Christian Guild
j a n u a r y 2 0 11
GREETINGS
WE’RE BACKING BIBLEFRESH CHRISTIAN Guild is supporting the Bible Society’s Biblefresh initiative, which marks the 400th anniversary since the publication of the King James Bible. Churches and Christian organisations across the UK are teaming up to make 2011 the year of the Bible. To mark this historic event, Christian Guild has organised two five-day breaks in partnership with the Bible Society. These will be held at Willersley Castle Hotel from 31 October – 4 November and at Sidholme Hotel from 5 – 9 December, and will be led by Rev. Rob Cotton, Senior Campaigns Manager for the Bible Society. I do hope that as many of you as possible will use this initiative to re-engage with your Bible. Please join us for these very special weeks.
MAY I wish all our readers – guests, visitors, shareholders and staff – a very happy New Year! I’m sure that after one of the coldest Decembers on record we have all begun to think about spring and summer holidays. At Christian Guild, we’ve got hotels, holidays and short breaks to suit everyone. Our 2011 Holidays and Short Breaks brochure is available now, so make sure you take a look at what’s in store this year. If you haven’t received a copy, then contact Derwent House on 01629 580550 and we will ensure one is posted to you.
major investment In the past year, Christian Guild has been investing in our hotels to make sure they have the latest in modern comforts you’d expect in a top class hotel. And we're pleased to announce that the programme of investment continues this year - full details can be found in the ‘Major Investment’ article overleaf.
OFFERS FOR ALL Christian Guild always offer great value for money – and throughout this issue of Grapevine you’ll find some fantastic special offers that will help your money go further. Also, don’t forget our fantastic 4% six months early payment offer that lets you enjoy a discount on the price of your holiday for early payment.
COME AND say hello Christian Guild will be exhibiting at February’s Christian Resources Exhibition and we would love to see you there. It is the first time that CRE has visited Peterborough’s EXEC exhibition hall. The exhibition runs from February 24–26 and if you visit our stand and quote ‘Grapevine’ you’ll receive a special free gift. See the CRE website at www.creonline.co.uk for more details. contact details Derwent House (Head Office) ������������������� 01629 580550 Abbot Hall Hotel ��������������������������������������������� 015395 32896 Lindors Country House Hotel ��������������������� 01594 530283
As a result of our willingness to help all our customers in these tough economic times, we also continue to offer our redundancy protection scheme. If you are made redundant after booking your holiday and wish to cancel, then we will ensure a full refund of all money is paid – including deposits. May I again wish you a happy, peaceful and successful 2011. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our hotels very soon... Kevin Mantle Managing Director
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.
winter warmers special offer
Major investment In the past year, Christian Guild has been investing in all our hotels to make sure they have the latest in modern comforts you’d expect in a top class hotel. At Treloyhan Manor, there are new en-suite bedrooms and the ground floor and first floor public areas have been recarpeted. We always put our guests’ safety first, and as a result, we’ve also upgraded fire protection at the hotel. Our programme continues this year with £½ million being invested in en-suite upgrades, renovation to public areas and essential property repairs across our five hotels. We are planning a major en-suite renovation scheme at Abbot Hall Hotel, and work started as Grapevine went to press. This work will see significant improvements to the ensuite bedrooms overlooking the bay and gardens. Public areas and lounges at all hotels will benefit from extensive investment in 2011. And we can announce that all hotels will see improved guest services, particularly with further improvements and flexibility in our restaurant offering, which is being planned for later this year. Our commitment to investment and development of our hotels is part of our ongoing mission to provide the best in Christian Hospitality.
CHRISTIAN Guild always likes to warm the cockles of your heart – and we’re doing so by extending our Winter Warmers special offers to selected dates through to the end of March. These superb offers mean you can enjoy our five wonderful hotels for unbeatable prices. Enjoy en-suite rooms with dinner, bed and breakfast for these superb rates (price per person per night): Abbot Hall Hotel, from £45 Lindors Country House Hotel, from £35 Sidholme Hotel, from £40 Treloyhan Manor Hotel, from £35 and Willersley Castle Hotel, from £44 To check dates, prices and availability, contact the hotels directly using the numbers on the front page, or visit the website at www.christianguild.co.uk.
BECOME A SHAREHOLDER IN CHRISTIAN GUILD Becoming a shareholder couldn't be easier and 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.
VISIT US VIRTUALLY WE aim to make sure that all Christian Guild publications are of the highest quality with superb photographs of our hotels. But two-dimensional photos don’t always tell the whole story. Well, Christian Guild is committed to using the latest technology to help improve the experience of our guests. So this year our website will include 360º virtual tours of our hotels. The first hotel to offer the tours is Sidholme, with the rest of our hotels will follow throughout the year. Why not visit www.christianguild.co.uk/sidholme to see how it works?
