Mike and Jill Stocking have become very much part of the Low Wood Bay family throughout the year, but at no time more than at Christmas. We asked them to share a little bit about themselves and what draws them back to Low Wood Bay time after time.
Mike and Jill ready for the Low Wood Christmas masked ball
Mike: Having been born and brought up in South London, I spent the first part of my career in the Metropolitan Police before taking up a position in the Coroner’s Office and eventually serving in the Child Protection Team. When I retired in 2001, Jill and I moved to Tamworth in Staffordshire.
Mike Raising a Glass of Christmas Cheer
Jill: I’m from Kingsbury in North Warwickshire. I worked for 18 years at The Belfry and have been fortunate enough to experience 3 Ryder Cup competitions whilst working at the hotel.
Your first visit to Low Wood Bay?
We first visited Low Wood Bay for Christmas in 2008 with Mike’s cousin and his wife. Over the years since then we have since spent many breaks at the hotel – and 9 Christmases! – because we enjoy it so much.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas means everything, and Low Wood Bay provides everything we need for the festive period. It takes the stress out of all the work involved in doing Christmas at home. No more cooking and washing up! We are looked upon as part of the Low Wood Bay family because of our regular visits. We have met some very nice people, and some have become good friends. It is noticeable that many residents return to Low Wood Bay year on year. This is, in our opinion, a good recommendation for the Hotel.
Good friends made over Christmas at Low Wood Bay
Do you have a favourite Christmas activity?
It is too difficult to single out one activity at the Hotel when so much goes on over the holiday period. For example, we’ve had Santa arriving on water skis on a couple of occasions, Bingo hosted by Nevil, the General Manager, Christmas Night Casino Night, the Christmas Quiz, a boat trip on the Lake on Boxing Day, not forgetting the wonderful food provided by the amazing kitchen team.
Jill wrapped up and enjoying a festive boat trip on Windermere
However, even with all this going on, there is still time to sit and relax, and, of course, partake in the Christmas Cake cut which is distributed on Christmas afternoon. If you are very lucky you can also win a prize for guessing the weight!
The highlight of the break is the themed 5-course Gala Dinner on Boxing Night. There is always something different to surprise us all on this evening.
We are always overwhelmed by the friendly and courteous manner of all members of staff team, without exception.
Alar making sure that Christmas glasses are topped up
What changes to Low Wood Bay have you noticed over the years?
When we originally visited Low Wood Bay for Christmas in 2008 the Hotel was warm and welcoming and it has continued in this vein each time we have stayed.
However, since the refurbishment over the last 18 months the Hotel has changed beyond belief with the work that has been carried out. The Hotel bedrooms have been given a stunning makeover and the addition of the Atrium and the Blue Smoke has given a new dimension to the Hotel. We have yet to experience the new Spa during our stay this Christmas.
Back in 2008 we were given a very warm welcome to Low Wood Bay and that continues to this day. Anyone booking this year for the very first time can be assured of the same warm welcome and they will soon settle in and wonder why they have not chosen to experience Christmas at Low Wood Bay before.
Make Low Wood Bay Part of Your Christmas or New Year Celebration
Taking all the hard work out of Christmas and New Year can be just a conversation away. Call us on 0330 4043 933
