‘A Charnwood Christmas in the Cotswolds’ is a short video that illustrates the sheer joy of owning a wood-burning stove and the magical moments they help create. It was captured during a recent visit to our friends Charlie Irons and Josie Fear (aka @charlieirons and @josieldn ) and their wonderful and aptly named Strawtop Cottage.
It’s an idyllic Grade II listed thatched cottage built with original Cotswold stone. Traditional features are sensitively blended with the contemporary, reflecting their impeccable taste. Warm tones, wood paneling, aged brick and stone, finished perfectly with the warmth of Charnwood wood-burning stoves throughout.
Charlie and Josie are huge fans of their log-burners and Charnwood have been delighted to supply them with a number of stoves for their main home too. The warm and inviting atmosphere they have managed to create showcases the very best of country living and it is no wonder they have a steady stream of bookings at the cottage.
Chatting while walking the dogs in the cold but stunning Oxfordshire countryside and later over a lovely roast (the first Christmas dinner of the season), it was clear how integral wood-burning is to their lifestyle. This is particularly true in the festive winter period when one wishes for nothing more than cosy evenings with loved ones by the fire.
Now, we might not all be able to reach such high levels of festive perfection (I know I don’t!), but no matter, because the significant benefits of wood-burning can be felt by any stove owner. To that point, here are some comments from other Charnwood owners regarding Christmas and their stove:
“It’s a ritual on Christmas morning to rekindle the stove, and to unwrap the presents without a fire is unthinkable. There’s something magical about children in their pyjamas sitting on the rug in the cosy space in front of a blazing stove.”
“The stove just provides a much-needed atmosphere on a cold winter’s night. You feel relaxed, cosy and there is something about it that just welcomes you into the living room. I couldn’t live without it.”
“My young nephew visited at Christmas & we built the fire together. It was the first time he had ever lit a real fire. We celebrated with toasting marshmallows! It wasn’t just building a fire – it was building a memory.”
Winter can be a difficult season for many, but as you see from the video images and quotes above, there is a way to flip the script. The onset of winter, with temperatures plummeting and days drawing in, needn’t be something to dread. Join fellow wood-burning stove owners and start to actively look forward to those long cold wintery nights!
The Strawtop cottage sleeps four adults and up to 2 well-behaved dogs and if you would like to book a stay (highly recommended) then check out the previous link and their Instagram page.
Our favourite time of the year is fast approaching! For some it’s watching ELF, others their first advent calendar window, for us the festive season kicks off at the Ideal Home Show Christmas event! From the 23–27 November at Olympia London, this wonderful Christmas shopping extravaganza provides everything you need to prepare your home for the festive season.
You can browse and shop from hundreds of brands across 4 Christmas themed show sections; Gifts, Pets, Home and Decorations. There’s live entertainment, expert demos, celebrity chefs, and thousands of festive gift, home and food ideas that will leave you feeling festive and ready for the season ahead!
Christmas Past (2021)
Last year a Charnwood ‘Bembridge’ wood-burning stove took centre stage in Good Homes Magazines ‘Updated Heritage’ roomset. The team also gave a talk on the Interiors Stage discussing all the latest Charnwood developments as well as the introduction of EcoDesign regulations. It was wonderful to meet so many of you to chat and answer your questions.
Good Homes Christmas Roomsets
The Good Homes style team return with 4 beautiful roomsets each with their own distinctive decorating scheme. Created in association with Next Home, they are called Scandi Luxe, Arctic Shimmer, Winter Berry and Woodland Jewel.
It’s a showcase that delivers for a range of tastes, each providing inspiration to help you fill your home with festive spirit in line with the latest trends. A Charnwood Island I and Aire 5 were selected for two roomsets and the sneak peek photos below indicate a perfect setting for the warmth of a Charnwood wood-burning stove.
Arctic Shimmer x Charnwood Island I
Photo: Next Home
A Charnwood Island I will feature in a serene Arctic Shimmer roomset with winter whites, soft greys and sparkling silver alongside a host of tactile materials.
The Island I is the smallest stove in the Island collection, delivering an output of 2-7kW of heat. Its uncomplicated looks and gentle curves ensure it sits well in any situation, be it modern or traditional. This stove meets Clean Air Act requirements with excellent efficiency of over 85% and an extremely low smoke particle level of 9mg/m3 (the Ecodesign limit is 40mg/m3).
