Grapevine JANuary
2009
Welcome to our New Year 2009 edition of Grapevine. This year seems set to be a very challenging one for both the economy and individuals. In this edition we have some money-saving offers and guarantees which we hope will allow you to book your stay with us with confidence and have something to look forward to. You can also read about what has been going on in our hotels and our plans for the future. With all good wishes for 2009, Kevin Mantle, Managing Director
Brochure prices reduced!
Black Forest walking Holiday 2008
All our adult tariffs for 2009 have been reduced by £1.00 per person per night, with some lodge tariffs reduced by up to £2.00 per night, following the reduction in VAT, making a Christian Guild holiday even better value for money. online booking is here We are in the process of implementing an online booking facility on our website. This service will be available to those who wish to access it by the end of March this year. For those who do not have access to the internet, do not worry, this is an additional service to our current booking procedures.
shares Over recent months we have had a waiting list for shares in the Company which become available due to the death of an existing shareholder or as a result of an existing shareholder wishing to sell their shareholding. The waiting list is now much reduced and it appears an appropriate time to remind existing shareholders who wish to increase their shareholding and any others who wish to obtain a shareholding, to write to Martin Ellis (Company Secretary), at Derwent House signifying their interest.
licensing trial
The sale and service of alcoholic drinks at Lindors will now continue on a permanent basis. Following the success of this trial, Sidholme and Treloyhan Manor Hotels will each conduct a similar trial.
We are pleased to report that the trial sale and service of alcoholic drinks at Lindors Country House Hotel in the Wye Valley has been a success. There has been an increase in the number of guests staying at the hotel and in non residential business, without any detrimental effects on our existing businesses.
The trials will operate for an initial six month period once the licensing arrangements can be put in place.
David and Enid Norman, guests on the holiday, write: Our holiday began at Heathrow where we met up with the other Christian Guild holiday-makers. Although most of us were strangers, we soon became friends as our time together continued. Touchdown at Stuttgart was 7.00pm where we met our coach to Hotel Teuchelwald in Freudentstadt. On the first morning we met with Uwe Sassnowski, the director of the hotel, who had a wealth of local knowledge, spoke excellent English and would be leading us on all the walks. On our first day there was a surprise waiting for us on the walk – tea and cakes by a lakeside, which we shared with our fellow German walkers. The Hornisgrinde walk started by a ski lift, we were that high! The Hornisgrinde is the highest mountain in the northern Black Forest. Then it was down to the Musmmelsee, an ice age lake. We started off at 7.30 the next
day to climb the Feldberg, the highest mountain in Black Forest. The day was beautiful, with blue sky and sunshine, but a little chilly. On Thursday we caught the local bus and after another enjoyable walk we had another surprise. The hotel staff had gone on before us and provided a tasty hot lunch in the museum of local crafts, the whole thing built by the villagers of the Wolf Valley. All our walks included lakes, magnificent views and even a few loggers at work. The hotel was delightful and made a great base for our holiday. At Triberg we saw the fantastic falls (water, not people!), then on to the Hornberg – our steepest and last climb which was well worth it just to see the breathtaking views. A traditional Black Forest evening completed our holiday. The chef assembled a huge Black Forest gateau before our eyes, and wasn’t it yummy? Some of us then tried our hand at sawing log slices. It was an evening of eating, drinking, sawing and singing with our German friends. An enjoyable end to a most enjoyable holiday.
We have planned another Black Forest Walking Holiday from 13 - 20 Sept 2009. If you are interested in this, please contact Sarah Askew on 01629 580550 for more information.
ABBOT HALL HOTEL
Farewell to Kate In September, the Abbot Hall team said farewell to Kate Hughes. She had been a familiar face and voice on the phone at Abbot for over 16 years, working in our reception and coffee shop. Kate saw many changes over the years; from the introduction of buffet style breakfasts to the computerisation of the office booking system. We would like to thank Kate very much and wish her a long and happy retirement.
