SPRING TREAT FOR GARDEN LOVERS

One of the Midlands finest stately home gardens and parkland is welcoming the Plant Hunters’ Fair on Mayday Bank Holiday Monday.

Weston Park, on the Shropshire / Staffordshire border, is hosting a Spring Plant Fair for green fingered enthusiasts, taking place on Monday 2nd May 2011.

Plant Hunters’ Fairs organise a series of events across the UK from prestigious venues including the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and Adlington Hall in Cheshire and has turned to Weston Park as one of its Shropshire location.

Visitors will enjoy an explosion of planting expertise provided by a collection of specially selected, nurseries such as Plantagogo, Hall Farm Nurseries, Special Perennials and the famous nursery, Cotswold Garden Flowers.

For true ‘plantaholics’ there are little horticultural treasures to be discover that cannot be obtained elsewhere in addition to the impressive array of plants.

Entrance to the fair will also include access to the stately homes 1,000 acre of parkland, formal gardens and children’s adventure playground.

Andrea Webster, Marketing Executive at Weston Park said: “We are delighted to welcome Plant Hunters’ Fairs to Weston.

“The Stables Lawn, in front of the stately house, will provide the perfect backdrop for this gardening event which we feel will make for a great Bank Holiday day out.”

The Spring Plant Fair takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May from 10am – 5pm. Admission is £2 per person.

THE FORD COLLECTION EXHIBITS OUTSIDE LONDON

The exquisite Ford Collection has left its London residence for a rare and exclusive exhibition in the Midlands.

The Granary Art Gallery at Weston Park on the Shropshire Staffordshire border will display the private works-of-art, which were bestowed and nurtured by the late Sir Brinsley Ford, a distinguished connoisseur and former chairman of the Art Fund.

The collection, which is on loan from the Ford family to the stately home’s art gallery from Saturday 2nd April through to Sunday 3rd July, features works by the eighteenth century landscape artist Richard Wilson alongside architectural fantasies by Giovanni Paolo Panini and portraits by Augustus John.

The origins of the collection lie with the family’s ancestor, Benjamin Booth, whose indulgence and love of art was born through his marriage to wealthy Shropshire heiress, Jane Salwey. The collection then passed to the Ford family through marriage.

The late Sir Brinsley Ford took great pride in the stewardship of the family inheritance by sharing it with others. He passionately cultivated the collection studying its historical influences, such as, the Grand Tour, where young gentlemen travelled Europe to complete their education.

Gareth Williams, curator to the Weston Park Foundation, said: “We are especially grateful to the Ford family for their generosity in lending a part of their family collection to the Granary Art Gallery.

“Their collection contains some of the very finest works by Richard Wilson and artists connected with the Grand Tour.

“It is an immense honour for the Weston Park Foundation to be hosting this outstanding collection as well as a fabulous opportunity for visitors to the gallery to see a remarkable and rare group of paintings,” concluded Gareth.

Sir Brinsley Ford was unstinting in his devotion to art causes, ranging from the National Gallery, the Society of Dilettanti, the National Trust Foundation for Art and the Art Fund.

The Ford Collection at the Granary Art Gallery is generously supported by Sotheby’s and Lycetts insurance brokers.

The Ford Collection at the Granary Art Gallery runs from Saturday 2nd April to Sunday 3rd July from 11am – 4pm and is free to enter.

For further information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

SPOTLIGHT FALLS ON FINE ART IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

Talented artists from across the UK are invited to enter an open art competition organised by a Midlands stately home and sponsored by a leading fine art auction house.

The Granary Art Gallery at Weston Park, on the Staffordshire Shropshire border famous for hosting royalty and world leaders, has joined forces with Halls to launch a Fine Art Open Competition.

The winning artist will receive a prize of £2,000 and will also see their work of art featured in the Weston Park Granary Art Gallery’s August exhibition. In addition to the national prize, a regional prize of £500 will be awarded to entries from the Staffordshire and Shropshire area.

