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

by BID Team

Museum of Royal Worcester celebrates 70 royal years in Porcelain with the help of Stanley Road Primary School

Museum of Royal Worcester celebrates 70 royal years in Porcelain with the help of Stanley Road Primary School

The Museum of Royal Worcester has been awarded a grant from the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund, administered by Worcester Community Foundation, ensuring that creativity plays an important role in local community celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Sophie Heath, Museum Director said “Thanks to the grant adults and children can get creative all summer at the Museum of Royal Worcester. We’ll be celebrating with an exciting programme of royal-themed creative activities. From Saturday 28 May until Sunday 4 September, we have a special exhibition exploring 70 royal years in Worcester Porcelain and our connections to Queen Elizabeth II. You’ll see samples of things made for her use, royal commemoratives marking milestones in her life, and records of her two visits to the Royal Worcester factory.

Children from Stanley Road Primary School visited the Museum in May for a hands-on creative workshop with local artist, Fliss O’Neill. We are delighted to show you their wonderful array of Very Special Plate designs fit for the Queen and inspired by Royal Worcester, which will be on display too. Throughout the Summer you’ll be able to contribute to our creative artwork wall in the display where we’re asking what you’re celebrating in 2022. Our ceramic studio is offering Jubilee shapes so you can choose to paint-your-own royal-themed mug, princess carriage or crown as a commemorative souvenir.”

Wednesday 1 June is Jubilee Party Day at the Museum and everyone is invited to take part in creative arts activities inside and outside the Museum. You can get involved and help create our Big Tea Party Wall celebratory artwork with artist Fliss O’Neill on the day. Our Pop-Up Museum will be back in the courtyard, with royal-themed crafty activities. There will be tea-tasting and bite-sized gallery talks. Book at www.museumofroyalworcester.org/jubilee

Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England said “The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund is a wonderful example of our ambition to give everyone the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts, culture and creativity – made possible thanks to National Lottery players. This June, we’ll see communities across England coming together to celebrate a historic milestone for this country. I’m excited to see these projects brought to life in villages, towns and cities across the country as our wonderfully creative communities celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Rosemary Macdonald, CEO, UK Community Foundations, said: “For community foundations, people and places are the priority and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a unique opportunity for people to get together and celebrate in their communities. We are proud to have connected Arts Council England with local organisations whose imaginative and exciting projects and collaborations with professional artists will bring communities together to enjoy marking this milestone moment in our history.”

HM The Queen Elizabeth II is the first monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, having overtaken Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning monarch in 2015.  Her reign has been marked by a commitment to public service, reflected by her extensive programme of engagements at home and abroad, and support for over 600 cultural organisations, charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.

by BID Team

Over 50 Jobs Created in Worcester Town Centre as The Botanist Gets Ready for Summer Opening!

Known for its lavish botanical themed interiors, award-winning bar and restaurant The Botanist has announced that it’s now hiring a full team to run operations at its new Cathedral Square venue, with 50-60 roles available.  

Hopeful of a July opening, the brand is looking for front and back of house staff, from Chefs to Servers to Bartenders, and encourages creativity, individuality and personal flair from its employees. 

Roles are also advertised for a Duty Manager and Sous Chef to join the growing team.  

Rachel Guy, Openings Manager at New World Trading Company added, “Our stunning new opening brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals to join us. Joining us at the beginning of our journey means you’ll be bringing our unique brand to life with the help of award-winning training. 

“Our in-house Management Academy & Future Managers programme offers transparent career pathways and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.” 

To find out more about the opportunities available and apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/opening-roles.  

The brand is also on the hunt for talented local musicians, across a range of genres including rock, pop, soul and R&B, to join its roster of artists in delivering live entertainment at the new venue. To apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/music-recruitment.   

Worcester’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s world-class cocktails, extensive craft beer offering and famed hanging kebabs. Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social venue, ideal for family meals, sophisticated evenings and celebrating special occasions. 

To stay up to date with The Botanist Worcester’s opening, follow it’s Facebook page or sign up to its newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive invites and offers for the opening week.  

by BID Team

The Botanist Confirms It’s Coming to Worcester!

The Botanist – one of the UK’s most celebrated bar-and-restaurant brands – has today confirmed rumours that it has signed up to Cathedral Square, giving town centre visitors and workers even more to look forward to as we head into spring.