Newby’s 100th Birthday Celebration On 28th December the staff, guests, family and close friends were privileged to be able to celebrate the hundredth birthday of Newby Boocock with a celebration meal. A card from the Queen and telegram was read out and Newby thanked everyone for the support they give him. Newby first visited a Christian Guild hotel in 1946 and has stayed at all of the hotels in the group, often celebrating his birthday whilst on holiday.
Born in Sunderland he was first a teacher and later a lecturer in electrical engineering. He participated in many hobbies such as walking and singing; he played badminton until he was 84 and was an enthusiastic swimmer, enjoying a dip in the Abbot Hall pool as recently as last October. Fortunately Newby continues to enjoy good health and hopes to visit us again this year.
December was marked with a Christmas Party at which all the children received badges and certificates, the highest award being 200 metres One pupil has already progressed to the improver class, whilst three others are now able to swim unaided. The waiting list gets ever longer.
Learning to Swim at Abbot Hall In September 2008 we took the plunge and introduced a learn-to-swim club for children from the local area, with swimming teacher Mrs Malkin. There have been two half hour classes, one for beginners and the other for improvers. The end of term on 10th
lindors country house hotel New Stream side walk nearly completed
Christmas & New Years The Christmas and New Year celebrations went well at Lindors with entertainment from a Gospel Choir, a Victorian lady, as well as dancing evenings and the traditional guild fun and games. To add a little variety, during our walks we laid on a three course barbeque lunch at Tintern Old Station following a pleasant four mile walk. Hot soup, burgers and fruit crumble were on the menu, as well as tea and coffee.
Our Garden Team have been working tirelessly during the cold winter to clear the way through an old walk-way by the car park. They have rebuilt four bridges and cleared a substantial area. The path, yet to be officially named, follows Mork Brook as far as Mork Corner,
with interesting watercourses from the old mill still present. Once the path has been completed and benches are in place it will be officially opened by a local dignitary. Suggested names for the walkway would be welcomed. Baby Oliver decides his career already Following baby Oliver’s interesting start to life, Kevin, Loni and Oliver were invited to RNB Chivenor to meet the helicopter crew that helped save his life. A full tour was given and the crew were very accommodating.
After being given a look round the Sea King helicopter, the family watched from the tarmac as the crew put the helicopter through its paces. Although being a little young to understand, looking at his face during the practice flight we all think Oliver will be a helicopter pilot when he grows up.
sidholme hotel whodunnit?
autumnal activities As the autumn winter nights drew longer and colder the fun and fellowship continued at Sidholme during September and October. Many guests enjoyed a mixture of walking, bird watching, days out to such places as Buckfast Abbey (pictured above) and local theatre productions, sampled local attractions within the East Devon area as well as relaxing with hosts and the team learning new crafts, playing games and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Early December saw the first Murder Mystery weekend held at the hotel. The atmosphere was tense as tables suspiciously quizzed each other over a 3 course meal prepared by our Head Chef. Thankfully, the evening concluded with all guests and hotel staff cleared of any crime! An enjoyable evening for all. Sidholme
Hotel
presents
a
murdmeysterry dinne
ber 6th Decem m Saturday at 6p starting
moorlands HOTEL NEW BUT OLD The new General Manager of Moorlands Hotel writes: “Hello my name is Phillip Evans and I am the ‘new’ manager at Moorlands Hotel in Whitby. I started here in mid-December, just before the Christmas and New Year Programme (in at the deepend you might say). Although I have lived in Scarborough for over 20 years I am Welsh by birth and nature, as is my wife Annette and my 2 elder children. My 2 younger children are ‘tykes’ (but only my youngest son will admit to being English). I have worked in many differing sized and styled establishments – from four-star hotels to my own restaurant, including 3 years at the Salvation Army’s Balvonie Conference and Holiday Centre in Scotland. So I have a wealth of experience
Away in the Music Room The picture below is of the Sidmouth Pre-School playgroup. The playgroup invited their parents into the hotel to watch their Nativity Play in the Music Room. It was a very professional production and concluded with the annual tradition of decorating the Sidholme Christmas tree.
