At Warren, we believe in more than just building world-class products; we believe in building stronger communities. This year, we’re putting our commitment into action by participating in the Only the Brave Obstacle Challenge, taking place at the Euston Estate on Sunday, 22nd September.

The challenge

The Only the Brave Obstacle Challenge is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a demanding event filled with mud, sweat, and tears, designed to push participants to their limits. But for Team Warren, it’s more than just an obstacle course. It’s a way to give back to a cause that’s close to our hearts—the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).

Our mission: raising funds for EAAA

We aim to raise a minimum of £400 to support the life-saving work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. EAAA provides a 24/7, 365-day-a-year helicopter emergency medical service across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Their highly skilled doctors and critical care paramedics deliver urgent care by air to those who need it most.

However, this vital service doesn’t come cheap. Each mission costs an average of £3,750, and with an annual budget requirement of £19 million, EAAA relies heavily on charitable donations. Unfortunately, they do not receive regular direct government funding, making the support of individuals and organisations like ours crucial.

Join us in supporting this worthy cause

We invite you to join us in supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Your donations will help ensure that they can continue to provide their life-saving services to our community. Every pound counts, and your contribution could make the difference between life and death for someone in need.

You can sponsor Team Warren by visiting our JustGiving page here. No amount is too small, and every donation is deeply appreciated.

Last year’s challenge

For those wondering what this challenge looks like, we’ve shared some snapshots from last year’s event. You’ll see a mix of determination, grit, and plenty of muddy faces! It’s tough, but knowing that we’re doing it for such a worthy cause makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you for your support

We know that the success of this fundraising effort depends on the generosity of people like you. From everyone at Warren, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support.

Here are some photos of us at last year’s event.

 

Last night, Warren played host to a significant and moving event as we commemorated D-Day, the largest combined naval, air, and land operation in history. The occasion was marked by a solemn beacon lighting ceremony, a symbol of remembrance and respect for the bravery and sacrifices made on that historic day, June 6th, 1944.

Adding profound significance to the ceremony was the presence of Ronald Butcher, a distinguished Normandy Veteran and former President of Thetford Royal British Legion. Ronald’s journey began at the tender age of 15, when he joined the Royal and Merchant Navy in 1942. By 1944, he found himself amidst one of the most pivotal moments of World War II.

Click on the images to view in full size:

Thank you to Jo Pearson, who kindly chauffeured Ronald to the beacon lighting location. 

Ron’s wartime experiences are a testament to his resilience and courage. Early in his service, his ship was hit by a mine or torpedoed in the channel, and he was rescued by an RNLI lifeboat. After recovering at the Army Hospital in Thetford, he rejoined the war effort. On D-Day +1, Ronald was aboard the Liberty Ship, Francis C. Harrington, delivering supplies to Juno Beach. Despite hitting two mines, causing the loss of five soldiers, the crew managed to make emergency repairs, offload cargo, and disembark troops before returning to England for repairs.

Ronald’s ship, the Francis C. Harrington, holds historical significance as the first American-flagged Liberty Ship damaged during the D-Day landings. Despite the harrowing events, Ronald’s dedication ensured that essential supplies reached the front lines, contributing significantly to the success of the Allied invasion.

Now at 97 years old and soon to celebrate his 98th birthday in November, Ronald Butcher stands as a living testament to the resilience and courage of the Greatest Generation. His presence at the ceremony was a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices and extraordinary efforts that contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.

The beacon lighting ceremony not only honoured those who fought valiantly on D-Day but also served as a reminder of the enduring spirit of those who continue to live among us, sharing their stories and inspiring future generations. It was a moment of collective reflection, paying tribute to the heroes of the past and reinforcing our commitment to remember and honour their legacy.

As the beacon illuminated the night sky, it carried with it the memories and gratitude of all present, bridging the past and present, and ensuring that the sacrifices of D-Day will never be forgotten. Warren is proud to have hosted such a meaningful event and to have had the privilege of honouring all the brave souls who contributed to the Allied efforts during World War II.

At Warren, we believe in giving back to our community and this Easter, we had the opportunity to do just that through our annual Charity Raffle. This year, our efforts were dedicated to supporting a local diabetes charity that provides invaluable assistance to young people and their families. We’re proud to share the success of our initiative and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed.

The Easter Raffle which was held on Thursday 28th March, was a testament to the generosity and spirit of giving within our company. With the support of our dedicated team and the broader community, we managed to raise an impressive total of £470 for the charity. This substantial contribution we hope will make a difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes, providing vital support and resources where it’s needed most.

Central to the success of our Easter Raffle were the incredible prizes generously donated by local businesses and individuals. We extend our sincere thanks to all who contributed, making our raffle not only a fundraising endeavour but also a celebration of community spirit and solidarity. Among the prizes were:

• 1 Day Holiday: Offering a well-deserved break and a chance to relax and unwind.
• £25 Gift Voucher: Providing the lucky winner with the opportunity to treat themselves to something special.
• Pat’s Diner Voucher: A lovely breakfast or lunch awaits the recipient at Pat’s Diner, a local favourite known for its delicious menu and warm hospitality.
• Easter Eggs: Symbolising the joy and renewal of the Easter season, these sweet treats brought smiles to the faces of our winners.

Learn more about the incredible work of the local diabetes charity we supported through our Easter Raffle. The NDDYG (National Diabetes Youth and Family Group) is dedicated to providing essential support and resources to young people and their families affected by diabetes. You can visit their website here to discover more about their mission and how you can get involved.

Thank you once again to everyone who supported our initiative and helped make this year’s Easter Raffle a resounding success.

On February 27th, at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London, the prestigious Make UK National Manufacturing Conference took place, a gathering that brought together industry leaders and policymakers, to delve into the state of manufacturing in the United Kingdom.

Among the attendees was Sophie Hall, our Commercial Manager and Richard Bridgman, Warren’s Found Owner. Reflecting on the event, Sophie shared her thoughts about the day.

“It was lovely to spend time with Richard, catching up and reminiscing. TV Presenter Steph McGovern was the host for the day and was very knowledgeable, funny and passionate about manufacturing in the UK. The conference in the main was very political and dealing with very global policy discussions. It was interesting hearing from both Conservative and Labour MPs.”

In the breakout sessions, Sophie heard about two compelling topics: the UK Defence talk and the discourse surrounding UK steel.

In conclusion, Sophie’s journey to the Make UK National Manufacturing Conference was not just an event; it was a great experience and a reminder of why both Sophie and Richard love this industry. The passion, the people, and the endless possibilities. So, here’s to the future of UK manufacturing!