of their stores across the UK. The boba tea will be made with Oat Milk sponsored by Minor Figures, a popular oat milk brand.

Boba tea has become increasingly popular in the UK over the past few years, and CUPP is proud to be a leading boba tea brand in the country. National Boba Tea Day is the perfect opportunity for CUPP to celebrate their passion for boba tea and thank their loyal customers.

"We're thrilled to celebrate National Boba Tea Day with our customers and give them a taste of our delicious boba tea," said Lee Peacock, CUPP's Founder.  "We're grateful to Minor Figures for sponsoring our Oat Milk and helping us provide our customers with the best quality boba tea."

In addition to the free boba tea giveaways, there will be other fun activities and giveaways in all of the CUPP stores. Customers can participate in competitions and win exciting prizes.

"We invite everyone to come celebrate National Boba Tea Day with us at their nearest CUPP store," said Lee Peacock. "It's a great opportunity to try our boba tea and have some fun with our community."

For more information, please visit the CUPP website at www.cuppbubbletea.co.uk.


Summer bunting is on its way in Worcester! 

Towards the end of April, colourful bunting will be installed across the city on the High Street, Pump St, Mealcheapen St, St Swithins St and Broad St!

Join in the fun and decorate your shop windows in the most colourful way you can! Sign ups for the Worcester BID summer window art are still open for all BID businesses until tomorrow at 4PM.

This is a joint installation bought to the city by Worcester BID and Worcester City Council.


Worcester Whitehouse Hotel enjoys visit from Robin Walker MP

Did you know it is English Tourism Week? 'Coordinated by VisitEngland and taking place from 18-27 March, English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry and kick-starts the season. The week highlights tourism’s economic importance to local economies'.
The Worcester Whitehouse Hotel enjoyed a visit from Robin Walker MP to kick off the week of industry focus and were joined by other hoteliers and local peer members from the city.
"The tourism industry makes up a whopping 80% of the UK’s visitor economy! English tourism in 2019 generated over £100 billion a year and supported 2.6 million jobs and is a major employer of school leavers and young people, as well as an incubator for entrepreneurs and innovation." ~ VisitEngland
To put it in a county-wide perspective, "In 2021, just over 14 million people visited the county including 883,000 overnight stays. Visitors have contributed over £747 million pounds to the local economy giving destinations, attractions and the hospitality sector a much-welcomed boost after the struggles the industry’s businesses faced after the pandemic." ~ Visit Worcestershire
These stats go to show why the emphasis on tourism is so key to local industries and why the week of tourism focus is more important than some may release to the prosperity of local areas in the UK.
So what can we do to support? VisitEngland is encouraging people to show support for English tourism on social media by using #EnglishTourismWeek22. People can share photos and memories of favourite holidays in England on the Thursday during the week using #throwbackthursdays. And most simply... be a tourist in your own country!

Aspire - Contemporary art exhibition by artist Wayne Warren The Commandery, Worcester

 

Aspire arrives at The Commandery, Worcester on 1 April until 3 September 2023

8 works on the themes of aspiration, dreams and ambition placed at significant points

Free family workshops with artist Wayne Warren on Easter Monday 10 April

Butterflies and angels are taking over The Commandery in an exhibition filled with hope and aspiration. Aspire opens at The Commandery on Saturday 1 April and runs until Sunday 3 September 2023.

 

The artworks have been created by contemporary artist Wayne Warren in response to the beautiful Commandery building and it’s amazing one-thousand-year history. The artworks represent aspirations, dreams and ambitions.

 

Visitors can follow the trail of artworks around The Commandery, take a selfie in front of huge angel wings in the historic Great Hall and enjoy a programme of wing-inspired family activities over the Easter holidays, including a workshop with the artist himself on Monday 10 April.

 

Situated in the heart of Worcester, The Commandery has been a medieval monastic hospital, a Tudor home and a 1950s print works, but is most well-known for being the headquarters of the Royalist army during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 – the deciding battle of the English Civil War.