Woodland Jewel x Charnwood Aire 5
Photo: Next Home
A Charnwood Aire 5 has been chosen to feature in the elegant Woodland Jewel roomset. Comprised of rich colours from dark evergreen hues to on-trend amber paired with tortoiseshell accessories and sumptuous soft furnishings.
The Charnwood’s iconic Aire 5 wood burning stove has been designed to maximise the view of the fire. The minimal styling of the Aire 5 fits comfortably into virtually any fireside situation whether it be freestanding or within a traditional fireplace. The stove delivers a comfortable 2-5kW of heat to the room with a crystal clear burn – a wonderful focal point for the room.
The Aire 5 incorporates Charnwood’s unique BLU burning technology. Not only a vast improvement on the new 2022 Ecodesign standards, BLU also meets with Defra exemption limits; allowing wood to be burnt cleanly and safely in smoke control areas.
Vlaze Hearths
Vlaze Hearths will be used to create a clean, modern platform on which to stand our stoves. Vlaze is our sister company and are experts in using porcelain enamel for the living environment and creating luxury fireside products.
The smooth gloss surface finish is heat and fire-resistant, easy to clean and available in a wide range of colours & designer finishes. The hearth plates are available in 5 sizes to suit most stoves and boast a 12mm depth conforming to UK building regulations for non-constructional hearths.
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As with Vlaze, the quality of Charnwood Stoves can only be fully appreciated in person. To book your tickets and discover a world of festive delights click here – we hope to see you there!
If you can’t make it to the Ideal Home Show Christmas, then we recommend searching for your local official Charnwood stockist here.
We were delighted to attend The Glamping Show, on the 15-17th of September at NAEC Stoneleigh Park. The Glamping Show is the UK’s only luxury camping show and attracts the most exciting companies in the industry.
It was fascinating to see how the range of luxury camping options continues to grow, reflecting glamping’s growing popularity. Log cabins, yurts, shepherds’ huts, and other ‘tiny home’ accommodation and products were on full display for glamping business owners and homeowners looking to add a little extra space in the garden.
It was also exciting to offer the first public viewing of The Charnwood Haven, a new compact wood-fired range cooker designed for cabins, bothies, off-grid living and smaller homes. It was incredibly well received along with the other Charnwood products we had on display.
Read on to learn about The Glamping Show and the Charnwood Haven our exciting new range cooker!
The Glamping Show 2022
We were situated on pitch 510, under a lovely oak tree, displaying a wide range of Charnwood products including the new Charnwood Haven, Cranmore 3, stove pods and accessories. The team really enjoyed meeting you all and from the conversations they had, it was clear that wood-burning stoves are a hugely popular addition for all types of tiny accommodation. After all, there is nothing quite like staying in an idyllic spot with the radiant heat of a wood-burning stove to get you into holiday mode.
It was so exciting to finally give an exclusive preview of The Charnwood Haven. It combines the charm and functionality of a traditional range with the very latest efficiencies and clean burn technology.
Based on the size and dimensions of our iconic Island III model, the Charnwood Haven is a stunning focal point, producing a rated output of 6kW of heat into the room. It comes equipped with a well-sized oven and large hot plate enabling you to cook with a wide array of pots, pans and trivets. The integrated thermometer allows for greater temperature control and cooking accuracy. It’s a surprisingly versatile and delicious way of cooking, allowing you to create soups, stews, roasts, baking and more!
The feedback we received was incredible and confirms there is a real appetite for a contemporary wood-fired range cooker.
The perfect glamping stove package
The Aire 3 and Cranmore 3 are Ecodesign ready and 5-star clearSkies rated, with both demonstrating 86% efficiency on independent tests. This makes them two of the most efficient stoves on the market. With a 2-5 kW output, they are the perfect size for most glamping spaces and provide a crystal-clear burn. They are easy to operate, with a single air control and removable ashpan, which lends itself to guests that may not have previous wood-burning experience.
The Stove Pod is a freestanding unit that doesn’t require affixing to any walls. It is exceptionally sturdy, and the curvature of the design focuses heat into your space. The steel skin is magnetic, with Charnwood offering tools and pots that can be attached. The flue support incorporates a handy warming shelf for plates, pots and pans – ideal for Glamping!
It is available in a matt black hammered powder coat with the option to add a VLAZE vitreous enamel liner for a stylish, easy to clean finish.
