Industry News
The world’s first Lee Westwood Golf Courses announced at Close House
Lee will continue to wear the Close House brand on his hat and represent Close House at each European tour events as their attached professional as well as regularly visiting Close House to spend time with the members.
In addition to the attachment, the world’s first Lee Westwood Golf Courses will be opened at Close House, Newcastle on 1 July 2013. Lee has been involved in the design and renovation of the two 18 hole courses at Close House working with Scott Macpherson, Golf Course Architect, to further enhance the already established Championship standard course.
Lee commented, “I am delighted to continue my attachment with Close House. When I visit the club it’s like a home from home. I have been asked to be attached to a number of clubs but Close House has something different, something special. It doesn’t matter if you are a member or just visiting, everyone is made to feel really welcome”.
When asked about the Lee Westwood Filly and Lee Westwood Colt courses, Westwood said, “I first played Close House in May 2011 and was amazed by the condition and standard of the course. It did not come as a surprise when it was awarded Top 100 English course status shortly after it opened. The enhancements that are currently underway will make the course even more attractive and challenging in parts, it certainly is a thinking golfers club.
“Working with Scott has allowed me to put my stamp on the courses. The Lee Westwood Filly Course is undergoing an extensive refurbishment and it is a very enjoyable course. The Lee Westwood Colt Course is also being enhanced with the new tees on the 8th and an extension of the water around the 18th, making it a great signature hole. I am sure everyone who plays the courses will want to come back time and time again.”
Graham Wylie, Close House owner said, “Having Lee Westwood officially attached to Close House has really put us on the golfing map. We are delighted that Lee has agreed to remain attached for a further 3 years. Lee believes in the quality of our golf courses, the outstanding service that we offer and our vision for the future of Close House. Being associated with the first and only Lee Westwood Golf courses in the world is great for both Close House and North East golf.”
The opening of the Lee Westwood Colt and the Lee Westwood Filly courses marks another milestone in the history of Close House with its ancient Roman monument that runs close to Hadrian’s Wall and the birthplace of George Stephenson, the world famous engineer and inventor of steam locomotion.
Close House is the ideal members club with two 18 hole courses, a warm and welcoming clubhouse, 35 bedroom hotel and conference facilities making it the ideal destination for corporate and society golfers. Located only 7.5 miles from the centre of Newcastle and within the city boundary, the same distance from Newcastle Airport, Close House is ideally situated in almost 400 acres of beautiful Northumberland countryside yet close to the city centre.
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An invitation from Newcastle University: Convocation Weekend 2013
Business in Wonderland: How to thrive, not just survive in the hospitality industry, features Bob Arora, one of Britain’s top Punjabi chefs and proprietor of Newcastle’s famous luxury Punjabi restaurant Sachins; Duncan Fisher, the man behind Newcastle’s hottest nightspots including House of Smith, Floritas and As You Like It and the 'fantastical' Newton Hall Hotel, talking about the business demands of running the top venues in a city famous the world over for its hospitality.
When: Saturday 15th June at 13.30 - 15.30
Where: Partners Room, Newcastle University Business School
To sign up to this FREE event, please click on the below:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/events/cw/
Ryder staff gear up for UK bike ride to raise funds for national charities
Starting on 11 June, they will leave Glasgow and head towards Liverpool. From there they will cycle roughly 240 miles over three days to London where they will visit the 60th celebration exhibition on display in the Building Centre that month. The last leg is a four day journey north to Cooper’s Studios in Newcastle, for a well earned rest.
Paul Bell, Ryder partner and cycle team leader, said “It’s a big challenge but the team are training well, treating it with respect and looking forward to a fantastic 10 days.
“It’s great to be able to do something to support the communities in which we work right across the UK. Staff have really risen to the challenge and are set on raising as much money as possible.”
Ryder is approaching partners and clients to sponsor the 60th anniversary cycle challenge with proceeds going towards the chosen charities - Bright Red, Bryson’s Animal Refuge, CRASH, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Percy Hedley Foundation, The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Zoe’s Place. Anyone interested in sponsorship can get in touch with partner, Paul Bell, at pbell@ryderarchitecture.com
Stephenson Development underway with support of RBS CIB Funding
Under the leadership of Newcastle-based developer Silverlink, RBS Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) has provided a £22.75m facility to ensure work is now underway to develop a landmark 251-bed 4-star hotel in Newcastle city centre.
Phase one will include a new luxury hotel and spa with state-of-the-art conferencing facilities along with a 357-space multi-storey car park, 35,000 sq ft of offices and a large new landscaped public space that will be completed within the next two years.
Work on this important 10-acre strategic site represents a successful professional, funding partnership between Silverlink, RBS CIB, Newcastle City Council, Miller Construction, The Intercontinental Hotel Group, and the Local Enterprise Partnership. All parties, along with other stakeholders, have combined to create a resilient funding scheme.
John Dryden, regional director at RBS CIB, said: “We’re delighted to be involved with such a prestigious project. We pay tribute to the developer’s determination and skill to drive the scheme forward in extremely demanding market conditions.
“The hotel and wider initiative has great potential to add enormous value to Newcastle and underlines the potential the city has to offer. Silverlink have vast experience in real estate and property redevelopment and I am confident the new Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre will be an enormous success given the developer’s passion for excellence.
