Phew what a scorcher! 29 May 2008 |
| Our familiarisation trips just seem to get better and better each time we host, despite this trip being only the second one in Destination Oxford's history! We are pleased to report that the weekend was a huge success and an enjoyable, if not tiring way to enjoy the hottest weekend of the year so far! On Friday guests checked into their host hotels, The Oxford Belfry, Milton Hill House, Cotswold Lodge, Barcelo Oxford Hotel and the Oxford Spires Four Pillars before being transported to the glorious Blenheim Palace for a tour and a superb meal. The Orangery at the Palace was a fabulous setting to enjoy the sunset and to be able to mingle amongst one another and make new acquaintances. Following drinks we were guided into the Marlborough Room for a delicious 3 course meal provided by the Palace's in-house catering team, Sodexho Prestige, with John Hoy, Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace welcoming all. The evening ended on such a high, with most guests relaxed, and the odd few a bit hesitant of what lay ahead the following day! Guests arrived at Cotswold Lodge Hotel bright and early on the Saturday morning, in eager anticipation of the Urban Orienteering challenge, which was hosted by Jane Read of City Challenge UK. This event is an alternative team building activity which enabled guests to get familiarised with the city whilst still having fun! A tour and lunch at the glorious Victorian Keble College came as respite after a frantic 2 hours running around the city in 27 degree heat! We were privileged enough to have taken lunch in the grand dining hall which certainly offered that 'wow' factor, and the food was delicious too! After a couple of hours of well earned rest at their host hotels, guests were then transported to the Oxford Belfry Hotel for the final dinner of the weekend. Cocktails on arrival were served on the terrace, with guests once again being able to enjoy the warm evening. 'Indigo Trio' were kind enough to come and provide the entertainment for the dinner, playing subtle jazz music in the background, several guests were even brave enough to take to the floor! By 11pm, when taxis were due, I could sense that many were ready for a good nights sleep and looking forward to the free time they had on the Sunday to explore the city at their leisure. I have no doubts that by this time they deserved it!! Why not come and join us for our planned Autumn Familiarisation Trip. Please email charlotte@destination-oxford.com to express an interest in attending and to be put on the mailing list for invitations. "The whole weekend was really well orgnised and we were looked after extremely well, with a varied content and interesting options." "I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for a wonderful event." Lovely food and drinks,I felt quite spoilt! Pleasant company of staff involved." "Lunch at Keble was exceptional and really sold the venue to me, I am already thinking what events I could take there!" more... |
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