Christian Guild
s e p t e m b e r 2010
going greener
A warm welcome
CHRISTIAN Guild takes its responsibility of being a good steward of God’s creation seriously, and we’ve been working hard to minimise the impact we have on the world’s resources. We’re now using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved printers and paper for our brochures. This issue of Grapevine is printed on such paper, so you can enjoy your issue knowing that is has been produced using responsibly sourced trees. The FSC is widely regarded as one of the most important initiatives in the last decade to promote responsible forest management worldwide. If you’d like to know more about the FSC, visit www.fsc.org for details. But it’s not just in communication that Christian Guild is determined to lessen our impact on resources. All paper, glass and tins are now being recycled at every one of our five hotels. We’ve also increased our use of low energy light bulbs in all our hotels and we’ve installed new energy efficient boilers at Sidholme Hotel and Derwent House. In addition to all that, we are also investigating generating electricity from water power at Lindors Country House Hotel.
Welcome to Grapevine. I hope you had a great summer, whatever the weather. Now, though, we head towards winter as the sun sets earlier and the nights begin to draw in. With many Christian Guild hotels having roaring log fires, they’re the perfect place to relax in during the coming winter days and nights. Every hotel is open 365 days a week, so why not consider a Christmas or New Year break with us? If you want to book a night’s stay or a weekend for a festive shopping trip or to visit family over the Christmas and New Year holidays, we have the perfect hotel for you. Or if you want to unwind for a week or longer, a Christian Guild hotel is full of charm and you’ll be sure of a warm welcome.
looking ahead to summer 2011 Even as we’re heading towards winter, your thoughts may be turning to next summer. It’s worth booking your 2011 holiday now because you’ll benefit from the best availability. With online booking available for all five of our beautiful hotels, it’s never been easier to get ahead of the crowd to book the room of your choice. Visit www.christianguild.co.uk to book today. I trust you will you enjoy this edition of Grapevine. It’s packed full of news and brilliant offers from all our hotels. We want to make sure every guest enjoys their stay, so if you have any queries you’re just a call or click away.
the quickest way to hear the news
We’re open 365 days a year and look forward to welcoming you at one of our hotels in the near future.
To ensure you stay up to date with our latest news and offers you can now receive updates via email. To sign up, visit our website at www.christianguild.co.uk/emailings
Kevin Mantle Managing Director
contact details Derwent House (Head Office) ������������������� 01629 580550 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.
going for a song There’s something to sing about at Lindors Country House Hotel this autumn.
The beautiful hotel is hosting a Music Week from 17 – 22 October. Hosted by Doug Emms and Val Smith there are a range of different musical acts lined up to entertain you. And Lindors is even throwing in a free musically themed coach excursion as part of this fantastic week. set for a dance-off! Forget Strictly Come Dancing – because Lindors is hosting a competition to end all dance contests. During the Teenzone week
in August, the adults beat the teens in the Lindors Dance Competition. But from 24 – 29 October, the youngsters have the chance to restore honour in what will be a tough contest… Kids v Adults. No dance experience is needed if you want to help your team win through, as both teams are choreographed. For those who just want to watch this momentous battle, there will be a whole host of fun activities on offer. Book soon to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun. Limited availability Two wonderful interest breaks are coming up this year at Lindors, and there is limited
availability on both, so book now to make sure you take in some of the stunning sights of the Wye Valley.
Autumn Tints: Derek and Ann Rees host this varied week of visits and walks around the Lindors area, where you’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful colours of autumn. There is also a lighthearted evening programme on this relaxing week from 31 October – 5 November.
Winter Wandering: There’s nothing like a bracing walk as the winter sets in. This week of walks from 7 – 12 November takes in some of the most breath-taking parts of the Forest of Dean, with walks varying from 4 – 9 miles.
Brass tracks! GUESTS of all ages were entertained at Willersley Castle Hotel by the Methodist Youth Brass Band who stopped to perform as they travelled from Holmfirth to Dudley as part of their national tour. The brass band performed a varied programme of music.
