27th December 2007:

After a very busy Christmas here at the hotel we are now drawing breath before the excitement of New Year!!

I am now writing to you on the morning after Boxing Day and approximately half of our guests are departing today after the Christmas Festivities. Many have commented on how quickly the time has gone and how much they have managed to eat!!! Due to having a mild and dry Christmas a lot of our guests have enjoyed taking a bracing stroll along the cliff path in order to burn off those unwanted “extra” calories.

Christmas Eve started well with the guests arriving steadily throughout the afternoon. After the arrival Cornish Cream Teas and a chance to meet their fellow guests everyone seemed to be getting into the spirit of things. The St Fimbarrus Church’s carol singers succeeded in making the evening start harmoniously, that was after the heart stopping few minutes whilst we tried to get the electric organ to work! However once it had “warmed up” all was fine.

The manager’s cocktail reception gave all the guests the opportunity to meet the team, without exception every guest made a real effort and looked fantastic. Bubbly and canapés were enjoyed whilst we all had a sing along with the choir prior to dinner being served.

Christmas day for my boyfriend and I was spent with my family at my parents house. My sister and brother-in-law gave Mum and Dad the biggest gift of all in the shape of a Christmas Card that read “Merry Christmas Grandma and Grandpa” with a picture of the 12 week scan inside. Although I have known for a little while that I am going to be an Auntie, it was such a thrill to see my parent’s reaction. Somehow my gift of a lamp didn’t quite have the same effect!

We all had a wonderful day and despite Mum feeling that the lunch “had now gone to pot” (in light of the exciting news) everything was delicious and perfect! After the dishes were done we sat down to the Christmas pudding, which had with it every type of cream, custard and sauce imaginable. The ever-faithful Trivial Pursuit had an airing and sadly the girls lost despite their being a 4 to 3 advantage!!!

Boxing Day morning gave us the chance to visit Charlestown and watch the “crazy people” strip off and jump into the sea. It was all in aid of charity and it was obvious that a lot of fun was being had. A few hot toddies and Brandies were being handed around afterwards and the “warming up” part was the best bit apparently! I have suggested to my colleague Andrew at The Metropole in Padstow that we should get a team together from each hotel and do the same, strangely I have had very little in the way of a response yet….

It has been a real pleasure this morning speaking with those guest who have been departing this morning, thankfully everyone has had a great time. Now we need to think of the itinerary for next Christmas!! Any suggestions???

HAPPY NEW YEAR! From Andrea and All the team at The Fowey Hotel.