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Grapevine M AY
2008
Welcome to our latest edition of Grapevine. Spring has sprung and we start to think about our summer holidays. In this issue we focus on our summer activities and the varied mix of holidays that we have planned for your enjoyment. There are many different holidays available all with that unique Christian Guild ethos. See our special offers and promotions as part of this issue. Don’t delay as available rooms are filling fast. We continue to develop our European holidays package for 2008, 2009 and 2010. As part of our commitment to add value to you, our customers, we have enclosed a leaflet from Methodist Insurance with a special offer for all Christian Guild customers.
This last six months has seen a number of our staff undertake voluntary services overseas and we feature reports from each of these in this issue. I do hope you enjoy this edition of Grapevine and that we have the pleasure of welcoming you to one of our hotels this summer. Kevin Mantle, Managing Director GROUP HOLIDAY FOCUS… Kevin Mantle, MD, in conversation with Susan Ashman of Network Christians, who celebrate 21 years this year. Tell us a bit about Network Christians. Network Christians was started 21 years ago to assist single Christian people to meet one another. Our aim remains to provide an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere where Christians from all backgrounds can meet on well-organised events and holidays. How has Christian Guild been part of your ministry to singles? Clearly, the venues we use have a big impact on the success of our events. Christian Guild
hotels at Sidholme, Lindors, Willersley Castle and Treloyhan Manor have all provided us with wonderful locations, good accommodation and delicious food. We particularly enjoy the lovely grounds and Christian environment which enhances our holiday experience. This year we are particularly looking forward to our week’s holiday at Treloyhan Manor. To find out more about Network Christians holidays with Christian Guild please call 01584 876116 or visit www.networkchristians.com
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY Ruby Barrett – 100th Birthday Ruby joined the company in 1937, working at Sidestrand Hall then on to Sidholme. In 1947 Ruby was appointed manageress at Mount Argos Barmouth. In 1953 she was appointed as the first manageress at Lindors where she spent nine eventful years and has shared many stories of the overflowing stream flooding through the hotel and managing with 110 volt home generated electricity supply. How familiar does some of that sound?! Since her retirement in 1962 Ruby has continued to worship in the Methodist church and
now lives in Tewkesbury. We remember with joy our 50th celebration at Lindors where Ruby joined us for the day, sharing her memories with us. We all wish Ruby a very happy 100th Birthday.
BLACK FOREST WALKING HOLIDAY 21 - 28 September 2008
There are still a few spaces available for this fabulous holiday. We will be staying at the Hotel Teuchelwald in Freudenstadt, in the Black Forest with its magnificent panoramic views. Price of £775 includes return flights, airport transfers in Germany, half board accommodation, packed lunches, coach travel to and from hotel for walking. To book or request full details and itinerary please contact Sarah Askew on 01629 580550 or e-mail sarah@christianguild.co.uk
ABBOT HALL HOTEL STAFF MEMBER BUILDING SCHOOLS IN TANZANIA John Eardley has worked at Abbot Hall since he was sixteen and is still helping us during his university holidays. He has been to Tanzania on two previous occasions and is going back this coming summer as part of a project run by the Church in the area in conjunction with a Christian charity, Soapbox. The aim is to build a school in a remote area of Tanzania and work with the children in the nearby village.
As this will be the third time that he has travelled to the region he is looking forward to meeting old friends and seeing how the project has progressed during the year. Last year when he went, he was encouraged to see the growth of the Church in the area, and to see the large number of new schools being built in Tanzania. Hopefully in the future all children will be able to experience education at least up to secondary school level.
ABBOT HALL SUPPORTS MARIE CURIE FOUNDATION Deputy Manager Diane Palmer held a second Craft Break in March when over fifteen crafters developed new skills. During the week the group and even some of the other guests and staff made around
fifty cards that were donated to the Marie Curie Foundation to be sold in their shops and help boost their funds. Many thanks to all who helped. SAFER POOLS ACROSS THE GROUP Abbot Hall hosted two life guarding courses for the four Christian Guild hotels with swimming pools. The course involved both dry and practical wet sessions including resuscitation, basic first aid and pool rescuing techniques. There were thirteen participants and we are pleased to report that all passed with flying colours.
