Bellis Brothers for the complete shopping day out !!!!!!

Bellis Brothers are an independently run family business located less than 9 miles from both Wrexham and Chester. Situated just off the main A543 Wrexham to Nantwich Road coach groups can visit a Garden Centre and Farm Shop with a 200 cover restaurant, large gift area, and recently opened a butchers and deli.

The attraction offer's a unique shopping experience and prides itself on a team of friendly staff. Bellis Brothers have been growing strawberries in Holt since Charles Bellis planted his first strawberry plant ‘Black Prince’ in 1860.  Today they are still growing strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, loganberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, rhubarb, peas and beans, all available for the pick your own season. Also available when in season, their very own asparagus, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, sprouts, onions, squashes, marrows and pumpkins. The Farm Shop take great pride in supplying customers with fresh fruit and vegetables from the working farm, from field to shop in 5 minutes with zero food miles.

The farm shop has all your daily essentials including free range eggs, freshly baked bread and scones to something a little bit special like local beers, pies, pates and flavoured oils and olives. With the addition of the butchers and deli they are now able to offer a wide variety of meats including delicious Welsh black beef and Welsh lamb, also available are home produced sausages, pies, cooked meats and dry cured bacon's, both smoked and unsmoked.  The deli counter has cheeses, pates, terrines and cured sliced meats from around the world, all reliably sourced from their traditional family butcher.

The giftware department has something for everyone with children’s toys, candles, cards, cookware, storage, home wear, handbags, toiletries and much more.Enjoy a wonderful view over the Welsh countryside as you relax and enjoy the home-cooked menu in our Strawberry Fields Restaurant, which has an extensive menu available for gluten intolerant customers.

Coach operators can be assured that easy parking is available in the large free car park and excellent disabled facilities. Bellis Brothers are happy to take coach bookings; please call the restaurant direct on 01829 272031.

Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre,

Wrexham Road Farm,

Holt Village,

Wrexham,

LL13 9YU

Tel: 01829 270302                                   

www.bellisbrothers.co.uk  

info@bellisbrothers.co.uk                                                                                              

                                                

Twitter @bellisbrothers    facebook/bellisbrothers                                                                                     

Flamingo Land for a fun filled day out !!!!!!!!

Set over 375 acres in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, Flamingo Land is the UK's only combined Theme Park, Zoo and Holiday Resort, with over 100 rides, shows and attractions.  Located between Scarborough and the historic city of York, Flamingo Land is brilliantly convenient for a day trip and an ideal base if you want to stay a bit longer and make the most of your adventure.  Peak Season is from 29th March to 2nd November 2014, and is open daily from 10am (door open 9.30am).

THEME PARK

If you are looking for adrenaline-fuelled thrills, there is a sensational collection of extreme rides. The Theme Park is home to the new roller coaster Hero, which puts riders in a horizontal superhero flying position before swooping them around a track.  There is also Mumbo Jumbo, the world’s steepest roller coaster (Guinness Book of Records 2009), Velocity the UK’s only motorbike launch coaster and Pterodactyl which swings you 150ft into the air.

There is a great choice of junior and family attractions.  For good old family fun, head to kids favourite Splish Splosh where you can play out hilarious water battles together.  Children's Planet is an interactive play area that combines tunnels and climbing frames with enclosures of small mammals such as meerkats. Animatronic dinosaurs move and roar in the Dino-Stone Park area of Flamingo Land, along with full size dinosaur skeletons and a rope bridge.  The rides in this section all have a dinosaur theme, such as Twistosaurus a family roller coaster where each of the cars spins independently around the track, so no 2 rides are the same. And Cyclosaur is a family attraction where riders go higher the faster they pedal.When it comes to entertainment Flamingo Land has a spectacular array of live shows to enjoy. Marvel at the Tanzanian acrobats performing every day - or the Bird or Sea Lion show.There is a wide range of restaurants and bars available during the day, ranging from a luxury sit down meal to a fish and chip takeaway.

ZOO

Flamingo Land’s zoo is the UK’s most visited. The Resort is famed for its environmental work with an award winning conservation project in Africa and endangered breeding programmes too.

There are over 140 species of reptiles, mammals and birds to enjoy. Seek out Sumatran tigers, lions, African rhinos, hippos, baboons, and kangaroos and discover the amazing penguin pool.  Also come and see the new arrivals, a male and female Red Panda. There are 7 daily keeper talks included in your Admission for you to enjoy.

