Made in Bawtry - Alexander and Antonia

OWs in the spotlight

Made in Bawtry

Set in the beautiful Georgian market town of Bawtry, on the Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire Border, is the leading luxury hotel in the region, the Crown Hotel, and the prestigious wedding venue, Bawtry Hall, managed by former parent Craig Dowie. We caught up with Craig’s children, OWs Alexander and Antonia, to find out the role they have both played in the family business and what they are up to now. Alexander was in Mason from 2008 – 2010 and is the CEO of Keyhole Creative Media, an award-winning creative agency. His sister, Antonia, joined Derry in 2010 – 2012 and is currently on maternity leave from her role as Marketing Executive for Centre Parcs UK.

Tell us about your time at Worksop – is there a memory that stands out for you?

Alexander: The main thing I really enjoyed was the boarding. I wasn’t supposed to be a full boarder as I lived in Retford, but within 2 weeks I wanted to board and persuaded my Dad to fund the difference! Two memorable moments are being part of the Dorm run winning team and detention for ordering pizza out of hours and hoisting it up to the bedroom via the window! Antonia: I had a great time at Worksop, I met some amazing people and friends for life. As with Alex, my best memories come from boarding and the friends I made from that. From the first night sitting in my dorm feeling anxious (for all of 5 minutes) I was made to feel welcome. One girl even came barging into my dorm with such urgency on the first day of term asking if I was wearing a “full full” face of make up or just a “full” face and I knew I was at home - she is now a godmother to my son!

“Worksop gave me self-confidence, a good grounding to help me present myself in all life and work situations.”

Was there a defining moment at school that helped shape the course of your career?

Alexander: Worksop gave me self-confidence, a good grounding to help me present myself in all life and work situations. One of the first awards Keyhole Visuals won was the Start Up Business of the Year Award for the Doncaster area. This encompassed several presentations and interviews – without the Worksop presentation and debating skills, I would have struggled.

Antonia: Learning that you don’t have to go to university to be successful in securing jobs and you can still have a career without doing this. With the support of the form tutors and after endless hours scrolling through UCAS to secure a place at university, I realised it just wasn’t for me. On leaving school I moved to Sheffield, where I began a career working for Sheffield International Venues.

Your father must be a very inspirational role model to you both – did you enjoy being a part of the family business?

Alexander: My father had me involved in the family hotel business from the age of 13 - so much so that he got a telling off from Trading Standards! But all was good in the end – it was a family business after all. While working at the Crown, I met one of the Directors from Emmerdale. We formed a great relationship that defined the next three years of my life. This took me to Nottingham Trent University to undertake a degree in Film Production. During these years I worked part time on the set of Emmerdale, rising to second director. When I completed my degree, I had the choice to commit to Emmerdale full time (the most obvious option!) or to set up my own company. I met my Dad with a business plan and right away he offered his support and set up the company with me. Even though I knew the safest option would have been Emmerdale, I think I must have my Dad’s risk taking gene, as we opted straight away to set up Keyhole Creative.

Antonia: As with Alex, we have both been in the business from a very young age. Dad gave me lots of opportunities I may not have been able to have, including; implementing the brunch menu, developing the afternoon tea offers and questioning stakeholders on their choices and views. I always knew that I had the support behind me. Luckily for me, my decisions were successful and led me to winning the Rising Star of the Year Award with Doncaster Chamber!

Tell us more about what you are doing now…

Alexander: Keyhole Creative now has offices in Yorkshire and Dubai. I live in Dubai and come back to the UK every two months. Our clients are mainly Wealth Management companies throughout the globe. In the last two years we have undertaken projects in Dubai, Qatar, Japan, China, Malta and Spain to name a few. You can find out more at keyholecreativemedia.com

Antonia: I am currently enjoying maternity leave with my seven week old daughter, Matilda, and one year old son Frederick – yes, some would say I’m crazy! I am also the Marketing Executive for Center Parcs, looking after Food, Beverage and Retail for the UK and Ireland villages. “Focus on yourself and you don’t have to follow the crowd - what’s right for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you! Make sure you make time for fun and enjoy yourself.”

Where do you see yourselves in five years’ time?

Alexander: My aim is office expansion into areas where my work takes me. I am hoping over the next 5 years Keyhole will have an office in Asia / Hong Kong.

Antonia: Aside from hopefully getting a full night’s sleep, I would like to continue my career in marketing at Center Parcs; with staycations on the rise it’s a busy time for the industry. Even with two young children, my career and job is still a big part of my life.

What advice would you give to your younger Worksop self?

Antonia: Focus on yourself and you don’t have to follow the crowd - what’s right for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you! Make sure you make time for fun and enjoy yourself.

Alexander: Follow your instinct and do what you enjoy to make a career! If you are passionate and enjoy it you will excel and make it the best possible career ever - I did!

Exterior of Crown Hotel complete with terrace bar

Executive room at the Crown Hotel

Your chance to WIN

Win a stay at the four star Crown Hotel in Bawtry for two people in an executive room! This prize also includes a bottle of chilled Champagne in your room on arrival and full Yorkshire breakfast the following morning. The Crown Hotel is located in the heart of Bawtry, and is sister venue to exclusive wedding venue, Bawtry Hall. With 77 bedrooms, Robata Grill Restaurant, Terrace and Café Express, The Crown has beautiful Bawtry on the doorstep with its array of restaurants, bars and boutique shopping. For your chance to win, simply fill in the form below.

Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Email: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Telephone no: …………………………………………………………………………………………………. I would like to receive email offers from the Crown Hotel and Bawtry Hall throughout the year: Y/N Signature: ………………………………………………… Date: …………………………………………… Please post or email your completed form to Alumni Relations, Worksop College, Cuthberts Avenue, Worksop, Notts, S80 3AP/ alumni@wsnl.co.uk– entries to be received no later than 30 June.

Booking date is subject to availability. crownhotel-bawtry.com

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