LINDORS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL ROBERTA’S BIG RUN Roberta Havers from Lindors, a member of Chepstow Harriers Athletic Club, trained hard to take part in the London Marathon. As well as
regular long distance runs, she completed the Forest of Dean half-marathon in preparation for the big one. On the day, she completed the run in 4 hours 33 minutes and 7 secs, and was 4,457th out of 30,000 starters. In the process she raised over £500 for Lydney Community Hospital - the local hospital used by Lindors guests, hosts and staff. To show their support, a number of the team are joining Roberta on the race for life in Bristol on 18th May. THE PUMP ROOM REFURBISHMENT BEGINS Work has started on refurbishing the old table tennis room, soon to be named ‘The Pump Room’. Adrian our maintenance man is adding wood panelling and re-papering the walls. Two
new chandeliers as well as new curtains and new carpet will complete the room. This room will be used for conferencing and private dining as well as giving the opportunity to open to non-residents for food during the weekends. We would anticipate the Pump Room being available for use by June and we have already taken several private functions for later in the year. PROMOTION AT LINDORS Jayne Wilks, Deputy Housekeeper, has been promoted to the role of Social and Events Manager. Jayne has already made a good impression and many guests have commented how well she fits in to the role. Jayne looks forward to welcoming all our guests in the near future.
MOORLANDS HOTEL Thanks also to all at Lindors who welcomed and assisted me during my three day induction.”
A BIG THANK YOU New General Manager, Donna Botha writes, “Thank you to all the staff at Moorlands Hotel for their support over the last couple of months while I have been settling into my new role. There really have been some fun days! I would also like to thank Jane Scriven from Lindors for coming to visit Moorlands for 3 days and working very hard to help implement and improve some of the systems.
NEW APPOINTMENTS We are pleased to announce that we have 2 new team members here at Moorlands. Mr Chris Parkin has joined us on a part-time basis as our gardener and maintenance man. Mrs Judy Bowes-Barrett has joined as a full-time receptionist. Sam Leathy is also returning from her maternity leave to join Mark in the kitchen as our breakfast chef. Janet Shooter, our Head Receptionist, has now been promoted to Assistant Manager and Deputy Manager Helen Peart is now looking after the interest break programs.
ROGER JONES WEEK This was a great success this year at Moorlands with many local people also attending on a daily basis. Roger is already scheduled to come to Moorlands again
next year, with some of this year’s guests booking before they left. So if you wish to join us next February please book soon to avoid disappointment.
NEW TO SIDHOLME HOTEL
CHALLENGE THE MANAGEMENT!
SIDHOLME HOTEL
AN INDIAN SIDHOLME! Geraldine Gee, one of our Reception team, has recently returned from Bangalore, India, where she had spent 2 months doing voluntary work at the Sumanahalli Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre. Her work involved helping with English lessons at the school, doing office administration and assisting in the leather workshop. She also befriended the leprosy and HIV patients, and accompanied them on various visits and outings. Our Christmas and New Year guests will be pleased to know that their donations for building a home for a leprosyaffected family were gratefully received and were sufficient to build a house, which will be named ‘Sidholme.’
Carolina (on the right in the picture below) has been promoted to Restaurant Supervisor. New Assistant Manager, Sameer (centre), joins us from working in hotel management in the Maldives. Catherine (left) is our new Reception Manager and joins us from Exeter Airport where she was Terminal Operations Manager. We wish all three every success in their new roles.
Sidholme are hosting a fun packed week of activities and competitions for Teen Zone this year (23 - 30 August). Guests will be trying to beat the Management and Staff at Paintballing, Sumo Wrestling, Go Karting, Gladiator Jousting and a Mega Quiz. And there’ll also be a free finale hog-roast and trophy presentation on the final night. Book now and start training!
TRELOYHAN MANOR HOTEL IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE IN CORNWALL A recent Board meeting at Treloyhan Manor gave the company’s Directors chance to see first hand the improvements that have been made at the hotel, and to congratulate the team on raising customer service levels in all areas.
Special commendation was made to Head Chef Andrew Savage for his kitchen team’s achievement in receiving the Gold CHEFS Award for Cornwall’s Healthy Eating & Food Safety standards.
Africa, undertaking voluntary work building huts, hospitals and wells for safe drinking. Alexis also taught at Cry’s Orphanage and plans to continue to raise funds for the orphanage when she returns.
