Christian Guild
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Welcome
New canon librarian Ann Barwood, a Director of Christian Guild since 2004, has been appointed by the Bishop of Exeter as a Lay Canon and with the title of Canon Librarian. Her service of Collation and Installation took place on Sunday 29th March, when she was supported by friends, family and members of the Cathedral communities. There has been a Library & Archives at Exeter Cathedral since 1050 and they hold many unique manuscripts, books and records of local, national and international importance. Ann says it is the ‘best kept secret in the West Country’ and a great honour to have been appointed by the Bishop and the Dean and Chapter to be the Canon Librarian. Ann had served the Cathedral for the past six years as a Chapter Canon with a specific
responsibility for the Library & Archives. The Dean and Chapter said “We are delighted that we will continue to benefit from Ann’s wisdom and knowledge as we look to secure the future of the Library & Archives and develop it through the Third Millennium Campaign.” As Canon Librarian Ann’s role will be to manage and support the team of librarians, archivist and volunteers and to steer the Library & Archives through a major £3.5m project to build a state of the art archive repository and study centre. All at Christian Guild send our congratulations to Ann on her appointment.
lindors goes live!
Welcome to the May 2009 issue of Grapevine – and it has been revamped to make it even better! As well as a brilliant new look, it’s now easier to read and to find great stories, which means you won’t miss out on any of the news or special offers from Christian Guild hotels. There is news about some of the fantastic events that have taken place, future breaks and special offers. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our hotels in the not too distant future and please be assured that our credit crunch promises still apply to all bookings. With all good wishes, Kevin Mantle Managing Director
Shares
doug emms
The online booking system at Lindors Country House Hotel is now fully operational and bookings have already been received via the online facility accessed through our website. We are delighted with this new innovation. It is now even easier to book your Christian Guild holiday. To book your stay at Lindors visit the website at www.christianguild.co.uk/lindors. Online booking will be made available at all hotels over the next few months.
Christian Guild Hosting Secretary Doug Emms has celebrated his 80th birthday with a special lunch at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough – a perfect treat for the Boro fan. Doug, who is a former Director of Christian Guild, expressed his thanks to all those who sent cards and kind wishes.
contact details Abbot Hall Hotel Lindors Country House Hotel Moorlands Hotel
Derwent House (Head Office) Sidholme Hotel Treloyhan Manor Hotel Willersley Castle Hotel
015395 32896 01594 530283 01947 603584
Thank you to all who applied for shares following the previous issue of Grapevine. We are working through this and distributing shares to new and existing shareholders as they become available.
Any existing shareholders wishing to purchase additional shares, or those wishing to purchase shares for the first time, should write to Martin Ellis (Company Secretary), at Derwent House, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5JG signifying their interest. 01629 580550 01395 515104 01736 796240 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.
Family affair THERE is a host of fun things to do during Abbot Hall’s Family Fun weeks over the summer break. The hotel has lined up a programme of events including treasure hunts, walks, outings, barbecues and lots more to keep the whole family entertained. For more information about the weeks that take place during July and August, contact the hotel on 015395 32896 or visit: www.christianguild.co.uk/ abbothall
Teen spirit TEENAGERS will be far from bored with Lindors’ brilliant Teenzone week, which is earlier than usual this year. There’s an extensive programme that has been specially designed for teens, which includes outdoor activities around the local area, water basketball, movie nights and a disco.
The fun and action-packed week takes place from July 1825. It’s enough to make you wish you were young again!
They’re runderful! ABBOT Hall Hotel’s Amanda and Diane are getting set to pull on their trainers and take part in a charity run to raise funds. The pair will join the Race for Life, which is organised by Cancer Research UK and takes place all over the country. It brings together thousands of women each year to walk, jog or run 5k to raise cash to help research to beat cancer. To date, four million women have raised over £240million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. Meanwhile, during Abbot Hall’s craft week in March, 100 cards were made and sold with all money going to Race for Life. If you’d like to sponsor Amanda or Diane, please go to www.christianguild.co.uk/abbothall for contact details.
Open day ABBOT Hall will throw open its doors to give everyone the chance to find out more about what the hotel has to offer. The Open Day takes place on July 11 and there will be a host of events taking place including a bouncy castle, free swimming, barbecue, cream teas and a whole lot more. All proceeds from the day will go to Race for Life.
www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
Potty about potter? FANS of Beatrix Potter shouldn’t miss Abbot Hall’s special break from June 2127 that looks at the life of the children’s author. The hotel is set among the beautiful Lake District countryside that inspired Potter to write classics such as Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck. During the week, guests will visit Potter’s home and find out more about her life from expert Dorothy Hindle during an evening lecture.
