Farewell to a friend

We are sad to report that Tamu, Michael & Maggie's Siamese cat (shown on the banner for this page), after a bout of ill health, was put to sleep on the afternoon of Saturday 23rd February. Many of you will fondly remember her patrolling the grounds in a stately manner and overseeing all the comings and goings of staff and guests alike.

STOP PRESS

Following unexpected changes from the organisers of CRE, most of our literature regarding our appearance at this year's exhibition has an error. Our Stand No. is to be P34 in the Premier Radio Pavilion. We look forward to welcoming you to Sandown Pavilion, Sandown Park, Esher from 13th - 16th May. We'll save you a biscuit!

Away from prying eyes

Regular refurbishment of Pilgrim Hall was in progress and floorboards had to be lifted back in the Autumn when Paul and Craig, our Maintenance Manager and his able assisstant, made a discovery!

Under the floor in a small bathroom of the main house, items were found which must have a whole wealth of stories and history woven around them; a Lloyds Skipper Brand Navy Cut tobacco tin, a tin of Mills Equipment Cleaner Khaki No. 700, an empty Eno’s Fruit Salts Bottle, an empty Wild Woodbine Cigarette pack and a small bottle of Proberts Khaki Renovator for Military Belts, Gaiters and Straps etc. Items that were hidden, possibly when the Hall was requisitioned during the war years, but we will never know for sure.

Carl Chumbley

We are pleased to welcome Carl to our team as the new Head Chef. Carl brings his experience and expertise to us from the White Lodge Hotel at Alfriston and latterly the Hydro Hotel at Eastbourne. We look forward to many culinary delights in the future!

Hosts

As well as the regular business and church bookings throughout the year, we are being approached to host many individual events. In the past couple of months, among other things, we have hosted a Wedding Celebration, a Funeral Reception and a Birthday Party for 80 year old twins. It may be that you have a special event coming along that we can help you with

Fire Regulations

We have had a team in the Hall in recent days updating and streamlining the Fire Alarm system. A costly but necessary expense and quite a complicated job because of the age and structure of the main building and the extension, but an important consideration for us as we continue to offer the charm of yesteryear with the safety of tomorrow to our guests.

Children’s Play Area

Two new swings have been set up in the children’s play area. They are robustly built and use joinery quality Scandinavian Redwood, sourced from sustainably managed forests. We trust that this new facility will give our younger guests (under eleven’s), many years of fun and enjoyment.

Hospitality Manager

We are delighted to announce that Hannah Horsfall has joined us as Hospitality Manager. She is dedicated to ensuring that your visit to us will run smoothly and successfully. Her remit is to make certain that all of the details your organiser has given us are put into practice and that rooms are equipped and staff are aware of exactly what you require.

History

A potted version of the history of Pilgrim Hall, with photos, is now on sale at £3.50 per copy at the office (or £4.15 with postage and packing). It is called "Ever changing, ever growing" and is only available from the main office of Pilgrim Hall.

FREE BROADBAND

We are pleased to be able to offer access to Broadband links in all Conference and Public rooms at Pilgrim Hall at no extra charge. We also have our own Multimedia Projector which we can hire out to our guests.