to draw upon, coupled with the ‘old’ values of service, enjoyment and family. It is my aim to ensure that Moorlands offers the best possible service in a friendly, professional and confident way, where every-one – guests, staff, hosts and management – can enjoy themselves and help create the family atmosphere that Moorlands, Whitby and North Yorkshire can provide. So whether you are on your own, or a group for whatever reason, Moorlands is always there for you.”
Manager’s Medal of Merit Our congratulations go to General Manager James Sharp, who received his Medal of Merit for 20 years of service to the Archconfraternity of Altar Servers within the Roman Catholic Church. ‘It was a great honour to receive this medal and it is a privilege to serve the altar and priests at many churches throughout the country’ said James.
willersley castle hotel
Interest Break changes from the 2009 Holidays brochure Please note that in the 2009 Holidays & Short Breaks brochure there were two misprints and one omission in the Willersley Castle Hotel programme of events. They are as follows: misprints: The dates for the ‘Singing is Fun’ course, in the brochure as 8th - 13th February, are actually 8th 13th March. The dates for the ‘Fellowship Break with Jean Long’, in the brochure as 29th September - 3rd October, are actually 25th - 30th October. OMISSION: Kesher Course 22nd – 27th June This course will give you fresh insights into the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. Enrich your Bible Study Halleluyah and Amen are two Hebrew words we all know. You may also know Shalom and Torah, but do you know the words Mashiach, Chesed or Kadosh? The Kesher Course includes a short word study of a Hebrew
word with each teaching session - so much more than just ‘the meaning!’ What is a Kesher Course? Kesher means, ‘connected’. The Kesher course shows how you are connected to the Jewish roots of your faith. Over ten sessions, the course looks at the Jewishness of Jesus and the Scriptures. It examines: the relationship between Jews and Christians; Israel – is it a political accident or is it part of God’s purposes?; And where does the Church fit in? Course leaders We are very pleased to have Robin Aldridge, the CEO of CMJ UK, and his wife, Sue, leading the course. CMJ (The Churches Ministry among Jewish people) is celebrating its Bicentenary this year with many events across the country; the Kesher Course is a part of the celebrations.
treloyhan manor HOTEL Coach Week 80th Birthday Celebrations Treloyhan Manor hosted a succession of very successful coach trips to Cornwall during 2008, transporting guests door to door from various towns. Mr Ken Pink, a retired town planner, arrived on the New Year coach and celebrated his 80th birthday with us during his stay. “The only thing to match the excellent food was the quality of the people’s company.” He continues, “It was my first of hopefully many trips to Cornwall and the organised coach made everything possible and so easy.” World Famous Newlyn and Mousehole Christmas Lights Our guests were taken on a tour to see the world famous lights at Newlyn and Mousehole before Christmas, enjoying the beautiful harbour-side display of lights and capturing some of the magic that Cornwall has to offer.
They were also transported to the pantomime at The Hall For Cornwall in the nearby city of Truro, which stages musical extravaganzas suitable for all ages every year over the festive period. Musical Magic Local pianist James Saldivar returned to Treloyhan this Christmas and New Year to entertain everyone with a programme of both Christmas Carols and hymns to sing along to. James also collaborated with a few of the musically talented guests who were staying at Treloyhan over the festive period who had brought along their own instruments.
