HIGHLANDS HOTEL - JUNE 2010 NEWSLETTER

The Potato Harvest

The weather continues to blaze as near drought in Jersey encourages even the locals down to the beaches! The beaches are a little quieter this year but perhaps that’s because it is not surfboarding weather with winds/big waves. A great year for holiday makers!

The 2010 season is now underway – the newly decorated Rosière Lounge has been particularly well received with guests escaping to a cooler room away from the more usual Sun Lounge looking over the pool

A group of singles will be the first to use our redecorated single rooms at the end of this week. Guests last week were commenting on the high standard of general décor around the hotel, in particular the curtains. We believe they make such a difference – especially in our main Tower Lounge, with its spectacular views.

We have had a few new staff this year, usually to replace staff staying on in their ‘winter’ locations. Amorim from Portugal, Mariola from Poland – a mother/in-law of former staff members Angelika and Sebastian, Naomi from Manchester – also welcome back to Pawel’s wife Malgorzata from Poland who stayed in her home country last year. Pawel and Arek will continue to be kitchen porters by day and our gardeners in their spare time, tending all our flower tubs and lawns/hedges too when rains do eventually come.

The ‘core’ staff are all here of course – Manuel and Luz, Fernando our Head Chef and Carole helping Sandra and I in reception. The Nobrega families are growing up fast and three children are now at school. All staff received a bible in their own language at a dedication/blessing service at the start of season conducted by the Chaplain to our Board Revd Geraldine Baudains, vicar of Trinity.

The drought has affected the Jersey Royal crop this year but as more acres have been planted the only difference the UK consumer will notice is increasing prices. Who would have thought that a TV Chef could turn the humble potato into a gold-winning nugget? But then perhaps that is what our Lord has done for each one of us as we yield to his tending; What a priceless harvest!

Do remember to quote ‘SN10’ if you want 10% reduction on standard terms for our remaining availability up to the end of this September. This offer is available to your friends and neighbours too, so even if you have been here this year remember to tell them it’s not too late to book.

My wife Sandra and I send you our best wishes

Alan Irving
Hotel Manager