 

The artworks include Golden Wings, situated in the building’s beautiful Great Hall; and Growth, a new artwork commissioned especially for the exhibition at The Commandery, featuring gold leaf on oak leaves and acorns, situated upon a stool made of wood from the Boscobel Oak, purported to be the tree King Charles II hid in when fleeing from the Battle of Worcester.

 

Wayne Warren’s work has been exhibited at Worcester Cathedral and internationally in Hong Kong, Beijing, New York and Venice. Wayne says of his show at The Commandery: “My work reflects my thoughts and feelings about the 1,000 years of history contained within the fabulous building.”

 

Commandery Manager Rachel Robinson says: “It is fascinating to have The Commandery’s history interpreted in new ways and to shed light on its many layers of history. We hope visitors will enjoy finding the artworks around the building, taking their angel wing selfies, and having fun with the family activities.”

 

The Commandery is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 3pm. It is also open Bank Holiday Monday 10 April 10am – 5pm and there are workshops at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Normal admission applies, no extra fee for the exhibition. Small fee for the family activities. For more information, please visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk


𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱!

Calvin [pictured second], Owner of The Cabin, said that the team was "very excited to be expanding on the established retail store on Trinity Street and that the new venue allows for a dedicated art space, for bespoke picture framing and fine art printing services". In particular Calvin is excited to be able to provide a space for local artists to exhibit and sell work.
The Cabin has also invested in facilities that allow them to scan original artwork for local artists to have a quality printing service in the heart of the city.
On Thursday 23rd February, The Cabin Studio and Gallery launched with 𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦, an exhibition of handmade prints by the incredibly talented Chris Bourke Art .
Chris, full-time artist and printmaker [pictured fourth], said "myself and Calvin have build up a relationship over the years through his framing of my work; this is my first show since 2011 in Worcester and I am excited to have the opportunity to go through my archives and to show art that has never been exhibited before."
The new venue will also house specialist framing services! Sylvie [pictured third] said that they are happy to announce that they offer hand joined frames that can be custom built now they have the new facilities at the Arch: most prominently, Sylvie is proud that they offer conservation framing with the option of UV protected glass and quality wood framing.
You can now find The Cabin's second venture at Unit 1 Netherton Court in The Arches, Worcester.
Find them on Instagram @discoverthecabin!
Find their website HERE.

KEEP UP TO DATE ON OUR SOCIALS AND FIND THE ORIGIONAL NEWS HERE


Student Discounts Galore!

Are you a student? Make the most of your student card in the city centre at the following places

FOOD

M&S – 25% off food on the go (UNIDAYS)

Zizzi (High Street) – 20% off Monday-Thursday (UNIDAYS)

Yo Sushi – 20% off when you dine in (UNIDAYS) – Limited Time Only Check UNIDAYS Website for up to date details

Pizza Express30% Off Food Sunday – Thursday (UNIDAYS)

Bills20% Off total bill Sunday to Thursday (UNIDAYS)

GreggsFree Sausage Roll, Vegan Sausage Roll or Sweet Treat – When you buy any cold Sandwich Deal! (Show student card in store)

Hotel Chocolate – Redeem a 10% student discount with Student Beans. Hotel Chocolat Discount Codes | Voucher Codes

BEAUTY

Boots – Boots offer students a 10% discount. The discount is valid online and in-store, with a Boots Advantage Card.  Present your valid student ID in-store to have your student discount linked to your Advantage Card.

House Of Fraser – 10% off year round with Student Discount Apps. See more here: Student Discounts | Exclusive Student Offers | House of Fraser

Superdrug – Superdrug offer students a 10% discount. The discount is available in-store only, and you’ll need to present your student ID alongside a Superdrug Health & Beautycard.

*Superdrug’s Online Doctor is also providing a 10% discount for students on all products and services with the code: STUDENT10

Perfume Shop15% Off (UNIDAYS) Student Discount | The Perfume Shop

The Body Shop – The Body Shop offers a 15% student discount on all products, so you can treat yourself to your self-care favourites without breaking the bank. (UNIDAYS)

 

FASHION

Accessorize – (High Street): Get 10% off full price items. (UNIDAYS)

House Of Fraser – 10% off year round with Student Discount Apps. See more here: Student Discounts | Exclusive Student Offers | House of Fraser / (Student discount on Beauty Products | The Body Shop®)

Moss -10% Student Discount at Moss – Student Discount (moss.co.uk)

Jingo (Pump Street): 10% off full price all year round.

