Mindfulness Initiative at Old Lodge Malton

‘Mindfulness moments’ focus provides antidote to modern hurry. 

‘Mindfulness Moments’ is to be introduced at The Old Lodge Malton in North Yorkshire in a move to help guests to enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable stay.

Mindfulness is a way of calming and connecting yourself, improving your awareness and shutting out negative thoughts. It does this without the kind of snobbery that might be associated with transcendental meditation.

Mindfulness feels rather like yoga without the physical postures. At its most basic it involves being still, closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath. When your mind wanders you try to bring it back. This is far more powerful than it sounds and much harder, for it is really about leaving behind the anxieties that plague us.

“The Old Lodge is a place where guests can practice mindfulness because we provide the space where people can take advantage of our stress free environment and especially the extended lawned gardens that are just perfect for easing anxiety. When guests tell us how relaxed and refreshed after a stay with us, I believe they have had a taste of ‘mindfulness’.” comments hotel director Tracey Holroyd.

The hotel is also encouraging guests to adopt a technique recently pioneered in schools called ‘dot be’, which is shorthand for ‘stop, breathe and be’ which claims to help people in a variety of situations, whether in be facing business challenges, bullying or getting ready for a presentation in a conference or a sporting performance.

“By having a focus on ‘mindfulness moments’ guests, both business and leisure, will leave relaxed and ready for their next challenge.” added Tracey.
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For further information please contact: Tracey Holroyd, director.
Tel: 01653 690570 Email: info@theoldlodgemalton.co.uk

Press contact: John Gallery, Tel: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk


Notes for Editors: The Old Lodge is a stunning Tudor mansion set in beautiful grounds, on the edge of the historic Market town of Malton, near Pickering, North Yorkshire with 20 en-suite rooms, all with TV, DVD/CD player, tea & coffee facilities, plus a further 8 rooms in a renovated public house about 50 metres away, called The Old Lodgings. The Old Lodge has a beautiful antique wood panelled boardroom. It has adequate natural lighting, supplemented with overhead lights and lamps, with a window that can be shuttered to block out light if necessary.

Wait - and make better decisions initiative

Hotel introduces ‘Wait and Make Better Decisions’ initiative for business guests with complimentary tea and coffee.

The Old Lodge Malton in North Yorkshire has introduced a new initiative for business guests that encourages them to take a slower approach to decisions and is providing complimentary* tea or coffee to encourage guests to stay longer and think.

The hotel has taken up suggestions provided by Professor Frank Partnoy a leading expert on finance from the University of San Diego whose recently published book ‘Wait: The Useful Art of Procrastination’ provides the inspiration.

Professor Partnoy argues that the onslaught of modern technology is leading us to forget that age-old wisdom and lose the art of waiting. He writes that the ‘crunch of technology’ dives us ‘to make instant decisions’ and follow our short-term animal instincts.

“When I read this, it occurred that many of our business guests may be in this situation for example, racing up and down the A64 to and from meetings and that they could take a leaf from Professor Partnoy’s book. The Old Lodge is an oasis of calm and we have introduced this to enable business guests to take a longer stop and an extra tea or coffee fill up so that they can have more thinking time,” comments hotel manager Eileen Lowery.

Business guests are encouraged to make the time to stop and will be provided with tips from Professor Partnoy’s book whilst enjoying their tea or coffee in the hotel’s extensive lounges and meeting rooms. (*Daily limits apply.)
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For further information please contact: Eileen Lowery, hotel manager.
Tel: 01653 690570 Email: info@theoldlodgemalton.co.uk
Press contact: John Gallery, Tel: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors: The Old Lodge is a stunning Tudor mansion set in beautiful grounds, on the edge of the historic Market town of Malton, near Pickering, North Yorkshire with 20 en-suite rooms, all with TV, DVD/CD player, tea & coffee facilities, plus a further 8 rooms in a renovated public house about 50 metres away, called The Old Lodgings. The Old Lodge has a beautiful antique wood panelled boardroom. It has adequate natural lighting, supplemented with overhead lights and lamps, with a window that can be shuttered to block out light if necessary.

Chinese journalists fact-finding visit to the World of James Herriot

Chinese journalists fact-finding visit to the World of James Herriot

(Photograph below)
Nine Journalists from China made a fact-finding visit recently to the World of James Herriot and Yorkshire. The leader was Tamily Liu who is a Press & PR Marketing Executive and journalist along with eight colleagues from various magazines and newspapers covering China and Hong Kong.

