Members at the October meeting were once again held under the spell of Deborah Preston who by popular demand was making her third visit. This time to enthral us with her anecdotes of being a Deputy Manager /Head House keeper at one of the most prodigious Hotels in London namely the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The hotel has 1250 bedrooms and a very large public hall called “The Great Hall” which can seat 3.500 at any one time and is used extensively for charity fund-raising events and awards evenings.
Deborah regaled the members with tales of intrigue and the various demands which are made by pop and film stars and film producers. Customers can make special requests before their stay for example 244 bottles of coke, 12 packets of biscuits and 74 pink towels for a one night stay. Other guests made more difficult requirements but the hotel goes out of its way to placate such individuals, sometimes paying hundreds of pounds to do so. Pampering to all these various requests is what the hotel ethos is about.
Royalty often attend especially Prince Philip who is involved in so many charitable events and other erstwhile organisations. The Queen rarely visits Hotels of any description. When royalty is due to attend, a room is chosen for their use, it is thoroughly cleaned, new loo seat fitted, with flowers and fruit in the room. Special branch officers with dogs examine the room and it is then sealed off. Such rooms are rarely used.
One of her favourite guests was Dame Vera Lynn, a very kind and professional lady in all aspects. Her favourite royal person was Princess Diana who had such charisma one couldn’t help but admire and like her.
Like all good things they have to come to an end talk and the members gave Deborah rousing applause for what was a most entertaining evening.
Barry Leggett