A third ‘junior’ category is open to budding artists under the age of 18 with the chance to win a selection of fine art equipment.

The recent sponsorship strengthens the auction house’s partnership with Weston Park as Halls will continue to hold regular fine art advisory days at the stately home. Experts are available throughout these events to give visitors free appraisals on fine and decorative art, jewellery and collectibles.

Gareth Williams, curator to the Weston Park Foundation said: “Weston Park is an educational charity and we are passionate about fostering and encouraging talented artists. We feel this open competition will provide an ideal platform to promote the country’s emerging artists.

“We are delighted that Halls has committed to supporting the Fine Art Open Competition and look forward to welcoming both national and regional submissions.”

The Halls Fine Art Open Competition will be displayed in the Granary Art Gallery throughout August 2011. Artists may submit up to five works of art for a registration cost of £15.

Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery was opened in a restored granary building in 2009. It has rapidly established a reputation for its changing catalogue of selling exhibitions by acclaimed artists from the around the country as well as displaying historical artefacts and paintings, on loan from private collections.

For information on the Halls Fine Art Open competition and to download the registration form visit www.weston-park.com/hallsopen.

For further infromation please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email connect -group.com.

EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF RHODODENDRONS

Gardening enthusiasts can embrace the colourful spectacle and scent of Rhododendrons during a series of evening walks at a Midlands stately home.

Weston Park, the former ancestral home to the Earls of Bradford, is opening sections of its woodland on Thursday 12th, Saturday 14th and Thursday 19th May for exclusive guided walks along its Rhododendron and Azalea lined pathways.

Introduced to the Weston Park estate by the Victorians it was a further 60 years later in the early 20th century, that the 4th Countess of Bradford expanded the floral collection with more fashionable hybrids. The shrubs were aimed at creating a riot of colour and fragrance designed at impressing visitors.

The guided walks commence at 6.30pm capturing the intense aroma and rich colours of purple, mauves, reds and pinks.

Weston Park’s Head Gardener Martin Gee said: “Early evening is the ideal time to witness the impressive beauty of this ‘king of the shrubs’.

Entry is £5.00 for adults, £4.50 for seniors and £3.00 for children and is payable on the evening.

The Granary Grill, Bar & Restaurant is open for dinner after the walk, reservations are advised.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

FIRST UK EXHIBITION FOR ANDY WARHOL PROTÉGÉ

Californian artist, Robyn Geddes, who launched his career at Andy Warhol’s iconic art studio, The Factory, in New York has confirmed his first UK exhibition.
Robyn Geddes will display an exhibition of his recent works for sale at a Midlands Gallery from January 2011.

Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery on the Shropshire Staffordshire border is the first UK gallery to feature the exhibition and is free to attend.

The protégé artist remained at Andy Warhol Enterprises Inc from 1978 to 1983 fostering his talent and experience and providing an ideal platform into the art world.

Geddes’ career continued to flourish as a publisher, curator and director for a assortment of prestigious New York galleries and collectors while collaborating with renowned artists such as, Malcolm Morley, Sam Gilliam and Robert Moscowitz.

Having exhibited on both the sides of the States, Geddes work also features in private collections of art collectors and dealers including that of John Cleese.
His current works have the subject matter of birds, often painted against a stridently coloured background, which is perhaps influenced by some of the colours which Warhol used, an opinion expressed by Gareth Williams, Curator to the Weston Park Foundation.

Gareth comments: “The importance of Geddes’ work and its heritage in the international art scene means that this exhibition offers a great opportunity for collectors to see and perhaps purchase some very special works.

“It is an absolute privilege to welcome Robyn who is the first transatlantic artist to exhibit at the Granary Art Gallery.”

Robyn Geddes selling exhibition features at the Granary Art Gallery at Weston-under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8LE from 11:00 to 16:00, Tuesday 4th January to Monday 31st January 2011.

