Christian Guild Newsletter - February 2016 by Christian Guild

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Christian Guild

HOTELS • HOLIDAYS • CONFERENCES

newsletter : FEBRuary 2016

WELCOME...

... to the latest Christian Guild Newsletter. I have been delighted by the response and feedback we’ve received in relation to our Centenary year. 2015 ended on a high with fantastic Christmas and New Year celebrations. It looks like 2016 is going to be just as busy. Our product development teams have produced a great selection of exciting new breaks, including visiting the now famous Peak Pilgrimage trail. We are running two holidays from Willersley Castle Hotel in the spring, to ensure all who want to can enjoy this tour. The teams are constantly updating our holiday portfolio, so be sure to check the Holidays section of our website and our newsletter for new additions that you may not find in the annual holiday brochure. We are thrilled to extend the very popular range of Themed Evenings, started at Willersley Castle, to Abbot Hall Hotel as well. At these events our chefs source the finest local produce to prepare a mouthwatering dinner and there is a range of entertainment to suit the theme. We know the importance of good food and drink; our chefs produce all of the food in-house and are continually looking to develop new dishes, as well as providing all your classic favourites. We believe in sourcing fresh, seasonal, local produce where possible. For another year we are ensuring that everyone can enjoy fun-filled and action-packed holidays at reduced rates, with certain half-term holidays offering free accommodation for children aged 10 and under. As well as these fantastic discounts, we continue to run the 4% Early Payment Discount Scheme for all holidays booked and paid for 6 months in advance. This means if you book and pay now for your 2016 summer holiday, you will receive this great saving! We look forward to welcoming you to one of our hotels in 2016, Kevin Mantle, Managing Director

Hotel Developments All five Christian Guild hotels are currently undergoing extensive developments, focusing on bedroom refurbishments and upgrades. Sidholme Hotel has – and by April 2016 Willersley Castle Hotel will have – the benefit of restoration and modernisation work, meaning all of the bedrooms will be fully en-suite. This is the start of a longer-term bedroom renovation plan at the hotels to improve guests’ experiences. The developments will continue throughout the year. At Treloyhan Manor Hotel, exciting multi-million pound plans to restore and upgrade the historic mansion and its grounds were approved in November 2015. The hotel, built in 1892 for the shipping magnate Sir Edward Hain, will be sympathetically restored to provide first-class facilities for both guests and visitors to the hotel. The scheme will bring the hotel up to a high standard throughout, with all bedrooms and public areas undergoing extensive refurbishments. The building’s original Victorian conservatory and outdoor terraces are to be reinstated; a lift installed to all floors; a new entrance and car park created; and five self-catering lodges constructed. A long-term Landscape Management Plan will be introduced, including a new replacement Tree Preservation Order. Throughout the work the hotel will remain open for business to welcome visitors and for local residents to enjoy.

gift vouchers Treat a loved one with a Christian Guild Gift Voucher, available in a range of denominations: £10, £25 and £50. To arrange your purchase call 01629 826531 or email mail@christianguild.co.uk.

contact details Head Office �� 01629 826531 Abbot Hall Hotel �� 015395 32896 Lindors Country House Hotel �� 01594 530283

Sidholme Hotel �� 01395 515104 Treloyhan Manor Hotel �� 01736 796240 Willersley Castle Hotel �� 01629 582270

www.christianguild.co.uk All offers in this publication are applicable to new bookings only and subject to availability. Full balances must be paid at the time of booking. Terms & conditions apply. Excursions and some entertainment may incur additional costs.

Thank you Doug! At the end of 2015 Doug Emms retired as Hosting Secretary. The former House Director of Moorlands fulfilled 15 years in office as the Hosting Secretary, as well as undertaking the role on five previous occasions. Doug has hosted every type of week with us; his preferred options being dancing in one of the grand ballrooms or out leading one of his many walks – however, always after his brisk morning swim. Doug’s favourite ‘MishMash’ evenings – as he referred to them – were full of table games and challenges, and were loved by all. Full of facts, Doug always has the perfect story and memory of his holidays and time at Christian Guild. Whether it’s one of his family holidays or one of the many weeks he led and hosted. Doug decided in 2015 that now was the time for him to start enjoying our holidays from a guest’s perspective, and we cannot wait to offer him a warm welcome at all five of our hotels.

take a SHARE IN CHRISTIAN GUILD You can get involved with Christian Guild through buying shares. As well as a great investment for you, there are also many offers available to shareholders, including discounts of up to 10% on Christian Guild holidays, and the opportunity to attend annual general meetings with the board and management. If you’d like to find out more about shares, or increase your current shareholding, then please contact Christian Guild, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cromford Mills, Cromford, Derbyshire, DE4 3RQ or email mail@christianguild.co.uk.

