Lynda Horsman is well established in the new role of Concierge at Low Wood Bay. She tells us about her connection to the area and the hotel, and what she loves about both. Lynda is armed and ready with a whole host of useful information about the resort and the Lake District national park. Make sure you stop and have a chat when you see her around Low Wood Bay Reception.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’ve lived in the area for the past thirty eight years, initially as a teacher training student at Charlotte Mason College. This is where I met my husband and where we chose to settle and bring up our children. We joined Low Wood Health Club when it opened in 1990. Lots of happy memories of our children learning to swim and holding birthday parties at the hotel. Sam the Dog made the occasional appearance.
I have personal experience of Low Wood Bay as the perfect venue for a wedding as my daughter & son-in-law married here three years ago. A dedicated & attentive personal wedding planner took care of every need & made sure that everything was perfect on the day.
I feel very at home at Low Wood Bay and have attended numerous events, dinners and celebrations here over the years. When I was approached with a view to taking on the Concierge role I was delighted. And here I am!
From Teacher to Tourism
I was a teacher for thirty three years and taught thousands of children in three different schools in the area. Latterly, I was also a member of the Senior Leadership Team in a large primary school. Although I loved the challenges and rewards of teaching and working with children, the ever-increasing pressures of assessments, monitoring and report writing meant that I was ready for a change.
There are many transferrable skills from teaching to the Concierge role – organisation, management, problem-solving, use of initiative. Not least, both roles interact with a wide cross-section of society. Strong interpersonal skills are, of course, one of the main requirements.
Low Wood Bay – A great resort
Low Wood Bay is a fabulous family resort. Perfectly situated on the shores of Windermere, it has easy access to all the National Park has to offer. I’ve got lots of information on the plethora of children’s activities for all ages and preferences.
Without leaving the Resort, families can enjoy the extensive leisure facilities which include pool and leisure club facilities as well as a wide choice of water-based activities on the lake.
When it is time to slow down and relax we have got a range of board games and DVDs to borrow. Children are warmly welcomed and automatically become members of Sam’s Club – receiving a Sam’s Club bag of goodies on arrival and a Sam’s Club table of activities is set up during main holiday periods.
Low Wood Bay lounge, perfect for relaxing
Preparing for the Role
Even having lived in the area for 38 years, I still needed to do some research. This meant visiting a number of local attractions, contacting other tourism related organisations and trying out walks, all specifically with the needs of our guests in mind. I have loved reviewing restaurants, tea shops, attractions for children, historic houses. I’ve gathered this information together in a useful format for guests to use and take away. 
I’ve also created a ‘dog friendly’ guide to the hotel and the local area, and I’ve brushed up on my knowledge of local road signs which I drive past each day without previously noticing what they said!
Favourite Lake District place?
Impossible to say which is my favourite place in Lake District. Some days I enjoy quiet lanes walking alongside a river or lake; sometimes I enjoy a bracing hill walk; other times the joy of taking a boat on one of the lakes. Often I simply enjoy visiting local cafés or strolling around the many Lakeland villages which all have their own charm & appeal. The Lake District has so much variety to offer and this is different in each season. Spring in the Lake District is definitely my favourite. I love to track down new-born lambs, see the daffodils blooming and enjoy walking in the warm Spring sunshine with the promise of Summer to come.
Favourite Low Wood Bay dish?
That’s a difficult question but, in my mind, you can’t beat a slow cooked shank of Lakeland Lamb from the Windermere Restaurant followed by LWB sticky toffee pudding. My favourite starter from Blue Smoke restaurant is, without a doubt, the Rum, Chilli & Muscovado cured wood smoked salmon. As a sufferer of coeliac disease, I find that the menus offer me plenty of choice and the staff are very knowledgeable & attentive to my dietary needs. I’ve not found anything that can match the gluten free biscuits available from Norman’s Bar!
Slow cooked shank of Lakeland Lamb. Fried bacon hash, kale, honey and thyme sauce
Gosling’s Rum, Chilli and Muscovado Sugar Cured, Hot Wood Smoked Salmon, charred fennel, mango and chilli salsa
And the Low Wood Bay team?
I can honestly say that I feel privileged to be a part of the team at Low Wood Bay. There is rarely a day when I don’t look forward to going to work. The passion, care and attentiveness of the staff is not only directed towards the guests, but also impacts on the way they treat each other. This creates a positive, happy working environment.
Low Wood Team members serve at the hotel’s 60th Anniversary Celebration
The Plus One scheme at the heart of the culture encourages staff to nominate their colleagues for activities that go above and beyond the expectations of guests and fellow team members. It goes without saying, there are never any shortages of nominations!
