Main image above: Team ESL
This is an incredibly special time for Team ESL, as we celebrate 10 amazing years this July operating as the region’s largest independent destination marketing company for Herefordshire and its borders.
This continuous tenure is longer than any other over-arching visitor marketing organisation for the area. We have operated throughout without any Government or Local Authority assistance, even during the Pandemic and with no other public funding, simply the support of our loyal Members.
Therefore we also wanted to honour those outstanding businesses that were our early adopters back in 2015, and who have stayed with us loyally ever since.
They definitely deserved some kind of accolade, what better that a fabulous Garden Party at Hereford Cathedral, themselves a Gold Member and possibly the county’s biggest landmark.
Around 70 people gathered in the beautiful Cloisters Garden, which was in full bloom and provided a welcome breeze from the summer heat, while guests socialised with drinks and delicious canapes.
Then it was into the vibrantly decorated College Hall for the speeches and presentations.
Here we presented a prestigious Gold Member award to each business, made of galvanised metal and coated in black with various hanging options – perfect to display indoors or outdoors on a gate, wall or hanging in a main thoroughfare. It should certainly stand the test of time, just like we all have.
1) Matthew, The Hop Pocket Shopping Village. 2) Andy, The Riverside Inn. 3) Nick, Holly Lodge. 4) Pru, Brobury House & Gardens. 5) Elizabeth Banks, Hergest Croft Gardens. 5) Lin, The Steppes Holiday Lodges.
7) Sally & Nicole, Dunfield House. 8) Claire & Kevin, Bowens B&B. 9) Richard & Elizabeth, The Museum of Cider. 10) Jon & Sarah, Eastnor Pottery. 11) Tamsin & Connie, Stocktonbury Gardens.
12) Laura & Ben with Little Ewan, Ty Gwyn Cider. 13) Paula, Castle House Hotel. 14) Abby, Hereford Cathedral. 15) Juliet, Lowe Farm B&B. 16) Yasmin, Old Chapel Gallery. 17) James Hervey-Bathurst CBE, Eastnor Castle
18) Matt & Annalisa, The Crown Inn Woolhope. 19) Linds, Angela & Margaret, The Guild of City Tour Guides. 20) Jeanie & Son, Frome Valley Vineyard. 21) Chris & Alison, Mellington House.
As well as our wonderful Members, we were honoured to be joined by long-time supporters and regional dignitaries as keynote speakers, including James Hervey Bathurst CBE, owner of Eastnor Castle and yet another Gold Member, and Nat Hone DL, along with Members of Hereford Cathedral and wider associates of ESL.
We have to confess that our Founder and MD, Heidi Chamberlain-Jones, succumbed to a few tears at the sight of a room filled with such long-standing relationships and camaraderie.
“ESL has been and seen a journey for all of us during this last decade” she reflected “Inside the business we have been such a tight team that has become a family, with its own struggles and successes. Our Members are as much part of that extended family and we pride ourselves on knowing all of them personally. Like us, those Gold Members have ridden out some of the most challenging times, through Covid and now in such a volatile commercial climate. We have seen those business owners get married, have children, grow and expand, as well as working through personal losses and navigate incredibly difficult times. We are all mutually dependent and such an example of how solidarity encourages resilience and success.”
Everyone also signed a creative memento Jigsaw with a message on each piece, designed to indicate how ESL and its Members all part of this bigger business puzzle together.
We give a huge Thank You to everyone who took time out of their businesses and day to attend and celebrate such a positive occasion.
Special appreciation must also go to:
Hereford Cathedral for such a lovely venue – to host your own event contact Jess Stallwood on jess.stallwood@herefordcathedral.org
Craft & Pop for their fabulous floral and balloon displays and delicious branded biscuits. Find them on Instagram @craftandpop They’re brilliant for birthdays, christenings, weddings, corporate/business events etc. DM Charlie if you’d like her to make your celebration look amazing too.
Frome Valley Vineyard (10 Year Gold Members) for their yummy bubbly and apple juice. Why not have a tour if you’ve never been.
Westons Cider (10 Year Gold Members) for their refreshing and fruity award-winning pink Vintage Rose cider.
Photographs are a collection by Richard Weaver Photography and Attendees.
If you’d like to become an ESL Business Member, see more info and sign up here from just £16.25 per month.