CAN YOU HELP? WOULD you like to help Christian Guild reach more people in 2011? If so, then we’d like to hear from you. We plan to attend more exhibitions and festivals this year, but we would like to ask you to support us by helping with staffing our stand. If you are planning to attend any of the Christian festivals in the UK this year and feel you can help, please let us know by emailing sarah@christianguild.co.uk.
We have identified New Wine (both in Newark and Shepton Mallet) and Grapevine in Lincoln as possible festivals. If you can help, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Hotel’s in the pink! STAFF from Abbot Hall Hotel donned pink clothing when they supported the Breast Cancer Campaign. The efforts raised £100 as part of the charity’s Wear It Pink Day on October 29 2010.
Warming offers SHAKE off the winter blues with a holiday at Treloyhan Manor – with its wonderful coastal views it's the perfect place to relax after the winter. And there’s no better time to organise a break with Winter Warmer special offers running from 5 – 18 February; 26 February – 7 March and 18 – 25 March. Contact the hotel on 01736 796240.
ArRR… Jim Lad! AHOY me hearties! We've got great half-term fun lined up at Treloyhan Manor with a fabulous Pirates Week.
Crafts, fancy dress, games and a pirate-themed Mission Impossible night are some of the activities being lined up by John and Rachel Parker. The week runs from 19 – 25 February.
Easter date – Children under 16 stay for free!
New look and name for lounge FURTHER investment has been carried out at our wonderful Cumbrian hotel, Abbot Hall.
As well as new furniture, carpeting and redecoration, the back lounge has now been renamed the Bay View Lounge. Staff at the hotel look forward to welcoming you and invite you to enjoy the revamped facility. STOP PRESS: Brand new break Join Shona Hodgson for a week of flower arranging fun, activities and trips on this brand new break from 13 – 17 March. Including modern floral designs, oasis arrangements, traditional arrangements, and a day trip to Barton Grange garden centre and Garstang Town. No course fee and flowers provided. Contact the hotel for more details and equipment list. Crafty way to learn LEARN how to make paper do the seemingly impossible with a fantastic Craft and Walking break at Abbot Hall from 6 – 11 March.
And for those who want to enjoy the very fresh Lakes air during the break, visits to craft shops are optional. Find out more by contacting the hotel on 015395 32896. uncovering the past Is your half term early? If so, why not take advantage of our VAT-free ‘Trace your Family’ break from 13 – 18 February? Who knows what you might discover!
Be on song! GIVE your vocal cords a workout while enjoying a week’s break at Abbot Hall. The Singing is Fun week from 20 – 25 March sees Barbara and Geoffrey Todd on hand to help you get the most from your singing voice. Fantastic April offer THE Lake District is stunning at anytime of the year, but in spring it is absolutely breathtaking.
And you’ll enjoy it even more if you take advantage of a fantastic three-night special offer from 15 – 18 April. From just £150 for three nights in a sumptuous ensuite room, you will be able to enjoy the hotel’s wonderful surroundings AND a free trip to the Lakes with a complimentary packed lunch. Book now to take advantage of this superb offer. Special price offer non-ensuite rooms in the bungalow are now available at the extra special rate of just £30.00 per person per night from now until the end of March. Contact the hotel now on 015395 32896 to grab your bargain break.
IF you are looking for a brilliant and relaxing break at Easter, Treloyhan is the perfect place. Fantastic games and activities are being lined up at Treloyhan Manor Hotel from 17 – 30 April, and there's plenty to enjoy as many of Cornwall’s family fun attractions open for the season; Flambards, Eden Project and Paradise Park. So contact us today to find out more and to book.
Festive fun St. Ives is one of the best places in the country to enjoy Christmas and New Year festivities – and the festivities continued last year. Visitors tucked into delicious dishes using the finest locallysourced, fresh ingredients during Christmas and New Year. As well as fine food, Treloyhan Manor guests also enjoyed the breathtaking harbour lights, where there was fancy dress and a genuine party atmosphere, which is why St Ives remains as one of the world’s most popular locations for New Year.
Treloyhan gets 'Street Smart' The team at Treloyhan Manor would like to thank everyone who kindly contributed to the ‘Street Smart’ charity championed by a number of celebrities including chef Gordon Ramsay. Thanks to your generosity we raised over £250 pounds in over the festive period, to help support the homeless at this difficult time of year.
Revamp work continues RENOVATION work has continued to be carried out at Treloyhan Manor, which has added to the sumptuous feel of the beautiful hotel. The first floor west-facing sea view rooms now boast en-suite facilities and both the ground and first floor staircases and corridors have had new carpets fitted. Refurbishment of our lounges will continue through 2011. Treloyhan Manor’s General Manager, Kieran Lynch, said: “Thank you to all of the guests who have enjoyed staying in our new rooms; your feedback has been fantastic, and the new carpet will add that little bit of extra comfort that I am sure you will appreciate.”
