Visit no 126 - Binley, Coventry

On a journey from Luton Airport to Chester (after a holiday in Copenhagen) I was lucky enough to stop off at a new Morrisons.  

Lorry en route to the new Morrisons!

Not far from the M6 is a business park where this Morrisons store is located with both a petrol station and a café.   As we were travelling near dinner time we decided to stop off for some food. 

Me standing next to the standard store sign!  Gutted there were no 'foot long' sausages rolls left though (See table to the right!)

After having the standard photo by the store name, we headed over to the cafe.  I'd originally decided to have a pie however we were told that they had sold out of these.  This always amazes me how in a supermarket cafe (adjoined to the supermarket) the cafe can run out of food - surely we can just go to the pie section and get a pie to cook?!  

Chicken Burger, chips & coleslaw followed by Chocolate fudge cake

This Morrisons store also had a barista style bar where before or after your shopping you can grab a drink - what a great idea! 












Currently the topic of waste and being environmentally friendly is a hot topic (as right it should be) and it was great to see Morrisons getting on board with this. Most noticeable was the removal of plastic straws with their drinks as well as offering to fill up water bottles.

We were there near to closing and the cakes and sandwiches were being reduced to sell off, although I am intrigued to know what happens if not all of these are sold... are these binned or are there charities who you work with to take the food to those in need? 

What else should Morrisons be doing to help the environment and the impact they have? 


Ideas

• Bottled sauces in the Café rather than in the small plastic sachets
• Discount offered to customers who bring their own reusable cup for takeaway drinks
• No plastic wrapped fruit and vegetables (although Morrisons is already very good at this with their 'greengrocer' style set up)
• Cardboard boxes from produce available at check-outs for packing your shopping into instead of carrier bags 
• Customers to bring own tubs for items such as pasta, rice, cereal etc where produce could be stored in containers and is priced based on weight. 

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Next time: Cadbury world and a visit to Small Heath 

Morrisons is coming to to the Channel Islands

Monday 12th February 7.10 a.m.

I couldn't believe it - surely I must be dreaming!

But no, it's actually true!  It has been announced that the Sandpiper CI group have entered into a franchise agreement with Morrisons. This will result in the Food Hall stores across the Channel Islands being re-branded as Morrisons Daily convenience stores.  I couldn't be happier!

Back in the summer of 2014 I was lucky enough to visit the Morrisons HQ in Bradford, whilst there I explained I was moving to the Channel Islands and I was very disappointed that I wouldn't have the opportunity to shop at Morrisons any more.  The CEO at the time, Dalton Phillips said if I found Morrisons a location they'd look into the feasibility of opening a store here.  In Guernsey I found an empty unit which used to be a Co-op bank so I sent Morrisons a picture:

Potential store in Guernsey

Almost 4 years later and here we are - Morrisons stores en route to the Channel Islands!  Can't wait to cut the ribbon as promised by Dalton Phillips (ex CEO) ...

Email from Dalton Phillips (ex CEO)

A sad day

Today is a sad day, as we hear the news that Sir Ken Morrison has passed away.   

Sir Ken was the son of the founder of Morrisons; William Morrison who took over his father's small grocery chain and turned it in to one of the UK's largest supermarkets - what an achievement!

Although I was not lucky enough to have met him, I did receive several letters from him in response to me writing to him about this unique hobby - I was/am so grateful.

Today, also reminded me of what a lasting impression my hobby has had on others (even if I do not get the opportunity to visit as often now that I am living in Guernsey - when is Morrisons returning to Guernsey? - I will save this for another post), I have received numerous messages sharing the news of Sir Ken - people knowing full well I'd be interested to hear.

Friends also often message when driving past a Morrisons, or when they are sitting behind a Morrisons van on the motorway or just doing their weekly shop - what a funny impression I have left.

RIP Sir Ken Morrison - the impression you made on so many, will certainly live on.

A visit to Morrisons HQ

What a day!

On August 20th 2014 I was lucky enough to spend the day at Morrisons HQ in Bradford.  This was something which had been organised for my 21st but due to various things it had taken us nearly a year to finalise a date. 

Outside HQ (Hilmore House, Bradford)

As we pulled in to the car park I couldn’t help but smile; how on earth did this “hobby” lead to me visiting the Head Office of Morrisons Supermarkets?!  I guess the only thing to compare it to would be if you were to meet your favourite celebrity – I was so excited! 