Pandora – 50% off any order over £99 with Student Beans (account required).

 

HAIR

Avant Garde Hair & Beauty50% off your first visit, 25% off your second visit and 15% off every visit after (Get the discount here Student Discount Hereford & Worcester Hair & Beauty Salons (agsalons.com))

Inspiration Hair – £10 off your first visit (Hair Salon New Client Discount Voucher – Worcester (inspirationhair.co.uk))

 

OTHER

Paperchase – Paperchase offer students a 10% discount.

Smiggle – Get the 10% off Smiggle student discount code with your first purchase & Newsletter Sign Up.

Cornish Bakehouse – 10% off (Check offer before purchase as varies).

Waterstones10% (Show your card at the till).

The Kiln (Copenhagen Street) – Enjoy a student/graduate discount (50% discount for 6 months).

Worcester Tourist Information Centre (High Street): Make the most of a 10% offer on all gifts.

Museum Of Royal Worcester – Student entry reduced rate = £6.50

 

 

Take a look at NUS TOTUM and UNiDAYS, alongside other ways to look out for student discounts like Student Beans and StudentDiscount.co.uk.


Worcester is ready to light up for Christmas

Christmas is coming to Worcester – with the festive lights being switch on in a fun-packed family event on Saturday 26 November.

This year there will be more streets lit up in the city than ever before, including – for the first time – seasonal illuminations on New Road to create a closer link between the festive offers in both the city centre and St John’s.

This year’s Christmas lights are a joint effort between Worcester City Council and Worcester BID – and with low energy LED bulbs being used, this festive season will also be better for the planet.

Free and fun for all the family, the big switch-on event begins at 4pm on Saturday 26 November in Cathedral Square, with Radio Wyvern hosting live music performances from local band Split Second, school choirs, and characters from the Swan Theatre’s pantomime cast of Cinderella. The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, will help to switch on the lights.

If Worcester residents have all been good boys and girls this year, Father Christmas might also make a special appearance.

This year’s colourful festive lights will, for the first time, extend into New Road, and Worcester BID will be supporting lights in Reindeer Court, Lower Broad Street, New Street, Friar Street, The Hopmarket and The Shambles. The latter location will have overhead festive lights for the first time, while the New Street and Friar Street lights will feature purple colours to reflect Worcester recently securing the purple flag in recognition of it being a safe night-time destination.

There will also be a trail of 12 ‘light boxes’ to be explored around the city centre, each hiding an image of one of the 12 days of Christmas. Visitors will be able to use the torch on their mobile phone to reveal the image inside each box.

Councillor Robyn Norfolk, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee, said: “At a time when many cities are scaling back their Christmas plans, I’m very pleased to announce that Worcester’s festive lights will be better than ever. And, for the first time, the illuminations will take in New Road, creating a colourful seasonal link between our two busiest shopping areas in the city centre and St John’s.

“Despite the pressures that people are under at the moment, we hope the Christmas lights will encourage shoppers and visitors into our city and help our local businesses to enjoy a successful festive season.

“The family-friendly switch-on event on 26 November in Cathedral Square will be packed full of great free entertainment and will kick-off a fantastic programme of seasonal fun – with more to be announced very soon!”

All of Worcester’s Christmas illuminations this year will be low-energy LED lights – with over 80,000 individual LEDs in use around the city. These are kinder to the environment and are also around 85% cheaper to run.

Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Worcester BID’s focus this year for the Christmas lights has been around the sustainability and running costs of the scheme. We have focused on ensuring that whist the lights capture the spirit of the season and help visitors and shoppers to enjoy the city centre, everything – including the LED bulbs, use of phone torches that are already charged, and quantities of lighting – has been chosen to be more sustainable this year than ever before, across many busy and popular city zones.”

This year’s extensive programme will bring Christmas lights to the main shopping streets in the city centre and St John’s, and include the traditional brightly-lit tree on the New Road roundabout.