For further information call 01952 852100 or visit www.weston-park.com/geddes or contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or sue/connect-group.com

FESTIVE EXPERIENCES AT A STATELY HOME

Being treated like the Lord of the Manor with a team of servicing staff at hand may just be a dream for most but a Midlands stately home is making it a reality as it unwraps its stately festive experiences.

The former home to the Earls of Bradford, Weston Park, is providing the complete distinguished experience with fine dining, classical music and opulent accommodation as an alternative to pre-Christmas breaks and parties.

Traditionally only available on a private hire basis, Weston Park on the Staffordshire / Shropshire border is extending its welcome with a limited number of Christmas dining events.

The Weston by Candlelight, three-course fare and the Traditional Christmas Dining, four-course dinner are prepared by an award winning chef and served in the historic Dining Room surrounded by originals art works by Van Dyck and Lely.

The house butler and his brigade tend to the guests’ every need with overnight accommodation in the traditional 17th century bedrooms with the chance to explore the Capability Brown Parkland the following morning, enhancing the stately experience.

The Weston by Candlelight experience costs £65 per person and the Traditional Christmas Dining evening costs £75 per person. Accommodation prices start at £160 per room.

For further information on Weston Park’s Christmas availability and costs visit www.weston-park.com or call 019052 852 100.

For further information please contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

LANDSCAPE ARTIST REVEALS LATEST EXHIBITION

British landscape artist, Alistair Tucker will reveal his latest atmospheric works in an exhibition at a Midlands stately home where works will be available for purchase.

The contemporary portraits capture the seasonal changes of mountain views throughout Wales, the Lake District and the Irish coast and will be on display during the month of November at Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery on the Staffordshire / Shropshire border.

Currently the Head of Art at the Queen’s School in Cheshire, Alistair explains his artistic passion.He says: “The landscape is always changing depending upon the weather or the season; this excites me enormously and I see my art as a visual record of an ongoing playtime where I am searching, probing and observing what I see, feel and experience when I am outdoors.

“My aim is to preserve the frisson of the first encounter and to try and capture the timeless nature of the place, its presence and essence.”

The Alistair Tucker Exhibition runs throughout November at Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery at Weston-under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8LE from 11am – 4pm.

For further information visit www.weston-park.com or call Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

AUTMUMN FRIGHTS AND DELIGHTS FOR FAMILIES

An Autumnal calendar of family friendly events has been revealed by a Midlands stately home.

Weston Park on the Shropshire Staffordshire border will celebrate the seasonal change with fungi hunting, spooky Halloween trails and a firework extravaganza.

The Fungi Walk takes place on Sunday 10th October led by a Shropshire Wildlife Trust expert. Walkers will forage for mushrooms and be taught how to distinguish the edible and non-edible varieties found within the estates woodland. Baskets and spoons are recommended for collecting the mushroom.

A ‘fright’ to remember on Sunday 31st October will see young Halloween hunters embark, if they dare, on a Pumpkin lantern trail with spooky storytelling and a spine-chilling disco with creepy nibbles.

Weston’s Bonfire & Fireworks celebrations take place on Sunday 7th November. The action pack night features two firework displays, a giant Bonfire, a fun fair all hosted by Midland radio station, Beacon.

Embracing the taste of Autumn and to celebrate British Food Fortnight will see the arrival of a new autumnal menu in the Granary Grill, Bar & Restaurant. Rich in harvest festival favourite with an emphasis on game, seasonal fruit and vegetables from local produces and homemade pudding the new menu, available from 21st September is set to tantalise the taste buds.

Further Information
Fungi Walk, Sunday 10th October 2010. The walk includes lunch in the Granary Grill Bar and restaurant and costs £7.50 for adults, £7.00 for seniors and £5.50 for children.

Halloween – Weird and Wonderful at Weston Park, Sunday 31st October. Pre booking is required.