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It is wonderful to witness the continued growth in alternative styles of living. It’s clear that this movement is not only driven by a desire to live differently but to live better. To live in greater harmony with the environment and with a focus on nurturing the relationships that allow us to thrive.
Finally, thank you to everyone who came to see us, it was lovely to meet you all and we hope to see you again very soon!
Find out more
For more information we recommend getting in touch with your official Charnwood dealer for the best before and after sales care.
Data from the Stove Industry Alliance shows a 40% increase in UK stove sales compared to last year. It appears that the cost-of-living crisis is driving people to mitigate the effects of rising heating bills and uncertainty surrounding winter energy supply.
Read on to learn more about the SIA’s findings and the reasons people are investing in wood stoves
Why the SIA’s data is good news for the environment
The SIA reports that in most cases these new wood stove sales are replacements for an existing open fire or a much older stove. Modern, Ecodesign wood burning stoves emit up to 90% less PM than an open fire, and up to 80% less than most older stoves.
Chair of the SIA, Andy Hill, commented that “Sales of stoves during the latest quarter were almost exclusively Ecodesign models meaning that consumers are helping to cut carbon and particulate emissions from domestic wood burning, as well as reducing their heating costs.”
Reasons consumers are choosing wood stoves
• Affordability
A good quality stove can last many decades and provide an affordable source of heat for low-income households. The upfront costs are less than other alternative energy solutions.
• Cheap fuel
Using a wood stove means you can source reasonably priced fuel locally and sometimes for free. You are not reliant on skyrocketing gas and oil prices!
• An ideal emergency/low-frequency heat source.
A wood-burning stove provides a 100% self-contained heat source protecting you from power cuts and fuel supply issues. A wood-burning stove can provide heat and even a way to cook food when you need it most. Unlike wind or solar energy, wood-burning stoves can produce heat for prolonged periods whatever the weather conditions.
• Environmentally friendly
Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime.
• Wellbeing benefits
Owners report significant wellbeing benefits directly as a result of owning and using their wood-burning stove. We all need more of that!
How to reduce your fuel bill with free sources of wood
1. After a storm
After a storm, fallen trees and branches become available which, with permission, you can collect, season and use for firewood – all while helping to tidy up your local area.
2. Industrial woodworkers
Woodworkers, sawmills, and joiners near to your home are worth contacting to find out if they ever have any off cuts of wood that they need to get rid of.
3. Online
Whether it is left over wood from a recent home improvement or a tree that had to be cut down, people often advertise free wood on websites like Gumtree and Freecycle if you are happy to collect it.
Resist the temptation to burn the wrong wood
It is important that all the wood you source is untreated and free from paint, finishes or other potentially harmful substances. Also, do not burn it unless it has a moisture content of less than 20% which you can check with a moisture meter. This reduces harmful emissions that otherwise can pollute your home and the outside environment. Burning dry, seasoned wood will also significantly increase the lifespan of your stove. For a list of the best types of firewood check out our Firewood chart.
For a list of approved firewood sellers in your area click here.
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This October millions of households have seen their bills rise significantly despite the government’s energy price cap. With ongoing uncertainty, there’s never been a better time to invest in a wood-burning stove.
Want to know more?
Whether you’re ready to buy or just want to discuss your options, we strongly recommend that you contact an official Charnwood stockist, where the before and after-sales support will be of a standard approved by us.
‘The Pig – Restaurants with Rooms’ are a wonderful group of establishments that have beautiful and nutritious kitchen gardens at their heart. They are committed to home-grown and local produce and celebrate the seasons, using only the freshest and most authentic ingredients. Their chefs work directly with the kitchen gardeners to create menus centered around British garden food of the very highest quality. Some Charnwood team members have been lucky enough to visit and taste their delights while also supplying several of the Pig Hotels with wood-burning stoves.
Read on to learn more about the Pig Hotels and why Charnwood fits the ambience perfectly!
The Pig at Bridge Place
Located three miles south of Canterbury and just 56 minutes by train from central London, is the Pig at Bridge Place. Full of intriguing history, this old building holds a place in music folklore, having hosted events featuring rock gods Led Zeppelin among others.
Secret stairways lead to panelled rooms with endless cosy nooks to hunker down in. Bedrooms have far reaching views out across the Kentish countryside and are characterfully finished with many featuring a wood-burning stove!