GHANA MISSION
NEW ADDITIONS, INCLUDING A ‘BISHOP’ The team at Treloyhan Manor continues to grow. Mr Allan Bishop joins us as Deputy Manager. Allan is Cornwall-based and joins us with his wife Julie and daughter Piper. Allan brings a wealth of hotel management experience with him, and we wish him every success. Ms Jo McMinn has recently joined as our Social Events Organiser and is looking forward to this new and exciting role.
Assistant Housekeeper Alexis Sibley recently took time away to travel to Ghana in
Mr Marc Rothmann join us as Sous Chef, adding his culinary skills to our award-winning kitchen brigade. 60TH ANNIVERSARY 28th June to 5th July brings the much awaited 60th Anniversary celebrations at Treloyhan. There will be a Gala Banquet, commemorative services and a week of fun packed activities rounding off with a ‘Family Fun Day’. Guests will be able to take in the historic atmosphere and learn how Treloyhan has transformed into a haven of peace and fellowship. Proceeds from the fun day will be donated to the RNLI - a charity close to the hearts of all St. Ives residents and visitors.
WILLERSLEY CASTLE HOTEL NIGERIA UPDATE Tim Rogers joined with other trustees of the Nigeria Health Care Project on their biannual visit to assess the projects that are currently being funded and new funding opportunities. On this visit Tim was able to see the projects that he was unable to view on his last visit. The Methodist Hospital at Omuo Ekiti provides essential healthcare within the community. As well as treating local people it has an excellent laboratory where diagnoses can be carried out and a very highly regarded lab technician.
The Wesley Hospital in Ado-Odo has undergone a transformation since Tim’s last visit. A hospital development consultant has helped it get back on to its feet and attract people from the local community to use the facility. Registering the hospital with the government means that a state-paid newly trained doctor will be allocated to the hospital each year. An ultra scan machine has been purchased, a centrifugal machine has been constructed from a bicycle to analyse blood, and a backup power supply has been set up to enable surgery to
continue during the regular powercuts. There is much to be encouraged about by the various projects. Advice has been acted upon and funds used wisely. Attracting and retaining quality staff is important to each of the projects and it was stressed that the regular payment of fair wages is essential. It is overwhelming to think what we take for granted in the UK when we look at what the people in Nigeria have. The support provided through the collections at the hotels on behalf of the Nigerian Health Care Project really does make a difference to the lives of everyday Nigerians.
EASTER SUNRISE Willersley guests joined with members of local churches for the 6am Easter sunrise service by the swimming pool. However, due to a mini blizzard, over 45 people crammed into the view area for the service. Breakfast followed with hot porridge and croissants being served. ‘OFFICE OF THE DAY’ Congratulations to all the team at Willersley Castle Hotel as they were nominated as Classic FM’s Office of the Day. General Manager Tim Rogers wrote a small piece about the hotel and highlighted some of the music-orientated breaks that take place at Willersley Castle. His musical choice was the Overture from Much Ado About Nothing. Tim also appeared on Radio Derby talking about Willersley Castle and about his visit to Nigeria.
INTEREST BREAKS & SPECIAL OFFERS ABBOT HALL
MOORLANDS HOTEL
For information or to book, call:
For information or to book, call:
015395 32896
01947 603584
TINY TOTS’ WEEK 7 – 11 JUNE A fun-packed break with activities geared to pre-schoolchildren, plus time to relax yourselves.
MOORLANDS MUSIC WEEK 31 MAY – 7 JUNE Days free to explore the Whitby area, with music from local musicians each night.
SHORT BREAKS 15 – 21 JUNE Book a short break now and receive a free excursion voucher on arrival.
NORTH YORKS COACH TOURS 7 – 14 JUNE Explore North Yorkshire by coach, with trips to Duncombe Park, Thornton Le Dale, Heartbeat Country, and York.
PAINTING AND CHILL-OUT BREAK 12 – 19 JULY Roy Bailey coaches on the techniques of watercolour painting. Or if art is not your cup of tea, never mind – come along and relax with that cup of tea! FAMILY FUN WEEKS 19 JULY – 23 AUGUST Accommodation still available, so come and join the fun. COLCHESTER & CHELMSFORD COACH HOLIDAY 23 – 30 AUGUST Additional pick-up point in Ipswich. Book before the end of June to receive a free excursion voucher on arrival. Contact Jenny Henderson on 01206 728748 or Abbot Hall for further details.