Bonfire and Firework Extravaganza – Sunday 7th November. The gates open at 3.00pm. The bonfire is lit at 5.30pm. The firework display are at 6.00pm and 7.30pm. The cost per car is £16 maximum six people per car, £45 per 16 seater minibus and £110 per coach.

British Food Fortnight start on 18th September 2010.

For further information contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

A CRACKLING GOOD NIGHT AT WESTON PARK

Weston Park’s Bonfire and Firework Extravaganza is set to illuminate the sky over one of the Midlands’ top attractions.

The popular family event, which takes place on Sunday 7th November 2010, features a giant bonfire, two firework displays and a fun fair, all within its 1,000 acres of parkland.

Weston Park is located on the borders of Staffordshire and Shropshire close to the motorway network and has hosted its annual event for the past 20 years.

Supported by a Midlands radio station, the Beacon Radio Roadshow team entertain the crowds from 4pm with fun and games to help make the evening go with a bang.

Families can enjoy two firework displays, the first rockets into action at 6.00pm followed by another sparkling performance at 7.30pm.

Looking forward to an action packed evening, Andrea Webster, Weston Park Marketing Executive, said: “Our Bonfire and Firework Extravaganza is always a popular event. The combination of a traditional bonfire, an exhilarating funfair with two spectacular firework displays and of course Beacon Radio, means there is something for everyone, whatever their age.”

The gates will open at 3pm with the bonfire is lit at 5.30pm. Free car parking and on site catering facilities are available.

Entrance is £16 per car with a maximum of six people per vehicle, £45 per 16-seater minibus and £110 per coach.

For further information contact Sue foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

BANK HOLIDAY FUN AT WESTON PARK

Set in 1,000 acres, Weston Park is a woodland fantasy, adventure playground and stately home all rolled into one offering families endless entertainment for the Bank holiday weekend.

Children are free to go wild in the Woodland Adventure Playground, explore the countless woodland walks by foot or by bike and discover the medieval Deer Park and Hermits Cave. Just when they are running out of puff along comes the miniature railway which steams towards Temple Wood and into wildlife.

The stately home displays one of the UK’s most impressive art collections. The House tours reveal many historical and fascinating tales, such as who gave Prime Minister Disraeli slippers for Christmas, which Earl witnessed a secret royal marriage and meet the Captain of the Mary Rose who went down with his ship!

Homemade refreshments are available the Stables Coffee Bar with sizzling dishes served up over lunch and dinner in the new Granary Grill Bar and Restaurant. The Grill’s new holiday lunch menu offers a mouth-watering selection of dishes, to capture the essence of summer eating.

The Granary Building offers visitors a farm shop, supplied by local producers plus a selection of Weston Park’s homemade delights prepared by its head chef. Its art gallery, located in the buildings eaves, exhibits a series of selling portraits and rare private collections.

The Park and Gardens are open daily from 10am to 6pm whilst the House is open from 1pm to 5pm and is closed on Saturdays. Admission to the Park and Gardens is £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for children. A family ticket is £20.00 and includes entrance to the House.

Weston Park is open daily through to Sunday 5th September 2010 (excludes 18th – 25th August). The Granary is open daily and is free to enter.

For further information contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

GAME FAIR PROVIDES A TASTE OF STATELY LIFE

The Midland Game Fair, the premier event for outdoor and country life pursuits, organised by Countryman Fairs has announced the ultimate in rural hospitality as it teams up with its stately home host, Weston Park.

Visitors can experience the Midland Game Fair from the comfort of their very own stately home, as they combine a country house party experience with entry to the show, taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September 2010.

Guests to Weston Park, on the Shropshire / Staffordshire border will be greeted by the stately home’s butler on the Friday evening and enjoy dinner in the brand new Granary Grill, Bar & Restaurant on the estate before returning back to the stately home for post dinner drinks in the Library.