“We recognise that physical regeneration is one of the keys to job creation, the social and economic well-being of a city. We are delighted to play our part in that.”
David Clouston, managing director of Silverlink, said: “I am indebted to the work of our London-based banking advisor Martyn Bowes – who will be joining our board – for the work he has done for us. His professional input has been key to bringing the complex financial structure into place. I am also grateful to Richard Yeoman, head of structured finance at RBS in London, and his colleagues in the regional office.
“I believe passionately in the benefits of city regeneration and renewal, and its ability to attract new investment and the massive contribution it can bring a community.”
Mr Clouston praised the efforts of his wider professional team, in particular Andy Roberts of Newcastle-based Space architects who worked on the master planning of the whole scheme and the design of phase one.
Rooftop Walks at The Sage Gateshead
As part of the day-long experience, daredevils can enjoy an internal building tour where you have the opportunity to learn about the building, its design and a chance to see behind the scenes at this unique venue. Guests are then fitted with full safety equipment in preparation to make the climb to the roof, where you will have further opportunity to learn more about the structure of the building and experience the sweeping views of the surrounding NewcastleGateshead Quayside and beyond.
The landmark building was introduced in 2004 and has attracted artists, musicians and performers from all over the world. The roof top tours are being trialled from May and if successful could become a regular fixture.
Phillip Baitch, Commercial Trading Director at The Sage Gateshead said: "We are looking at every opportunity to make some more money. After the Olympic torch relay with an abseil from the building we thought it was a good idea to try out the rooftop tour."
To launch the attraction, the Sage Gateshead is offering a special introductory price of £69 per person (usual price £99). Click here: http://thesagegateshead.org/event/roof-walk-experience/ for full details and booking information
Jurys Inn Newcastle celebrates ten years in the city with a brand new look
The event, which showcased the 274 bedroom hotel’s fresh new look including a stylish new bar and restaurant, offered a varied programme of entertainment including a cocktail demonstration from the nearby Life Science Centre.
Sheila Smith, from Newcastle’s Life Science Centre, says "Situated just across the road from Jurys Inn Newcastle, we couldn't resist the invitation to demonstrate some of our cocktail concoctions at the hotel's birthday party and think the crowd was truly amazed, by both the taste and the science behind the cocktails. Lots of the families who visit the Life Science Centre stay at the hotel when visiting the city and the great location certainly helps to drive visitors to the exciting events we hold."
Guests were greeted with cocktails and canapés as they entered the newly refurbished lobby area, where they were invited to relax and mingle with fellow attendees including Jurys Inn’s corporate clients, local VIPs and media.
Newcastle Falcons’ Matt Thompson, said, “I stay in the city centre a lot for training and Jurys Inn Newcastle is in a fantastic central location. The refurbished hotel looks great and I’m sure it’ll encourage others to stay at the hotel when visiting the city for both leisure and business trips.”
Newcastle Chef's Academy Patisserie and Confectionery students, Belinda Miller 43 and Colin Cavanagh, 48, who used their skills developed on the College’s Patisserie course hand crafted the birthday cake and decorated it to mark the hotel’s 10th birthday.
Nigel Grant, Pastry Lecturer at Newcastle College Chef’s Academy, said: “We were thrilled to be asked to make the 10th birthday cake for Jurys Inn Newcastle to help celebrate their recent refurbishment, the hotel is looking great. It’s the perfect opportunity for our students who made and decorated the cake, Belinda Miller and Colin Cavanagh, to showcase the skills they have learnt from studying our Patisserie and Confectionery course. The course helped both students start their own cake decorating businesses in the city, Belinda runs Velvet & Lace and Colin runs Cav’s Cakes. We’ve had some fantastic feedback for this birthday cake tonight and we wish Jurys Inn Newcastle a very happy 10th birthday!”
At the event, which closed with a speech from newly appointed City General Manager, Jason Dalus, guests were treated to an array of birthday treats from ice cream carts to party games as well as enjoying the current ‘must have’ item at any function, a photo booth from Deluxe Occasions, based in the North East.
Deluxe Occasions Owner, Chris Allan said, “We know all about helping to create a memorable and enjoyable occasion so we were delighted to bring along our photo booth to capture a record of Jurys Inn Newcastle’s 10th birthday. The newly refurbished hotel is so stylish, I particularly like the design of the restaurant. I’ve had a great time here tonight and I wish the hotel all the best for the next ten years!”
As part of the renovation programme, the hotel has seen all 274 bedrooms, all nine meeting rooms and all public areas refurbished to boast a stylish contemporary look. In addition to the bar and restaurant, Jurys Inn Newcastle also benefits from a Costa coffee bar, perfect for those looking to grab a quick coffee as they pass through or for informal business meetings.
Jason Dalus, City General Manager, Jurys Inn Newcastle, said, ‘It’s been tremendous seeing all our hard work come together and tonight’s event was truly the icing on the cake. We’re extremely pleased with the hotel’s sophisticated new look and have already received some great feedback from our guests. We hope everyone enjoyed the celebrations and look forward to our next ten years in the city.”
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