ANIMAL EXPERIENCES

For true animal enthusiasts, our Animal Encounters let you step behind the scenes and enjoy a first-hand experience with a penguin, giraffe, lemur or meerkat.  Lasting around 30 minutes, these hands-on sessions make a great treat for just £20 per person.  Pre-booking recommended. Or why not meet all our animals at once and Be a Zoo Keeper for the Day?  For £175 you can spend 6 hours with the Zoo Keepers behind the scenes of many of our exotic animals.  Pre-booking required.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

Our Education Department reaches thousands of students every year through our teaching programmes.  With a competitive entry price and a variety of activities available, from interactive workshops and guided tours to Meet A Creature sessions, there is something for every school.  Our range of curriculum-linked topics covers every level from early years to post 16's, and we also offer outreach programmes.

FLAMINGO LAND RESORT VILLAGE

Just one day at Flamingo Land is never enough which is why we created our Resort Village. With an extensive choice of short breaks and longer stays, finding your ideal holiday could not be easier.The Resort Village offers an extensive range of luxury accommodation comprising log cabins, lodges, static caravans and soon-to-be-built holiday cottages. There are also facilities for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes, with over 500 pitches available, half of which are linked to electricity.  

There are exclusive leisure facilities including 2 pools, a fitness centre, slides and jacuzzi, along with a 9 hole golf course.  The Club is a premium entertainment venue with a packed programme of live cabaret, music and dance with a family friendly Zoo Bar.Resort guests can enjoy unrestricted Theme Park and Zoo admission, and an opportunity to buy a "Walk on The Wild Side" Experience - where visitors are accompanied by a Zoo Keeper as they walk around the zoo after closing time, for close up, private views.

There is also a great selection of new and pre-loved holiday homes for sale too, with part exchange welcomed.

NEW FOR PEAK SEASON 2014

Peak Season starts on 29th March, where the theme park, leisure centre and entertainment club open alongside the zoo.  The completion of Dino Dig means Dino-Stone Park will be fully open, allowing junior archaeologists to explore their new, interactive fossil hunt. The Mansion House & Tea Rooms will be opening its doors too, allowing you to step back in time and enjoy traditional English refreshments, lovingly served in elegant surroundings. This is also available for hire for weddings and corporate events.

Previously exclusive to Resort guests, The Zoo Bar and Gourmet Grill will be central to Riverside One. This vibrant new outdoor area, featuring an all-weather stage, is sure to keep all their visitors entertained with fantastic live entertainment each and every day.

For more information visit flamingoland.co.uk or call 0871 911 8000*

facebook.com/flamingolandresort

@flamingolanduk 

plus.google.com/+flamingoland

*calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline. Charges from mobile networks and other providers may vary

Article Supplied by: Flamingo Land

Sprint WiFi announce an innovative solution for public vehicles !!!!!!!!!!!!

Press Release Supplied from Sprint Communications

Sprint WiFi is a public WiFi solution designed to be installed in buses, taxis, trains and trams worldwide. Sprint’s solution is powered by the 4G cellular networks and developed along side partner Network Utilities (Systems) Ltd to create a high speed, secure, and easy to use solution that meets the growing demand for WiFi wherever we go.

A recent survey completed by users using Sprint’s solution on a rural bus route found that 100% of users found the service useful, 95% of users would actively use bus routes more if they had WiFi installed and a further 40% said that if they were waiting at a bus stop they would wait for a bus with WiFi before travelling.
In addition to the high speed data connection the products unique login facility is the backbone of the solution. It allows for the gathering of marketing data as well as acting as a platform for both video and banner advertising. It is the only cellular solution that fully complies with UK and EU legislation on recording users details and data transmitted over public WiFi. Users must login before gaining access to the internet either through an account setup with their mobile number and email address, or with their Facebook or Twitter ID. The solution records, encrypts and stores this information. The login facility allows the owner of the Sprint WiFi solution to gather marketing data such as customer names, email addresses, and telephone numbers andrecords when those users are online.

Sprint WiFi is designed to allow for an ‘ads-for-access’ model whereby users watch a 15 second video advertisement in return for 15 minutes of free WiFi this would allow the operator to reduce the overall cost of the solution through advertising revenue, whilst retaining a free WiFi model for the end user. The extensive reporting platform allows operators to login and view the number of users online across their network at any time, as well as other key information such as the length of time users spend online, graphs showing the peak times on the network and allows for the export of data for further analysis. More information can be found on the Sprint WiFi YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/sprintwifi

For questions and comments please contact Jon Stroud on: +44 (0) 7890 555 385
jon.stroud@sprintcomms.co.uk

Visit Snettisham Farm Park with your groups in 2014......