There’s still time to get your entries in for this year’s Worcester Show

Whether you’re a great gardener, a brilliant baker or a creative crafter – there’s still time to showcase your talents at this year’s Worcester Show.

With 140 competition classes, there’s something to suit entrants of all ages – and even the family dog can join in the fun. But don’t leave it too late - entries close on August 8! All entries need to be submitted online at worcestershow.org.uk. Those without internet access can visit the Tourist Information Office for a paper copy.

Classes range from floral displays, fruit and vegetables, jams, cakes, art, photography and handicrafts – and you don’t need to be an expert – novice classes are available, plus classes just for children. Entries for the dog show can be made on the day. All judging will take place on Saturday 13 August, excluding Cacti & Succulents which will be judged on Sunday 14 August.

This year’s Worcester Show will be held on Sunday August 14 in the spacious surroundings of Pitchcroft Racecourse, and it promises to be a great day out for all the family.

Children can enjoy a whole host of activities from bouncy castles and a traditional merry-go-round and the ever-popular bungee rides. Free activities include face-painting with Doorstep Princesses, crafting with Arts & Wonder & Wotahoot and the brilliant Music bus from Severn Arts. A sports zone will offer taster sessions of a variety of different sports and an array of market stalls and independent stalls will offer bargains and gifts galore.

To add to the festival atmosphere, there will be musical entertainment throughout the day spread across two stages, with bands taking to the Tom Jones main stage and other acts appearing on the community stage. For the first time the show will also feature an Asian Mela Marquee showcasing food, art, music, dance and craft from across South Asia. This will include cooking demonstrations and henna and creative craft activities for all the family to enjoy.

The show is delivered by Worcester City Council, supported by the Friends of Worcester Show, and for 2022, in partnership with Worcester BID and Chin Badger Media.

Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson said: “Worcester Show is always a fantastic day out for all the family and I’m very much looking forward to the event – there is so much to see and do. It’s also a great opportunity to show off your talents, whether they be cookery, gardening or art; it’s well worth entering one – or many - of the competition classes.”

 

Entries for the show are open until August 8. To enter a class or to find out more about the event, go to www.worcestershow.org.uk

 


Hospice volunteer named Platinum Champion

Hospice volunteer named Platinum Champion

 A St Richard’s Hospice volunteer from Droitwich Spa has had years of exceptional dedication to the charity recognised with a national award.

 

Eunice Williams has been announced as a Platinum Champion. The awards were established by the Royal Voluntary Service in honour of Her Majesty The Queen and the great example she has set in her 70 years of service.

Eunice will receive a specially designed, official Platinum Champions pin and a signed certificate from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.

As one of the original volunteers at the hospice when it first began in Droitwich Spa in 1984, Eunice continues giving her time, energy and enthusiasm until this day.

Claire Watkins, Staff and Volunteer Engagement Officer said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Eunice has won this award. Over the years Eunice has taken on a wide range of voluntary roles with wonderful grace and enthusiasm displaying a natural empathy with everyone she meets.“

Eunice is inspirational. She has shared her skills as Head Volunteer Gardener, receptionist and fundraiser. Her friendly face and compassionate manner immediately put people at ease – in an environment where they may initially be anxious. As a volunteer, Eunice gives her time and her passion for life and her great sense of humour too.

“She is one of those truly special people that are making a real difference in our communities with their kindness and generosity. She’s inspired many others to volunteer – including her husband, Ron.”

Eunice said, “I’m honoured to be named as a Platinum Champion. This award is in recognition of all the work volunteers do for the hospice. I have made great friendships and had lots of fun, being a volunteer at St Richard’s really adds to my life.”

 

To find out more about volunteering at St Richard’s Hospice, visit their website https://www.strichards.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/

St Richard’s Hospice cares for adults with a serious progressive illness, improving their quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days. It also supports their loved ones.

Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,100 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

It costs £8.75m to run the hospice (20/21 audited accounts), which includes patient care and all the necessary support services.

St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations and gifts in Wills for the majority of its income with the remainder funded by the NHS.

For more information about St Richard’s Hospice visit www.strichards.org.uk