Set to open to the public later this year, the award-winning flagship brand of acclaimed bar, pub and restaurant operator New World Trading Company is renowned for its lavish botanical-themed interiors.

Worcester’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s world-class cocktails, extensive craft beer offering and famed hanging kebabs. Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social venue, ideal for family meals, sophisticated evenings and celebrating special occasions.

Samuel Pisani, Centre Manager at Cathedral Square Worcester said, “As the Centre Manager of Cathedral Square, I am thrilled and excited that we can now share the news that The Botanist will be joining our scheme in the heart of Worcester.

Not only will The Botanist be a great addition to the mix of retail and leisure that we currently have, but they will also add further employment opportunities to the local community.

The Botanist share the vision of our Owners and Centre Management Team in offering a diverse and exciting retail and leisure experience for our customers and we look forward to them opening their doors to the public this Spring.”

Natasha Waterfield, Chief Operating Officer at New World Trading Company said, “Bringing our unique concepts to new cities and towns for the first time is always an exciting moment for the business.

“Cathedral Square is an exciting new lifestyle destination which aligns with our brand vision. We can’t wait for the residents of Worcester to experience our truly immersive offer at The Botanist.”

Rachel Guy, Openings Manager at New World Trading Company added, “Our stunning new opening brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals to join us. We’re currently recruiting a management team to join us at The Botanist Worcester. Those interested in joining our team will receive award-winning training and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”

Keep an eye out for job opportunities at https://nwtc.uk.com/careers.

The brand is also on the hunt for talented local musicians, across a range of genres including rock, pop, soul and R&B, to join its roster of artists in delivering live entertainment at the new venue. To apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/music-recruitment.

by BID Team

It’s time for a big switch on in Friar Street and New Street with the installation of new festoon lighting

It’s time for a big switch on in Friar Street and New Street with the installation of new festoon lighting along both streets, thanks to Worcester Business Improvement District (BID).

Worcester BID is responsible for the infrastructure and installation of year round festoon lighting along these two popular, historic streets. For years Friar Street and New Street could not have Christmas lighting or bunting due to a lack of fixing points. This is all about to change thanks to the BID. The lights will be in place by the end of October ready to celebrate the festive period and then stay in place into next year and beyond.

Hannah Webb from Bottles Wine Bar on New Street agrees: “We’re so excited at Bottles at the prospect of festoon lighting all down two of Worcester’s most historic streets. As a Worcester girl who has lived and worked largely on New Street and Friar Street it really inspires a sense of nostalgia and I believe will create a gorgeous atmosphere down our already buzzing little streets. They are a welcome addition, highlighting some of Worcester best independent businesses and boutiques. “

Terry Goodwin-Jones and Popi Pribojac own and run The Kings Gallery & Mangojuice Gallery on New Street.  Terry comments: “We are very pleased and excited to hear about the new festoon lighting for Friar Street and New Street. Having traded in New Street for 22 years, it has often felt that we are poor relations to other areas because we never have any Christmas lights, so to now have some permanent festoon lighting is fantastic, especially with the darker evenings coming. It will make these streets so much more atmospheric at night. This is another good initiative by Worcester BID to make Worcester a more attractive place to visit!”

Anja Potze owner of Anja Potze Fine Jewellery on Friar Street adds:  “We are thrilled to have the new festoon lighting on Friar Street, shining a spotlight on our independent boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is a thoughtful infrastructure for BID to put in place – and one that visitors and residents will love.”

And from Worcester BID, Samantha McCarthy says: “The anticipation around this new festoon lighting is brilliant to see.  It is in initiatives like this that city centres see their truest benefit from the BID, as a private sector support to provide extra elements to the city centre to assist our shops and business. Delivering projects to enhance the public realm is key to support with the recovery of our city post pandemic. We are encouraging locals and visitors to explore different areas of Worcester, helping spread footfall and spend.”

Boxed panel

Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.

along both streets, thanks to Worcester Business Improvement District (BID).

Worcester BID is responsible for the infrastructure and installation of year round festoon lighting along these two popular, historic streets. For years Friar Street and New Street could not have Christmas lighting or bunting due to a lack of fixing points. This is all about to change thanks to the BID. The lights will be in place by the end of October ready to celebrate the festive period and then stay in place into next year and beyond.