Snettisham Park is a busy working farm consisting of 392 acres. One of its highlights is the unique tractor and covered trailer Deer Safari ride where you can get up close to the friendliest deer in the UK. This 45 minute round trip takes you into our deer park and enables you to hand feed a spectacular herd of over 50 hinds plus the awesome stags. You will receive live commentary throughout and enjoy the parks rich and amazing wildlife plus learn about the crops we grow as you go. If you are lucky you might see the deer swim across the lake. During deer calving months of May, June and July you will be able to see beautiful spotted calves. During the summer the stags grow their new antlers ready for the rutting season towards the end of September.

There are over 250 ewes which will lamb During March and early April. Visitors during this time,  will be able to see new born lambs and maybe one being born.Activities include bottle feeding our lambs, collecting and grading freshly laid eggs, pony grooming, friendly goats to feed, watching our young calves being fed, guinea pig cuddling. There are also pony rides during the school holidays for children.

During the late spring and summer younger visitors visitors will be able to enjoy our New Young Drivers activity - a chance for budding farms to practice their tractor driving skills plus the addition of children's play area..There are also three farm trails to walk around. Short farming trail 2/3 mile, discovery trail 1.5 mile and archaeology trail 2.5 miles. We guarantee you will learn something about this rich and fertile countryside and see an abundance of diverse wildlife and habitats along River Ingol. Visitors are often surprised to find out that our farm is the site of an important Roman Villa, a Saxon Settlement and the famous St Thomas Chapel.

The Visitor Centre is the welcoming hub of your visit. Here you will find the tearoom - light airy space where you can treat yourselves to delicious home-baking, fresh coffee and much more.. On sunny days you can sit our on the terrace and enjoy the splendid views across the Norfolk countryside. Our shop contains farm related toys, gifts, stationary and luxury confectionery and jars. You can also buy our own venison and farm fresh eggs.Special Events include Sheep Dog Trials, Sheep Shearing and evening Deer Safaris and BBQ events. 

For more details on these events see the website www.snettishampark.co.uk or TEL: 01485 542425

Article Supplied by Snettisham Park...

Shrewsbury Flower Show Announce Top Chef for 2014 event.......

Organisers of the Shrewsbury Flower Show have announced that Tom Kerridge the extremely popular and loveable TV chef will be headlining the 2014 event.

Chef patron at the extraordinary two Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers pub in Marlow, Tom is a great character with amazing presence, obvious warmth and an infectious laugh.  The BBC2 series Proper Pub Food became a huge overnight success with excellent ratings and as a result Tom’s fan base has been growing weekly with the accompanying book of the same title became a best seller.

Prior to having his own TV show, Tom appeared on shows such as Market Kitchen, MasterChef the Professionals, Saturday Kitchen and has competed and won the main course twice on BBC2’s Great British Menu.  No-one else has ever won twice!

Shropshire Horticultural Society Chairwoman Donna Hamer said ‘Having Tom Kerridge at the 2014 Flower Show continues our aim of bringing top chefs to Shrewsbury, he is a great character and no doubt his enthusiasm for good food and his great personality will be a huge success in the Foodhall.

The origins of the Shrewsbury Flower Show and its organisers, The Shropshire Horticultural Society, can be traced back over 180 years. Every August The Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place in the picturesque setting of Shrewsbury’s 29-acre Quarry Park, with The Dingle, a magnificent sunken garden, providing a magical centrepiece.  The Shrewsbury Flower Show welcomes thousands of visitors every year and provides an array of entertainment for all ages including stunning flower arrangements, equestrian competitions and musical arena displays, food and crafts, trade stands and a world class firework display both evenings.

The Shropshire Horticultural Society has welcomed many committee members over the years and today is made up of 40 individuals who give their time freely in order to put on this annual event.  Supported by just 4 office staff and an abundance of volunteers, all who work tirelessly to ensure that visitors, many of whom have grown up with the show, return year on year and to continue to attract new visitors.

 Through the success of the show, the Society continues to support the local community, having made its first donation in 1878 for improvement to the Quarry Park. It has subsequently made hundreds of donations to organisations throughout Shropshire including St John’s Ambulance, the Quarry Restoration Project, Princess Royal Hospital Telford and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital, Dial a Ride, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, St Chad’s Church Restoration Fund and St Alkmunds Church.

