The Welbeck has been nominated in the Tourism awards for 'Hotel of the Year' for 2008

The award ceremony will be held on Friday 30th January at the Villa Marina. There is a little mystery about these gongs and I don't know how they decide which establishment to pick but I think they are partly given because of the small questionnaire cards that we keep in reception and enough of you seem to have picked up, filled in and sent into the Department of Tourism to warrant us being put forward for this accolade.

Many Thanks
Irene & Michael

Happy 2009 to all our guests, past, present and future.

Debbie Pope

Unfortunately, because of the rising costs of labour, fuel and a requirement to create more space in the laundry area for refrigeration, we have had to make our Laundry Manager, Debbie redundant.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Debbie who has also worked as a Breakfast Chef and Housekeeper for her service over the last 9 years and wish her the best of luck for the future.

Wi-Fi for the Apartments

Finally, wires-free (and price free) internet access has reached the Apartments. Many thanks to Chris Riley of Computech Services www.csl-iom.com

Welbeck Hotel & Restaurant One Hour Challenge

For the 4th year in succession 12th October, the Welbeck Hotel & Restaurant sponsored the race held by Manx Harriers at the N.S.C. Douglas. This is a racewalk to encourage newcomers into the sport where the entrants see how far they walk in an hour or half an hour.

Although primarily for novices, the furthest distance on the day was set by Andy Green, though the main prizes were won by Michael Shipsides and Tara Slinger. For main coverage see http://www.manxathletics.com/manxharriers/MHonehourchallenge2008.htm

Q.E.2 visits Douglas Bay



3rd October, the Q.E. 2 on her final voyage around the British Isles, just off Onchan Head.

(Picture by Hilda George).



Martijn Biesmans finished in an excellent 5th place in the Ramsey Bakery and 2E2 sponsored End to End Walk whilst our other resident, Sean Pender won his age group and came in 26th place overall. Irene was a victim of the hot sunny weather and quit at Glen Maye (approx 25 miles) whilst Michael survived another big energy dip where he lost a place and was nearly caught by 4th man to recover for 2nd.



End to End Walk 2008

Congratulations to all the mountain bikers who survived last week's End to End race, especially Dave Glover who has just completed some fine re-upholstery for us but this Sunday is the turn of the walkers including Martijn Biesmans who is staying at the Welbeck Hotel once again. We wish him the best of luck, just as long as he doesn't beat Michael George ( writer of 'Latest News') and also best wishes to Irene who will be aiming for her third finish.

Manx Marathon 2008



Pictured is Graham Forrest who stayed at the Hotel and finished 19th in the Men's race in a time of 3:33:01 which was slightly outside his target but achieved on a very windy day on what is quite a hilly course as Marathon's go.

Michael George walked the course in 4:18:57, came 60th overall and somehow managed to join Murray Lambden (winner) and Mike Garrett (3rd) in the winning team, which was quite funny as he started 1minute 30 after the rest of the field.

Chris Moss also a resident competed in the half Marathon 1:56:23 and then the Peel Hill Race Monday 11th August

The Welbeck's tenuous link to the Olympics

Johanna Jackson, the athlete from Redcar Racewalking Club will be representing Great Britain in Beijing 2008 in the 20k walk.

Although she was already an excellent athlete, she has improved greatly since March 2007 when she stayed at the Welbeck Hotel while competing at the Manx Open. She now hold the UK 20k women's record and we wish her all the best for her race in China.

End to End Walk

Martijn Biesmans ' Crazy Dutchman' who has visited the Isle of Man for various walking events, 'The Hundred Miles' race in 2006, 'The Parish Walk' in 2007 and 2008 (finishing 11th & 12th) is now preparing to compete in his first assault on the 'End to End' race 21st September. Irene & Michael are also competing in what is looking like being the most fiercely competitive race since it was moved to the west coast in 2002.

*Apologies to Martijn who came 12th (originally the piece above said 13th) and to the best first time finisher, Dave Mackey from the Ascot Hotel who did actually finish 13th.

Information on the above racewalk can be found on http://www.endtoendwalk.org/ and links to all local sites can be found on www.manxathletics.com

The Manx Marathon is being held 10th August. Irene & Michael are lining up in the Half and Full Marathon respectively as training for the above race.

Congratulations are due to Arkadiusz (Alex) who recently passed his driving test on his third attempt.

Taste of Man

The Welbeck Hotel Restaurant has recently been inspected and achieved a grading in the 'Taste of Man' scheme which aims to ensure a good standards of food preparation, service and hygiene on the Island.