08 September 2010
I’m a Radio Four fan myself, but needs must and I have spent this morning talking to camera for our new video which will be on our website in the next few weeks.
We are trying to encapsulate The Castle Green in a three hour shoot which will be edited to a two minute video…not easy. I think it is going well though, with the sun shining, the hotel looking fab and even I managed to do my lines without too much fluffing.
I have seen a short playback on camera and (Reception Manager) Laura’s comment was that my head was too shiny! I know that technology has come along way, perhaps they will be able to airbrush in some hair on the final edit. Having said that, the Reception team have suddenly got very shy, and can be seen diving for cover every time the camera comes near them. I don’t know what the problem is, they are much better looking than me!
Anyway, I look forward to your comments when it goes live in a few weeks…nice ones please.
By Tim Rumney, 08 September 2010 –
27 August 2010
Every Bank Holiday weekend my husband insists on trying to cram in as much activity as possible, when all I want to do is relax! Living here there's always something going on - mostly it's not too far from our front door, so I'm on a mission to keep things local so I get my well earned rest.
I'm not as fortunate as some though - we hosted the Kelleher brothers last night who are cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats in 10 days. Philip, Joe & Ed have recently lost both their grandfathers who suffered from Alzheimers in their final years so are hoping to raise £10,000 for the society's charity. The photo is of them before they set off having just eaten our famous Westmorland Breakfast whick will keep them going for a good few miles! You can support their fundraising efforts at www.justgiving.com/Jolyon-Kelleher
For those of us wanting a more relaxed bank holiday I'll see you at the Brewery Arts Centre on Sunday afternoon for their live music showcase - I'll be the one with the large G&T!
By Liz Duncan, 27 August 2010 –
24 August 2010
Chris Tigwell one of our regular guests emailed me today regarding his own research regarding the Castle Green site. I've copied his email and a few pictures to see if anybody can help.
'When you first posted your contacts with former residents, I raised the question of identifying the "obelisk" which stands at the top of the footpath which leads from the road up to the railway (and which is now more visible from the woodland walk), as well as seeking an explanation for the form of that footpath i.e. in a very narrow slot, clearly cut off from the adjacent properties, and maintaining its separation where it crosses the railway. I have never seen a railway bridge with segregated crossings like this one. The obelisk appears to stand in the grounds of Birklands.
Any light you or your contacts could shed on this would be very helpful. Local historians and the library have been unable to help.'
By Tim Rumney, 24 August 2010 –
17 August 2010
Forgive me!! Can't believe I've not posted anything for 4 months!
The hotel has been very busy over July & August with over 90% occupancy, usual summer leisure trade with the addition of some new guests from our turn on Undercover Boss - so you can imagine it's been all hands on deck! It's not all work and no play though, as you know we're always in the mood for fun!
The staff summer social was a real hit, Chef did a fantastic BBQ on the Kendal Suite terrace ( I know it was on site but really there is no better venue on a summer's evening) and resident DJ Jeremy organised a quiz which the Leisure Club staff won - again!
We've ventured into social networking too with a page on Facebook so there's no excuse now for not keeping in touch with us, so become our friend and allow me to log on and get paid at the same time!
On a work front, Julia has just finalised the order for our Christmas Party hats, sad I know but we order them from China, can't tell you want they are this time you'll have to book to find out! She just needs to persuade someone to organise the crackers so she can get on with planning next year's Wedding Fayre!
We're just finalising our plans for our contribution to Kendal's Festival of Food in October - just going to a meeting now so will let you all know how you can get involved soon, watch this space.
By Liz Duncan, 17 August 2010 –
02 August 2010
Well, a very busy breakfast this morning means that I am well and truly back, with my recent ten day holiday in Marbella now a distant memory.
We have just finished another very busy month beating budget and last year figures and the guys managed a 100% occupancy week while I was away which might suggest I should go away more often!
I was away for the screening of Undercover Boss, so I was not able to join the team for their popcorn and beer party but we are all thrilled with the coverage we got. It was slightly surreal watching it on a big screen in the bar on holiday with friends and family surrounded by other bemused holiday folk wondering why there was no sport on.
Now the process is over I can breath a sigh of relief because however much confidence we have in the team and the product you never know what direction the film crew are going to point the camera and there is absolutely no editorial control from the host business. Full credit to our team who did everything the ‘Castle Green Way’ or should I say the ‘Best Western Castle Green Way’ and we have had lots of positive comments from clients and locals on our performance.
The star of the show was of course Leona who, as I suspected, comes across on film exactly how she is in real life. Her local celebrity status goes from strength to strength and she now has to juggle her breakfast supervision with collecting gifts from admiring regular customers…good on her.
And the Best Western brand? I think we came out of it well overall. There were obviously some challenges within the programme but in my view our willingness to open ourselves up to scrutiny in order to improve the brand and the highlighting of some fantastic personalities within the business made it worth while.
Leona now goes forward to be the face of Best Western in the autumn marketing campaign and I better go and lay those tables up for lunch!
By Tim Rumney, 02 August 2010 –