Tell us where you can find a very warm county welcome

9:30pm Thursday 18th March 2010

By Richard Vernalls

NOMINATIONS are still pouring in for the brightest and best stars in the Worcestershire tourism trade.

This year’s Worcestershire Welcome Awards – with an expanded number of categories – have sparked the imaginations of readers, with hundreds of votes already counted.

Organised by Destination Worcestershire, the awards highlight the dedication of many of the county’s business people to making visitors’ trips unforgettable for all the right reasons.

For the first time this year, the category of sustainable tourism will honour the organisation or business which is doing its best to highlight the importance of preserving the planet.

The Fold at New House Farm in Bransford, near Worcester, is one example of a business going the extra mile to deliver eco-friendly lunchtime food and other services without stinting on good taste and good value.

Run by husband and wife team Jane Cox and Will Tooby and fellow director and head chef David McCaw, The Fold is a cafe, eco-store and community hub for local growers and artisans.

Mrs Cox said: “We opened three years ago but planned it for four years before then.

“We looked at our passion, which is health, and that’s what The Fold is all about.

“My husband started organic farming in the 1960s which is all about health of the land – we desperately need to look after our Earth because it’s precious to us.

“And we can do that by organic farming, buying locally and reducing our carbon footprint.”

The heart of the premises, set up nearly three years ago, is the eco cafe overseen by Mr McCaw.

Nearly all the produce is locally supplied and everything is seasonal and organic. The owners have also established a care farm, where ingredients are being grown locally.

The sustainable living ethos also stretches to the bricks and mortar of the buildings, with insulation and reclaimed wood used internally, and to supporting the local economy with rented space for county designers and makers providing employment.

It also boasts a therapy centre known as Whole Health, where the mind, body and spirit are catered for.

For a full category list and to nominate your choice online, go to visitworcestershire.org.uk.