They were enthralled by the visit to the Centre and asked many questions about Alf Wight (James Herriot) and the books he wrote. The visit was arranged by Welcome to Yorkshire, VisitBritain and Virgin Atlantic. The group included Tamily Liu – VisitBritain escort; Tingting Qiu – Virgin Atlantic escort; Xiaming Cui – Travvel Blogger; Bo Liu – Madame FIGARO; Dong Wang – Tencent; Yu Feng – Global Times; Wei Zeng – My Vocation; Kun Zhu – New Weekly; Shu Qing He – New Weekly.

Managing Director Ian Ashton welcomed the group and provided the full tour of the Centre. Following the visit, Ian presented a Chinese language version of James Herriot’s ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ to leader of the group, Tamily Liu.
(See picture - Tamily Liu is the second from the right, back row.)

“This visit is another example of the importance of the World of James Herriot to its world wide audience. We have visitors from all over the world and this is one of the many throughout the year from schools, veterinary colleges and universitie

The attraction recently launched the James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund, an initiative to encourage people interested in animal welfare and veterinary work inspired by James Herriot.  
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For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, The World of James Herriot, 3 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential
Tel: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
The World of James Herriot is a unique tribute to Alf Wight, vet and author of the James Herriot stories. Based in his original surgery at 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire - the 'Skeldale House' of the Herriot books - it takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940s.
   

s. To have welcomed so many journalists from China in one visit is excellent news for us!“ comments The World of James Herriot managing director, Ian Ashton.

Snydale Care Home celebrates 30th Anniversary

Snydale Care Home celebrates 30th anniversary of continued family ownership – invitation to join ‘Memories and Moments’ charity initiative.

Snydale Care Home near Normanton is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is inviting families whose parents or relatives, past and present have enjoyed the services and facilities at the Home to contribute to a new ‘Memories and Moments’ dementia research charity initiative.

Snydale Care Home was conceived and developed by local builder Arthur Westerman in 1984 when he could not find a care home that would be suitable for his then ageing father-in-law.  Arthur’s unfulfilled quest was satisfied when he found the site at Old Snydale near Normanton in 1974 and began building the care home to his own specification.  Snydale Care Home was the first ever purpose-built in the area and is now one of five strong in the Warmest Welcome Group in Yorkshire.

The new charity initiative is being launched to coincide with the anniversary and will raise funds for dementia research which is an increasing condition amongst the population and which management and staff are experiencing amongst residents at Snydale and other homes in the group.

“When my father set up Snydale Care Home it was for all the right reasons and we are very proud to have been able to continue his original vision to deliver person-centred kind of care for our residents.” Comments Warmest Welcome chairman Tracey Holroyd, the founder ‘s daughter.

Families are invited to send photographs and letters about their relative’s experience at Snydale and to contribute to the new fund. Every pound raised will be matched by the company to double to fund, which will be put to dementia care charities.

“Dementia is the increasingly prevalent condition today and we hope that by raising the issue and taking practical steps to contribute to more research it will help to reduce the effects this has on families in the long term.. Added Tracey.

For further information please contact:

Tracey Holroyd, chairman Warmest Welcome Care Homes Tel: 01924 895517
Email: manager@snydalecarehome.co.uk  Website: www.snydalecarehome.co.uk
Postal address: New Road, Old Snydale, West Yorkshire, WF7 6HD

Media Contact: John Gallery. Great Potential Tel: 07967032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors: Snydale Care Home provides residential and day care for 24-hour Nursing, Residential and Dementia care, on a long term or respite basis for up to 52 Residents. Snydale Care Home is a member of independent Warmest Welcome Care Homes.

Novel Wedding Payment Scheme

Novel initiative to buy a wedding in June at Western Event Park

Pinewood Park, Scarborough’s Western themed event park is making an offer to couples with wedding plans that allows them to save up to £1500 on a wedding worth £6000. Only four couples will be able to take advantage of the initiative, which allows for up to 80 people to attend and stay at the site.

Pinewood Park has experienced an increase in demand for weddings in the past three years as the rules about wedding venues have changed making it easier for couples to arrange weddings at unusual venues and at different times of day or night.

From this new trend has emerged demand for more laid back weddings, where families can allow children to explore, have their own space and not be seen as a nuisance but as a necessity and adding to the festival atmosphere.

“Weddings are a hoot here at Pinewood Park, as families absorb their surroundings and take in the remarkably different atmosphere it brings to their very special day. Our ‘Buy in June’ is limited but we wanted to help to reduce the cost for some families as we know from our own experience as a family how big a commitment a wedding can be.” comments Pinewood Park director, Kerry Woodhead.

The buy in June wedding initiative is available for a selection of dates within the next 12 months and is on a first come, first served basis.

“With the rising numbers of people seeking unusual, less formal venues for their wedding, we hope that this initiative will give couples options to consider that may not have otherwise occurred to them.  There is nothing wrong with a formal wedding but for something informal and different we certainly think we are it!“ added Kerry.