Make a note of this!
A valley good time…
MUSIC maestro Roger Jones will be leading a five-night break at Lindors in February.
YOU’LL have a Wales of a time at Lindors Country House Hotel if you join a special week to celebrate St David’s Day. With special speakers, suggested trips, Welsh language and craft lessons and the chance to enjoy a menu inspired by Wales, guests will be able to enjoy a fabulous week from 27 February – 3 March.
Roger is a popular music and worship leader and will be leading the Music and Worship Week from 6 – 10 February.
And at just £200 per person for the workshops with dinner, bed and breakfast, the special interest week offers fantastic value for money. Contact the hotel on 01594 530283 to book today.
late availability Due to a cancellation we are able to offer a late group-booking availability at Lindors from 20 – 25 May. The hotel and lodges accommodation are ideal for church groups, youth groups or just a large family get-together. Contact the hotel now for special rates.
uganda trip For the past four years Wyedean school students have been able to take trips to Uganda to help out and teach school students about different subjects and our culture. At Lindors we are lucky enough to have two of our waiting staff going on this trip in July this year. They will be in separate groups and sent to different schools in the north of the country, and be able to devise their own lesson plan and teach the children about any subject from rugby to French. The trip is organised by the local Minister of Littledean Church, a regular visitor to the hotel. Over the next six months Harriet Bailey and George Biddle will be hoping to raise £800 each in order to receive this experience. Any donation will be greatly appreciated by them, and they hope to exceed their target so they can raise money for Orungo High – Wyedean’s partnered school for the past 3 years. If you wish to make a donation please contact the hotel.
This superb break costs just £250 per person, including dinner, bed and breakfast.
refurbishments The five lodges at Lindors have recently been refurbished with new carpets, curtains and blinds, sofas and soft furnishings. So now there's even more reason to book your self-catering holiday with us .
SNOW PROBLEM! SIDHOLME staff pulled together when heavy snowfall covered Sidmouth in the white stuff. James and the lads worked hard to keep the car park clear until a tractor arrived to shift the remaining snow. The majority of expected guests arrived despite the weather and enjoyed Christmas and New Year activities, with a visit from Father Christmas and visits to local pantomimes.
GHOSTLY TALES CHILLING tales of ghostly visitations from Charles Dickens were recounted during Sidholme Hotel’s Turkey and Tinsel week last year. If you missed it, make sure you don’t miss out when Idle Theme Theatre Company return to the hotel with a superb play on July 7, 8 and 9 at the end of Summer Music Week.
STUNNING SETTING SIDHOLME’S stunning Music Room was the setting for diners over Christmas. The historic room hosted meals for dinner functions for local groups and societies. Chairs were cleared out and replaced with dining tables bedecked with Christmas finery in the exquisite room.
golden celebration Congratulations to John and Sylvia Marsh who held their Golden Wedding party at Lindors in December, joined by 50 family and friends. winter warmers Enjoy an en-suite room at Sidholme with dinner bed and breakfast from just £40 per person per night during the following dates: 9 – 11 February; 13 February – 14 March and 16 – 18 March. HALF PRICE roomS Annexe non-ensuite rooms at Sidholme Hotel will remain half price until 25 February. Please contact the hotel for terms and conditions. Offer cannot be used with any other offer. FOLLOW TV SHOW’S FOOTSTEPS Follow in the footsteps of BBC’s Countryfile with Sidholme’s Bird Watching Week from 13 – 18 February. The popular show visited the RSPB reserve of Bowling Green Marsh, near Topsham – and you will visit the reserve
with bird expert Richard Preston, who leads the week. HALF-TERM SAVINGS THERE’S fun for all the family during February half-term week from 20 – 25 February at Sidholme Hotel. And the week is being offered for a third less than the brochure price. Book today to avoid disappointment. THE WRITE STUFF! Sidholme is running a South West Writers Book Club week from 27 February – 4 March. Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy all have connections to nearby Exeter, and you’ll get the chance to find out more on a one-day visit to the city with a Red Coat-guided tour called Walk with the Writers. There will also be an optional coach trip to Lyme Regis.
focus ON REDUCTION Stay at Sidholme during Digital Photography Week, 27 March – 1 April, and enjoy a 10% reduction. Paul Clayden teaches you everything from how to switch your camera on to how to get the perfect image. To take advantage of this wonderful week book now on 01395 515104. GARDENER’S WORLD GREEN-fingered guests can learn from two gardening experts at Sidholme during Gardening Week from 15 – 20 May. Hosts Brenda and James May will be on hand to share their skills and enthusiasm. James was Gardening Instructor for the National Trust in Scotland for 30 years. So if you are looking for inspiration for your garden, come and join this superb week.