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
The Pig at Harlyn Bay is in one of the most historic houses in Cornwall, dating back to the 15th century. It has far-reaching sea views and is only 10 mins drive from the famous port of Padstow. With plenty of character, original features and gorgeous gardens, the Pig at Harlyn Bay is a perfect getaway destination to enjoy incredible food and truly inspiring surroundings.
Charnwood Island I, II & III
All three Charnwood Island models were chosen to suit different sized rooms. The Island’s uncomplicated looks and gentle curves sit well in any situation, from cosy bars, to inviting snugs and quirky bedrooms. The large picture windows offer a spectacular view of the fire for guests and really enhance the atmosphere.
All Island models are Defra Exempt and easily meet Clean Air Act requirements. They have an efficiency of over 85% and an extremely low smoke particle level of 9mg/m3 which easily outperforms the Ecodesign limit of 40mg/m3.
Escapism
Much like staying at one of the The Pig locations, using a woodstove offers real escapism. The process of lighting a fire, then sitting back to enjoy the warmth and crackle of the mesmerising flames, allows one to switch off from everyday stresses quite unlike anything else. A warm fire signifies access to cooking, warmth, and shelter and when these primary needs are catered for, we instinctively feel better about life.
Below are some quotes from our customers from a recent well-being survey that highlights this phenomenon:
“Fire is deep within the human psyche and sits in a happy place in our limbic brain. You get lost from the day to day in a fire – it’s a little bit of wilderness in the order of the day to day.”
“I’ve long felt a disconnect between earning money in the corporate world and home life. Here is something with a direct connection – the family stay warm through my simple effort.”
“Helps to switch off from the technology that takes over our everyday lives. You feel a sense of achievement when the first sparks ignite.”
Ready to discuss your woodstove options?
We strongly recommend that you contact an official Charnwood stockist, where the before and after-sales support will be of a standard approved by us.
If you wish to stay at any of The Pig locations you can make a booking here!
In difficult times it can be easy to let our creative minds go into hibernation and the last couple of years haven’t been easy for many. This autumn a new venture from the Isle of Wight is inviting you to take a moment to awaken your creativity. The women behind the idea, jeweller Kelly Fenton and Amy Langridge of Moor Farm say they wanted to join forces to offer something nourishing for the soul and felt a creative Autumn retreat would be just the tonic before winter arrives.
Autumn Moments will be a weekend of workshops and well-being designed to help find your flow.
“Amy and I were chatting one evening after a sea swim and discovered we both shared the same dream of creating a gentle space where people could learn new skills, make beautiful things, and immerse themselves in the incredible natural surroundings here on the Isle of Wight.” Kelly, who will run a bespoke jewellery workshop during the Isle of Wight retreat, explains. “We have worked together to create something that we hope will give people a chance to reset and come away restored.”
The Isle of Wight retreat will be held in the sympathetically converted barns at Moor Farm, nestled just outside the idyllic village of Godshill, where guests will be encouraged to switch off and enjoy the countryside in-between the jewellery, mobile making, and aromatherapy workshops on offer.
Each barn has its very own Charnwood stove, so guests can sit back and enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire while reflecting on a wonderful day spent together. If blessed with clear skies, Charnwood Fireballs are available to gather around outside to enjoy the night sky.
“We both deeply appreciate how lucky we are to live on such a beautiful Island and hope those who join us for Autumn Moments will become as enchanted with the place as we are.” said Amy who will host the weekend at Moor Farm. “We’re delighted to also be offering a contemporary mobile making workshop with Claire, a Sussex-based artist from ‘In the Making’. Having been admirers of her colourful work for some time, it’s a real treat to finally be able to work with her on this project”
“As much as we want to share the beauty of the Isle of Wight with those who come here to visit, we also relish the opportunity to bring talented makers across that stretch of water to share their skills with Islanders who might otherwise struggle to get access due to our unique location. We hope this will be the first of many unique retreats held here.”
Tiny Homes Holidays is a boutique retreat of six architect designed, off grid Tiny Homes on the Isle of Wight. Charnwood were delighted to supply them with a range of wood-burning stoves, while our sister company Vlaze supplied vitreous enamel heatshields and splashbacks.
Read on to learn about these amazing tiny homes and why our products are a perfect complement.
The dream tiny home experience!