Stunning setting for wedding WILLERSLEY Castle Hotel was the stunning setting for Darren and Rebecca Reho’s recent wedding reception.
Well I’ll bee… LINDORS’ two colonies of bees have grown to bursting point with 80,000 now finding their home at the hotel. The decision to keep bees was made after a colony was found in one of the hotel’s chimneys. Since then, the number of bees has doubled and fresh and tasty honey is being produced and sold at Lindors. At first there was a small amount of honey harvested – 16lb – but the second harvest generated 43lb of the sweet treat. Don’t forget to pick up a jar when you next visit Lindors!
Darren, who is an officer in the RAF, arranged for colleagues to be a Guard of Honour for the couple.
The bride’s parents wrote: “Our thanks and appreciation go to you all for making the day both enjoyable for us and all our guests, and special and memorable for Rebecca and Darren.”
Fun in the sun THERE was fun and sun at Willersley Castle during the summer school holidays. The hotel arranged a wide range of holidays to keep guests of all ages entertained. For Teen Week, young people experienced canoeing, climbing and archery. Roger Jones led the fabulous Family Music Week, which culminated in the staging of the musical Pharaoh to Freedom. Meanwhile, summer family fun weeks saw social organiser Simon Chandler leading a number of fun activities and fellowship.
Winter Warmers Special offers coming soon on selected weeks from November – February 2011. Visit www.christianguild.co.uk or contact the hotels for more details.
Christmas lunch bookings The nights are drawing in, and most minds turn to Christmas celebrations during those long winter evenings. Don’t forget to book your Christmas lunch and dinners now at Lindors to avoid disappointment.
Several group bookings have already been made pre Christmas. Christmas day lunch has limited availability.
After a delicious, festive meal, there’s nothing better than relaxing by the roaring log fire in the beautiful lounge. Lunch at Lindors Country House Hotel is the perfect Christmas treat!
Winter walks Join Geoff and Simon for this wonderful walking break at Willersley Castle, experiencing the beauty of the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District National Park from 14 – 19 November. Contact the hotel or use the website to book online soon. Craft break Learn some new skills with Sue and Margaret who will help guests experience a variety of craft activities. The week-long break at Willersley Castle takes place from 21 – 26 November. The write stuff! Banner-making and calligraphy form the basis of a fascinating break held at Willersley Castle from 3 – 5 December. Season’s eatings! Christmas is coming and Willersley Castle will help you get into the swing of the season with a Turkey and Tinsel break from 6 – 10 December. Marion Owen will help guests experience the taste of Christmas and optional activities – including a visit to Chatsworth and the panto in Buxton – means there’s a full programme available.
shares availability there are still a number of shares in the company available. Becoming a shareholder is a great way to get more involved in the future of Christian Guild, plus you’ll also receive a 5% Shareholders’ Discount on your holidays with us. For more information on becoming a Shareholder, please contact Derwent House on 01629 580550.
VAT a good idea! VAT will be rising to 20% from 1 January 2011, but you can still beat the increase. If you book and pay for your 2011 holiday in full now you’ll only have to pay the 17.5% rate. And you can save even more with our fantastic early discount deal – if you book your holiday at least six months in advance, you’ll also qualify for our 4% early payment discount. So that’s a possible saving of up to 6.5% on your 2011 holiday. It really does pay to book your 2011 holiday now. Take a look at our brochure or visit www.christianguild.co.uk
gift vouchers LOOKING for the perfect Christmas present? We have just the thing. Gift Vouchers are now available for holidays at any of the Christian Guild hotels.
We know that times are tough at the moment, and we want you to feel confident about booking your holiday with us. So we promise that if you are made redundant after you’ve booked your holiday with us and find you have to cancel, we will refund the full cost of your holiday, including your deposit. *Proof of redundancy required.
WATER week to look forward to!
Hotel’s new coat
IF the thought of winter leaves you with a chill, why not look forward to spring and take part in a fantastic Watercolour Painting Week in May next year at Sidholme Hotel!
