Well the countdown to opening to accept commercial guests has begun and we don’t know where the week has gone – we are sure your feelings are like us, and you  can’t wait for “normal service to resume”

It has been a long journey over the past 12 months hasn’t it  ? We are all now a little older and wiser.

All the team are ready for 2021 , primed and in the starting blocks …..

However, we all have to be realistic, things are not over yet,  and if given the green light by HM Government to open on Monday 12th April 2021 we will be implementing the same strict COVID19 secure protocols as we had through the 2020 Season.

The cost to the company in 2020 was substantial with additional labour, ppe, leaflets and thermscreening equipment but it is wise to adopt an extremely cautious approach at the start of the 2021 Season

Our visitors will expect it, we all expect to holiday, stay and work in a COVID!9 secure environment. With this we need your continued support.

Moving into the season, we will review this and risk assess this at regular intervals and would hope at the government restrictions relax we can relax this also.

Our aim has and always been to steer Kenegie through this pandemic safely, and with good communication and humour.

LETTING SCHEME

Christine should have touched base this week with you and will liase with you on opening. Please do reach out if she can assist in any way.

Please do let her know when you are on site so we can co-ordinate safely any carpet cleaning and spring cleans that have been booked.

If there is anything we can help with please do reach out to her at reception@kenegie-manor.co.uk

GENERAL NEWS & HOUSEKEEPING NOTES

The grounds are starting to take shape and we have ordered the usual hanging baskets and I am waiting in the office to see Mark (our Estate Groundsman) to discuss seeds and plug plants for 2021.  New barrels are on order for the outside areas too.

Mark has asked a favour – considering the site is closed, please as owners (who else can it be ?)  if you are onsite doing your “essential business”  please please do not allow your pets to do their “essential business” without clearing it up ! Several times over the previous weeks he have strimmed and had a splattering and has had to launder a dog poop surprise off his uniform.    Although we always try to have a friendly tone – it really is not fair on the team.

The Maintenance team are painting things to within an inch of their lives (outside too, weather permitting) and have been patio scrubbing this week.  We will also be doing some Manor House roof work over the next few weeks as well.  The Exit road pot holes will be attended too (weather permitting) over the next week or so as well.

The Old Forge Bar refurbishment is slowly coming to completion and we have some electrical work to do and then install new EPOS software. All staff will have tablets so when ordering the orders go straight to the kitchen and we are also developing software so you can order  (and pay!) from your table on your phone ! Smart eh ?

The office this week has been very busy.  With the current situation our contact per guest arrival has increased (used to be on average three per booking) to an average of five-six per booking as guests seek that additional reassurance and explanation surrounding their holidays.

Just a reminder the Estate Office at the moment is open from 1000 – 1500 Monday – Friday.

ICAT

You will receive on Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th your invitation to ICat – please do accept and get involved.  There is loads of content and everyone has a voice !

Speak soon.

Until next week, stay safe, stay sane, keep smiling.

Ed