Blog Post
Where has this year gone?
- By Molly Coombs
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- 14 Dec, 2016
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Firstly I'm sorry, somehow November passed by far too quickly for me to even consider blogging about Grand Get-Togethers.
However in the few weeks since my last blog post I have new found inspiration which will hopefully benefit our properties.
Firstly, on the way back from netball one wet and cold night, Sarah a local Welcome to Yorkshire rep and fellow team member, chatted to me about the benefits of becoming a Welcome to Yorkshire member. Yorkshire tourism is bigger and better than ever and having developed such a strong brand for the county many business have Welcome to Yorkshire to thank for their success. Needless to say I was sold and have signed up to the membership scheme and I am already seeing the benefits.
This week I attended a WTY workshop on 'Adventure tourism - how your business can get a bigger piece of the action'. It was fascinating! As I am new to the advertising and marketing of our properties I picked up lots of handy tips.
The workshop was run by 'all about the story' a Leeds-based marketing and communications agency specialising in Travel & Tourism. They educated us on the ways to form successful marketing and communication strategies for our individual businesses. They strongly believe that the biggest selling point for any business is a story, hence their name. This has prompted me to tell you mine.
Grand Get-Togethers was formed in 2015. Although we have been in the industry for large self-catered properties for over 10 years, through rebranding and some huge alterations the last 2 years have been by far our most successful. Having studied a Foundation Course at Leeds College of Art and Design followed by a Millinery HND at Kensington and Chelsea then a season in the French Alps running a chalet, I returned home unsure of which path to take.
Although I love being creative and making hats, the properties were a family business calling out for attention. Working alongside my mother, Joan, we refurbished a run down fold yard and barn into a magnificent property for 16 people, The Yard. This was my baby!
I began the marketing for The Yard on Owners Direct and was blown away by the response especially without using a huge tour operator. Over the last 2 years I have slowly taken more control of the properties pulling all 3 properties off an external agency and taking the brave decision to go it alone.
I cannot thank my mum enough for her support and encouragement over the last 2 years and I know that although I made some mistakes along the way and will continue to do so, her belief in me was invaluable.
Although I love being creative and making hats, the properties were a family business calling out for attention. Working alongside my mother, Joan, we refurbished a run down fold yard and barn into a magnificent property for 16 people, The Yard. This was my baby!
I began the marketing for The Yard on Owners Direct and was blown away by the response especially without using a huge tour operator. Over the last 2 years I have slowly taken more control of the properties pulling all 3 properties off an external agency and taking the brave decision to go it alone.
I cannot thank my mum enough for her support and encouragement over the last 2 years and I know that although I made some mistakes along the way and will continue to do so, her belief in me was invaluable.
Our Grand Get-Togethers journey is really only just beginning so jump on board and follow our story running large, luxury self-catered accommodation on our 4th generational farm in an area of Yorkshire that we love!
Molly
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?
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
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.
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!
