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A Warm Welcome! Both Literally and
Metaphorically! One of the easiest improvements we have achieved was simply to move the old electric fire, replace the grates in the fireplace and abracadabra, we now have a real coal fire! This helps to supplement the existing heating system and cannot be beaten for adding a lovely cosy atmosphere to the bar area. Over the past six months we have welcomed well over a hundred different guests to the Hotel many we like think are now part of the Wentworth Family, more on guests later! Our very best wishes to all of them and we look forward to your next visit. First Reflections It has been a very busy first six months. Not least leaving the stability of being a paid employee to being a sole trader, and learning a new business. It this respect we were fairly naïve and I suspect still are to some extent. How does one mange the whole host of legislation & bureaucracy that seems to be geared up to put small business like ours out of business? The hours can be long, especially if guests needs a 7:00am breakfast, packed lunch, evening meal and use the bar! However, The work is generally enjoyable and we have met some delightful people. Wentworth Houses' History Pt2
We had guessed that
the house should have a cellar. After a bit of subtle investigation, demolition
and excavation work we discovered one under the main staircase. However what we
found is not a cellar in the traditional sense. It is basically a vaulted
‘room’ in two sections measuring W 1.5 x, L 2 x, H 1.5, so quite small. No stairs
or steps lead into it.
Various theories have been put forward as to its possible use: 1) as an unusual underground chimney that once lead to an internal fireplace. (this is unlikely as there is no evidence of soot. 2) As an underground safe. Apparently houses of this age (and there is local evidence at the nearby Burton Constable house) often used to have an underground safe that valuables used to be buried in if the family went away for some time. It is possible that the original builder/owner of this part of the house, James Bean the Jamaican Planter, had this in mind when it was constructed. 3) That it is a cold room. In the winter months it was packed tightly with snow & ice which then was used as an early form of freezer. This seems the most likely explanation as the floor is of loose bricks laid on the natural sand subsoil. James Bean apparently was a major benefactor to the village. He is commemorated in St. Bartholomew's and established a charity of a shilling a week to provide bread for the poor of Aldbrough. In the 1930-50’s the house was owned by the Robinson’s. Mr Robinson was a chiropodist. New Improvements When we started six months ago, we identified some improvements that would compliment the already high standards and range of activities already provided by the Hotel. Some of these have been achieved, some new ones identified and some put back for another day.
One of the first
changes was to create two twin bedrooms, rooms 4 and 6. This immediately enabled
us to cater better for family groups and we now have two family rooms (2 & 6)
which can hold 3– 4 people.
We have upgraded the restaurant area to provide better dining facilities and also the capability to cater for small meetings and training sessions using electronic presentation equipment (it’s also great for a home movie show!)
We have tiled
the entrance hall, painted the walls of the car park, built a big pond an water
feature and have been generally going round improving the external We are applying for a license to act as a premises for the purposes of conducting marriage, commitment, naming and citizen ceremonies. This will enable the Hotel to provide a complete ceremony from vows to après events. Village Life
Picture - St. Bartholomew's There are two public houses in the village and a third near the cliff. The Double Dutch (owned and run by a Dutch couple). Is near the cliff top and provides traditional pub products. It is busier in the summer months when the nearby caravan site is full of people. The Elm tree run by Colin and Bev, is a quaint village pub that has a real fire and sometimes real ale. It is perhaps noted best for its association with motorbikes and the Sea-fishing club. The George and Dragon, under the new management of Andy and has a very long history and is one of the oldest buildings in the village. It provides food most days and has a pool table. Meet The Guests The past six months has seen a stream of people passing over our threshold, some as residents, others using the various function rooms. Some of the guests such as Kevin and David have made the Wentworth their second homes and we have spent many a pleasant evening over a glass of Hobgoblin and Speckled Hen. Mick and his wife livened up the new year in traditional Scottish style.
The Pearce’s, Wright’s and others have helped us piece together some of the Hotel’s history. We’ve had walkers, birders and cyclists, but where are the fishermen? A host of Firms have used us Thanks to everyone including: Hewletts, Edeco, and Jacobs from the gas storage site, PG Services, ESS, Pat and her lifting training (we need her now to help with some pond excavations!), in-house designs, who I think have some intentions on the Hotel. We’ve had some lively wedding parties: Lucy & Mathew Stott were married in style. Mr & Mrs Mellor celebrated their silver wedding.
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Behind the
scenes we have improved the kitchen facilities that enable us to cater more
easily for larger parties wishing to dine.
appearance.
Seafab moved into the Hotel in the
Autumn and proceeded to entertain with Dodd on Violin and Noel on Weights. Many
thanks to Norman and his assistance with our tree felling activities. Our
Curries are getting better, but we’ve stopped serving Corned beef hash!