According to the assessor:

“Winford Manor is doing very well and is becoming an ambassador for good practice. Winford Manor retains its award with an improved percentage score thanks to a strong commitment and environmental
awareness from staff that has seen several actions implemented since the previous assessment. Excellent
policies and procedures are in place, backed up a good visitor charter and promotion of GTBS. The business has submitted itself to an overall energy performance survey, and has good energy and water monitoring systems in place. There is excellent green information available for guests, and aspects of energy (with a new emphasis on LEDs), water (rainwater harvesting) and waste (composting, innovative doggy bags promotion) management are being done well. There is good use and promotion of local food and drink suppliers, excellent promotion of walking, cycling and public transport opportunities, and good on-site habitat management and interpretation.
 

Morning friends and what a beautiful sunrise today!

It's been a while since my last blog but I have been busy hunting for Easter eggs and the Easter bunny!  Hard work when the psycho-rooster is chasing you around the garden.

The hotel has been busy with lots of people taking advantage of our Dinner, bed and breakfast offer as well as out buy one get one free offer for lunch.  I am totally exhausted and will have to sleep all of next week to recover.

My next news is that I have a new friend...Sid!  Sid is a baby spaniel - not sure what they are but my human Mum says they are ok!  He came with his human Mum Sarah, after a long day in Sarah's hair salon - Mayos of Bristol, and fell asleep in my office!  I am glad I am not head of security in a hairdressers as poor Sid..was totally exhausted.  All my girls went a bit mushy over Sid especially when I accidently hit him with my paw and he screamed and screamed and screamed.  Honestly, it was only a gentle tap being playful but jeez............... he scared me half to death.  I think he is a bit of an attention seeker but then, he is ony a baby!

As you can see here, Sid is not the most alert of security trainee's!  I think a latte or an expresso may be needed if he is to make the grade!

I just cannot believe that it is March already! Where have the last two months disappeared to? The daffodils and snowdrops are out in all their glory and making the garden look all pretty :) It's a shame that they don't taste very nice......

Sooooooooo what is everyone doing for Mothering Sunday? We have a scrumptious menu lined up for the 18th of March and we still have a couple of tables left if anyone wants to bring their wonderful Mummys for some grub! I'm sure I can be available to sign some auto'paw'graphs if need be! Just give the hotel a call or an email and we can send you a menu and get you booked in!!

I have been happily sniffing around the garden today, innocently looking for a squirrel or two to chase, then I realised how wonderfully warm and sunny it is!!! I was like "Oh... my... goodness! I'm going to need a new summery fur-do... already!!" If any of you lovely people fancy coming up to see us for some afternoon tea, this weather is the perfect excuse!

I soooooo can't wait to see all of our guests later on tonight being wined and dined all dressed in their best frocks and suits! Wouldn't it be super romantic if someone proposes tonight! Oh my gosh it's just so exiting!

I have just been bombarded with Valentines cards this morning in the post..... The postlady almost tipped over because her bag was so full!! Aaaannddd she gave me an extra treat today! I am feeling pampered :)

We still have a couple of tables free in our Labyrinth Restaurant tonight for you lucky loved-up couples if you fancy coming down for some delicious food and a bottle of bubbly..... Just give one of my girls a call at reception and we can book you in! 

Still excited though!

Just want to say congratulations to my pals at Bristol Airport for being voted 'Best Uk Airport' at the Business Travel Awards.  Last year Bristol Airport seen 5.7 million passengers pass through their doors - well Done Bristol Airport!

I am getting used to my psycho chickens - although one has started to make this odd noise about 6am!  The humans tell me thats because he is a boy!!  I think they have gone daft as I am a boy, and I most certainly do not make THAT noise!!

Morning readers............ I am so tired today and very bored of lazing around.  Even the psycho-ducks are just lazing around looking broody.

