NEWS Nearlywed The latest news from around both counties TOUREASY LAUNCHES FIRST CHRISTMAS TOUR A new Swindon-based sustainable tour operator is offering Christmas trips, perfect for a hen gathering or a pre-wedding break. Toureasy is the UK’s first and only carbon-neutral coach tour operator with 15 pickup points across the region including Chippenham, Gloucester and Cheltenham. Tours start from £70 per person and include a trip to the Christmas markets and a two-day break to Blenheim Palace with its spectacular light display colouring the palace and gardens. The getaways are designed so that customers can do their bit for the planet without paying a premium or needing to sign up for long-term commitments. Holidaymakers will receive a certificate after each trip confirming the carbon offset made on their behalf and reinforcing the positive impact they have made in combatting the global climate crisis. The founder of Toureasy, Sean Taggart tells us, “We realised that far too often sustainable travel options are linked to luxury holidays, with a price tag to match. Our ambition is to offer affordable holidays where everyone that travels with us automatically makes a positive contribution to protecting our planet. Our holidays make that possible and we are proud to be operating some of our first tours from the South West.” To book, visit www.toureasy.co.uk EDITOR LOVES Rosebud Preserves of Masham and Two Dales Bakery of Reeth have collaborated to create the very best quality festive mince pies hand-crafted at the artisan bakery from a sweet, all-butter shortcrust pastry, using organic flour from Shipton Mill in Gloucestershire and free-range eggs from Wensleydale. They are generously filled with Rosebud Preserves’ delicious Almond & Orange Mincemeat and eight pies are presented in an elegant grey gift box with a clear presentation lid (£9.95 per box/400g). Hannah Parnell, baker and owner of Two Dales Bakery, tells us, “We were thrilled to be approached by the team at Rosebud Preserves to discuss a collaboration to make mince pies for Christmas. It was great fun developing the final pastry recipe to complement the delicious flavours of the mincemeat. We bake the pies fresh for each delivery and once they are out of the oven, sprinkle them with just a little sugar, ready for our customers to enjoy.” To shop, visit www.rosebudpreserves.co.uk Congratulations! Helen Browning’s Royal Oak Pub & Rooms located in Bishopstone, Wiltshire, has recently won Inn of the Year as The Good Hotel Guide revealed its 10 César award winners for 2022. It’s the ideal place for a mini-moon in the region, a pre-wedding dinner or an intimate hen night gathering. Owner Helen Browning and the team champion all that is organic with the milk, meat and other ingredients on the menu supplied from the surrounding fields. The characterful pub was previously awarded an OBE for services to farming and is set amid 1,500 acres of farmland in the beautiful Wiltshire Downs. It’s home to 12 stylish bedrooms named after different fields, and farm safaris and wild camping are on offer. To book, visit https://helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk 8
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