LINDORS COUNTRY HOUSE For information or to book, call:
01594 530283 A SHORT BREAK, BEFORE THE SCHOOL BREAK! Have a relaxing short break in the Wye Valley before the schools break up. We have a range of dates available for Short Breaks in May, June and July. Please contact reception for more details. FAMILY FUN WEEKS These popular weeks throughout August, are filling up fast, so book now to avoid disappointment.
WHITBY REGATTA WEEKEND and FOLK FESTIVAL WEEK 2 – 9 and 16 – 23 AUGUST Enjoy the famous Whitby Regatta and Folk Festival week. With lots of activities happening in the area and a firework finale on Monday 4th August.
SIDHOLME HOTEL For information or to book, call:
01395 515104 EXPLORE MISSION
8 – 13 JUNE
Be inspired about various mission projects by several guest speakers. Stay 5 nights for the price of 4, and for each 5-night booking we will give £15 to the missions represented by our speakers. Quote offer code EM8 when booking. CAR FREE & SIDHOLME SENIOR OLYMPICS 22 – 27 JUNE Several excursions to local attractions as well as daily tournaments including Mini Golf, Channel Island Cricket, Badminton, Skittles, Giant Dominos and Giant Jenga. 20% discount for all new bookings. Quote offer code SO8 when booking. SIDHOLME TINY TOTS
19 – 26 JULY
Activities geared to under 5’s like finger painting and a teddy bear’s picnic, as well as plenty for the bigger kids too. All children under 10 years old stay free. Quote offer code TT8 when booking. WINTER 2008 BREAK OFFER Book before the end of July and get 15% off a holiday between 23 Nov and 20 Dec. Contact the hotel for details.
TRELOYHAN MANOR For information or to book, call:
01736 796240 SPIRITUAL BREAK WEEK WITH FRANK TOPPING 21 – 28 JUNE Join the BBC writer and broadcaster as he takes you on a week of reflection and spiritual recharge in the tranquil surroundings of the Cornish coastline. CORNWALL COMES TO LIFE 5 – 26 JULY Enjoy a pre-summer break in Cornwall (just before the children arrive) and enjoy free swimming at our local leisure centre and upgrades from standard to en-suite rooms. Quote code UP8 when booking PAINTING BREAK WITH HEDLEY CARRINGTON 30 AUGUST – 6 SEPT Pick up you paintbrushes and further your skills following Hedley’s tips and techniques in the beautiful artistic haven of St. Ives.
WILLERSLEY CASTLE For information or to book, call:
01629 582270 WALKING AND CYCLING 9 – 16 AUGUST The low-carbon holiday! Explore the beauty of Derbyshire under your own steam. A programme of family friendly walks and cycle rides have been planned for this summer week. FELLOWSHIP WEEK WITH JEAN LONG 19 – 24 OCTOBER A week of fellowship, faith and fun, with bible study, excursions, walks and evening activities. Willersley Castle Hotel welcomes you throughout the year. Just call us to find out what’s going on.
All offers are subject to availability and are for new bookings made in relation to this publication.
Christian Guild
HOTELS • HOLIDAYS • CONFERENCES
HOLIDAYS in EUROPE
Coach Holiday to
SOUTHERN IRELAND
Coach Holiday to the
FRENCH VENDÉE
Join us for this coach holiday to Galway (3 nights) and Killarney (4 nights)
E N JU 09 20
*
*
AY M 09 20
& PALAZZOLA
7 nights holiday to
ROME Flying from central UK airport. Staying 3 nights in Rome sight seeing, and 4 nights in Palazzola.
7 nights coach holiday staying at the Spring Harvest Holidays park in this beautiful part of Western France
Coach Holiday to
OBERAMMERGAU
&
PASSION PLAY 2010
THE AUSTRIAN TYROL
*
*
10 20
R BE
EM PT 09 SE 20
Join us for a 9 nights coach holiday to the Austrian Tyrol and the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play, including one night’s overnight accommodation in Oberammergau and tickets to the Passion Play.
To register your interest in any of the above holidays please contact Sarah Askew at Derwent House, Cromford, Matlock, DE4 5JG. Telephone 01629 580550. *All dates are provisional. Subject to the level of enquiries, these holidays will then be planned in detail and advertised accordingly.