THE IDEA
I’m Emma Sweet, the leader of the packs, a caption the Henley Standard gave to me when the first pack launched and it feels rather fitting. After coming up with the idea in August 2022 at a time when energy bills were a big focus (and still are) and social interaction even more so, what could be a better (and frugal!) way to spend time than enjoying a game of cards or two? And even better to discover the best independent places worth a visit too.
I moved to Henley in July 2012 and now live just a few miles in Knowl Hill. It’s also the same distance to Marlow so I’ve spent loads of time in both towns and hence why the first two packs are in honour of them.
When we visit new places, our default setting is to always go online but that doesn’t mean you’ll find the best places, those hidden gems or local legends and that’s where the idea for these playing cards came from.
Photo (left) courtesy of Richard Pinches.
FUN ON THE GO
Take these cards to the pub with you and make new friends, on holiday by the pool or at home with a takeaway and a few drinks with the family. Wherever you’re playing cards, know that I’ve loved every minute of working on them and the overwhelmingly positive vibes from everyone who sees the packs has made them a true joy to work on.
NICOLA METCALFE
Nicola is a creative genius and a joy to work with. Her designs are magnificent, and this project would be nothing without her. Her drawings have captured the spirit of our towns and sparked love from those keen to be involved or get their hands on a pack.
Nicola lives in Marlow, and her website is well worth a visit. I’m often asked whether we were friends before the playing cards, and the honest answer is no. I took my idea to Nicola after seeing another project she’d worked on, and we didn’t meet until a few months later. But she’s definitely a friend now.
BEING GREEN
At Ace Places, we’re keen on being green! From using UK-based suppliers and FSC-approved printing to supporting local charities with every pack sold, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We’re always looking for ways to minimise our environmental impact while celebrating local communities.
Click the blue button below to find out more about our eco-friendly practices.
Our Green RoutineOUR CARD SPONSORS
A big thank you to all of the independent businesses, local charities, town councils and organisations who have sponsored a card so far. Without you taking a punt on a new idea, we’d never have got this far. Thank you for recognising it as the new marketing opportunity and sales tool that it was designed to be. Please do visit the places in the pack and tell them you’re there because of seeing them on the cards. It will make it all worthwhile and there’s a reason they made the pack.
Fun & Events
Ace Adventures
Marlow Playing Cards help fund Longridge’s Thames swimming plans as Ace Places giving tops £4,000
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Help us find the best independent businesses in St Albans
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Finding the right Leaders of the Pack: We’re growing, but we’re not rushing to cover the map
Why Ace Places has joined Encouraging Women into Franchising as we search for the right people to lead future packs across the UK. There is a big difference between growing quickly and growing well...
retail the packs
Fancy selling these blooming marvellous cards? Become a retailer and play a part in sharing the story of your town.
OUR GREEN ROUTINE
We keep our carbon footprint to a minimum by printing locally with vegan and FSC-approved printing processes.
Charity Support
We’re proud that each pack supports a dedicated charity, with a 25p donation made from every pack sold.
