Christian Guild Christian Guild
HOTELS • HOLIDAYS • CONFERENCES
newsletter : January 2015
WELCOME
Christian guild Hosts
Welcome to our first Newsletter of 2015 – and if you are reading this publication for the first time ‘welcome to Christian Guild’. I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous start to the New Year. Where does the time go? Each year seems to pass so very quickly! While you’re browsing our brochures and website for your 2015 break, we’re already working on plans for next year. We always like to keep a step ahead to make sure we offer you the very best holiday. We understand your needs at Christian Guild, and it’s the reason why our holidays allow you to relax with like-minded people. It’s also the reason why we’ve been in existence for 100 years and celebrate our centenary this year. That’s right – 2015 is our centenary year and all our hotels are hosting fantastic events to mark this very special occasion. Please do try to join us and take part in our celebrations. You’ll find out more about them inside this Newsletter. There are some fabulous breaks to choose from, and we’re looking forward to you joining us. It’s a very proud moment for everyone at Christian Guild.
We believe we have been successful because we always invest in our hotels and holidays to make sure they provide what our discerning guests need. And we also like to offer new experiences for you, our loyal guests. For example, last year we launched a partnership with Riviera Travel, who are experts at arranging holidays abroad. Hosted trips to Bruges and Paris were a major success, so this year we’re working with Riviera Travel again. For 2015, there will be fabulous hosted holidays to superb destinations such as Austria, Switzerland and Poland. Full details are included inside this Newsletter.
For those who want to stay in the UK, then everyone at our collection of wonderfully located hotels is looking forward to welcoming you. We are ready to welcome you in 2015, whether you’re a long-term friend, or it’s the first time you’ve stayed with Christian Guild. With all good wishes for 2015 to you all. Kevin Mantle, Managing Director
As well as being looked after by our friendly and caring staff, on most holiday weeks at a Christian Guild hotel you’ll also be welcomed by our wonderful hosts. Our hosts make sure you have everything you need, take care of you on excursions and trips, and lead the devotions and entertainment during your stay with us. It’s just one of the many ways that makes Christian Guild unique. You’re not just a tourist, you’re our guest and we want to make sure you always receive the warmest welcome. We are always on the look-out for people who could be suitable as hosts in the future, so if you would like to know more about becoming a Christian Guild host, please contact Head Office.
Pay early, pay less! Christian Guild already offers superb value for money on its holidays and breaks. But if you are able to pay early, then you can take advantage of a super offer. If you pay at least six months before the start of your holiday, you will receive a 4% discount!
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 contact Sarah Askew at Head Office, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cromford Mills, Cromford, Derbyshire, DE4 3RQ or email sarah@christianguild.co.uk. cele bra ting one hun dre d ye ars
2015 brochure We’re already getting a great response to the Christian Guild Holidays & Breaks 2015 brochure! In case you missed it, you can read or download the online version at www.christianguild.co.uk or call us on 01629 826531 to order your copies through the post.
Christia
1915 – 2015
Head Office ��������������������������������������������������������� 01629 826531 Abbot Hall Hotel ��������������������������������������������� 015395 32896 Lindors Country House Hotel ��������������������� 01594 530283
HOLID
Holidays &
n Guild
AYS •
CONFER
e best in Ch
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.
ENCES
Breaks
2015
Offering th
contact details
HOTELS •
ristia n hosp
ita lity
celebrate
100 years
Christian Guild’s
Centenary Yea: 2015
Come and join our celebration! In 2015 we celebrate 100 years of welcoming guests – and we’re planning some fantastic ways to mark this special anniversary. We’d love to invite you, your family and friends to join us and share in the celebrations.
Hotel Events Each hotel will be marking this magnificent milestone with a celebratory Centenary event:
Songs of the Century
Sidholme Hotel: 19th - 24th April
Shareholders' Centenary Week
Willersley Castle Hotel: 10th - 17th May
100 Year Celebration
Abbot Hall Hotel: 20th - 27th June
Summer Centenary Family Weeks
Treloyhan Manor Hotel: 25th July - 22nd August
Hosts' Centenary Break
Lindors Country House Hotel: 11th - 16th October
The finale of each event will be a celebratory four-course gala dinner complete with birthday cake for all, and live entertainment! On departure, each guest will receive a special, commemorative pen.
c e l e b r a t i n g
o n e
Celebrating the past – Planting for the future! As we celebrate the past, we're also looking forward to the future by planting a commemorative tree at each hotel, for all our guests to enjoy for many years to come. A commemorative plaque will record the Centenary at each planting.
