A Cumbrian hotel group has been invoking the spirit of Christmas by bringing elderly members of its local community together to indulge in a seasonal afternoon tea, carol singing and festive celebrations.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa played host to over 200 people so they could participate in a special ‘Spirit of Christmas’ afternoon tea event on the shores of Windermere.
Working in partnership with Windermere and Ambleside Lions, the VIP guests attended from care homes and day centres from all over the South Lakes area. They were transported by bus to the hotel for an afternoon of fun with tea, coffee, sandwiches, and a wide selection of cakes made by the Low Wood Bay staff.
They were welcomed into the Gallery Lounge on arrival for a complimentary glass of Bucks Fizz, whilst listening to carols performed by Caton St Paul’s Primary School in front of the Christmas tree.
They then took their seats in the Lake Suite, where 22 tables were set up with crackers, a selection of sandwiches, scones with butter, jam and cream and song books with the words to festive carols performed by the Lakes Gospel Choir.
A large buffet table displayed a variety of delicious homemade cakes made by the Low Wood Bay Staff. On departure, guests were given a box of sweets donated by Windermere and Ambleside Lions.
One of the guests, Betty Potts from the Evergreen Club said: “Spirit of Christmas was a great event at Low Wood Bay, with a wonderful, festive atmosphere, lovely food and entertainment. All the hotel staff and members of the Windermere and Ambleside Lions were very friendly and helpful, as always. They looked after us so well, including helping with much needed transport.”
Sophie Barton from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues added: “We’ve been holding this event for a few years now with the aim to bring some Christmas cheer and create some new memories for some of our older residents across our local communities.
“There is something really special about the festive season when people work together to either volunteer their services, time or goods to help make an event happen for the benefit of others.”
A raffle, drawn by Santa Claus himself, gave the guests a variety of prizes to take home, with donations made from businesses and organisations across the local community including:
- Wild Boar Inn
- Waterhead Boutique Hotel & Dining
- St John’s Lodge
- Out of Eden
- Tesco, Ambleside
- Spar Ambleside
- Zeffirellis
- Pure Lakes
- Hayes Garden Centre
- Sheila’s Cottage
- Joshua Hoyle
- Low Wood Bay Housekeeping
- Frothimoon, Kendal
- Ambience Venue Styling, Windermere
- Made in Flowers, Kendal
- The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
- The Attic, Grasmere
- Rush Clothing & Co, Ambleside
- McClure’s, Windermere
- Windermere Lake Cruises
- Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread
- Heatons
- Lucy’s, Ambleside
- Cinderella Me
- The George and Dragon, Dent
- Berendsen UK Ltd
- Cooperative, Ambleside.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa’s newly refurbished rooms re-opened after the first phase of construction in April. The addition of ‘Blue Smoke on the Bay’ and the recent re-opening of the hotel’s health club completed phase two. New outdoor spa facilities are to open in the spring of 2018 to complete a very special resort within the World Heritage Site.The final phase will also feature extensive indoor and outdoor thermal experiences for guests, including a variety of cabins, relaxation areas, and an infinity pool above the lake, hot tubs and sauna, with stunning views across Windermere.
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