My team however, are running around with a spring in their step even though it's still winter, muttering away about the fantastic offer we are running in the restaurant for January and February 2012.  Yes my friends, if you buy a Sunday lunch main course, you get another free!! (as long as you leave me a few morsels on the plate for my begging bowl!).  Just call reception and they will email you a voucher.

Happy New Year to all my followers.  Christmas and New Year was pretty hectic here at the Manor with weddings and party goers.  Lucky for my fellow workers here that I did such a good impersonation of a vacuum cleaner and tided up all the morsels left around the garden............YUM YUM!

All my workers here behaved very strange on Christmas day!  They wore the oddest things on their heads, walked around smiling all day and had to keep disturbing my sleep to show me off to the guests!  Oh to be famous!

......Then they even put their weird head thing on me and just to complete the humiliation, took my photo!

You will never believe what else happened............two chickens flew into my garden and promptly placed themselves in 'duck land'!  They even had the cheek to put themselves in a duck pen- the audacity of chickens! My favourite white psycho-duck is very discombobulated about this and is exhausting herself with sentry duty, guarding the entrance to the pen and refusing to let the chickens leave.

I, myself, do not like them.  They have strange eyes and a bad attitude towards poodles! I have even warmed to the psycho-ducks since they arrived.

If you have lost two chickens, soon to become psycho-chickens if they stick around the psycho-ducks for too long, please come as fast as you can and claim them.  Alternatively, call reception and speak to one of my girls

Mr Fox came for dinner with his family in our Labyrinth Restaurant and had a great evening.  After dinner, he posed for some pictures with my team.  I have to say that I was a bit disappointed that they did not call me for the photos but then.... I would have stolen the limelight and I guess I cannot always be centre of attention.  Mind you, I would have had one over on those psycho ducks if I had my photo with him.  Oh well.......

 Just got the photo's back from the parents wedding and there was a couple of cracking ones of me (the bride & groom scrubbed up ok too).  I thought I would post them on my blog for all my fans to see. 

 I am sure there are talent scouts out there just waiting to throw fame and fortune my way.

My first two photos depict my excellent skills at showjumping

This photo shows me aiming for the Labyrinth but took off a bit fast and my inner missile appeared to be locked on James eeekkk!

My last photo shows off my skills at  ventriloquism.....quack quack!

I have been so busy here at Winford Manor - we have had loads of weddings here including my human parents.  I, of course was the star attraction and wore a tie for the special day.   Everyone just loved it and made such a fuss of, in fact I think I was more popular than the bride.  The day was amazing and even the sun came out in the afternoon after raining all morning!  Thank goodness we had an amazing marquee.  My mum's photographer, Janette,  is bringing all the photos, including one of me this weekend so I will post some for you all to see how cool I look.  There are loads on our facebook page - check it out!  In the meantime, I have put a photo on here of me and one of my team at the wedding - we all look so fine...........I am so proud I 'll have to go for a nap!

Not long to chat today as I am attending the British Corn Feed Association conference in the Drawing room.  But first I must get this little whipper snapper out from my herbs and then rush off.

I am so excited as the conference is about Sales and Management training and this will help towards my master plan of world domination in the dog feed trade. 

Watch this space.....................

 As well as being shortlisted as finalists in four categories for the Bristol Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2011, Winford Manor are delighted to have walked away last evening as the Winners of the ‘Access for All’ award sponsored by St Peters Hospice.

All entrants needed to show a deep commitment to sustainability, recycling and the environment as well as being accessible providing accessible facilities and/or services.
Bristol Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2011 celebrated both the achievements of individuals working within the tourism industry and business excellence across the tourism sector.

The event was organised by Destination Bristol, Sounds Commercial and representatives from the tourism industry, demonstrating the strong partnerships and the collective will for competitors to work together for the benefit for the whole of the city and its tourism and hospitality industry.