A choice of 6 beautiful tiny homes in a range of styles caters to those looking to escape into nature to get a taste of the simple life. A sympathetic blend of wood textures helps the dwellings fit perfectly into their natural surroundings.
All homes come with a full range of amenities for your comfort including a shower, compostable WC and wood-burning stove for both heat and heartwarming experiences with family and friends. After all, there is nothing quite like staying in an idyllic spot with the radiant heat of a wood-burning stove to get you into holiday mode.
Additional comforts include pristine white linen and towels, along with fresh flowers, welcome cakes and hot drink supplies. You can enjoy a BBQ on your outside deck and even book a SPA session!
Kindred x Charnwood C-Five
The C-Five has a similar output to the C-Four but is built with landscape proportions to take a slightly longer log length. It looks so cosy in this tiny home!
The stove is fire brick lined and in certain situations, can be installed without the need for external air due to its rated output of 5kW. This stove meets Clean Air Act requirements for smoke control exemption; allowing wood to be burnt in smoke control areas.
Hygge x Charnwood Cove 1
With a rated output of 4kW the Cove 1 can be installed without the need for external air in certain situations. It’s not just the dogs who love it!
Please note: Usually dogs are not allowed at Tiny Homes Holidays – A concession was made for Toast (the Charnwood mascot) as part of the shoot. Also as part of the new 2022 Ecodesign regulation this stove will be discontinued from 31 December 2021. To view our full range of clearSkies/Ecodesign Ready stoves please click here
Wellbeing
All the homes are uniquely and carefully named to capture their essence, with Hygge being our particular favourite. Hygge is a Danish word that represents wellbeing, pronounced Hoo-gaa and is all about nesting. A wood-burning stove plays a significant role in creating this type of atmosphere and makes a holiday feel truly restful.
‘Results indicated consistent blood pressure decreases in the fire-with-sound condition, particularly with a longer duration of stimulus, and enhancing effects of absorption and prosociality. Findings confirm that hearth and campfires induce relaxation as part of a multisensory, absorptive, and social experience.’
A retreat such as this is the ultimate vacation for rest and recuperation. Getting back to nature allows you to let go of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can get a sense of this ‘reconnecting to nature’ in your own home with the addition of your very own wood burning stove. It provides a focal point in the home that brings real respite when you need it.
In fact, 93% of 1227 Charnwood wood-burning stove users acknowledge their stove’s positive impact on their wellbeing.
For those of you inspired by this article, here is some great news! Last year Charnwood released the Charnwood Stove Pod, a complete fireplace solution designed for small space living and glamping accommodation. It’s compatible with the highly efficient Charnwood Aire 3, and the newly released Cranmore 5.
The Charnwood Stove Pod can be placed on any hard, flat surface without the need for an additional hearth and creates a safe, protected focal point for the room. It is available in a matt black powder coat with the option to add a VLAZE vitreous enamel liner for a stylish, easy to clean finish.
A growing tendency towards online shopping has led to everyone having more packaging material at home than ever before. As a business, we rely on a variety of high-quality packing materials to ship our goods safely around the world. We are mindful of the impact that can have, and this blog will provide some great ideas for how you can reuse and repurpose them.
Read on to get at least 15 great ideas for how to reuse your Charnwood packaging.
Cardboard boxes
One packaging material every household usually has in abundance is cardboard. Whilst recycling is better than nothing, ‘reusing’ is the best solution for your cardboard waste. At present millions of tonnes of usable boxes are being pulped and then made back into cardboard boxes – producing exactly what was started with. This is a huge waste of resources and energy, that is as bad for the pocket as for the environment. Here are some great ideas on how to reuse that cardboard box!
Please note: For the following ideas, it is important to use untreated chemical-free biodegradable cardboard which is what we use for A.J Wells, Vlaze and Charnwood packaging. Also, remove any sticky tape, large staples, and labels that are stuck to the box before using it in the garden.
In the Garden
Composting
Cardboard is an ideal source of carbon for composting. Simply shred or tear your cardboard into small pieces so that it will break down more quickly.
Mulch
Place shredded cardboard around your plants but make sure the cardboard mulch is not in direct contact with the stems. Water the cardboard to speed up the decomposing process.
For those who grow vegetables using the ‘no dig’ method, our large boxes are ideal for mulch beds and don’t even require shredding! Watch ‘No Dig’ guru Charles Dowding to get some further tips.