THE gracious Georgian mansion of Sidholme Hotel is now even more welcoming as the front of the 19th century building has been given a fresh coat of paint. And improvements to the hotel continue with refurbishment of the ladies toilets.
Talented artist Sarah Bell will be taking seven half-day sessions that are suitable for everyone, from beginner to experienced artist, from 22 – 27 May 2011. Sarah will also be giving a talk about her work one evening. Some basic equipment is needed, but beyond that all you need to do is book now to avoid disappointment. For full details contact the hotel on 01395 515104 or email sidholme@christianguild.co.uk Winter warmers Following the success of the October half-term, half price room deal on non en-suite Annexe rooms at Sidholme Hotel, the offer is being repeated right through to February 2011 (excluding December 20 – January 3). All the non en-suite Annexe rooms are up for grabs at half price, so there’s no reason not to treat yourself during the winter! Sidholme is also offering special rates of £40 per person per night for dinner, bed and breakfast in ensuite rooms from 24 – 30 October and 18 November – 19 December. For details, terms and conditions contact Sidholme Hotel on 01395 515104.
redundancy cover
Fun times for young guests YOUNG guests had non-stop fun when they took part in Sidholme Hotel’s Family Fun Weeks over the summer. Activities included paintballing with the General Manager, Mad Science sessions of fun and learning and much more. The 'mad scientist' brought his exciting and high energy show to the hotel and the youngsters made their own Mad Science putty and took part in experiments. During dinosaur themed week, there was opportunity to examine real fossil casts and explore the differences in the teeth of herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. The young guests also participated in a mini dinosaur excavation and made a cast of a dinosaur tooth to take home. The second Family Fun week focused on the theme of flying and the young participants got to take part in a NASA-style rocket launch out in the gardens.
wilde gardens Idle Theme theatre company performed Oscar Wilde’s ‘An Ideal Husband’ in the gardens at Sidholme Hotel on the 8th, 9th and 10th July. Performances were well attended both by hotel guests and plenty of local residents. We were lucky with weather and able to stage all three shows outside, although we did have the spectacular Music Room waiting in the wings in the event of a downpour! The event was well enjoyed by all who attended and the theatre company are looking to make this a regular summer fixture. We are also hoping to have them back in early December and again during our Christmas break to perform a pantomime. It will be in the Music Room this time though - not outdoors in December! Watch this space for further details.
Tasty changes
Festive fare
GUESTS will be able to tuck in to a delicious new lunch menu at Sidholme Hotel. The menu includes an array of freshly prepared dishes including home-cooked Devonshire ham, local butcher’s sausage and mash, and a range of sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes.
SIDHOLME’S top chef has been working hard to put together a Christmas menu for guests. The menu and a leaflet with booking information are now available from the hotel or you can download them directly from the website at www.christianguild.co.uk/sidholme.
Former Archbishop’s visit TRELOYHAN Manor hosted a special luncheon with the former Archbishop of Canterbury and his wife in the summer. Lord and Lady Carey were among 100 people who attended a special celebration on 29th August to mark 600 years since the foundation stone of St Ia Church (St Ives’ Parish Church) was laid in 1410.
congratulations marc & ZOE On Saturday the 19th June Treloyhan’s kitchen and reception teams merged as Marc, the kitchen’s Sous Chef, and receptionist Zoe were married at the church of St Ia in St Ives. A moving family service was followed by an afternoon swim, and then they partied the evening away with a lavish evening buffet until Marc swept Zoe off into the Cornish sunset.
a beautiful setting
Up for the cup Under the baking hot August Cornish sunshine, Treloyhan Manor hosted a fiercely contested summer of ‘football at 5’. Entire families displayed their considerable footballing talents, as guests and staff took to the field to enjoy the fun and fellowship that makes Christian Guild so special.