Gardener’s world BUDDING gardeners can find out all they need to know from an expert during Abbot Hall’s Practical Gardening week. Jim May, whose career spans more than 40 years, will be on hand to offer fantastic tips and advice to get the most out of your garden from May 30–June 5. Jim, who has certificates in horticulture from Somerset
Surf’s up with PC LET’S go surfing now! Lindors has installed a new computer in its reception so that guests can go online.
For a minimal fee, you can catch up on those allimportant emails, or use it to check up on local travel and tourist information.
The computer – which is available when reception is open – has been introduced after requests from several guests and is proving popular.
College and was also awarded the prestigious Wisley Certificate, has worked for a variety of parks departments. He spent 30 years with the National Trust as Gardening Instructor at Greenbank House and Garden near Glasgow, where he now volunteers since retirement two years ago. The informative week also includes visits to local gardens. Contact the hotel for more information.
Win a stay at Lindors A TWO-night stay is up for grabs for anyone who suggests the winning name for the new restaurant at Lindors Country House Hotel. The Wye Valley hotel wants a reader to help decide the name to celebrate its recent refurbishment of the restaurant. It took three days of intense work as the revamp included a period ceiling coating, bright new colours and an Axminster carpet. Manager Kevin said: “We are sure this refurbishment will delight everyone.” To make your suggestion for the new restaurants name, send an email to kevin.lindors@christianguild.co.uk The prize includes dinner, bed and breakfast at Lindors.
Life through a lens TWELVE beginner digital photographers were the focus of attention during a week of learning at Sidholme. The group of beginners – who had a variety of abilities and experience – benefited from the special course led by Paul Claydon. Paul took the group ‘on location’ and gave tutorial sessions at the hotel, which helped increase confidence and knowledge. Assistant Manager Chris Ward said: “Everyone involved learnt a lot from the course and many hope to take their skills forward.” The week culminated with a slide show for other Sidholme guests, which was enjoyed by all.
Paul, who also recently led an intermediate course, is due back in the winter to lead a course in manipulating photos on computers. There are still places for the week-long course, which is organised from November 15, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Twitching in Devon A total of 88 species of bird were spotted in a variety of locations during a bird-watching week at Sidholme Hotel. Those who joined the week long break in March got the chance to see the Dartford Warbler, a protected species with amber RSPB status, which was seen on Aylesbeare Common. Guests also enjoyed the sell-out boat trip on the river Exe and enjoyed the chance to see migrating water birds. Sidholme hopes to repeat the hugely successful special break – which was led by the enthusiastic Richard Preston – next year. Look out for the 2010 brochure for further details.
Walk this way PULL on your boots and get set for a number of special walking breaks at Lindors. w From June 14–20, there is the popular Wonderful West Country and Wales walks, with stunning scenery and clear, fresh air. A Forest Guide leads the seven to eight mile walks; and there are also shorter strolls available to suit all abilities. w Planning further ahead, there is the Autumn Ambles week from September 20–25. These gentle strolls give you
the chance to take in the beautiful autumn colours that the Wye Valley has to offer. w Enthusiastic walkers can join Offa’s Dyke week from September 27 – October 2. The walks cover eight to twelve miles per day along the famous path from Chepstow to Hay-on-Wye. Evenings include games and talks on the places visited. w Finally, take in the fresh, winter air with a week of gentle strolls on Lindors’ Winter Wandering week from November 8–13.
Eggs-ellent adventure! AN Easter egg hunt in the warm sunshine was enjoyed by adults and children alike during Sidholme’s Easter weekend. Eggs were hidden around the hotel’s beautiful Georgian building and gardens. Hosts Peter and Joy Mills handed over chocolate eggs to those who uncovered the most.
Short and sweet! SPECIAL short breaks have been organised throughout spring and summer at Lindors – perfect for those who don’t have time for a long holiday.
w Unwind during a threenight bank holiday break from May 29-31 and enjoy the late spring sunshine with a programme of suggested visits and evening activities. At £147 per person, for dinner, bed and breakfast, this break won’t break the bank.