Sharing the benefit. During the year there will be a series of celebration events to raise additional money for the Nigeria Health Care Project. Christian Guild has supported NHCP for many years, and we are delighted to be able to pass on more funding from our Centenary to support projects that help some of the poorest people in the world.
h u n d r e d
y e a r s
lindors country house 01594 530283 Autumn Tints & Dyffryn Gardens
willersley castle hotel 01629 582270 Investors in People Accreditation In July, the team at Willersley were given Investors in People status – the prized accolade that shows the hotel’s commitment to the team and business. Kevin George, General Manager says, “This is a wonderful achievement for the team. There has been a lot of hard work put in and the team and hotel are already benefiting from this.”
A year of Investment!
Next time you visit Willersley Castle Hotel you will notice there have been a few changes! The drawing room has been completely refurbished with comfy new chairs, beautiful carpets and curtains and a subtle colour scheme. Our two dining rooms have new tables and chairs enabling us to offer far more flexibility for diners, and to add to this, new curtains also enhance the dining rooms. To add even more choice to your break, we have added televisions to all of our bedrooms, which have also been well received. We continue to improve our beautiful hotel and we hope that on your next visit you like the improvements!
Some of the 2015 holiday highlights at Willersley Castle Hotel 25-30 January: Hidden Churches, Steeples & Spires A fantastic new break which will offer a chance to visit Derby Cathedral, the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield, and other hidden religious buildings in Derbyshire. The package price of £290 includes 3 excursions with admission and evening speaker. 8-13 February: Winter History Break We are lucky enough to be surrounded by a rich historical area, and you will be able to discover this with a local historical speaker, as well as visiting mills steeped in history. Package price: £295. 29 Mar – 2 April: Pre-Easter Break A variety of activities for all ages! This break will include Easter themed crafts, games and guided short walks. A short break to get together before the busy Easter holidays commence. 3-8 May: In the Steps of the Wesleys & Early Pilgrim Fathers 17-22 May: Birdwatching Break with Richard Preston 14-18 June: Hidden Gardens 28 June - 3 July: Cities, Arboretums & Gardens 10-17 July: Stately Homes & Gardens 1-28 August: Family Stay As You Please Look out for our Theme Nights! Throughout the year we will be holding special theme nights offering dinner, bed and breakfast at outstanding prices. Themes include: Best of British; Italian; Spanish; and Seafood, to name but a few – contact the hotel for a list of these fantastic evenings. Interest Break Change The Willersley Gourmet Break planned for 22-27 Feb is now to be replaced by our Stay As You Please offer. Enjoy the wonderful grounds of this historic hotel and the local area for just £45 per person per night. Accommodation is half-board, with free Superior upgrades on a first come, first served basis.
We are pleased to announce an additional programme for 2015 from Sunday 8th to Friday 13th November (5 nights) This spectacular break hosted by Ann & Derek Rees will include trips by car and short strolls around the local Forest of Dean & Wye Valley to take in the Autumn colours. In addition there will be a coach trip included to the spectacular Dyffryn House Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan. These exceptional Edwardian gardens, designed by Thomas Mawson feature intimate garden rooms, a statuary collection, Pompeian garden and several ponds. There is also a large glasshouse and arboretum featuring trees from all over the world. Special price of £225 per person to include: half board accommodation, coach trip to Dyffryn Gardens, and evening entertainment.
New Manager
We were sad to see Neil Heaven leave us at the end of October to move onto new challenges within the hotel industry and wish him every success with his new position. However, we are delighted to announce the arrival of Victoria Lyle as the new manager here at Lindors who takes up her role in January. Victoria has recently been working at Trebinshun House near Brecon but has also worked in event catering & hospitality and at Gloucester College Catering. Victoria has also been involved in the Children’s ministry and Kings Table at Trinity Church. Living on the outskirts of Gloucester she knows the area well and looks forward to meeting you on your next visit to Lindors.
