By Angela Green
If you judge hospitality by the smiles of guests leaving, the smiles on the faces of three young trainees from The CRUMBS Project departing The Belfry last Thursday would have passed the sternest of tests.
Last Thursday the H&C News Golf Day, in Partnership with Meiko UK took place, as always, at The Belfry. Teams and players from across the industry gathered and an amazing day of socialising took place.
Once fuelled with bacon rolls, tea, coffee, and a delightful Elderflower water, welcomed and briefed on the day’s play ahead, the TWO Services buggies were brought around for departure to The Derby course tee positions.
The course was in magnificent condition, and the sun gleamed to welcome players to their tees. A gentle breeze was sufficient to keep players cool, but not interfere with shot play.
As the teams set off on their way around the course, TWO Services buggies ferried the three young trainees from The CRUMBS Project and their support team members to the halfway house.
The trainees had baked chocolate brownies, gingerbread men, and shortbread cakes for players. So, as well as each player receiving a sausage roll and a drink at the halfway house courtesy of TWO Services, cakes were also handed out by The CRUMBS Project. Their popularity soon saw golfers from the other two courses join the queue for cakes.
Once all the golfers had received their midway sustenance, the trainees returned to golf headquarters for the day, The Sutton Suite, to prepare the tables for dinner. The Belfry team once again stepped up to the mark, the front of house squad explained carefully how to set the tables, demonstrating how to place every item in its proper position. The exercise was a pleasure to watch as mentors and mentees worked collaboratively and effectively. The room looked ready for a royal visit, everything was just so, with beautiful flower arrangements ready to welcome diners.
As the golfers started to return the patio area of The Sutton Suite became the 19th, with views overlooking The Brabazon course’s signature 10th green, where Sam Torrance’s famous putt won the 1985 Ryder Cup for the European Team.
The days play was discussed in animated fashion as the sun continued to shine and players compared notes before being called in for dinner.
Starter: Warm Smoked Salmon & Ricotta Tart, with Lemon and Herb Cream Cheese.
Main: Supreme of Chicken, Spinach& Roasted Garlic Mousse, Potato Rosti, Wild Mushrooms, Truffle Jus.
Dessert: Baked Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Toffee Popcorn & Apple.
Followed by Tea, Coffee & Chocolate Mints.
The dinner was sublime, everything was presented beautifully and tasted sensational, service seemed effortless and was delivered with precision. The front and back of house teams were called out following dinner for a well deserved round of hearty applause.
Framed certificates were then handed out by Paul Anderson, MD of the event sponsors, Meiko UK to all team captains acknowledging participation in the day before the main awards were announced and presented.
- The Longest Drive was won by Richard Metcalfe, CEO, Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre.
- Nearest the Pin was won by Oliver Smith, National Sales Director, TWO Services.
- The Winning Team Award, for the second year in a row, was won by TWO Services.
Next the results of the silent auction were awarded.
A four ball at The Manor House Golf Club in Castle Combe, donated by Exclusive Collection.
A dinner experience for two at The Barn, donated by Dorchester Collection’s Coworth Park.
A dinner experience for two with three courses and welcome drinks at Theo Randall at the InterContinental, donated by Theo Randall at the InterContinental and Roche Communications.
Then a prize draw took place with the following prizes.
Special lunch menu for four at Café Spice Namasté.
Kindly donated by Cyrus Todiwala OBE, DL, FIH and Pervin Todiwala
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Kindly donated by Paul Askew
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A two-night stay for two at the Old Course Hotel, St Andrews.
Kindly donated by Brenda Collin, Executive Vice President Europe, Preferred Travel Group
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Kindly donated by Bōkan via Roche Communications
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Afternoon Tea for Four People at Kensington Palace.
Kindly donated by CH&CO and Gather & Gather
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An afternoon tea experience for two at Park Corner Brasserie.
Kindly donated by Peter Avis MIH General Manager, Galvin at Windows
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Kindly donated by Love Drinks via Sam Houston, Director, Hungry Communications.
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The day raised £1,500 which will be split evenly between The CRUMBS Project and Zest Quest Asia.
A HUGE thank you goes out to all that made the day possible by taking part.
Next year the H&C News Golf Day and the Institute of Hospitality Golf Day organised by H&C News will merge to become one: The Institute of Hospitality Golf Day, in Partnership with Meiko UK. The day will take place at The Belfry on Thursday 9th May 2024. A Four Ball team including dinner in the evening is £1,195.
If you would like to attend and take part, please complete the form below and a member of the H&C News team will be in touch.