Blog Post
Finally some better weather!
- By Molly Coombs
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- 09 May, 2016
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I am writing this blog from the blossoming newly landscaped Westfield garden in gorgeous sunshine with my labrador, Dotty, sprawled out on the patio.
This much improved weather is long overdue! Towards the end of April we have had rain, sleet, hail and snow but entering May I am feeling a lot more positive and looking forward to warmer nights spent playing tennis, running or out on my bike.
Last weekend the cyclists of the Tour de Yorkshire were not so lucky with the weather. Friday started in a howling gail with driving rain, Saturday more rain but finishing in my home town of Scarborough on Sunday the supporters were out in force and also a glimmer of sunshine.
What a weekend! The Tour is bringing in more and more tourists which is fantastic for the local area so if you are wanting to visit our neck of the woods next year I would definitely recommend a trip to see one of the stages.
Yorkshire is developing a great name for cycling enthusiasts with the Tours really putting Yorkshire on the map.
I entered the crazy world of cycling last year with a couple of smaller rides on a borrowed bike but this year I have bought my own bike and signed up for several larger challenges. A couple of weeks ago I did my first sportive; 'The Heart of the Wolds' 134k with over 1200 metres of climbing and some breathtaking views, sadly I forgot to take any photos and so you will just have to take my word for it. there was also the option of two shorter rides, I would most certainly recommend any of these routes for guests wishing to bring along their bikes, for more information please visit their website http://www.woldssportive.co.uk.
Another local cycle challenge I am signed up for is 'The Wolds Cycle Challenge', a two day circular route through ever changing Yorkshire Wolds scenery from the dramatic cliffs at Bempton, rolling hills at Sledmere, to the medieval town of Beverly. I am really looking forward to this ride and hoping for weather like today.
If you are wanting to book a Grand Get-together I have very limited availability in all 3 properties until October 2016 however there are a few gaps in the calendar over the summer holidays for a full week or the odd long weekend is available. For those of you who like to plan ahead my 2017/18 availability and prices will be available in June. For more information please get in touch or see my calendar which should be up to date.
Finally we have some exciting news!! Keep your eyes peeled for future updates but for now here is a sneak peak of our new project.
Over done it this festive season? Going away for the weekend and wanting to keep your fitness and motivation at its peak? Perhaps you're training for a challenge and cannot miss out on your vital daily exercise plan? Or maybe you just want to try and get a taste of Personal Training because you have the time?
However in the few weeks since my last blog post I have new found inspiration which will hopefully benefit our properties.
Previously the old bull box but most recently a workshop for vintage tractors, The Shed has had a variety of uses over the years. The once battered old workshop has been lovingly transformed into a characterful and charming salon for all of your hair and beauty needs.
We appreciate that the day-to-day stresses in life often get in the way of regular beauty treatments and hair appointments.
The Shed is located on site at The Yard, Corner Farm and only half a mile away from Westfield Granary. You can relax and unwind whilst being pampered in a warm and friendly environment only a stones throw from your Grand Get-Togethers property.
Two local lasses with independent well established businesses, Nikki and Elaine, cater for both individuals and groups. They provide a range of treatments from manicures and waxing to hair cuts and colouring. Each have their own large client base so we would thoroughly recommend making appointments well in advance.
In addition to our new facility, I would like to announce that our properties are now available to hire for Christmas parties. Whether you would like to entertain family and friends but feel your house is too small, or perhaps you are the chief organiser of your work's night out.
All three properties are available for single nights mid week in December and can cater for between 10-50 people per property with the option of sleeping up to 16 guests. Why not treat yourself and hire luxury caterers or a festive cocktail bar? We are here and happy to help you by recommending local suppliers to make the most of your Christmas get-together.
All three properties are available for single nights mid week in December and can cater for between 10-50 people per property with the option of sleeping up to 16 guests. Why not treat yourself and hire luxury caterers or a festive cocktail bar? We are here and happy to help you by recommending local suppliers to make the most of your Christmas get-together.
In the last few weeks I have taken some unusual but very welcome requests from future and potential guests which prove that all of our properties have a variety of appealing factors.
This week The Yard has been the venue for a photoshoot for Marigold and Vileda. The vast open plan kitchen, living and dining area, on beautiful light grey tiles with natural light pouring in from the mass of glazing made The Yard the ideal location for the photoshoot showing the cleaning products off beautifully.
Next month I have taken a booking for a local accountant to host a client evening at The Yard and a clothes show has previously been held here. The spacious yet cozy ambience of the property makes it a very desirable venue for such events and more personal than a hotel or conference room.
On a larger scale I am very excited that Westfield Granary has been booked for a wedding in 2017 with the blessing taking place in the garden, outside caterers coming in to provide the food, live music and a marquee being erected in the field. Not only have I given the wedding guests the option of booking the other properties for a place to stay as The Yard and Corner Farm are only half a mile away but also the over flow of guests can camp in the field adjoining the property.
Grand Get-Togethers is always trying to improve and diversify the service we provide which is why some of the outbuildings at The Yard and Corner Farm are currently being refurbished.
The renovation will create a space for a beautician and hairdresser allowing guests to have treatments on site.
Although we cannot divulge any more information at the moment here are some photos of this exciting new development which I hope will be opening in October 2016.
The garden at Westfield Granary has been in 5 months but is already well established with a beautiful border and Portuguese laurel hedge and as for the lavender at The Yard, which was planted just over a year ago, it is spilling out onto the patio as though it has been there years.
Last month was the bi-annual Sherburn open gardens for St Hilda's Church and North Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Open gardens are a quint essentially British summer tradition and an opportunity to view some hidden gems in the area.
Usually at Grand Get-togethers we cater for your large celebrations in our three properties however we also like to do our bit for charity by hosting events for Marie Curie, a cause close to our hearts. Marie Curie are a charity that touch the lives of many people in the UK by providing expert care, guidance and support to those living with a terminal illness and their families.
Here at Grand Get-togethers we have lots to be celebrating. So, here are some statistics to mark the occasion. From June 2015 - June 2016 for The Yard alone, presuming that the property was at full capacity for every booking. We have had:
- 56 Bookings
- 896 Guests
- 2688 Towels (3 towels per person; hand, bath and hot tub)
- 1792 Pillow cases
- 448 Sheets
- 448 Duvet covers
Over bank holiday weekend I have supported several local attractions and events and I hope our guests have had equally as much fun as myself.
I started the weekend after changeover day, on Friday, at Pocklington 7s Rugby tournament which was a hive of activity and a great social atmosphere, the rugby was even broadcast on television which is fantastic for the local area.
On Saturday we had a delightful family pub lunch at The Anvil, Sawdon
which is a renowned country pub only a 10 minute drive from all three properties
We are delighted with all of the improvements and would like to thank everyone who has helped with this speedy transformation.
The living area has been given a new lease of life with a lick of paint, bright new furnishings, modern lighting and log burner.
The dining room feels fresher and more spacious with views out onto the newly landscaped garden.
A lot has changed in the last few weeks and we cannot wait to share the progress with you.
The downstairs bedroom has been altered into an entrance hall with doors leading onto a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer, separate modern cloakroom and then onto the star attraction… the beautiful, new open plan kitchen!
