FC Barcelona pictured arriving at Stansted Airport late last night (24 May) ahead of their Champions League final clash with Manchester United on Saturday.
Photograph taken by FC Barcelona
Regency Park Hotel – Under New Ownership
A new chapter in the future of Regency Park Hotel has begun. On Thursday 282011 the hotel came out of administration after 10 months of uncertainty.
Regency Park Hotel is conveniently located between Newbury and Thatcham and just10 minutes from the M4 and 45 minutes from Central London.
The new Owners are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Ockwell as General Manger at the hotel. Gary has lived in Thatcham for the last 11 years andcomes with a wealth of experience having worked as General Manager at the FoleyLodge Hotel (now The Vineyard at Stockcross), Elcott Park and for De Vere Venues.
Gary said “I look forward to developing the business with the fantastic team at the Regency Park Hotel and ensuring that it becomes the hotel of choice, for the residentsand businesses of Thatcham and the surrounding areas. I am delighted that the new Owner has already pledged future investment in the hotel, team and local community.”
The hotel boasts 108 contemporary and stylish bedrooms, outstanding conference andwedding facilities as well as a stunning health club and spa. The excellent facilities andfree parking, coupled with exceptional service makes the Regency Park Hotel the ideal hotel for business or pleasure.
The Regency Park Hotel joins The Manor of Groves Hotel, Golf & Country Club in Sawbridgeworth and Shendish Manor Hotel and Golf Club in Apsley near Hemel Hempstead.
Marisa Willingham – Group Strategy and Development Manager said “We are delightedto welcome The Regency Park Hotel into one of the most dynamic and forward thinkingindependent hotel groups in the Home Counties.”
A project to create a new village green in the heart of Hatfield Broad Oak has been declared the winner of a £50,000 community challenge from Stansted Airport’s charity fund.
The Hatfield Broad Oak Village Green project, an ambitious scheme that plans to transform grazing land into sporting and recreational facilities in the centre of the village, has been awarded the one off donation from the Stansted Community Fund, part of the grant-making charity BAA Communities Trust.
Keith Artus, District Councillor for Broad Oak and the Hallingburys, said:
“The Parish Council's belief in its plan to turn 12.5 acres of land in the heart of the village into a country park has been rewarded with this wonderful offer of support from the Stansted Community Fund. Our scheme sits perfectly with the Fund’s aims in that we will be providing new recreational, sporting and wildlife facilities for the community with the benefit of environmental improvements.
”Last year, the Fund announced plans to donate £50,000 to a major community project linked to either education, the environment and employment which would bring a lasting benefit for many people. Panel members, comprising of representatives from the local community, reviewed 25 bids before deciding the Village Green project as their favourite following a vigorous judging process.
Chair of the Stansted Community Fund, Bob Wainwright, said the donation was a great showcase for all the good work being achieved across the local community, adding:
“We had a fantastic response to the community challenge and we’re delighted to be able to make this donation and support the Hatfield Broad Oak Village Green project. There is no doubt that the scheme will bring many benefits both to the local community and the environment for generations to come.
“So many worthy causes applied for this cash boost, which is why it was important that the Fund’s members carefully reviewed each project using their local knowledge and expertise to select the best possible recipient. It was important to us to see that there was good local support for the scheme – with many volunteers working hard to make the project happen. We will be following how the project develops with great interest.”
Royal Caribbean International will launch their first direct cruise connection from London Stansted this summer, operated by British Airways charter flights to Venice.
Launching in June 2011, guests travelling from Stansted, will connect directly onto Voyager of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean International’s activity packed cruise ships for a seven night Adriatic sailing.
Speaking about the new cruise connection, the airport’s Managing Director, Nick Barton said:
“European cruise markets continue to grow in popularity and with direct flight connections, guests can enjoy warmer climates and be settled into their cruise holiday within hours of departing the UK.
“We look forward to welcoming guests jetting away from Stansted for their cruise connection this summer, and wish Royal Caribbean International every success with this new service.”
Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, commented:
“Feedback from cruise travellers tells us that convenient flight connections are a factor when selecting their next cruise experience and the new services from Stansted are a great addition to our summer 2011 programme
“Around 6.7 million people live in Stansted’s main catchment area, putting our cruise connections onto the doorstep of millions of potential customers. Setting off on a great value cruise holiday from an iconic destination such as Venice is now easier than ever before, and the new service will deliver an efficient route for thousands of UK cruisers to begin their holiday immediately on the day of departure”
Highlights onboard Voyager of the Seas include an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, and indoor ‘street’ running through the centre of the ship featuring shops, restaurants and bars, as well as huge amounts of space dedicated to fun for children and teens of all ages.
For further information and reservations visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk , call 0844 493 4005 or visit your local travel agent.
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