Enjoy summer in October! Take the chance to enjoy the best bits of the summer teen week before those cold, dark winter days set in with Abbot Hall’s special half-term break. The week will include Predator Experience, It’s a Knockout, games on the lawn and much more. It will be held on 24 – 29 October, so put it in your diary and don’t miss out. Pudding Lovers and Shopaholics If you’re partial to a bit of pudding and relish in retail therapy, then our Pudding
Lover and Shopaholics break is a holiday you can’t afford to miss. Abbot Hall hosts the four-day break from 14 – 17 November. And don’t feel guilty about enjoying those delicious puddings, as ‘Aquacise’ classes will also be held. It’s the perfect way to start the winter! It’ll have you in stitches! If you missed out on the chance to enjoy Abbot Hall’s Patchwork and Quilting week, don’t worry because there’s another opportunity to take part. Janette Fairer and Barbara Slee host the week, from 29 November – 3 December, where you’ll also get the chance to enjoy ‘Aquacise’ classes and fun and fellowship. There will be special offers on selected dates, where terms and conditions apply, so contact Abbot Hall to find out more.
On the 23rd July Treloyhan hosted a wedding for 80 local guests, who enjoyed a sumptuous wedding breakfast followed by dancing and music in the evening. One guest who attended the event said, “Treloyhan has such a beautiful setting with everything you need for the perfect event right here.”
Get crafty for Christmas Make sure your Christmas cards stand out from the crowd and make your own exquisite examples during a fabulous Festive Fun, Fellowship and Crafting week at Abbot Hall from 5 – 10 December. As well as wonderful craft sessions, where you’ll make cards and gifts, there are evening socials for you to enjoy and time to relax before the hectic days of Christmas draw in. an ideal christmas gift Once the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, treat yourself or a loved one to a relaxing and enjoyable Abbot Hall Spa Week from 16 – 21 January. With crisp mornings, you’ll also be able to enjoy the stunning scenery of the South Lakes at its best. Contact Abbot Hall Hotel on 015395 32896 to book.
Renovation The improvements continue at Treloyhan with a complete renovation of the west wing earlier in the year. Seven new rooms were created during the process and the hotel now boasts 29 en-suite rooms with the west wing offering fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Our new ‘Premier Style’ rooms now also have comfy window seats and tables, where you can sit at leisure and listen to the sea whilst enjoying one of our homemade Cornish Cream Teas!
‘Best teen week ever’ A new approach helped Abbot Hall enjoy its best ever teen week. The hotel hosted an eight-mile bay walk, which over 60 guests joined in with, followed by a barbecue and an afternoon spent with Dee from Predator Experience, where she showed off birds, snakes and Charlotte the tarantula. Guests also took part in a heart start course – an opportunity to learn how to save lives.
reports from further afield the isle of man (May 2010) Great deals
Festive fun
If you thought you couldn’t afford another break this year, think again – because Treloyhan Manor has fantastic half-price deals for all rooms.
Enjoy the preparations for Christmas this year by joining Treloyhan Manor for party nights throughout December.
From 2 – 21 October, ensuite rooms are just £35 pppn while non en-suite rooms are half price. There are also deals on selected dates throughout November, with up to 50% off non en-suite rooms from 28 October – 4 November and 7 – 8, 14 – 18 and 20 – 23 December.
Dinner, evening entertainment and party novelties are offered to partygoers, and those who want to stay overnight to enjoy a Cornish breakfast can take advantage of discounted accommodation at the beautiful hotel. Contact the hotel for available dates.
New Year Offer See in the New Year at Treloyhan Manor and enjoy a fantastic deal – full-board packages for half-board prices… and with NO minimum stay. With such a great offer, it is the perfect way to treat yourself or a loved one to a special New Year holiday as you’ll also be able to see the now renowned harbour lights as part of the celebrations in St Ives. Call 01736 796240 now to make your booking.
Making a splash Special Aquacise classes are held at Abbot Hall Hotel every Wednesday morning from 10am to 11am, and on Monday and Thursday evenings. The classes were especially enjoyed during the summer, as parents took the opportunity to have some time to themselves. The hotel can now hold Aquacise classes thanks to a course in July, where seven people took part and became instructors, including three people from Christian Guild; they were Ania Krepa, Diane Palmer and Jane Wilks. Special thanks go to Diane Palmer for arranging the course.