We were greeted at the reception by Guy and Claire, (both current employees and who were going to be our tour guides for the day).  The day began with a tour of their office; the building was huge with 3 floors consisting of various departments from buying to accounts to M Kitchen.  We were introduced to other employees along the way who had all been following my blog.  Everyone was so friendly and very welcoming.  I think this must be the only place I could talk passionately about Morrisons without getting too strange a look!

Sir Ian Gibson, the Chairman, then came over to speak to me to hear all about the story behind the unusual hobby.  He was fascinated and extremely interested in my story.

I then was shown around various meeting rooms and the main board room where all the important decisions are made. 

I was then told I was going to meet Dalton Philips, the CEO - to me this was like meeting royalty as it was someone I had read so much about in various news articles about Morrisons.  I then found myself in the middle of a pricing meeting where all the main buyers were with Dalton discussing certain products and their prices.  They asked me a few questions including "what is my favourite store" and "what is my favourite product".  To these I responded with Cleveleys and Wrexham as my favourite stores and Cinammon Whirls as my favourite product - if you haven't tried these or anything from the Morrisons Bakery I would highly recommend it.

Dalton Philips

I was then taken down to see where the Morrisons van was parked and even got to sit inside it! Very impressive. Apparently it is taken to various shows in the area - has anyone ever seen it about on their travels?

Next on the agenda was lunch in the staff restaurant.  The menu was very different to what I was use to at Morrisons Cafés - I decided to have the Turkey and Sage Burger with Potato wedges - definitely a meal which should be introduced to the next new menu change at the cafés.

Claire then gave a tour of the rest of the building; it was a lot bigger than what I had expected. It had 3 floors with all open plan desks and meeting rooms around the outskirts.  We went past where the wine and food tasting took place.  Before an item goes on to store shelves it is tried and tested in order to ensure it has approval before it is put out to sell - this was something that I hadn’t realised before.

The trip ended with a gift from HQ - a fleece from one of the M Local stores:

All in all this had been a truly memorable day – one which I will never forget.  Thank you so much to the staff at Morrisons HQ for allowing me to see the story on the inside.

Next time: Special delivery from Morrisons HQ…

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Race 4 Life

Since last writing a post, life's been a bit of a roller-coaster ride...

In early September, we were given the news that my Grandad had terminal bowel cancer.  Hearing this diagnosis about a man who was never ill, never moaned or never caused any trouble came as quite a shock. My first questions was - how much time do we have?  But no-one could give us the answer.

After what felt like an eternity in Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Grandad was finally discharged to the rehabilitation unit in Bispham.  A lovely place, that would prepare him for going back to the comfort of his own home for a number of weeks.  I spent most weekends catching the train from University in Bangor and staying in his home in Poulton, then cycling or catching the bus to see him.  We'd spend the day talking, playing cards, doing the crossword, updating him with news about Morrisons  - just enjoying the time we had.

On the 6th October, it was my 21st Birthday, a day that I did not expect to spend the way I spent it.  It began with a trip up Blackpool Tower with my sister and good friend, Meg.  A great experience, one which I highly recommend to those who haven't been up.  We then went to the rehabilitation centre to visit Grandad where I spent the afternoon opening my presents and cards with him - one of my presents was a letter from Morrisons inviting me on a "tour of the headquarters in Bradford!"   I was over-joyed when I opened this as it was something I've been keen on doing for quite some time!

Ever since being diagnosed, every time we went to the Morrisons at Cleveleys the staff in the café always asked where Grandad was, and how he was doing.  They were deeply sorry to hear of the news and were very sympathetic - even the 'double-glazing' man passed comment.  Most people wouldn't understand this, but they had been a part of my Grandads, my sisters and my life for a good number of years and we had grown to get to know them.

On December 1st, we took a trip to Devon with Grandad, mum and my sister - something Grandad had asked to do for one last time.  We had a great time staying in a hotel on the front at Sidmouth, and were very lucky with the weather!  We even managed to stop at the Bridgewater Morrisons on the way down and stop at one of our favourite stores, Bristol Cribbs Causeway on the way back where they were very helpful and provided us with a wheelchair for our visit!