Offer-ly good offers! SIDHOLME has some great special offers available. w Book five nights in a non en-suite room in the Annexe in June and save £75. The cost of the break, including dinner, bed and breakfast, is just £175pp. w And in July, save £50 for five nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast in a non en-suite room in the Annexe. w A free coach excursion to Pennywell Farm is on offer to guests staying between July 25 and 31. It will be on July 29 and includes free entry to the farm. Music to your ears THERE is still availability for the Summer Music break from June 21–26. The breathtaking Music Room is the venue for a variety of talented musical artists. Fun and fellowship BOOKINGS are still being taken for Sidholme’s Fellowship Week from July 18–25. The week includes Bible study, coach trips and evening entertainments. Let’s get physical EXERCISE is essential but what is the best workout for you? Sidholme can help you decide with taster sessions in aerobics, aqua-aerobics and Pilates during Summer Fitness week from Sept 5–11. w Enjoy the beautiful grounds of Lindors and the great local sights during a summer weekend away on June 27–28. It’s great value at £98 per person, which includes dinner, bed and breakfast. w There’s summer fun, short walks and evening fun and games on offer during a wonderful four-night break from June 29-July 3. It doesn’t cost the earth at £180 per person for four nights of delicious dinner, bed and breakfast.
Making a splash! GUESTS at Treloyhan Manor will be able to make a splash during May Spring Bank Holiday! Free swimming at the local pool is being offered to all guests from May 23-30. If you want to dive in and take advantage of this great offer, contact the hotel.
BEAT the rush ENJOY the warm weather and comfort of beautiful Treloyhan Manor without the crowds, and take advantage of a pre-summer short break. w Special weeks are available from June 12-20 and June 27-July 4, with a crunchbusting price of £40pppn DBB for a non en-suite room. w The Calm Before the Storm break is available from July 18-25 at £45pppn for non en-suite rooms. AHOY me hearties! Families can take part in some brilliant activities as part of Treloyhan’s Family Fun Break Weeks. As well as the Pirates of Penzance, there is a chance to enjoy circus games and building sandcastles on the beautiful St Ives beach during the action packed weeks, which run from July 25 – August 29. Events include learning to surf, quad biking and paintballing, as well as days out to local attractions. Manager Kieran said: “A variety of rooms are still available, so book now to avoid disappointment.”
Be part of something Leading Christian composer Roger Jones leads the Roger Jones Music Week workshop, which culminates in staging a musical in just seven days. The break, which has seen musicals such as Jailbreak and The Inn Crowd produced in the past, takes place on August 29 – September 5. Music festival week ELKIE Brooks and the hilarious Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain are among the plethora of acts taking part in this year’s St Ives Music Festival Week. And what better way of enjoying the array of talent on offer than spending the week in the gorgeous Treloyhan Manor Hotel? The festival, which showcases a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, folk and big band sounds from the likes of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, takes place from September 12-19. Contact the hotel for more information.
Take it easy PEOPLE from the East Midlands can take advantage of Treloyhan’s coach trip from Mansfield in midNovember. Perfect for those who want to leave the car at home and relax from the minute they step on board. It’s great value too: prices start at £275 per person for an en-suite room and £245 per person for a non en-suite room, both on a half-board basis. Please contact the hotel to confirm dates.
Changing rooms THERE will be more fun for all the family when Treloyhan Manor revamps its Hain Room as part of ongoing improvements. The changes, which were being planned for May, will see it become a games room that will suite all tastes. It will include a pool table, PlayStation and DVDs among other games and accessories for all ages. The magnificent hotel, which overlooks Carbis Bay on the edge of St Ives, Cornwall, has undergone a number of changes and improvements. Manager Kieran said: “We welcome anyone who wants to come along and see the changes for themselves.”
Create something great GUESTS showed their creative side during a funfilled week of activities. Candle decorating, painting, t-shirt designing and keepsake making were the result of the artistic efforts during Treloyhan’s Create Something Great break.
Cornwall comes alive WALKS along the breathtaking and rugged Cornish coastline were part of Treloyhan’s Easter Celebrations break. Guests also enjoyed seeing Cornwall coming to life in spring and trips to beautiful gardens in the area during the break.
SHOULD auld acquaintance be forgot?! Scottish food, fun, music and dancing were the order of the day when Treloyhan hosted a Burns’ Night break during January.