WILLERSLEY APPOINTMENT
GREAT DESTINATIONS 2011
WE are delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin George as General Manager at Willersley Castle. Kevin has moved from his position as General Manager at Lindors Country House Hotel following the departure of Tim Rogers. Kevin said "I am really excited about the future of Willersley Castle. I am looking forward to developing the business and encouraging the locals to use Willersley Castle while aiding the team to offer a fantastic service to all our guests.” We wish Kevin every success in his new role. We’d also like to thank Tim – supported by his family – for the hard work and support they have given to Christian Guild over many years. We wish him every blessing and success in the future. YOU’LL LOVE THIS... WILLERSLEY Castle has announced a new break that’s perfect for those who love a bit of romance. The Valentine’s Fun and Fellowship will offer a week of fun, crafts, suggested visits and a delicious Valentine’s Dinner. Even if you’re not 'loved up' then this relaxing week – from 13 – 18 February – will allow you to enjoy the stunning setting of Willersley Castle at a great price. The break costs just £35 per person per night and includes dinner, bed and breakfast for any room type (min. stay 3 nights). Bookings are on a first come first served basis. STEP OUT FOR those who like a great walk in beautiful surroundings, Willersley Castle is the perfect destination. The beautiful views around the hotel are breathtaking in spring, and Willersley’s Derbyshire in Spring break, from 6 – 11 March, is perfect for those who want to blow off those winter cobwebs. And if you can’t make that one, then make sure you join Graham and Margaret Bevan for their Walking Week from 27 March – 1 April. This week is very popular as the couple offer varied walks each day, sharing their knowledge of the wonderful
area near Willersley, right on the edge of the Peak District. Contact the hotel to book either break on 01629 582270. REUNION RETURNS WILLERSLEY Castle Hotel was in the spotlight last year when it hosted a special reunion for people who were born there during its spell as a Salvation Army maternity hospital in World War 2. The reunion was so successful that the hotel is running a bigger and better reunion this year, from 10 – 15 April, with excursions, walks and fun and games for all who attend. new course addition By popular request, a Fellowship Week with Jean Long is being organised at Willersley Castle Hotel from 25 – 30 September. The theme 'Refresh, Reflect and Renew' will include Bible study, a coach outing* into the Derbyshire countryside and evening entertainment* with time to share fellowship with old and new friends. Our popular speaker, Rev. Dr. William Davies, former principal of Cliff College will lead daily devotions. Come and enjoy the amazing atmosphere and wonderful cuisine, and leave feeling blessed, renewed and refreshed. *Excursion and some entertainment may incur additional cost
AS well as superb hotels in the UK, Christian Guild offers some fantastic overseas holidays. These holidays offer superb activities and trips in the safe knowledge that Christian Guild has made all the arrangements so you can put your feet up, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of your break. Our first overseas holiday this year is to the stunning country of Italy. We visit delightful Tuscany, Umbria and Rome on May 9 for seven days from just £770. If you thought Dublin was all about nights out on the Liffey, then think again. Our holiday to the vibrant city includes the wonderful heritage of Donegal. We leave for Ireland on June 4 for seven days from £695. Jersey is a beautiful island that allows you to enjoy warm weather usually found in the south of France. We fly on August 27 for seven days to this superb destination. Just a few rooms are still available for this holiday, so book soon. If walking and sightseeing in one of the most stunning parts of Europe sounds like it’s perfect for you, then you’ll love our seven-day visit to the Black Forest. We fly on September 18 to visit the forest during its most beautiful season. Finally, we offer the chance of a life-enhancing experience to Israel and the Holy Land. We leave on November 7 for ten days, with prices from £1,350.
IT’S ALL WHITE! THE Big Freeze of winter didn’t stop Willersley Castle Hotel from operating – despite the driveway being cut off when trees fell down under the weight of snow! Thanks to the dedicated maintenance and garden team, life went on, with deliveries being transferred to a quad bike so supplies could reach the hotel. Many of the team were unable to get to work because of the challenging conditions, but those that could pulled together to make sure all guests had a great time. General Manager Kevin George said: “All in all, it’s a big well done to the team at Willersley.”
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.
DUblıN & THe heritAge of doNegAl departing 4th june 2011. 7 days from £695
ha'penny bridge, dublin
DeliGhts of tUscany, umbRIA & RomE departing 9th may 2011. 7 days from £770.
the forum, rome
JeRseY dep. 27th aug 2011. 7 days, £499 (excl. flights)
fe w l a s t ce s ! pl a
Don't miss this great holiday!
final booking date: 28th february
IsrAel & THe holy lANd dep. 7th nov 2011. 10 days from £1350
blAck forest walKing holıdaY dep. 18th september 2011. 7 days, £840 (incl. flights)
For more information 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 Web: www.christianguild.co.uk/further