Controlling Weeds
A couple of layers of cardboard is a useful tool to suppress weeds. Place them at the bottom of a new raised bed to stop weeds growing through to the topsoil.
Protecting Raised Beds
Cardboard can be used to cover and protect raised beds during the winter. It helps by stopping heavy rain from draining valuable nutrients away. The cardboard will slowly decay and help prepare the soil so it’s ready for Spring planting.
Encouraging Worms
Worms love wet cardboard and your garden loves worms! Worms aerate the ground and help with composting and mixing. Use cardboard in a multitude of ways to encourage worms to take residence.
Clearing a Pathway
Cardboard is also effective at clearing ground and can be used to create a natural pathway between vegetable rows. Just place cardboard on the dirt where you want your path and then cover with bark chips.
In the home
Decorations
Old cardboard is great for creating decorations for any occasion – birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, you name it! A pair of scissors, some paint or felt tips and a good imagination can go a long way. Cutting out people’s names or ages and decorating them for wall hangings is just one lovely idea. Check out YouTube for loads more!
Moving home, stylish storage or shipping
There is a range of creative storage ideas that add a little style and glamour to the humble cardboard box. With just a cheap spool of twine, you can transform a cardboard box into a far more expensive-looking designer option – who doesn’t like a saving?!
Castle for the kids
The most fun option and one to keep the kids happy and take their artistic and architectural skills to a new level – check out this link for some inspiring ideas!
Corn Starch Pellets (PLA)
We use corn-starch PLA pellets inside boxes to provide added protection to our products during transportation. Whilst they do look and function much like polystyrene pellets, they are actually made of a plastic substitute (PLA) and are fully biodegradable and compostable.
Please note that while corn-starch PLA materials are compostable, the correct conditions must exist. Oxygen and light are required, which breaks downs the PLA into carbon dioxide and water within several months.
Shredded Paper & Cardboard
We also use shredded paper and cardboard from our offices to pack some items. Because we use vegetable-based inks they are suitable to be used as fire lighters in your wood-burning stoves.
Wood Pallets
Kindling
Our wood pallets are made in-house from virgin, kiln-dried, untreated, soft wood which makes them ideal kindling for your woodstove. Just dismantle the pallet and carefully remove any nails before breaking down into kindling.
Compost bins need to have sufficient gaps to aerate organic matter. Wood pallets are an ideal size and with their long gaps between panels create the ideal walls for a compost bin.
Vertical planter
So easy to make and look amazing in the garden! There are few design variations, but you can easily fit plant pots or potting trays in between the slots with minimal effort. Check out the video above for ideas.
Plastic Bags
With plastic bags becoming scarcer and rightly so, when we do get them, it is imperative that we reuse them – particularly when they are sizable. You can use the big plastic bag that comes with some of our products for protecting and storing large items such as a cot mattress or surplus bed linen in the loft.
We see the packaging we ship our products in as part of our product offering. A high-quality material that with a little effort and imagination can be repurposed and benefit the end-user and environment.
We will continue to look for ways to reduce excess packaging while aiming to use environmentally friendly materials and encouraging reusing where possible. Together with you, we hope to minimise any negative impact that packaging can create on the environment.
To read about our Net Zero 2050 commitments and plan of action as well as our other eco-initiatives click here.
After two years of virtual Dealer Days, it was wonderful that this year we could celebrate our Dealer Event and our 50th birthday in person with so many friendly faces. With delicious food, fantastic entertainment, and the gorgeous Isle of Wight countryside, we shared many good times and highlighted what’s in store for the year ahead.
Read on to learn about 4 exciting new stove releases, our company vision and of course the results of the famous Black Dog Awards!
Introducing the AJ Way
Reaching our 50-year milestone is a chance to reflect on what matters most to us as a company and allows us to focus on our vision and mission for the future.
We have recently introduced the ‘AJ Way’ which is a companywide programme that encompasses our ethos and road map. It seeks to bring everyone in the company together to collaborate and draw on all our expertise to communicate how best to move the business forward in line with our core values. To build relationships, transform lives and create products that delight people.
A.J Wells & Sons have steadily grown from 3 men working from their shed to 180 employees, including 17 family members, on a site spanning 50,000 sq. Ft and servicing a global market. We have a loyal local workforce with decades of expertise and achieving our vision starts by focusing on being a great place to work. A place that is rewarding, inspiring and facilitates the innovation needed to continue creating market-leading products that are sustainable, positive for the environment and delight our customers.