A day of countryside sports and activities follows on Saturday, before returning to the House for a four-course dinner served in the Dining Room which features the cream of the Weston Park art collection. Guests can retire in the Library before heading to one of the individually designed 28 bedrooms.

The Midland Game Fair provides the perfect environment to celebrate all things associated with the British countryside and rural life. It brings together experts from numerous sporting disciplines and major countryside associations, societies and hosts major competitions making it appealing to all ages.

Weston Park prides itself on its traditional homely feel, five star food and service and the Midland Game Fair Weekend Package is the perfect way to relax, enjoy the show and soak up the atmosphere.

The Midland Game Fair Weekend Package costs £550 per couple; this includes VIP parking, two nights’ overnight accommodation with breakfast, a four course dinner on Saturday evening and weekend tickets to the Midland Game Fair. (Price does not include dinner in the Granary Grill on Friday 18th)

For further information or to book please visit: www.weston-park.com or call 01952 852100

For further information contact Sue Foster at Conenct PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

THE EARL OF BRADFORD OPENS NEW RESTAURANT

Weston Park welcomed The Earl of Bradford to officially open its Granary Grill Bar and Restaurant.

The lavish event, which was attended by over 100 guests, completes an intensive restoration programme which saw the disused Granary building been transformed into a vibrant Farm Shop, Art Gallery and now Bar and Restaurant.

The 70-seater Granary Grill features split level seating with views over the estate’s pools and cottages. The newly built state-of-the-art kitchen and grill takes centre stage and is located next to the old slaughterhouses, which are now a preparation area.

The restaurant provides a relaxed setting for lunch and dinner seven days a week and features a seasonal menu promoting some of the regions finest producers.

For further information please contact Sue foster at connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

Parents looking for affordable and safe ways to entertain their children this summer can turn to a Midlands stately home for an array of indoor and outdoor play activities.

Set in 1,000 acres of open parkland Weston Park is a woodland fantasy, adventure playground and stately home all rolled into one and has opened its gates to families for 2010 (Saturday 29th May – Sunday 5th September).

Children can go wild in the adventure playground, explore the countless woodland trails and lakes by foot or bike and discover the Medieval Deer Park and Hermits Cave. Just when you are running out of puff along comes the miniature railway that steams towards Temple Wood and more wildlife.

The Children’s Activity Centre located in the Stables Courtyard, with summer weather as unpredictable as ever, the sheltered area is full of fun things to do including drawing, dressing up and playing games. There are a variety of trail cards to be picked up to help explore the parkland.

Refreshments are available in the Stables Coffee Bar including homemade cakes and sandwiches. For a more substantial lunch the recently opened Granary Grill will sizzle up local cuts of meat, offer light bites and salads as well as homemade puddings.

The Granary Farm Shop and in-house Butchery offers families locally sourced produce plus monthly exhibitions in the Art Gallery.

Colin Sweeney, Weston Park’s chief executive said: “Weston Park has been described as the Midland’s best kept secret for a family day out, but it’s a secret we want to share with families. During the long school holidays Weston Park can provide a great day out for all.”

Weston Park opens for the summer on Saturday May 29th daily through to Sunday 5th September. Park and Gardens are open from 10.30am to 6pm whilst the House is open from 1pm – 5pm and is closed on Saturdays.

Park and Gardens admission: Adults £5.00, Children £3.00 and Seniors £4.50. A family ticket is £20.00 (2+3) and includes House entry.

To help plan a day out families can download a map of the estate or the easy to view on-line events programme to find out what Weston has planned for the rest of the year.

For further information contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

STATELY HOME’S SIZZLING NEW ATTRACTION

A Midlands stately home is set to stage its best performance with the arrival of its new theatre style grill and 70-seater restaurant serving up lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Weston Park, the former home to the Earls of Bradford recently opened the doors to its Granary Grill.