Don't Forget our

Children's Discounts! Family values have always been at the heart of Christian Guild, and our child discounts are there to make it easier for you to take a refreshing break away together:

0-4 years: FREE 5-10 years: 75% off 11-15 years: 50% off 16& 17 years: 25% off 18-21 years*: 25% off *if in full-time education and holidaying with parents.

One child per paying adult. Contact hotels for rates for additional children. General rule is that children share with accompanying adults.

answers to the ‘very special celebratory christian guild Centenary Quiz’ A very big thank you to everyone who took part in our Centenary Quiz, and who, in the process, supported the important work of the Nigeria Health Care Project.

Congratulations to our winner – Mrs. Audrey Evans of Peterborough – who wins a week’s holiday for two at any of our hotels in 2016. Two runners up received a free weekend break and a free superior room upgrade, and every correct entrant will also receive a £30 discount off the next holiday they book with us. After leaving you to work them out for a year, here are the answers to the tricky teasers: 1. The background images appear in the 2015 brochure on pages 12, 18, 24, 30, 30 (again), 36, 40 and 46.

2. W illersley Castle Hotel was a hospital during World War One (as it was again during World War Two). 3. Treloyhan Manor was built by Sir Edward Hain.

4. The stepping stones in the brochure can be found in Dovedale.

5. You would need to swim 107.3 lengths of a Christian Guild pool to complete an imperial mile (or 108 full lengths). 6. The 2015 break where you could see the abundance of flowers was Homes & Gardens of the Lake District.

7. The holiday with Gillian Cordingley where your final piece of work would be posted to you was Experimenting with Clay. 8. The holidays where you could “Holmes in on the truth” were the Murder Mystery Weekends. 9. The holiday where you could join in the songs of the last 100 years was titled Songs of the Century. 10. The only hotel to close its doors over two winters was Treloyhan Manor Hotel. 11. You could make your own pudding on the Willersley Gourmet Break.

12. K eith Cheetham led the ‘In the Steps of the Wesleys & Early Pilgrim Fathers’ break. 13. Lindors Country House Hotel has a Bible garden.

14. A nd it was Lindors Country House Hotel again where under 10s could stay for free in August. 15. W illersley Castle Hotel was the venue in 2015 for “an evening of patriotic fayre”.

16. Old gas street lamps can be found in the grounds of Abbot Hall Hotel. 17. Abbot Hall Hotel is described in the 2015 brochure as “a 19th century mansion”. 18. Sidholme Hotel has a Gothic style organ.

19. The famous pudding you can enjoy at Abbot Hall Hotel is Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding. And very nice it is too!

20. You can visit Minack Theatre from Treloyhan Manor Hotel.

21. Our three Blue Badge Guides in 2015 were Jill Durnford, Anne Bartlett, and Maeve Hamilton Hercod. 22. Our holiday partner recommended by Which is Riviera Travel. 23. Treloyhan Manor Hotel overlooks Carbis Bay.

24. The arboretum you could visit in June 2015 from Willersley Castle Hotel was Lichfield Arboretum.

25. A nd finally, the Christian Guild Centenary year was, of course, 2015!

Easter 2016

Abbot Hall Hotel

holidays & celebrations

015395 32896

abbot@christianguild.co.uk

aster arrives early in 2016, so plan your Easter break now and secure your preferred accommodation choice. We have a selection of celebratory holidays around this most important Christian Festival. All prices are per person.

Single & Mingle 13th – 18th March

Holidaying on your own can be daunting, but on this 5-night break there’s nothing to worry about. Enjoy our historic hotel while socialising and meeting new people.

Easter celebrations Pre-Easter breaks Easter at Abbot Hall

Pre-Easter at Lindors

Easter at Lindors

Pre-Easter at Sidholme

Easter at Sidholme

Pre-Easter Stay as you Please at Willersley

25th – 28th March Package price: £198

24th – 29th March Package price: £345 24th – 29th March Package price: £330

Easter at Treloyhan Stay as you Please 26th March – 10th April Price per night: £59 (min. 2 nights)

Easter at Willersley 24th – 29th March Package price: £315

20th – 24th March Package price: £268

Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £295

20th – 25th March Package price: £295

Transport of the Lake District 17th – 22nd April

20th – 24th March Price per night: £50 (min. 2 nights)

Step back in time on this 5-night Blue Badge Guided holiday as we use a variety of traditional modes of transport to explore the Lake District and Cumbria. We'll travel by steam trains and a steam yacht, as well as modern trains, boats and a minibus, and visit museums to discover more about this part of our heritage. Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £545

Easter Holiday Family breaks Abbot Hall Family Break 3rd – 8th April Package price: £325 Children 10 and under stay for free!