Roger Is A Hit! Treloyhan hosted another very successful music week with Roger Jones, the CMM team, and their unique, magical mix of music and ministry. Roger will be returning to Treloyhan slightly earlier this year from 29th August – 5th September 2009, for all of our music lovers who may want to stay on and extend their summer breaks. Camborne Nursery Visit The nursery children from Camborne Nursery School again enjoyed their bus journey to Treloyhan when they spent the afternoon decorating the Christmas tree in the front lounge. They
made tree decorations with baubles and angel hair. Once they had finished their milk and homemade cookies and were satisfied that the tree was looking its very best, they enjoyed making a Christmas picture in the main hall whilst listening to Christmas carols. Congratulations Sarah Sarah Chatfield, one of our students who helped at Treloyhan over New Year, received a very special gift of a phone call on New Year’s Eve to say that she had been accepted into Oxford University – we wish Sarah well with her studies.
willersley castle hotel Lights, cameras, action! Willersley Castle has featured in two new DVD productions. Spinning Down the Derwent is a drama documentary and stars Gwen Taylor. It tells the story of the development of the cotton and silk mills along the River Derwent by Sir Richard Arkwright and Jeremiah Strutt. The Improbable Son is a modern take of the biblical story of the Prodigal Son and uses many local landmarks and attractions in the retelling of this story, with Willersley Castle being the home that the son moves away from and returns to. We have no plans at present though to move the hotel to Hollywood!
The place to be at christmas Christmas at Willersley was as vibrant as ever. Two Turkey & Tinsel breaks and a thousand Christmas meals prior to Christmas itself provided the opportunity for people to relax and enjoy the Castle and the local area.
Christmas Day saw Father Christmas make his third visit of the month delivering present to guests young and old. Christmas guests took full advantage of the fine weather to enjoy the spectacular raft race along the River Derwent on Boxing Day (spinning down
the Derwent of a slightly different sort!) And guests enjoyed a succulent feast on New Year’s Eve followed by fun, games, fireworks and fellowship before toasting in the New Year.
special offers & interest breaks offers to beat the crunch! Better interest than the banks Pay for your holiday in full at least five months in advance and save 5%. Applies to holidays commenced before 1 Dec 2009
Redundancy cover for your holiday If you are made redundant after booking your holiday, Christian Guild will refund all monies paid*, including deposits. *Proof of redundancy required.
winter warmers - spring savings! We are extending the popular Winter Warmer offer on selected weeks up to the end of April. £25 pppn B&B, £35 pppn DB&B. Please phone the hotels for details.
ABBOT HALL
MOORLANDS hotel
TRELOYHAN MANOR
For information or to book call 015395 32896
For information or to book call 01947 603584
For information or to book call 01736 796240
Craft & Walking 1 – 6 Mar A his-and-hers week of paper-craft workshops or take a leisurely stroll as the countryside wakes from its winter sleep.
SPRING CRAFTS 1 – 6 MAR Share and enjoy your favourite crafts.
Special Offer Weekend 6 – 8 Mar A spring getaway to the Lakes for only £90 dinner, bed and breakfast. Including a FREE 3 course Sunday roast. 15 – 20 Mar Singles Week Explore the Lake District and share fellowship with others. 10 – 14 May Tiny Tots Calling all pre-school children! Why not bring your Mum, Dad, Gran or Grandpa to this fun packed break? There will be lots to do and they can relax too, quality family time for all.
LINDORS COUNTRY HOUSE For information or to book call 01594 530283 Winter Warmer Week 22 – 27 Feb Another chance to take advantage of this offer – £25 pppn B&B or £35 pppn DB&B. Midweek only, full payment on booking. Take a pre-Easter break at Lindors. From 29th March to 3rd April we are offering a fantastic £130 per person for 3 nights half-board plus afternoon tea. Avoid the Easter madness and relax in style at Lindors. Offa’s Dyke week 27 Sep – 2 oct A new week for the enthusiastic walker. 8 to 12 mile walks each day along the famous Offa’s Dyke path, covering sections from Chepstow to Hay-on-Wye. We’ve even got it on a special ‘Offa’! 5 nights for only £275 per person halfboard. Travel costs additional.