4 New Stoves Released This Year!
THE NEW CHARNWOOD HAVEN
We are excited to present the Charnwood Haven, a brand-new compact wood-burning cooker to celebrate our 50 years in business. Based on the dimensions of our Island III, the Charnwood Haven is designed for cabins, bothies, off-grid living and smaller homes. It has the functional charm of a rustic range cooker, but with all our clean burn technology included.
It provides a 6kw output and comes equipped with a well-sized oven and large hot plate enabling you to cook with a wide array of pots, pans, and trivets. The integrated thermometer allows for greater temperature control and cooking accuracy. It’s a surprisingly versatile and delicious way of cooking, allowing you to create soups, stews, roasts, baking and more!
Available in our standard colours and with either high legs or a store stand that will line the Haven up with a standard 900mm worktop.
Available from Autumn 2022
THE NEW CHARNWOOD CRANMORE 3
This new release will be the latest addition to the Cranmore collection. Based on the hugely popular Aire 3, this stove is more classic in style yet features a large picture window. With a 3kw output, it is designed to fit into our Stove Pod and makes for a perfect solution for smaller rooms, cabins and the wide range of tiny homes available.
Coming with an integrated ash pan for ease of use and compatible with a cooktop, it is the ideal small fireplace for alternative and versatile living.
Available in our standard colours with a high leg option only.
Available from August 2022
THE NEW C-FIVE DUO
A multi-fuel version of our ever-popular C-Five model. It is fitted with a fixed grate, with the stove burning wood and mineral fuels equally well with high efficiency and low emissions.
Available in all our standard colours.
THE CHARNWOOD SKYE E700
“Load it, Light it, Leave it”
The Skye E700 is a new intelligent microprocessor-controlled stove that is set to revolutionize the way we burn wood. Load the fire, close the door, set your room temperature using the Charnwood app and let the stove do the rest. It is as simple as that!
With an impressive 7kw output and fitted with intelligent I-blu technology, the Skye E700 is a revolutionary stove that dramatically improves stove efficiency by removing human error. No user intervention is required – apart from simply lighting and reloading.
As thoughtful in style as it is in function, the Skye E700 has a refreshing design aesthetic; classically minimal with a soft modern edge. The Skye E700 is, in our expert opinion, without question the future of wood-burning.
Available in the USA Autumn 2022
Coming to Europe 2023
Overview of Dealer Event & The Black Dog Awards
This year, due to high demand, we decided to split the event over 3 days and set things up a little differently. On Wednesday 11th our first group arrived, and we started the day with a delicious lunch of wood-fired pizza followed by local ice cream. After an introduction in the studio and the unveiling of our exciting new products, we split, with one group touring the factory and enjoying cheese and wine in the VLAZE garden while the other half stayed in the studio where they discovered more about the company’s 50-year history, had a presentation on the ‘AJ Way’ programme and got their hands on the new products. After a break for coffee, the groups then swapped around.
The day ended with a well-earned rest at the hotels followed by a dinner hosted by foodie favourites the Royal Hotel, which is situated in the historic town of Ventnor.
On Thursday, group 1 headed over to the beautiful West Wight where we held several fun activities including clay pigeon shooting, axe throwing, aqua park, dog walking and a tour of Farringford house. As group 2 began to arrive we all came together for the first time and shared a delicious group lunch of gourmet burgers and chips at Tapnell Farm’s Cow CO. Here we held our coveted ‘Black Dog’ award ceremony where we award the Premier Dealers who have shown an exceptional commitment to Charnwood over the last year. Just before we had to say our goodbyes to Group 1, we took the opportunity for a drone shot of everyone to commemorate the momentous occasion.
After lunch, group 2 enjoyed the activities before heading to the hotel to check-in and get ready for dinner.
On Friday, the Charnwood crew reset for another day of product launches and discussions as we prepared to welcome group 2 to the factory. We had a quick morning refreshment, and we went straight into the studio to begin our action-packed morning. We finished at lunch and enjoyed pizza and ice cream before it was time to say our goodbyes.
Congratulations to the following on your Black Dog award:
Bonk & Co – Golden Gold – The most sales over our 50 year period.