Some of the 2015 holiday highlights at Lindors Country House Hotel 15-21 February: Half Term Family Fun 8-13 March: Stroll into Spring 2-7 April: Easter Celebration 12-17 April: Blue Badge Guided Break 18-24 April: Coach, Boats & Trains 21-26 June: Wesley Guild Break 26 July - 1 August: Summer Gardens & National Trust Break Throughout August: Summer Family Weeks (1-8; 15-22; 22-28; plus adults-only ‘Secret Escapes’ week: 8-15) 6-11 September: Daytime Walks & Evening Dances
Christian Guild at the CRE During 2014 Christian Guild attended a number of exhibitions, including stands at the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) events at Manchester, Peterbrough, Cardiff, Southampton and Esher. It was great to meet so many of you at these events and to introduce ourselves to new guests and organisations. The CRE celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2015 with a major move to Europe’s leading exhibition centre – the ExCeL in the London docklands. Event Director Bill Allen explained that “we really had to move as the exhibition needed to grow and this couldn’t be done at Sandown Park which has been our happy home for 28 years.” “I will build my church...” is the reason for the existence of the exhibition – sometimes referred to as the Ideal Church Show – and it has everything a church or ministry would need, from pews to puppets, heating to habits, new technology to new ministries. It also features over 1500sq metres of books, gifts, and DVDs & CDs.
In addition to the International exhibition there are also the regional exhibitions. In 2015 they will be stopping at WestPoint, Exeter on 10-11 February, and the NEC in Birmingham on the 7-8 October. There will also be one Pop Up exhibition as part of CRE on the Road in September (venue TBA).
your Free entry in 2015 As a special discount for customers of Christian Guild, CRE is offering you free tickets to any or all the exhibitions in 2015, saving as much as £6 per ticket, and you can invite as many people as you want to come with you. To get your free tickets please go to www.creonline.co.uk/CG2015
CHRISTIAN GUILD
& KINGDOM COFFEE IN PARTNERSHIP We at Kingdom Coffee are proud to have been chosen by the Christian Guild as their Fairtrade and ethical supplier. Each time you enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at the Christian Guild’s five wonderful hotels you are helping to fund the incredible work of our three Christian charitable partners, Tearfund, Toybox and Latin Link to improve the lives of impoverished people around the world and help spread the message of Christ. By simply drinking our coffee you become part of a wonderful cooperative that will continue to fund the invaluable work undertaken by these astonishing charities We thank the Christian Guild for sharing our vision which has increased the opportunity for each and every one of us to play a role in improving the lives of those whose circumstances are less fortunate than our own.
If you would like to assist Kingdom Coffee and our charitable partners further in our shared vision, why not consider Kingdom Coffee as a supplier to your church. With a church package to suit all, we can supply you from a vast range of Fairtrade, Organic and ethically sourced products delivered direct to your door at unbeatably low prices. Why not call us to find on how we at Kingdom Coffee can assist you in the service of Coffee With A Conscience. Ps. Keep an eye on our website for our new home delivery service starting around Easter 2015.
Self-Catering Pine Lodges
O
ur fully-equipped lodges provide perfect accommodation for families or groups all year round. There are five lodges each in the grounds of Abbot Hall Hotel and Lindors Country House Hotel. There are four two-bedroom lodges at each hotel, each sleeping four guests. The fifth lodge has three bedrooms, accommodating six guests, making it ideal for larger families. Each lodge is fully equipped with central heating, lighting, bed linen and towels. While staying in the lodges you are free to use all the facilities of the hotel, including the all-weather swimming pools. If you prefer not to self-cater you can arrange to book meals in the hotel. Throughout your stay you will be welcome to join in any planned activities.
To book your self-catering lodge holiday, call Abbot Hall Hotel on 015395 32896 or Lindors on 01594 530283.