As well as celebrating achievement, the awards raised money for St Peters Hospice.
Tracey Beck, General Manager says; "We are delighted that Winford Manor has been recognised for its achievements and the hard work of dedicated staff by winning this award for access for all. Here at Winford Manor, we are passionate in making all our services accessible for everyone who visits. This is our 2nd award for Accessible services and winning awards such as this pays testament to the high standard of accessible amenities and the hard work by everyone involved with Winford Manor since it’s opening in 2008”.
 

Winford Manor are finalists in four categories in tomorrow's Bristol Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2011.  The categories are Sustainability, Accessibility, Team of the Year and Outstanding Personality.  Good luck to everyone going and fingers crossed for my team of mates as they are the best ever........go Winford go!

Some one got a bit carried away with the scissors and now they keep calling me a greyhound!!!  but I will get my own back!

Calling all you humans who like a good wedding!  We have just released our special offer for 6 weeks only in 2012.  Check it out on our website under weddings.  The added bonus is that I will be attending and will promise to wear a co-ordinating collar for the photos on your big day!

Thought I should post some photos to show how hard I am working alongside Philip, planting herbs in our garden for the restaurant.

Had on nibble on the rosemary but not really keen on it although I just love the taste of the mint - similar to the mints I borrow off the office desk when I am bored!

A bit more alert in this photo, simply because they woke me up and told me I was slacking! 

I explained that herbs do not need a security guard until they are planted and it is vital for a poodle to sunbathe and recharge his internal batteries to be fit for duty!

Humans are so inconsiderate!

After all my dashing around to get the staff to bring towels and hot water, Mrs Duck managed admirably to hatch her ducklings all on her own!

In no time at all, they were swimming in the pond and chasing insects - beautiful!

I hope these will be my friends rather than chase me around the garden like all the other psycho-ducks!

Easy Jet has cut 30% off every fare departing from Bristol between 2 February and 13th July 2011.

Having reached the finals, it was last night revealed that Winford Manor has won the bronze ‘Access for All’ award. These prestigious regional tourism awards, known as the ‘Tourism Oscars,’ celebrate ‘the best in the South West’ and aim to promote and reward excellence in the tourism industry.

The winners have been through an exhaustive selection and judging process, consisting of detailed entry forms and mystery visits and have been whittled down from over 300 entries. Businesses needed to show a deep commitment to sustainability, recycling and the environment and being accessible to all.

Tracey Beck, General manager of Winford Manor said “ We are delighted and very proud to receive a bronze award and recognition for our accessible facilities and services. Here at Winford Manor, we are passionate in making all our services accessible for everyone who visits. Winning awards such as this pays testament to the hard work by everyone involved with Winford Manor since it’s opening in 2008”.
 

We are missing him greatly but have huge amounts of fond and amusing memories to remember him by.

North Somerset Enterprise Agency runs an annual award scheme in recognition of exceptional young businesses based in the North Somerset area. The award is made in memory of Siân Lloyd-Jones – who worked hard to support local businesses in the region over a number of years.

The awards are an exciting addition to the North Somerset Business Club Annual Charity Ball which was
held on Saturday 2 October 2010 to give prestigious and valuable recognition to
organisations.

All finalists received a beautiful crystal award and  publicity.

To enter, businesses have to have been trading for more than two years but less than five years and were judged on a range of criteria, including:
• Job Creation
• Financial Performance
• Training and Development of Staff
• Innovation/Use of Information Technology/Environmental Impact
• Marketing Strategy
 

Psyco-ducks are bemused by the flying white eggs...they really are not very bright , however I am watching them , they are planning something sinister

Nothing to report from yesterdays duty - all well with the humans.  Thought I had better remind you that we are selling christmas party tickets like crazy, so hurry and book yours now!

over and out - Goofy

Welcome to the first day of our doggie blogging.  Watch this space for all the gossip and news from Winford Manor, straight from the dogs mouth!

There will be lots to see and do, a carnival, dancing from around the world by the children, food from around the world made by the children here at Winford Manor and a bar and BBQ, as well as many other stalls.

