Furniture Makers launches Welsh Region with Hensol Castle event

We are expanding our regional network of committees with the launch of a new Wales Region, chaired by Emma Leeke, managing director of well-known department store retailer Leekes.

We now have nine regional committees – the East of England, Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, Southern, Wales and Yorkshire. Each region aims to organise fundraising and networking events in their area for members and non-members of The Furniture Makers Company.

The new region is launching with a tour and gin tasting event at the grade 1 listed Hensol Castle Distillery, located in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, on Thursday 13 February (6.30pm – 9.30pm).

The evening will begin at 6.30pm with a welcome drink in the photogenic 17th century Hensol Castle, built by one of Wales’ coal magnates with the distillery tour starting at 7.00pm. During the tour guests will explore the history of both the castle and gin and get a backstage insight into the secrets of the distilling process and how the flavours of the gins are blended. Once the tour is complete, attendees will work their way back to the speakeasy gin bar where they will be given a guided tasting of several of the gins and sprits made on site.

This event is open to anyone working in the furniture industry with links to Wales along with their guests.

Brian Ahern, the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company and Jonny Westbrooke, CEO, will be at the event and available to talk to those interested in understanding more about the work and purpose of the organisation.

Emma Leeke, chairman of the Wales Region, said: “On behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company, I am delighted to invite you to their first Welsh based event. Our aim is to bring together individuals and organisations from across the Welsh furniture industry, fostering collaboration and encouraging new membership. This event will mark the start of what we hope will be a regular calendar of gatherings, each one a chance to strengthen ties within the industry.”

The price of the event is £40 + VAT (total £48) includes a welcome drink, gin tour and tastings. There are also a limited number of rooms available to stay in the newly refurbished historic castle.

 If you are interested in attending the event, please contact Jessica Land, regional fundraising administrator at The Furniture Makers’ Company: jessica@furnituremakers.org.uk