Ania’s new role The team at Abbot Hall congratulate Ania Krepa on her promotion to Office Manager after two years service at the hotel. Many of you will know Ania as she also spent six summers at Abbot Hall while studying English in her home country of Poland.
Awards at the double Abbot Hall has done the double by scooping two awards in the Grange in Bloom competition. The hotel picked up the Highly Commended: Communal Establishment and Hotels and Highly Commended: Business Tubs, Baskets and Containers accolades.
“A horse-drawn tram ride along the two mile promenade; 17½ miles on the Electric Railway in the 19th century rolling stone; a climb of more than 2,000 feet on the 5 mile Mountain Railway; and the longest narrow-gauge (3 feet) steam line in Britain opened in 1874. These delightful forms of transport were all enjoyed by the group who travelled in May 2010 to the Isle of Man. “We soon made friends with our fellow passengers over an early breakfast at Willersley Castle, then boarded our luxury coach and travelled via Heysham ferry to our 4* hotel on Douglas promenade. Hosted by Jennie & Peter Binks, we also had a blue badge guide with us on three day excursions experiencing each of the vintage forms of transport, plus visits to the world’s largest waterwheel; Castle Rushen (taken by Robert the Bruce in 1313); Cregneash – a working village folk museum; and many more fascinating historical sites. Our planned visit to the Manx museum was apparently too short as several members of our group could be seen there on our day of leisure; but was it for the tea and cakes in the café? On that day I took (again) the steam train and walked back via the coast path to Douglas. And I still had time to visit the café! “All too soon the holiday was over and we were back at Willersley Castle for a late dinner and bidding good-bye to our friends until the next time we meet on a Christian Guild coach holiday.”
oberammergau (August 2010)
“On the journey from Munich airport to Brixen in Austria we were treated to some awesome scenery. Our hotel catered for our every need and the food too was excellent. “The whole group enjoyed seeing places such as Tratzberg Castle, which was once the home of the emperor Maximillian; Pertisau, a village on the Achensee Lake; Innsbruck; and Saltzberg. Some went on cable cars and enjoyed further beautiful panoramic scenery, some had a trip on Lake Achensee or the lake at Zell am See. One evening, whilst in Austria, some of the group enjoyed a Tyrollean evening up in the mountains. Some thigh slapping and a lot of singing went on that night!
“But, of course, the culmination of the holiday was going to Oberammergau for the Passion Play. There was an air of excitement, even with such an early start in the morning. The play commenced at 2.30pm, with a break at 5pm, then began again at 8pm till 11pm. “What a memorable time! It was just like being in Jerusalem. You could almost think you were there on the Palm Sunday at the beginning, when hundreds of adults and children were on stage. At various times there were also donkeys, horses, camels, sheep and doves. “Although all were amateurs the whole performance was extremely professional with the choral singing and orchestra just adding to the experience. A lot of the cast worked in the tourist industry, so were working in between performances. Our hosts in Oberammergau were both in the play and they looked after us very well. “I’m sure this was a time that none of us will ever forget. Danke, Christian Guild.”
Holidays further afield in 2011 Sometimes you feel the need to go a little further, which is why Christian Guild now offers holidays beyond our hotels. The holidays below will allow you to stretch your legs a little further while still enjoying the warmth and fellowship that makes a Christian Guild holiday unique.
DeliGhts of tUscany, umbRIA & RomE
DUblıN & THe heritAge of doNegAl
JeRseY
blAck forest walKing holıdaY
departing 27th august 2011. 7 days, £499 (excl. flights)
september 2011. dates and prices to be finalised.
departing 9th may 2011. 7 days from £770
departing 4th june 2011. 7 days from £695
IsrAel & THe holy lANd departing 7th november 2011. 10 days from £1350
For More INformAoN and a full itinerary, or to book your place on any of these holidays please contact:
Derwent House, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5JG Telephone 01629 580550
Details for each holiday can also be downloaded from our website at www.christianguild.co.uk/further