The bar and restaurant is located in the old malting house of the restored 18th century Granary building and combines a relaxed ‘easy eating’ atmosphere with an informal menu, heavily influenced by locally sourced seasonal produce.

The eatery features split level seating with views over the estate’s pools. The new state-of-the-art grill and kitchen takes centre stage and is located next to the old slaughterhouses, which is now a preparation area.

The restaurant opening completes the estates all year round offering in the Granary, which saw a farm shop and art gallery open in April 2009.

For further information on the Granary Grill at Weston Park please visit www.weston-park.com.

For further infromation contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT FARM SHOP

To celebrate the 1st Birthday of the Granary Farm Shop & Art Gallery, Weston Park will open its Park and Gardens on Easter Saturday, 3rd April, for just £1 per person.

Since it opened, the farm shop and art gallery has welcomed thousands of shoppers seeking out the very best in locally produced food and drink. Visitors to the gallery have been able to purchase some remarkable works by acclaimed artists during the monthly selling exhibitions.

To celebrate the day, the stately home on the Shropshire / Staffordshire border has a range of activities to suit all ages.

Suppliers to the farm shop will be talking about their produce and be offering samples of their delicious products, the Park and Gardens will be open at a special rate of £1 per person and children can follow the Easter Chick Trail in the stately home.

The art gallery will welcome Colin Carruthers, acclaimed landscape artist, for a selling exhibition of his most recent works. Now based in the West Midlands, Colin travels widely to capture the beauty of the British Isles.

Children can run wild in the Adventure Playground, take a ride on the Miniature Railway and explore the woodland walks, lakes and follies.

The Park and Gardens open from 10.30am until 6pm (last admission 4.30pm). Entry is £1.00 per person, children under four are free of charge.

The House opens from 1pm – 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) Entry is £2.00 per person, children under 4 are free of charge.

Rides on the Miniature Railway are £2.00 for adults, £1.50 for children (2-14 years) and £1.50 senior citizens.

The Granary Farm Shop and Art Gallery is open daily and free to enter.

For further information please contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01952 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

STATELY HOME’S SIZZLING NEW BAR AND GRILL

Spring 2010 will see the opening of a 60 seat restaurant in the grounds of a Midlands stately home providing picture-perfect surroundings in which to enjoy high quality, locally-sourced food and drink.

Weston Park has begun work on its latest business venture, The Granary Bar and Grill, which completes the final phase of its restoration programme. The ambitious development project has already seen the transformation of part of the disused building into a ground floor farm shop and an art gallery, created in the eaves of the building.

The restaurant will be located in the old malting house of the restored 18th century Granary building and will provide a modern British menu incorporating the region’s finest produce.

The new Bar and Grill will feature a spilt level seating area and will provide diners with views over the pools, as well as the estate’s church and cottages. The state-of-the-art open plan kitchen and preparation areas will be located in the former slaughter house.

The restaurant development will complete the estate’s dining repertoire allowing more visitors the opportunity to enjoy great food at everyday prices as Colin Sweeney, Weston Park’s Chief Executive explains.

He said: “Our latest project will complete the Weston Park all year round experience bringing the very best of locally sourced food and drink to the heart of our customers. It complements beautifully our fine dining occasions in the main house and our more informal style in the stables coffee bar.”

Weston Park hosts a number of public events throughout the year in its 1,000 acres of parkland including the popular V Festival and the Midland Game Fair. The House, gardens and parkland is open to the public throughout the summer offering a children’s Adventure Playground, woodland walks, lakes and follies.

As the former home to the Earls of Bradford, the estate is held in trust for the nation by the Weston Park Foundation. All profits from commercial activities directly fund the on-going preservation of the estate for future generations.

The Granary Farm Shop and Gallery is open seven days a week stocking locally produced food and drink and is free to enter.

For further information contact Sue foster at Connect PR on 01952 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com

STATELY HOME CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION

Weston Park has un-wrapped a host of festive treats which are set to delight and entertain all the family.