Please come along and support the school for a great day out. 

Call reservations now to book

Pay for a double/twin room for two nights and have a packed lunch box each day for free.

T4 on the Beach 2010, Weston-super-Mare, 4th July

Gates will open at around 11am and then swing shut around 6pm in the evening.

Channel 4 say's “It’s that time again. You know: the time when T4 heads out of the studio and onto the beach for a big ol’ music party. We’ve been at it since 2003 and each year it’s gotten bigger and better.  We bring with us your favourite T4 presenters, a bunch of brilliant celebrities, and each year we bring a lorry load of the hottest music acts around at the moment.  Each act on the main stage plays a maximum of three songs with fun and games involving the presenters and loads of your favourite celebrities between each band. The whole show is broadcast live on Channel 4. Last year saw 45,000 screaming fans rock down to Weston-super-Mare for the biggest T4 on the Beach yet and this year looks set to be EVEN BIGGER”

Westlife have sold 43 million records worlwide including 14 UK no 1's.  A record only bettered by Elvis and the Beatles!

www.westlife.com

Book an accommodation special offer to include early supper, a double/twin room and full English breakfast for only £125.00 per room per night.  Saving of £30!

Based on 2 sharing a room and full non refundable payment 7 days before the event is required.

Matt charmed the taste buds of the judges with his roast loin of hare witha  braised leg and a spiced apple sauce for main course and his fabulous Lemon Tart for dessert.

We are all extremely proud of Matt but not at all suprised that he won.  He wins our customers over on every visit with his simple but delicious menu.

Well done Matt 

Whether you have only just started planning your wedding or are putting the finishing touches to your perfect day, Winford Manor
has put together a collection of wedding inspirations, all at one convenient location.

For more details

Contact Tracey Beck or Doreen Fahey on 01275 472292

Winford, 5 months old tommorow, arrived from his home in Evesham on 14th September 2009 and is delighted to be at the Manor.

Winford has not yet visited Bristol International Airport but plans to walk the mile and a  half to the airport as soon as his training is complete.

Goofy adds "I have my work cut out to get Winford fully trained before the influx of guests for christmas parties and ski season begins"

To be continued...............................

SustainIT Solutions and Winford Manor invite you to the inaugural Sustainable Somerset Conference
to be held at Winford Manor, near Bristol on 23rd October 2009 from 9.30am until 4pm.

The conference has been created to provide a forum for local Somerset businesses to learn, network, innovate and create sustainable change within the local area.
The event will work in a multidisciplinary way across the Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability fields to address some of the issues we all face.
Forge new partnerships and explore the latest in sustainable strategies and best practices to lead your organisation to success.
Tickets cost £25 to cover the cost of lunch. Exhibitor tickets are £50 and include lunch.

For more information go to www.sustainablesomerset.co.uk or for tickets ring 01275 774167

Catherine was accompanied by Sheila Hanon and Gill Loats, from the Bristol Show of Strength Theatre Company.  Winford Manor is one of the sponsors of Show Of Strength.

Our thanks also to local guests who came along for a meal in our restaurant.

Watch this space for the first portraits................................. 

Not long to go now!  The beautiful Bath stone has been brought back to it's former glory, the windows are in, showcasing the fabulous views across the Chew Valley and the floor polished.  Watch this space...........................................................

The Labyrinth Restaurant throws it doors open on 28th March 2008

The manor's new restaurant is set to come online mid March. The restaurant will offer a locally sourced menu packed with simple yet delicious temptations for any palette. Watch this space for a sample menu.

As the ski season is underway with flights to Salzberg, Innsbruck, Grenoble, Toulouse, Chambery and Turin, Winford Manor's new Ski storage is now taking bookings. Storage is free when you book accommodation.

We pride ourselves on using locally sourced produce as far as possible and supporting local businesses.