Claire's Blog

MARCH 2010

Hello everyone and a very belated Happy New Year to you all!

I have just been so busy running Roxbro House, baby sitting and getting everything ready to open our Tea Room in April, this is the first opportunity I have had to update the blog!

My granddaughter's continue to be an absolute delight and I can't believe it but Samantha is 2 this weekend, so my daughter Hayley and I are flat out organising a party for her-the theme being PINK!!!

I am delighted to report that Roxbro House has had its most successful winter to date, being kept pretty busy all over this normally quieter season, and we were delightfully surprised and pleased to receive an award for our breakfasts from Enjoy England / Visit Britain- who carry out our inspections annually

As you may have read we are opening our Tea Room to non-residents this year. We made this decision because our traditional afternoon teas were so popular last year with guests, and I really enjoy offering the whole experience. Ever since I was a little girl (and before you start doing the maths-yes we had electricity)! I have loved the whole Afternoon Tea tradition. White table linen, bone china crockery and silver tableware are such a joy at tea time and when I lived in London, every opportunity I had, i would go to places like Claridges, The Ritz and The Goring to enjoy the whole experience- and pinch ideas-although not the prices!!
I really am looking forward to offering this wonderful tradition here in Warkworth, although it has been pretty hard work setting up. Menu's, new tables, more cutlery, crockery, cake stands, etc., etc. The list is endless, but great fun.
Stu will initially partner and support me with this new venture, mostly behind the scenes. A man of very few words, he is and continues to be my rock who constantly supports and helps me in everything I do and who kept Roxbro House going last year while I was out of action for months.

The T.V. show? Well, lots of you ask when it is to be aired! The production team constantly keep in touch and advise us as we still get lots of requests to give interviews, but as it stands it will be shown the week beginning 21st April on Channel 4 at 8pm-however this is subject to change. As the time approaches I do panic and wonder why on earth I didn't go on a diet!!!!! Oh dear, its to late now and the deed is done!

Well, I must close now and get back to the kitchen and keep experimenting with cake recipes!!!

Take care and best wishes to everyone.

Claire x

DECEMBER 2009

My goodness what a year!

Whilst I have had some wonderful times during 2009, on the other hand to borrow a quote from HRH Queen Elizabeth 2nd it was an "Anus Horribilis "

My highlights were my darling daughter Hayley marrying her beloved Kev and the birth of my second granddaughter Gabriella. She along with my first granddaughter Samantha are absolute dreams and complete our family perfectly.

My accident in August leaving me in plaster after surgery and unable to do anything for months was a low, but my wonderful husband Stu took over the whole show and held it all together, and for that alone he has my undying love and respect. I am happy to say I am back on my feet and after weeks of physiotherapy I have at last been able to drive! I also want to mention the support of friends, family and local villagers who have offered support and friendship in abundance-thank you, this has meant so much to me. My mother and Father in law have been simply fantastic, walking my boys (3 dogs) on the beach most days.

We gave up our pub The Masons Arms in Warkworth village in June.It was simply impossible to trade at a profit due to the overheads and rent, despite it being a busy, local and popular pub. I am now informed by the brewery concerned that the rent has now been significantly reduced for the new tenants! What a shame that they didn't listen to all the previous tenants who have suffered significantly as a result of the overheads associated with running this pub!

Another high of my year was an invitation from Channel 4 to feature in a new programme for 2010 about B&B's in Britain. Stu and I had the most amazing and interesting 2 weeks filming both here in Warkworth and on location. We have made some super friends, both in front of and behind the camera. The programme is due to be aired in March or April 2010 and I live in fear of seeing myself on TV. Having not being able to exercise for months, coupled with the fact that the camera puts pounds on you, I think I will look like a member of the "Rolly Polly's"
On a serious note, whilst we were obviously highlighting Roxbro House, we also highlighted Northumberland, and hope we did a good job!

I did ask the camera crew to cut all the shots of Stu and I with a glass of wine in our hands not wanting to look too much like alcohol dependant people-but they said that if they did that, they wouldn't have much to work with!!!! How very dare they -- I will get you back Will and John!! Watch this space!!

We are off to Edinburgh this week to stay in our beloved Prestonfield for our 2nd wedding anniversary, where we will be joined later in the week to celebrate with our great friends. Whilst Roxbro House will be closed to guests durig this time, my family will be in residence getting the place ready for Christmas.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all guests, past, present and future for your support and good wishes through what has been a rather difficult year. I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous and Healthy New Year.

Claire x