Sidholme Family Break 3rd – 8th April Package price: £325

Mothers' Day S

sunday 6th march 2016

how your mum, grandmother or that special lady how much she means to you with a meal or short break at Abbot Hall Hotel, Lindors Country House Hotel or Willersley Castle Hotel. Whether overlooking the sea or in the heart of the countryside, our hotels are perfect venues for celebrating this special occasion. Enjoy a 3-course meal and a special gift for just

£14.95

each.

And you can always extend your celebration with overnight accommodation to make it extra special. One, two or three-night packages are available: contact the hotels for more details of their special Mothers’ Day rates.

Fun & Fellowship 24th – 29th April

Meet new friends and relax with like-minded people on this 5-night break. With an evening programme and time to relax in our grounds or pool, this is a fantastic break for those who like to socialise. Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £350

North Yorkshire Coach 12th – 18th June

No need to worry about travelling to your holiday destination! Just join the coach at one of the pick up points – Scarborough, Ripon, Harrogate, Skipton, or another convenient stop along the A65 – and we’ll take all the stress out of your journey. Trips out and evening entertainment are included in this fun-filled fellowship break. En-suite package price: £558

Lindors

Gloucestershire Summer Coach Tour 15th – 22nd July

country house Hotel 01594 530283

lindors@christianguild.co.uk

Country House Escape 13th – 15th March Enjoy tea and cake on your arrival at this 2-night break. On Sunday evening a traditional roast with all the trimmings will be served. On Monday you’ll have time to explore the Wye Valley and the Royal Forest of Dean, before returning for an Afternoon Cream Tea. A Welsh-themed meal will take centre stage in the evening. En-suite package price: £90

Cities, Cathedrals & Castles 24th – 29th April

During this 5-night break we will take you to the historic cities of Cardiff, Gloucester and Hereford, taking in the cathedrals of the latter two. We will also make time to visit the market town of Abergavenny and the mediæval ruins of Raglan Castle. Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £395

Lindors Variety Break Forest & Valley Explorer 11th – 16th May Guest speakers, guided walks, 3rd – 8th April coach tours and evening Explore the beautiful area around Lindors on this new 5-night break with a guided 4-5 mile walk, days out, and a variety of evening entertainment and fellowship. En-suite package price: £330

Sidholme Hotel

01395 515104

sidholme@christianguild.co.uk

Craft Holiday 6th – 11th March

Join us for a veritable feast of craft activities: card making, paper crafts, cross stitching and also a few surprises. This break will make any ‘crafty’ person’s heart sing with joy! En-suite package price: £345

entertainment are all part of a fantastic itinerary on this 5-night holiday. There’s never a dull moment on a Lindors Variety Break! Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £395

History & Heritage Devon Escorted Tour 11th – 15th April

Blue Badge Guide Maeve Hamilton Hercod is back at Sidholme to lead three fullday excursions during this break. Maeve is entertaining, informative and professional, and has an amazing insight into local history. Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £295

Scenic Coastal Devon 22nd – 27th May

Enjoy stunning coastal views, idyllic rolling countryside, and verdant wooded valleys on this delightful scenic break, with three trips out to historic homes, National Trust gardens and an exotic boat cruise. Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £395

Walks & Small Gardens 22nd – 29th May Ann and Derek Rees will take you to a selection of magical gardens on this 7-night holiday: Lydney Park and on to Taurus crafts, High Glanau Manor, Woodside at Doward, and more. There will also be walks of 7+ miles, led by Wye Valley tour guide John Bosley. Free room upgrades available: first-come first-served! Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £469

Whitsun Family Week 29th May – 3rd June

Join us for a 5-night break with something for all the family. Swimming, fellowship, crafts and much more – all part of a packed line up of things to do during the spring school holidays. En-suite package price: £345

Treloyhan manor Hotel 01736 796240

treloyhan@christianguild.co.uk

Sightseeing & Discovery 19th - 26th March

Take a journey of discovery to some of the region’s most charming sights on this 7-night tour. Explore pretty fishing harbours and visit one of Cornwall’s most beautiful historic houses, wandering around its gardens bursting with springtime colour. Relax on our executive mini bus and visit places not accessible by larger coaches, finding some of Cornwall’s best kept secrets. En-suite package price: £434