Visitors can dine by candlelight, do lunch in the Orangery, take a ride on the Santa train, stay overnight in the stately home and purchase the Christmas turkey and seasonal goodies from the Granary Farm Shop.

New for 2009, the stately home on the Staffordshire / Shropshire border will host a Weston by Candlelight evening, taking place on Thursday 17th December. Starting with a glass of mulled wine guests will enjoy a three-course dinner in the stunning Dining Room surrounded by original works by Van Dyck and Lely.

Entertained by the Heart of England Strings the evening will conclude with selection of Christmas carols.

The new Christmas Lunch in the Orangery provides a stunning setting for office parties or a relaxing location for gatherings with family and friends.

The Santa Special train will take children through the wintery woods in the Weston Park Estate to meet Santa in his grotto where they can personally deliver their Christmas lists and receive a gift. The train will run every weekend during December (except 26th and 27th).

The Christmas Food and Craft Fayre, held in the Granary Farm Shop on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December, will showcase the finest local produce. The Fayre will offer an array of festive delights and provide an ideal opportunity to sample a selection of regional produce on sale in the shop.

In addition, customers will be able to pre-order their meats, cheeses and groceries easing the stress associated with Christmas shopping, safe in the knowledge that their seasonal meal has been prepared, cooked, matured or grown in their local area.

The popular four course dining and overnight accommodation in the stately home is set to return offering a first class cuisine and luxurious mini break as Andrea Webster, Weston Park’s marketing executive explains.

She said: “Everyone likes to celebrate Christmas in a different way and we feel Weston Park has so much to offer that we have created a comprehensive festive calendar to cater for all ages and budgets.”

The Christmas Food & Craft Fayre is free to enter.

The Weston by Candlelight, dinner in the House costs £60 per person and includes a three-course meal, a welcome drink on arrival and entertainment.

Traditional Christmas Dining costs £75 per person and includes a four-course dinner, coffee and chocolate truffles and entertainment. Bed and breakfast in the House is £160 per room.

Tickets for the Santa Special is £7.00 for adults and £9.00 for children (12 and under).

For further information on all Christmas events at Weston Park visit: www.weston-park.com.

For further information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

NEW SEASON OF ART AT STATELY HOME'S GALLERY

Weston Park’s Granary Gallery is beginning a series of monthly changing art exhibitions where the works will be available for sale.

The stately home's rolling exhibitions will make the most of the spectacular space within the newly restored 1767 Granary building. The white walled space below the grandeur of the open oak timbered roof will offer a changing perspective for the contemporary art world.

The Gallery, on the Staffordshire Shropshire border, has the highest possible specifications in terms of environmental control, which means the items from Weston’s reserve collection, as well as items from private collections, can be displayed.

The contemporary art exhibitions will provide a vivid contrast with Weston Park’s heritage providing a dynamic visual feast for visitors. Each exhibition will showcase a different artist, handpicked by Weston Park. Their work will, at times, be strikingly different in approach but overall quality serves as the hallmark for each exhibition.

Gareth Williams, curator to the Weston Park Foundation comments: “Weston Park’s own collection offers some of the very finest examples of old masters’ works, from Van Dyck to Gainsborough and we see the Gallery as offering an opportunity to showcase contemporary artists which offer a relevance of art in every day life.”

Throughout October Fabienne Russell is displaying her work. Fabienne’s art reflects her cosmopolitan, occasionally nomadic existence. Born in North Africa, she has lived and worked in countries as varied as Morocco, the Congo and France.

Focusing on purely abstract compositions Fabienne comments: “I try to perpetuate the tradition of painterly painting, taking inspiration from artists such as Velasquez, who had a very intense relationship with paint, and contemporary artist Callum Innes, whose process involves the removal as well as the addition of paint and a unique way of using colour which influences my work tremendously.”

