Charity event at Chester hotel raises thousands for children

A coven of more than 90 witches attended a lunch at The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, raising more than £3,000 for charity. All proceeds from the Chester event were given to Claire House Children’s Hospice, which won a competition to hold a free charity event at the St John Street based Hotel.

An auction and raffle were held at the lunch, where attendees were also treated to a flower demonstration from lecturers and students from the Welsh College of Horticulture.

The wives of footballing greats known as WITCHES (Women In Touch with Claire House), helped to organise the event. The attendees included the wives of former Anfield legends John Barnes, Jan Molby and Michael Thomas, who scored a last minute goal against Liverpool in the final First Division match of the 1989 to 1990 season, winning Arsenal the league. Michael then had a successful career with Liverpool FC from 1991 to 1998.

Kate Halewood, General Manager of The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, said:

“We are delighted that thousands of pounds were raised for Claire House Children’s Hospice, which is a fantastic cause. This was a thoroughly worthwhile event that was very well attended and we are delighted we were able to support the charity.”

WITCHES organiser Jane Kirkham added:

“We are a gang of girls who get together to support Claire House Children’s Hospice. Thank you to The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel for allowing us to hold the event and use their fantastic facilities. We are looking to provide essential items for the children and their siblings who visit the Hospice. Every single penny raised from this event will go to Claire House.

“We are hoping the money raised will pay for a tropical fish tank and juke box for the children amongst some essential items. We have more than 50 WITCH members so far; wizards are also welcome. We would like covens of witches around the North West.”

Abi Smith, fundraiser for Claire House Children’s Hospice on the Wirral, said:

“We cannot thank The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel and the Witches enough for everything they have done for us. The hotel has provided a complimentary meal, as well as use of the venue and facilities. We look after more than 300 children. Without the support of organisations like these Claire House could not function.”

Raffle prizes included a weekend for two at The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, dinner for two at The Snooty Fox restaurant and a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne.

The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel is also sponsoring a Prostate Cancer Support Group dinner, who also won the right to hold a free charity event at the Hotel, later in the year.

The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, located in the heart of the historical city of Chester, just off the main shopping street, and only a short walk from Chester's famous Racecourse, provides the perfect place to stay no matter what the occasion.

With 67 individual bedroom experiences, ranging from smart executive rooms to character feature rooms, four poster and suites, every care has been taken to combine the period charm of the building with modern luxury facilities.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts Limited operates 48 well-located hotels across the UK and ten resorts throughout the UK and Spain. The company employs over 4,400 staff and operates in excess of 3900 rooms.

First established in 1990 by Donald Macdonald and colleagues, the company was floated in 1996 on the main London Stock Exchange. In 2003, it returned to private ownership and was one of Scotland’s biggest public to private deals at a cost of £620m, which was wholly underwritten by the Bank of Scotland. The Bank now owns 50% of the equity with the remainder held by the management.

The Group’s focus is on developing its strong portfolio of four and five star hotels, with each offering its own character and individuality underpinned with the quality and attention to detail expected of the Macdonald brand. In particular, the company prides itself on the seasonality and provenance of its food within the hotels, from breakfast through to dinner, as well as its wide range of specially selected wines.

The Group has recently embarked on a programme of investment and refurbishment that includes properties such as Macdonald Blossoms in Chester, Macdonald Old England in Windermere and Compleat Angler in Marlow. In addition, the Group recently opened the Macdonald Portal Hotel Spa and Golf in Cheshire in July and the Macdonald Manchester Hotel, situated in the heart of the city centre, adjacent to Piccadilly Station in October 2007.

For more details visit: Macdonaldhotels.co.uk/blossoms