Sadly, Grandads long battle with cancer came to an end on February 5th 2014.  It had been my first encounter with Cancer and what an awful encounter it was.  Watching someone you love just become unable to do anything for themselves was heartbreaking.  It certainly made me realise how short life is and how you should treasurer each day and live life to the full!  Would also like to say a Thank You for all the support and care we received from Trinity Hospice, Bispham.

For Lent...

my friend, Amy and I decided instead of giving up something, we would take up running. We're not very "sporty" people so saw this as a bit of a challenge.  Since we started this, I started reading up on charity events I could get involved with to do my bit and thats when I came across 'Race4Life's'  - I suggested to Amy that we signed up to do a 10km and after a little bit of persuasion she agreed.  We are taking part in the Tatton Park Race 4 Life on the 28th June 2014 - Below is a link to our 'justgiving' page - we have set a target of £200 which I think is very attainable.  If you would like to sponsor us to help the very worthy cause of 'Cancer Research UK' we would be extremely grateful.

Just Giving - Rose Girls

We are also looking for a theme, maybe something Morrisons inspired in remembrance of my Grandad?  Maybe we could even get +Morrisons to support us?  Together, one day Cancer will be beaten.  Please get in touch if you have any suggestions.

Glasgow - Barrack Street

In January of 2013 after exams at University had finished...

I set off on my Scottish adventure.  It was a very early hour in the morning as I had booked a ridiculously cheap train ticket on Megabus.com for £7.70 return to Crewe! :O Can't complain at that!

I was staying with my friend, Mark who's studying at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow and we had a busy schedule planned for the 2 days including a trip to Glasgow Cathedral, a wonder around Glasgow University which involved a long walk down by the water passing BBC Scotland and STV (very exciting!), the famous City Chambers, a mooch around the shops (where I'm sure I caught a glimpse of One Direction's Harry Styles!) and of course a trip to a Morrisons! Unfortunately Mark doesn't own a car so we could only visit places which were within walking distance.  

It just so happened that a few months previous a new Morrisons had opened... 

just around the corner from his flat!  I'd never been to a Morrisons in Scotland before so was a first for me. The main noticeable thing about this Morrisons was it had a very stylish café, very different to the ones I've previously visited.  It was set out like an American Diner - very cool!  Does anyone know if this is a new idea or a one off? 

My Glasgow trip was drawing to an end and next stop was Edinburgh to visit my friend Swie Joo.  

I got on the bus (a lot cheaper than the train!) and set off.  We weren't even 5 minutes into the journey when I saw the big Yellow M (Not the McDonalds one) - I was so tempted to ask the bus to stop to let me visit but didn't think he'd appreciate that.  And as if the journey couldn't get any worse, a few minutes after that we passed yet another Morrisons - two in the space of 10 minutes and not being able to stop at either - this certainly was torture!  Definitely going to have to plan another trip to Scotland but next time with a car! 

Glasgow - Barrack Street - January 2013

Does anyone work at a Morrisons in Scotland? 

Do you know of anyone else who has a similar hobby to mine? If so, please get in touch with your story. :)

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M 'Shine'

Take That

A successful English boy band

+

Morrisons

A successful English supermarket

=

A successful TV advert!

Back in 2008, numerous TV adverts were produced containing the very famous song along with some famous faces including Denise Van Outen and Ant & Dec.

I don't know about anyone else but whenever I hear Take That's 'Shine' I always think of my favourite place, Morrisons!

It also reminds me of one of my best friend's mum, who I'm sure is as mad about Take That as I am about Morrisons! She has been to all their concerts numerous times and even has a wall dedicated to a certain member of the band (Guess who?!) - this makes me feel a lot more 'normal' about having had Morrisons Wallpaper & visiting their stores numerous times...agree?

Do you know of anyone else who has a similar hobby to mine? If so, please get in touch with your story. :)

Morrisons Atlas - I have been informed by someone who works at the petrol station at the Chippenham Store that they aren't produced any more :( This is very sad news.

Question: "I have noticed that Morrisons are looking for a new charity to sponsor - does anyone know how to go about recommending one?" 

A big hello to Colin the Butcher at Colwyn Bay who's been in touch this week - do get in touch if you work at a store - especially if I've not visited! 

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