Hannah Webb from Bottles Wine Bar on New Street agrees: “We’re so excited at Bottles at the prospect of festoon lighting all down two of Worcester’s most historic streets. As a Worcester girl who has lived and worked largely on New Street and Friar Street it really inspires a sense of nostalgia and I believe will create a gorgeous atmosphere down our already buzzing little streets. They are a welcome addition, highlighting some of Worcester best independent businesses and boutiques. “

Terry Goodwin-Jones and Popi Pribojac own and run The Kings Gallery & Mangojuice Gallery on New Street.  Terry comments: “We are very pleased and excited to hear about the new festoon lighting for Friar Street and New Street. Having traded in New Street for 22 years, it has often felt that we are poor relations to other areas because we never have any Christmas lights, so to now have some permanent festoon lighting is fantastic, especially with the darker evenings coming. It will make these streets so much more atmospheric at night. This is another good initiative by Worcester BID to make Worcester a more attractive place to visit!”

Anja Potze owner of Anja Potze Fine Jewellery on Friar Street adds:  “We are thrilled to have the new festoon lighting on Friar Street, shining a spotlight on our independent boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is a thoughtful infrastructure for BID to put in place – and one that visitors and residents will love.”

And from Worcester BID, Samantha McCarthy says: “The anticipation around this new festoon lighting is brilliant to see.  It is in initiatives like this that city centres see their truest benefit from the BID, as a private sector support to provide extra elements to the city centre to assist our shops and business. Delivering projects to enhance the public realm is key to support with the recovery of our city post pandemic. We are encouraging locals and visitors to explore different areas of Worcester, helping spread footfall and spend.”

Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.

by BID Team

Wellbeing and City Treats – Support your Local

New season, new you? Post lockdowns, the appetite for wellbeing is strong. If the media reports are anything to go by, interest in self care and wellbeing (both physical and emotional) is much higher since Covid.  Worcester’s city centre businesses can help boost your mental, emotional and physical health to see you through the Autumn.

Our skin needs additional, different protection in the Autumn/Winter, against increased wind, cooler temperatures and rain.  Protect and enhance your skin as the seasons change with a facial at Simply Beautiful in St Swithun’s Street or at Infinity Beauty in Friar Street.  Book a new nail colour at All About Me in Sidbury and follow up with a hair treatment to soothe dried-out Summer hair at Wicked or Inspirational Hair.

Sleep is vital for your wellbeing and is an area where many people struggle.  Aid your sleep by stocking up on bathtime treats at Lush and The Body Shop.  Rosie Burge is trainee manager at Lush on the High Street.  “Since we reopened after lockdown, we are finding that as well as for gifts, many more people are coming in to buy items for themselves, for bathtime relaxation and also face masks and hair care.  We are very busy in the shop, and customers are commenting how lovely it is to come and in for a full retail experience, and that buying online isn’t as powerful in terms of smell and touch.”

Along the Shambles, health shop Revital has just celebrated its 9^th anniversary of opening.  Post lockdowns, Manager Alex Browning is seeing new faces in the shop as well as established customers.  “There is a huge awareness in health now.  People seem to want to look after themselves, for example vitamin D is an area of great interest, probably due to people staying inside during lockdown.  From September to April, the sun is too far away from us here in the UK for our bodies to produce vitamin D, so this is something people are already starting to stock up on for Autumn/Winter.  Come in and ask us.”

At Fitness4less on Cathedral Square, manager Arran Arougundade reports that the gym and pool are both busy now having suffered with full closure during lockdowns.  “Since the last lockdown we have had many ex-members return and many new members join. Health is so important and we are seeing many take it more seriously, including getting back in the gym, creating a routine so they can be fitter and healthier.  During the Winter it will be vital to see people stay healthy: they need to be encouraged to join a gym so they can still exercise as the evenings get dark and cold. We have a pool, sauna and steam room so our members take full advantage of these luxuries as well as offering free parking for all our members now.”

Insider tip:  Did you know that Alex and Lisa at Revital are both qualified nutritional therapists and can offer expert advice in the shop?

Worcester Business Improvement District is a business-led and business-funded body, working to improve and promote Worcester city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest. As a democratically elected, independent body, Worcester BID enables more than 600 businesses to work collectively to influence and impact on how Worcester city centre is managed and develops. BID has been successful to secure its third term with the objectives to promote, support and enhance Worcester.

by BID Team