There is currently an excellent BBC documentary running which offers a rare glimpse into the Queen’s sixty years on the throne. Over the years there have been many programmes which have focused on one part of her reign or a particular moment in history, but few have taken such a broad approach.
For example it is easy to forget just how many Prime Ministers she has seen over that time. For most young people (and some not so young!) Winston Churchill is a figure from history who led the country during the Second World War – to her however he was her first Prime Minister and like every other prime Minister since, he would meet with her once a week to discuss the great issues of the day. Hard to imagine some of the subjects that would have come up over the last 60 years with various occupants of No. 10!!
These snapshots in history that the programme has so expertly highlighted are actually no different to what we offer every day in all our hotels – that rare opportunity for a short while at least to gain an insight into a little bit of history.
What would arriving at The Grand have been like at the turn of the century – 20th not 21st! Would your room have been ready before 3pm?
What were the hospitals like that several of our hotels became during the war years?
What wildlife and trees would you have seen in the grounds all those years ago?
What was Winston Churchill’s speech like at Luton Hoo in 1948?
Although many of these questions will never truly be answered I urge everyone when they come and stay at our hotels to take a quiet moment and reflect on what has gone before. Try and imagine what it would have been like all those years ago – I am sure many past residents and visitors would have a fascinating story to tell.
Many modern buildings have little soul and are sadly much the poorer for it – luckily we are somewhat richer at Elite Hotels!
Simon Willis, Operations Director - Tuesday 14th February 2012
