Lockdown update: what we’re working on whilst our doors are closed

Charity work & supporting the local community

We have been donating food items to both the Runnymede Food Bank and the York Road Homeless Project. Our chefs also prepared afternoon teas for the Purple Angels at Spelthorne Dementia Support who then delivered these to their members. Plus, we are very pleased to be able to accommodate various key workers whilst they are working at St Peter’s Hospital.

The Runnymede behind closed doors

Our teams have been using this time for self-development so when we reopen they are ready to use new skills in their roles…

• Our Beauty Therapists have been doing on-line courses to keep up to date with the industry.
• Our Front of House Food & Beverage team have held training sessions with various wine suppliers via Zoom.
• The Chefs have been planning ahead and started creating spring and summer menus including bbqs, picnics and afternoon tea.
• On-site the Maintenance Team have been re-painting the Spa, and adding new, larger TVs into 50% of our rooms!
• Plus, those who are around the hotel continue to look after our wildlife – geese and cats!

Outside of work…

We’ve spoken to a few members of the team to find out what they are up to outside work…

Sue Wolton – General Manager / Group Operations Director

I have been volunteering as a ‘telephone friend’ for Age UK, having regular telephone calls with elderly people on their own.

Glen Masson – Head Pastry Chef

I am a Food Hero for an App called Olio which helps deliver food to people who are unable to visit the supermarkets.

Sarah Dent – Financial System Manager

I have been carrying out volunteer work by delivering food and pharmaceuticals to local people who are unable to go out to collect these themselves.

Millie Harrington – AMOD

During this lockdown I have been volunteering at a secondary school, with the process of testing the students for the virus, my part of the testing team is that I process the tests, and then read the results.

Andrew Selwyn – Lounge Manager

As a Cub Scout Leader for over 7 years, COVID has had a massive effect on young people and in particular Scouting across all generations. Once again, I find myself organising Zoom meetings for my 20 young people of New Haw and the surrounding area, to run 30 minute sessions on a Tuesday evening. We carry out various activities virtually including cooking, arts and crafts and some simple, fun games.