July Newsletter

Hello All

I'm not quite sure how it happened but a full six months has sped my since my last update, so it seems about time I invade those in-boxes! Here's a round-up of what's been going on in the world of Helen Stallard Communications...

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First up, I've been down in St Davids playing at being Alastair Campbell for the official Royal opening of the newly restored Cloisters and Refectory at St Davids Cathedral.

Yes, the Refectory has actually been open for two years but the £4.5 million restoration of the Cloisters has just been completed, and so we were graced with the company of The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall who came to meet staff involved with the project (and enjoy a cup of tea at the Refectory). A lovely day - and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the PRs at Clarence House, who turned up in a helicopter no less. One can only dream.

Good coverage achieved across BBC Wales and in the regional papers - the Press Association were particularly taken with our Polish kitchen staff, who of course found the experience of meeting British royalty all rather strange. www.refectoryatstdavids.co.uk

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Whilst we're on the subject of St Davids, I've taken on a new client in the form of Cwtch*, to my mind the best high-end eatery in the tiny gastro-city. Cwtch* believe in simple cooking from the best seasonal ingredients, presented with a touch of flair.

Owner tempted me with a taster menu back in May and I am still dreaming about the glorious roasted pork belly. Hmm. Anyway, Second Chef Gareth Evans has just been named winner of the national Skills for Chef competition, of which we've received plenty of coverage. www.cwtchrestaurant.co.uk

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Forbidden: A Tale of Love and War kicks of at Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire next week (July 10-12), of which I've been co-ordinating Marketing and PR.

This will be a brilliant outdoor dance event produced by Dancefest, the dance agency for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, at what must be one of the most evocative of English Heritage sites.

Over 100 school and community performers from Herefordshire have joined a team of professional dancers and aerialists to tell the story of Goodrich's very own Romeo and Juliet, put together by Artistic Director and former-Motionhouse dancer Helen Parlor.

We've received lots of support from the regional papers, particularly the Hereford Times who've placed film of the rehearsal on their website (www.herefordtimes.com) and Sid Langley from the Birmingham Post who's been following progress of the project on his www.birminghampost.net blog.

Top marks to Ben Wood and at Creative and Brand who did a brilliant job creating a visual identity for the project.

Book tickets and find out more at www.dancefest.co.uk

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Not much space left so final round-up...

I'm still working with mac in Birmingham, covering their PR as they enter the £14.8 million refurbishment that will secure the arts centre for future generations. Look at the web cams on www.macarts.co.uk

Bright Space - formerly Creative Partnerships Birmingham - have asked me to look after their PR over the summer. Too many great arts and education projects to mention, but if you're in Centenary Square in Brum next Friday (11th July) you won't be able to miss the 600+ school pupils participating in Big Dance Birmingham, choreographed by ACE Dance and Music's Gail Parmel. www.brightspace.org.uk

A lovely morning spent with Mark and Penny Makin, directors of Makin Projects, who asked for a mini marketing consultancy for their growing Tour Booking and Management company. The Makins place a great emphasis on integrity and looking after their clients, and are worth looking out for! www.makinprojects.co.uk

And finally, I've been working with Clarry Bean and the team at Swindon Arts Centre on getting their autumn 08 brochure off the ground. www.swindon.gov.uk/artsandculture.

Wishing you all a lovely summer!

Till next time,
Helen