LATE WINTER WARMER 8 – 12 MAR Last chance to take advantage of this popular offer – £25 pppn B&B or £35 pppn DB&B. No minimum nights – midweek only – full payment on booking FEAST OF MUSIC 15 – 20 MAR Still some availability for this unique chance to be entertained by local choirs and artists.
SIDHOLME HOTEL For information or to book call 01395 515104 Special offers • £30 DBB pppn specific nights in Feb: 8th, 11th, 12th, 22nd, 25th and 26th • Feb Half Term - under 16’s go FREE • Book by 1st Mar for a midweek booking in November 2009 and get 20% off. 1 – 6 Mar Keswick In Devon Come to Sidmouth and experience the presence of God. Two meetings a day. Bird watching & walks with Richard Preston 8 – 13 Mar Including the Stuart Line Bird Watching cruise and the RSPB sites of Aylesbeare Common and the Exe Estuary. Digital Photography for Beginners 29 Mar – 3 Apr Back by popular demand. With Expert tuition. Book now and receive 20% off. 29 Nov – 4 Dec Craft Week With ‘Time to Sow’ Company - a popular craft stand at CRE. Book before 31st March and get 20% off (exc. craft materials).
• Feb Half Term - under 16’s go FREE Cornwall Comes To Life 15 – 21 Mar With free swimming for the week at our local leisure centre. Alternatively, free tickets to some attractions are available. Spring Gardens Week 21 – 28 Mar Visiting some of Cornwall’s best gardens including Trengwainton and Heligan. Special offer: en-suite room £42 pppn (normally £48) or choose a free lunch or packed lunch each day of your stay. Essex Coach Week 4 – 10 Apr 6 nights for only £365 per person non ensuite, £395 per person en-suite. Including return journey from Essex, Colchester, Reading, Bristol or Exeter. Call Jenny Henderson for details - 01206 728748.
WILLERSLEY CASTLE For information or to book call 01629 582270 Valentine Weekend Break 13 – 15 Feb Treat someone you love to a weekend break at Willersley Castle Hotel. From just £99 per person for two nights en-suite accommodation, candle-lit dinners and full English breakfasts. Book early for a free upgrade to River Derwent view room. Build the Guild 22 – 27 Feb This break is ideal for those people who lead a Guild or a Fellowship group within their church. Join Margaret Webb (Chair of the Wesley Guild Executive) to share programme ideas and ways to grow your Guild or Fellowship group. With Bible study, excursions and evening entertainment. Spring Weekend Breaks Limited Spring weekend short break availability. Contact reception for dates.
All offers are subject to availability and are for new bookings made in relation to this publication.
holidays in europe Places still available on all holidays
Coach Holiday to
southern ireland
JERSEY by air
7 nights at the Biarritz Hotel overlooking St. Brelades Bay with private access to the promenade and one of the finest beaches in the Channel Islands
Join us for this coach holiday to Waterford, Killarney and the Ring of Kerry
oberammergau 7 days from £645 Depart: 9 May 2009
&
7 nights holiday to
Rome
&
Palazzola
passion play 2010
the austrian tyrol onl few y a p rema laces inin g!
Including one night’s accommodation in Oberammergau and tickets to the Passion Play.
By air: 8 days from £1199 - Dep: 7 Aug 2010 By coach: 10 days from £1050 - Dep: 18 Jun 2010
8 days from £470 (ex. flights) Depart: 29 August 2009
Coach holiday to the
french Vendée
Flying from central UK airport. Staying 3 nights in Rome sight seeing, and 4 nights in Palazzola.
8 nights coach holiday staying at the Spring Harvest Holidays park in this beautiful part of Western France
8 days from £1080 Depart: 9 September 2009
9 days from £555 Depart: 22 June 2009
For more information and a full itinerary, or to book your place on any of the above holidays please contact Sarah Askew at Derwent House, Cromford, Matlock, DE4 5JG. Telephone 01629 580550. Detailed itineraries for each holiday can be downloaded from our website at www.christianguild.co.uk/europe