For more information please call:- 01743 234055 or Email:-  Marketing@shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

 

Stay at the South Beach Hotel.......

The South Beach Hotel is a Traditional privately owned and run Scottish Hotel situated on the beautiful Ayrshire Coast with views to Arran, Ailsa Craig and Mull of Kintyre in the Heart of Burns Country within reach of many of Scotlands best visitor attractions - Loch Lomond, Edinburgh, Stirling, Trossachs, Glasgow, Arran, Galloway Forests, Burns Heritage, Culzean Castle and Dumfries House

We pride ourselves in our service, greeting our guests on arrival, free porterage and serving quality fresh local produce with entertainment

We have 32 ensuite rooms all individually decorated to a high standard, we have disabled facilities and rooms to suit all needs with 2 bars, function suite, residents lounge, beer gardens front and back.  We have a choice of comfortable lounge areas for all to enjoy.

We believe in a traditional Scottish welcome utilising local staff to ensure a friendly comfortable stay. For more information on the South Beach Hotel, contact Tel: 01292 312033, or Email: email@southbeach.co.uk

Article Supplied by: South Beach Hotel

Historic Days Out in 2014 with English Heritage.....

Investment at top English Heritage properties - including elegant Kenwood in North London, aristocratic Audley End House & Gardens at Saffron Walden in Essex, majestic Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden in Warwickshire and opulent Osborne on the Isle of Wight - will guarantee even more historic interest for days out during 2014.

Better Than Ever - Kenwood Re-Opens Kenwood House, Robert Adanis 18th century masterpiece in north London, re-opens at the start of December 2013 after extensive repair and restoration work.Home to one of the greatest art collections in Britain, part of the restoration work now nearing completion will re-display its glorious paintings and show them at their best. With a new roof, refreshed exteriors and its wonderful Adam rooms restored, the overall atmosphere will also be transformed to feel less like a house and more like a home.There will be new introductory displays to enjoy, which tell the story of the house and its residents - from Judge Lord Mansfield and his mixed race great niece Dido Belle to brewing magnate Edward Guinness, who gave Kenwood to the nation. Visitors can also visit the restored ornamental dairy, where 18th century ladies once took tea and played at being dairymaids.

As well as famous paintings by masters including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough to admire, full length portraits of extravagantly­dressed Jacobean courtiers located on the upper floor, will be able to be seen by all, thanks to the installation of a lift. Set in 112-acres of leafy parkland landscaped by Humphrey Repton and dotted with garden ornaments and sculptures -including famous works by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth - Kenwood has wonderful views across London. Entry will continue to be free, but tailored guided tours for groups can be pre-booked - and for just a small charge, will be better value than ever.

 Kenwood, Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR

Tel: 020 83481286 www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood

Royal childhood at Osborne

At Osborne, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's holiday hideaway, Swiss Cottage and Museum - used as a giant 'play house by their nine children - will re-open following restoration of the buildings and conservation of the collections.The charming buildings will tell the story of childhood at Osborne, with a new exhibition and hands-on activities exploring the lives and characters of all the royal princes and princesses, alongside over 4,000 original artefacts in the cottage and museum which have been carefully conserved after being on almost continuous display for nearly a century. The Swiss Cottage Quarter is conveniently located roughly halfway between Osborne House and Queen Victories private beach. Osborne, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, P032 6JX

Tel: 01983 200022 www.english-heritage.org.uk/osborne

Victorian childhood at Audley End House & Gardens The story of eight children who grew up in the 1830s and 40s at Audley End is to be told as part of the opening of the second floor Nursery Suite in the Jacobean mansion, for the first time.Life in the nursery for them and their succession of wet nurses, nursery maids and governesses - at a time when aristocratic children were rarely seen or heard by their parents - is being unveiled as part of a £1m project. The series of rooms in which they spent so much of their young lives - eating a wholesome diet of 'nursery food,' reading and playing with toys - can be explored helped by interactive displays.Along with the Nursery Suite, another previously unseen part of the house will also open next year, when the Coal Gallery reveals its importance for heating the house, and providing it with hot water.There's more to see in other parts of the house too - with improved presentation in the State Rooms and a virtual tour of the house to enjoy.

Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB114JF Tel: 01799 522842 www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend

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twitter. @EnglishHeritage