Get on board ANYONE who loves transport should get on board for a fantastic week at Moorlands in June. The Transport of North Yorkshire break gives you the chance to step back in time and take a trip on a famous rail line. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has been the star of TV and film and there’s a chance to stop off at Goathland – Heartbeat’s Aidensfield. Fans of the show will instantly recognise the village, including the garage, shops and pub. The railway has also appeared in Harry Potter. If steam trains aren’t your thing, how about taking to the water on Endeavour 2? She is a replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour and is moored in stunning Whitby harbour. You can also take a trip around the bay in a retired lifeboat – but don’t worry she may be retired but there’s plenty of life left in the old girl! Aeroplane fans are also catered for during this week and there’s a visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum. The museum boasts a fine collection of First and Second World War planes and modern fighter planes. There are other options available during the week, including a steam or an open-top bus tour of Whitby, a visit to York National Rail Museum or a visit to Eden Camp. The Transport of North Yorkshire break takes place from June 7–12. Contact Moorlands for more information and booking.
You’ve got a friend MAKE friends and enjoy a walk along the Yorkshire Coast as part of Moorlands’ Solos Together week. Two coach outings are planned to Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens and there’s also a half-day to Scarborough for either an afternoon dance or a stroll around Peasholm Park and the seafront. The rest of the time is yours to explore the rugged and beautiful coastline from Sandsend to Flamborough Head. The special break takes place from June 21–26.
Cracking fun New look AN afternoon of Easter fun was hosted by Willersley Castle as part of an open day at the imposing and beautiful Derbyshire Dales hotel. Activities included a bouncy castle, egg painting, an egg hunt and face painting. And guests and visitors were also treated to performances from the Cromford Community Band and Uncle Michael the Clown. A balloon release by Christian Aid ended the wonderful afternoon.
Together again FORMER staff who worked at Willersley Castle during the 60s and 70s talked over the old times during a reunion at the hotel. Those who joined the get together took a trip down memory lane over lunch and reminisced about their days being employed at the 200year-old hotel. In the afternoon, General Manager Tim Rogers joined them to talk about the changes that have taken place over the years, including the installation of a swimming pool, the improved dining experience and how Christian Guild was moving forward.
It’ll grow on you!
Walk this way
YORKSHIRE boasts wonderful gardens – and with the Gardens of North Yorkshire special break there’s a chance to sample a number or them.
NORTH Yorkshire’s rugged countryside and coast is worth seeing on foot, and Moorlands has organised a host of summer walks for everyone to enjoy. From rugged cliffs to heather-clad moors, there’s something for everyone during the week from July 26–31.
There’s plenty of choice for everyone and the trips by coach include a visit to Castle Howard – made famous by Brideshead Revisited – Rievaulx, the beautiful Helmsley town and Burton Agnes to name just a few. If you’d like more information about the break – which takes place from June 28 – July 3 – contact Moorlands Hotel.
Bargain breaks IF you haven’t had time to book a summer holiday, or just can’t decide, then look out for great late-availability bargains in early August. Visit www.christianguild. co.uk/moorlands for details.
GUESTS will be able to dine in style at Willersley Castle thanks to a revamp of both dining rooms at the hotel. Both have been repainted and fitted with new carpets to enhance the dining experience.
Special lunch THE Vice President of the Methodist Conference, David Walton, joined members of the Nottingham and Derby Wesley Guild for lunch at Willersley Castle after leading their service at Cromford Methodist Church recently. Castle Capers SLAY a dragon and build your own castle – it’s all part of Willersley Castle Hotel’s summer Family Fun weeks. A packed programme of activities has been arranged under the theme of Castle Capers during the school holidays. There will be treasure hunts, countryside explorations, cycling and visits to local attractions. All ages are catered for with a Kids Club every afternoon, pool parties and evening activities such as all ages quizzes, activity nights and a magic evening. Contact Willersley Castle for details.
Kids go free! CHILDREN under the age of 10 can stay at Willersley Castle for free during the Whitsun half-term holiday when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The offer is exclusively for the last two weeks of May, so book now to take advantage of this great offer. Call Willersley Castle on 01629 582270 for details.
holidays in europe – 2009/10 Black Forest Walking holiday 13th – 20th September 2009 £775 per person In the heart of the Black Forest, high above the resort of Freudenstadt with magnificent panoramic views, Hotel Teuchelwald is our base for this walking holiday. The Black Forest’s thick woodland and lush meadows combine to make the perfect natural backdrop for this walking holiday.
Oberammergau & the Austrian Tyrol by coach
18th – 27th June 2010 from £1050 per person Including one night’s accommodation in Oberammergau and tickets to the Passion Play.
For more information and a full itinerary, or to book your place on either 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