Leeds Met Students Organise Tourism Society Yorkshire Lunch and Seminar

Photograph shows L- R
John Gallery, Helen Taylor, Millie Jackson, Loren Short, Emma Whittaker, Becky Kenny, Charlotte Hammond.

News Release                            2nd May 2014

Leeds Met University Students stage Tourism Society Yorkshire Spring Lunch and Seminar with Yorkshire Grit and Gumption Theme. 

When: Thursday 1st May 2014 - Where: Leeds Industrial Museum

Tourism operators heard from four speakers with a Yorkshire theme about different activities both local and regional at a lunch held at Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mill Leeds on Thursday 1st May.

The event was planned, organised and executed by six students of event management at Leeds Metropolitan University for the Yorkshire branch of the Tourism Society. Presentations included:
•    Sally Tierney, The Yorkshire Garden Designer, explained how a well-designed garden can be a key part of the First Impression, so important for tourism businesses and how this can contribute significantly to the bottom line.  Sally provided visual examples and inexpensive tips that can make a real difference. 
•    Keith Madeley, company director and chairman of The Yorkshire Society and popular business personality known as ‘Mr Yorkshire’ explained how his charity work, education advocacy and Yorkshire Society activities contribute to the education and economy in the region. Keith also explained the Yorkshire Suit, a symbol of the woollen industry in the region.
•    Alex Blackman, business development executive at Welcome to Yorkshire enthusiastically explained how Yorkshire is planning and executing the Tour de France Grand Depart in July with ideas and advice about how businesses can and are taking advantage of the largest free to view sporting event in the calendar.
•    Laura Knowles of the Yorkshire Blue Badge Guides Association provided details about the first official Yorkshire Tour Guide programme to be staged in 20 years. The course is the most senior level training for tour guides available and is recognised throughout the Tourism industry as the benchmark for Tourism Guiding.

“Tourism is one of the most important drivers in the economy and our events are designed to inform and engage operators; destination management organisations, consultants and other interested business people with the latest trends and activities in the industry on a national, regional and local level. Our annual Spring Lunch provided some interesting and useful insights into Yorkshire and each provided a perspective for guests to consider, challenge and contribute to.” comments Tourism Society Yorkshire chairman John Gallery.  

The students arranged a special tour of the Leeds Industrial Museum during the event when delegates heard the history of the woollen industry and viewed the extensive range of industrial machinery and other artefacts demonstrating this important industry in the Yorkshire region.

“Working with these six enthusiastic students has been an excellent experience and hopefully by providing them with the opportunity to stage a live event as part of their course projects, we have contributed to their progress into this important sector of tourism. We shall be doing this with the University more often in future”, added John Gallery.  

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Further information: The Tourism Society Yorkshire, Chairman, John Gallery
Tel: 0845 838 6338 Mobile: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors:
The Yorkshire branch of the Tourism Society provides an educational forum for people in all sectors of the tourism industry and stages events several times a year with an interesting mix of speakers and at various locations throughout the Yorkshire Region. It is part of the national Tourism Society that organises seminars, education and is a wide network for people working in all aspects of the Tourism sector. Its annual Symposium takes place on 2nd and 3rd June 2014 in Liverpool as part of the international Festival of Business.

Herriot Scoops SCOOT Gold Award

Ian Ashton MD World of James Herriot with Ebony Feare

                    28th April 2014
World of James Herriot scoops SCOOT Headline Award

The World of James Herriot in Thirsk has today won Gold in the coveted SCOOT Headline Awards.
The annual SCOOT Awards is one of the most prestigious business awards in the UK that recognises and rewards the successes and achievements of British businesses, large and small. Actress and TV personality Ebony Feare presented the award to Ian Ashton, managing director of The World of James Herriot.
SCOOT, the leading online business directory, is keen to help local, regional and national businesses to maximise their commercial potential by bringing them and their achievements to the attention of a massive new audience.
“This is a real boost for the World of James Herriot which welcomes guests from all over the world. The SCOOT Gold Headline Award follows hotly on the heels of our recent Highly Commended Award in the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards and the launch of the James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund. To have been successful against such stiff national competition is testament to the tremendous efforts that our team at The World of James Herriot make in delivering a quality visitor experience”, comments The World of James Herriot managing director and chairman of the Herriot Country Tourism Group, Ian Ashton.
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For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, World of James Herriot, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential. Tel: 07967 032623
E-mail: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk 
Notes for Editors: The World of James Herriot is located in the original home and surgery of the author in the market town of Thirsk. The attraction was formally owned by Hambleton District Council and is now operated as a private business. It is the focus for the Herriot Country Tourism Group, the destination marketing membership organisation that includes hotels, guesthouses, self-catering and other visitor attractions in the area.