The Arcade – Best New Product Sales 21/22
Direct Stoves – Top Dealer N England
RW Knight – Top Dealer SW England
Stoake – Top Dealer SE England
Bonk & Co – Top Dealer Scotland
The Arcade – Top Dealer Wales
The Woodburning Centre – Top Dealer Ireland
Woodstoves Ireland – Top Dealer Northern Ireland
The Fireplace Emporium – Top Dealer ROW
Select Stoves & Fireplaces – Best Newcomer
We would like to say thank you to all of you who attended our 2022 Dealer Event and our 50th birthday celebration. It was wonderful to see everyone, and we really hope you enjoyed your time with us. Finally, we want to finish by thanking everyone from suppliers, employees, dealers, customers, collaborators and of course family, who have made the last 50 years so incredibly special. Here’s to another 50!
It was great to return to the beautiful and romantic city of Verona and attend Progetto Fuoco, billed as the world’s most important trade fair for biomass heating systems. Despite a pandemic enforced 3-month delay, it was exciting to finally exhibit alongside our wonderful Italian distributors Zeta Linea and our sister companies Vlaze and Bodj.
We displayed the full range of products on sale in Italy including the Aire 3 and Stove Pod, in addition to several Bodj accessories plus our Vlaze heat shields and outdoor kitchen units. With Italians being renowned for impeccable taste, we were delighted by the positive response and recognition our products received from such a savvy audience. There was lots of international interest all around, and it was a lovely opportunity to catch up with our global customers.
Read on to hear about the products that wowed the crowd!
Charnwood Aire 3
The Aire 3 is one of the most efficient EcoDesign compliant stoves on the market, demonstrating 86% efficiency on independent tests and with a maximum ClearSkies rating of 5 stars. It has a modern and sophisticated look, which is perfectly suited to a stylish Italian casa.
The large ceramic glass window is designed to maximise the viewing area and your enjoyment of the fire. The Aire 3 also benefits from being easy to operate, with a single air control, removable ashpan and a cool-to-touch handle for safe reloading. With a 2-5 kW output, it is the perfect size for most small-medium size rooms and provides a crystal-clear burn.
Charnwood Stove Pod
The Stove Pod provides a sleek, safe, and secure enclosure and is designed for ease of installation. The Stove Pod pairs perfectly with the Aire 3 to create a complete fireplace solution designed for small space living.
The Charnwood Stove Pod is designed for cabins, yurts, tents, boats, home offices and other tiny home accommodation. It can be placed on any hard, flat surface without the need for an additional hearth, creating a safe, protected focal point for the room. It is available in a matt black powder coat with the option to add a VLAZE vitreous enamel liner for a stylish, easy to clean finish.
Bodj G-Holder
Bodj fireside accessories are handmade, sustainably sourced, and beautifully designed for the ethical and style-conscious home. The ergonomic G-Holder (pictured above) is designed to take up minimal space within the living room or fireside area and holds just the right number of logs for an evening fire. The ironwork frame is tightly handwoven with rattan. Ideal for carrying and storing logs or for use as a magazine holder. A perfect partner for your Charnwood stove!
Vlaze Heat Shields
VLAZE heat shields are designed and made in Britain by our company A.J Wells & Sons. The exceptional porcelain enamel surface of VLAZE is a luxurious, durable finish that withstands extremes of heat protecting your home, beautifully.
Over the years Vlaze, in collaboration with Charnwood, has released a wide range of wonderful designer finishes in a multitude of sizes and has established itself as not only the original, but also the best wood-stove heat shield on the market.
Creating the perfect fireplace requires blending several key factors, including functionality/efficiency, safety, and beauty. Once you have chosen the perfect stove, it’s time to consider how you will protect your space. Click here to find out more.
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It was wonderful to meet so many people from across the globe and share everything we are working on with you all. We are as determined as ever to lead the way with the very latest in woodstove technology and contribute to providing a sustainable energy solution that benefits both the homeowner and the environment. Finally, thank you to all who stopped by to visit us – it really was a pleasure to meet you all! Thanks to the team at Progetto Fuoco and of course, Zeta Linea – we hope to see you all soon!
“Amy and I were chatting one evening after a sea swim and discovered we both shared the same dream of creating a gentle space where people could learn new skills, make beautiful things, and immerse themselves in the incredible natural surroundings here on the Isle of Wight.” Kelly, who will run a bespoke jewellery workshop during the Isle of Wight retreat, explains. “We have worked together to create something that we hope will give people a chance to reset and come away restored.”