From Sunday 1st November, it’s the turn of Alan Albert Smith, whose works include a great sense of variety of composition often with a figurative content giving a great sense of meaning. Alan’s painting involves a great clarity of colour, occasionally with amusing incident.

In December Felicity Kershaw’s works will be on display at the Gallery. Felicity focuses on visual stimuli in the world around her and presently paints the domestic world, ranging from still lives to portraiture and conversation pieces.
Felicity comments: “My aim is to communicate the idea that ordinary everyday things are worth looking at and have their own beauty.”

The Gallery is open daily from 11am – 4pm and is free to enter.

For further information please contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

MIDLANDS BUTCHER REARS PARTNERSHIP WITH STATELY HOME

A West Midlands butcher is expanding its business as it embarks on a partnership with a stately home’s Granary Farm Shop.
Robinsons of Tettenhall, butchers for over 100 years, will be operating the Butchery at Weston Park’s recently launched, Granary Farm Shop.

The family butcher, located in Wolverhampton, has developed a renowned reputation for supplying the finest quality fresh meats from locally sourced farmers.

Established in 1905, Robinsons has continually invested in its business to ensure premium quality produce and unrivalled customer service. Its traditional butchery techniques and practices have created award winning sausages and black pudding, dry-cured bacon and homemade pork pies.

Speaking of the expansion Robinsons owner, Steve Robinson, said: “We are very excited to be expanding our business and believe Weston Park’s Granary Farm Shop is the ideal venue to showcase our produce to a wider audience.”

To launch the joint partnership, Weston Park and Robinsons hosted a sausage sizzle evening allowing customers to sample the award winning products for themselves.

Welcoming the Robinsons team Weston Park’s chief executive, Colin Sweeney said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve and his team to the Granary Farm Shop. Their expertise and passion will help to position the Granary as the place to shop for the regions best local produce.”

“We want to thank Martyn and Helen Rowley of Buttercross Farm Foods who initially managed the butchery since the Granary Farm Shop launch in April.”

The Granary Farm Shop is located in the former 1767 Granary building on the Weston Park estate. The building has been sympathetically restored with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands.

The total award, of just over one million pounds, was granted on the basis of repairing and restoring the North face of the listed building.

The Shop also features locally sourced food and drinks from regional suppliers and sells produce such as seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheese, local beers and bakery products.

For further information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

A ‘MIDSUMMER NIGHTS’ PICNIC AT WESTON PARK

Visitors to Weston Park in the Midlands can tuck into a locally produced picnic at this year’s outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, A Midsummer Nights Dream.

The entertaining tale of star-crossed lovers, magical potions and mistaken identity will be performed by touring group, Quantum Theatre, taking place on Saturday 27th June.

For the first time spectators can pack their picnic hampers with a selection of freshly prepared and locally sourced produce from the stately home’s recently opened Granary Farm Shop.

Sarah English, food business manager at Weston Park, is delighted to offer visitors this additional service and help promote the very best of the regions producers.

She said: “The new Granary Farm Shop will be selling a range of picnic goodies including freshly made sandwiches, crisps, pork pies, scotch eggs, homemade cakes and ice cream which play-goers can assemble themselves and enjoy before or during the performance. So bring your picnic basket and fill it with delicious goodies.

“Tickets sales are going well so we are looking forward to welcoming many visitors to this year’s enchanting play.”

The Granary Farm Shop is open all day until 6pm. Gates for the performance open from 5pm with the play beginning at 7.30pm. Rugs or low backed seats are recommended to add to the evening’s enjoyment.

Tickets cost £12 for adults, £7 for children (4-14yrs) or £26 for a family ticket comprising of two adults and two children.

The Quantum Theatre performers are renowned for their fast paced, humorous and highly energetic shows.

To purchase tickets call 01952 852100 or visit www.weston-park.com

If you are interested in this story contact

Sue Foster

Connect PR

Telephone: 01902 714957

Email: suefoster@connect-group.com