Three Generations Celebrate Together

Karen, Alisha and Margaret pictured in the historic Hall

If there was ever a place that knows how to throw a good party, it's Holdsworth House. For over 50 years the historic manor has been hosting top events and this spring was no different when three family members, who all work at the hotel, chose their place of work  as the place to party.

Margaret Henderson, who has worked part time in the restaurant for 18 years, has recently retired. Margaret's daughter is Karen Porter - a senior housekeeper at the hotel, and Margaret's granddaughter Alisha Jade Porter plays an important role in the restaurant team. But is was the occasion of Margaret's birthday that brought the three generations together for pleasure not work at the hotel. On March 20th Margaret chose to celebrate her birthday in a private dining room. Yet her official retirement party took place on 3rd April when the front office team and other colleagues joined to celebrate 18 impressive years of loyal service to Holdsworth House and the Pearson family who own it.

Some of Margaret's favourite memories during her time at Holdsworth House include TV presenter Gary Lineker visiting and seeing Jamie Oliver and his crew take over the grounds to film one of his popular shows. However it's the regular guests of the hotel and restaurant who are the ones that Margaret says made her job so interesting and enjoyable.

It hasn't all been hotel life for Margaret, as a church warden at her local Holy Nativity, Margaret visited Tanzania in 2008 to look at projects, which the hotel supported. And she's not ready to reach for the knitting needles any time soon, in fact she's going to be as busy as ever as she continues to help at the luncheon club and mums and toddlers group.

Margaret's granddaughter Alisha said, "My grandma will always think of her time at Holdsworth House as being part of a big family. I've certainly inherited the passion for hotel work from her and my mum. My main role is working on the top table of the wedding parties looking after the newlyweds and their families, this is a role my grandma used to do too!"

Congratulations to Margaret and enjoy your retirement - from the team at Holdsworth House x