Treloyhan Manor Hotel 01736 796240 A message from new Manager, Alex Lowe: t has been my first year at Treloyhan Manor and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have met a lot of fantastic guests, amazing hosts and been introduced to the true ethos of Christian Guild. We now have a new kitchen team in place at Treloyhan Manor which achieved a Platinum food award (the only hotel in St Ives to achieve this) and our 5* food rating. Since the changes we have been getting fantastic guest feedback about the quality of the food and service received from all departments of the hotel. We have welcomed many new guests this year including: • Truro Diocese who had eight conferences here last year and many more booked for 2015 and into 2016. • Robinsons and Angela Holidays. • Walking groups from Ramblers and Worldwide Ramblers. We also had our first visit group from the Cornwall-based Christian charity Tubestation in December, with another booking later this year. Their tagline ‘Discovering the ultimate ride’ describes what they are about – a journey of discovery, following the ultimate example, Jesus, and trying to emulate the best they can. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
I
Some of the 2015 holiday highlights at Treloyhan Manor Hotel 14-21 February: Walking Week and Half Term Family Fun March / April: Easter Breaks (28 March - 2 April; 2-7; and 7-11 April) 4-11 April: Experimenting with Clay 13-20 June: St Ives & Scenic Cornwall July & August: Summer Centenary Family Weeks Whether you love an action-packed summer of adventures, or relaxing in gorgeous gardens or on sandy beaches, Treloyhan summer centenary weeks will keep the whole family entertained. (25 July - 1 Aug; 1-8; 8-15; and 15-22 August) 12-27 September: Music Festival Stay As You Please (any time during the festival - min. 2 nights) 4-10 October: St Ives Art Week 6-9 November: Murder Mystery Weekend
abbot hall hotel
015395 32896
A blaze of colour!
We have had so many wonderful comments on how beautiful the Abbot hall garden was this summer and to put the icing on the cake a Highly Commended award from Grange-inBloom. The cosmos and begonias were a picture and with the mild autumn and November the germaniums are still flowering as I write. Thanks to all who voiced their appreciation. “We recently celebrated our Golden Wedding at Abbot Hall. As we met at The Links in 1962, it seemed right to celebrate in a Methodist Guild Hotel, now a Christian Guild hotel. Sadly, The Links has closed, but we often go to Abbot Hall, so that was our choice of venue. It was a wonderful occasion, and we were thoroughly spoilt by Amanda and her wonderful team. We had a beautiful flower arrangement in our room, as well as a full bowl of fruit. Our favourite evening entertainment – Giant Monopoly – was provided, with a bit of help from our grandson, Ben. He and his brother Sam had played it there on previous holidays. We spent the day on Windermere, with our small party of family and friends, and the sun shone all day! Abbot Hall has beautifully maintained gardens, an absolute blaze of colour. To celebrate in such a lovely place, and spoilt by all of the staff, made it a very memorable few days. Thank you Abbot Hall!” Diana & Derrick Stevenson
Some of the 2015 holiday highlights at Abbot Hall Hotel 23-27 February: English Country Dancing 2-6 March: Patchworking & Quilting 22-27 March: Single & Mingle 30 March - 3 April: Poetry Writing Break 2-7 April: Easter Celebration 26 April - 1 May: Homes & Gardens of the Lake District 26 April - 1 May: Watercolour Painting 4-8 May: Countryside Walks 25 July - 1 August: Homes & Gardens 8-15 August: Family Activity Week 27 September - 2 October: Singles Week
sidholme hotel
A
01395 515104
big thank you from the Sidholme Hotel team to all our guests for visiting us during 2014. We have added to our team over the year to ensure our guests experience high standards on our fun-filled holiday packages in 2015 and beyond, and are pleased to introduce Peter, our new Head Chef, who joined us in October 2014. Peter has joined us from HF holidays – a renowned UK holiday company. We also have Gemma Harrison who has joined us from the renowned Brend hotels in the South West as our Front Office Manager and we welcome Maeve Hamilton-Hercod leading our first blue badge guided breaks in 2015. Thank you to all who have donated in the past towards our Organ Fund. We are extremely pleased that the organ refurbishment got under way in November and we expect it to be completed by mid-January.
Some of the 2015 holiday highlights at Sidholme Hotel 15-20 February: Half Term Break 2-6 March: Keswick in Devon 22-27 March: Early Spring Walking 29 March - 2 April: Easter Family Fun 27 April - 1 May: Blue Badge Guided Break 24-29 May: Half Term Family Fun 28 June - 3 July: Blue Badge Guided Break July & August: Summer Family Weeks (25 Jul - 1 Aug; 1-8 ‘Folk Week’; 8-15 ‘Teen Zone’; 15-22; and 22-29 Aug)
New for 2015! Christian Holiday People are running a coach holiday to Sidholme from 27 Sept – 2 Oct. Led by Dave Langton, with pick ups in Yorkshire, Preston, Warrington, Heald Green, and Manchester. Contact Anne Powell on 0161 440 7204 for details.