Join us for this fabulous 7-night coach holiday taking in the area around Lindors: the Royal Forest of Dean, including the Dean Heritage Museum and galleries; a day tour of the city of Gloucester, including the historic docks and a canal boat trip; a visit to Hereford and Symonds Yat; and a day in the Cotswolds. It all adds up to a wonderful scenic tour of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. En-suite package price: £525

Three Choirs Festival 22nd – 29th July

Enjoy this 7-night holiday of choral delight, taking in the sounds of the Three Choirs Festival held in and around Gloucester Cathedral. The week will include three trips into Gloucester to enjoy some of the highlights of the festival, with plenty of time to take in and savour more of the atmosphere in the Festival Village, or to explore this delightful, ancient city. En-suite package price: £525

Scenic Cornwall & St Ives 22nd - 29th April

Discover the bright and shining southwest tip of Cornwall on this 7-night holiday. Experience the very best of the area with excursions to St Michael's Mount; Minack Theatre and sub-tropical gardens; Tate St Ives; the Lost Gardens of Heligan; and the Eden Project; as well as an evening at the St Ives Jazz Club. Free room upgrades available: first-come first-served! En-suite package price: £518

Willersley castle Hotel 01629 582270

willersley@christianguild.co.uk

Local History Break 29th March – 1st April

Our local 3-night history break is back by popular demand! Enjoy two days visiting places of local historical interest, and return home relaxed and more knowledgeable! Special Newsletter offer! En-suite package price: £180

Country Dancing with Ron Coxall 3rd – 8th July

Our ever popular 5-night break of country dancing returns. Whether you are a newcomer or a regular dancer you will be made most welcome on this break. En-suite package price: £360

Market Towns of Derbyshire 25th – 30th July

Discover some of the vibrant and pictureseque market towns of Derbyshire during this 5-night holiday and take time to potter, browse, shop and explore. Coach transport is provided so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy! En-suite package price: £380

Christian Music Week with Roger Jones 21st August

Learn Roger’s new musical ‘Barnabas’ during this popular 6-night holiday with Roger Jones and Christian Music Ministries. Open to all ages and abilities, vocalists, instrumentalists and ‘non-participants’, the break includes worship, bible teaching, prayer ministry and rehearsals, and concludes with a last night performance. En-suite package price: £420

Themed Evenings

njoy great food, great entertainment, and a great night’s sleep on one of our fabulous Themed Evenings. These events have been a hugely popular addition to our programme at Willersley Castle Hotel, and we are delighted to now offer the same fantastic experience at Abbot Hall Hotel too. Enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by themed entertainment, a comfy bed for the night, and a hearty breakfast to start the next day – all for just per person!

£39

Abbot Hall

Willersley Castle

24th April:

6th March:

8th May:

17th April:

5th June:

8th May:

16th July:

10th July:

19th August:

14th August:

11th September:

30th October:

Free accommodation upgrades available; first come, first served.

6th November:

Best of British Best of Cumbria Italian Night Family Barbecue Night Summer Sizzle Seafood Evening

Stay Please as you

Sunday Roast Italian Evening 1940s Night 'Through the Decades' Best of Derbyshire Sunday Roast American Night

tay for as many nights as you like* and take advantage of the great Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rates on these flexible holidays. *Except where stated, minimum stay is for 2 nights and prices are per person per night.

Abbot Hall Hotel:

1 st – 31st March: £49 10th – 15th April: £310 (5 night package price)

Lindors Country House Hotel:

2 9th March – 1st April: £195 (3 night package price) 11th – 14th April: £195 (3 night package price)

Sidholme Hotel:

4th - 20th March: £46

Treloyhan Manor Hotel:

14th - 21st April: £53 4th - 19th June: £59

Willersley Castle Hotel:

8th - 19th August: £65 27th Aug - 3rd Sep: £65

Holidays Further Afield 2016 The isles of scIlly departs 1st may. 9 nights*, £1600

(9 night £1525 & 7 night £1325 options available)

BlAck ForesT walking Holıday departs 28th august. 7 nights, £975 incl. flights

For more information about either of these holidays, please contact Head Office:

01629 826531

mail@christianguild.co.uk www.christianguild.co.uk

Christian Guild hosted holidays in association with Riviera Travel Paris by Eurostar departs 22nd july. 3 nights, from £299 Bruges by Eurostar departs 21st august. 3 nights, from £319 See website for more details: www.christianguild.co.uk