Holidays Further Afield 2015 Holidays Afield 2015 Christian Further Guild Hosted Holidays Christian Guild Hosted Holidays
Switzerland, the Matterhorn & the Glacier Express Switzerland, Departing 26th August 2015& the Matterhorn 8 daysGlacier - half-board the Express
£1,199pp from Birmingham Departing 26th August 2015 £1,169pp from London Heathrow 8 days - half-board
£1,199pp from Birmingham Venicepp-from Classic £1,169 London Heathrow
& Undiscovered Departing 2015 Venice6th- July Classic 5 &days Undiscovered
£749 pp from Luton Departing 6th July 2015 £749pp from Leeds/Bradford 5 days
£749pp from Luton
Discover £749pp from Leeds/Bradford Krakow Departing 16th October 2015 Discover 4 days Krakow £489pp from Bristol Departing 16th October 2015 £469pp from Manchester
4 days
£489pp from Bristol
Price includes • Return scheduled flights from Birmingham or London Heathrow • Seven nights’ accommodation in three and four-star hotels with breakfast and dinner • Visit Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn, probably the world’s most instantly recognisable Price includes peak •• Return Travel on the breath-taking Glacier Expressor London Heathrow scheduled flights from Birmingham •• Enjoy trip onaccommodation the Bernina Express, another world-class railway Sevenanights’ in three and four-star hotels with journey breakfast and dinner •• Visit Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, known as the Visit Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn, probably the world’s‘Swiss mostRiviera’ instantly • recognisable Travel on the peak Centovalli railway, across a ‘hundred scenic valleys’ to Locarno •• Cross Lake Maggiore by private launch visiting delightful Stresa Travel Italy’s on thefabulous breath-taking Glacier Express •• Enjoy Stay inathe alpine village of Klosters tripSwiss on the Bernina Express, another world-class railway journey •• Escorted by an on experienced manager Visit Montreux the shorestour of Lake Geneva, known as the ‘Swiss Riviera’
Single supplement £119 per person • Travel on the Centovalli railway, across a ‘hundred scenic valleys’ to Locarno • Cross Italy’s fabulous Lake Maggiore by private launch visiting delightful Stresa • Stay in the Swiss alpine village of Klosters includes •Price Escorted by an experienced tour manager • Return flights £119 fromper Leeds/Bradford or Luton Single supplement person • Four nights in a four-star hotel situated on the Grand Canal with breakfast • Walking tour of Venice, probably the world’s most unique city • Timed visit to St Mark’s Basilica – probably the world’s most opulent cathedral Price includes • Visit to the glorious Doge’s Palace • Return flights from Leeds/Bradford or Luton • Walking tour of Venice, the old Jewish Quarter and Venice of the Venetians • Four nights in a four-star hotel situated on the Grand Canal with breakfast • Visit to picturesque Murano in the Venice lagoon, an island caught in time • Walking tour of Venice, probably the world’s most unique city • Demonstration of Murano glass manufacture • Timed visit to St Mark’s Basilica – probably the world’s most opulent cathedral • Escorted by an experienced tour manager • Visit to the glorious Doge’s Palace Single supplement £149 per person tour of Venice, the old Jewish Quarter and Venice of the Venetians • Walking • Visit to picturesque Murano in the Venice lagoon, an island caught in time • Demonstration of Murano glass manufacture • Escorted by an experienced tour manager Price includes supplement £149 per person •Single Return flights from Bristol or Manchester • Three nights bed and breakfast at an excellent quality, centrally located four-star hotel • Guided walking tour of the medieval city where you will see the amazing Rynek, St Mary’s Church, the immense Florian Gate, the University and Collegium Price includes • Visit to the castle district, home of the Royal Palace • Return flights from Bristol or Manchester • Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (included but optional) • Three nights bed and breakfast at an excellent quality, centrally located four-star hotel • Optional tour of the famous Salt mines • Guided walking tour of the medieval city where you will see the amazing Rynek, • Escorted by an experienced tour manager St Mary’s Church, the immense Florian Gate, the University and Collegium Single £109 district, per person • Visitsupplement to the castle home of the Royal Palace • Visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (included but optional) • Optional tour of the famous Salt mines • Escorted by an experienced tour manager
To request a brochure 523453 Christian Guild) Single supplement £109(quoting per person £469 pp from Manchestercall 01283 To check availability or make a booking, call 01283 742322 Visit www.cguriviera.co.uk