Hairy Bikers with Gilly Bachelor & Rita Preston

The Walkmill was delighted to sponsor the Shrewsbury Flower Show and to get the wonderful opportunity to meet the Hairy Bikers.

Gilly and Brian Bachelor with guests Rita and Barry Preston attended the Shrewsbury Flower show last Friday (13th August 2010).  Gilly Bachelor said ‘despite the rain we had a fantastic day the flower and craft displays were stunning and the entertainment was first class.  However the highlight of our day was meeting the Hairy Bikers and discussing baking disasters!’.

Gilly Bachelor said ‘This fete is a large part of our fund raising for our local churches therefore we encourage locals and visitors to support the event and to bring their dogs along to show them off!  This will be a fun dog show with categories which include ‘the wagiest tail’ and the ‘best four legs’.  Each category will have up to 5 winners who will be awarded rosettes and doggie treats.

The Fete is a fun family afternoon out where you can play games, enjoy afternoon teas and ice cream and buy bric-a-brac and other goodies.

For further information contact Gilly Bachelor on 01588 650 737.

The Walkmill is delighted to Welcome well behaved dogs!

The Gallery is owned and run by artist Jacs Collins.  Jacs has very kindly donated two thick glossy guide books (one for each cottage!) created by Country Living Magazine which introduce the reader to recommended places to visit, walks and local shops.

We will be encouraging our guests to use these bags instead of plastic ones as part of our Green Policy.

For more information about the Wasteless Society visit www.wasteless.org.uk

The best of the Heart of England’s tourism providers have been announced today as the shortlist for the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010 is revealed. 

Hundreds of entries were received for the awards, which celebrate the diversity of tourism in the region.  The Walkmill Holiday Cottages is one of four businesses to be shortlisted as Self-Catering Holiday of The Year.

Judging the shortlisted businesses will take place later this month with winners announced at an awards evening on 21^st October.

Gilly Bachelor, Owner of The Walkmill said ‘being shortlisted is an enormous achievement.  The Bachelor family work extremely hard to ensure we offer the very best self-catering holiday experience to our guests and it is wonderful that our efforts are being recognised’.

Other categories include Caravan Holiday Park of the Year, Large Hotel of the Year, Small Hotel of the Year, B&B / Guest Accommodation of the Year, Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, Best Tourism Experience, Sustainable Tourism of the Year, Tourist Information Service of the Year, Taste of the Heart, Regional Culture Award, Access for All, Business Tourism, Outstanding Customer Service and Best One-Off or Annual Event of the Year.

For further information regarding The Walkmill Holiday Cottages contact Gilly Bachelor on 01588 650 737 or 07970102161 or email enquiries@thewalkmill.co.uk

Our latest Access Statement (updated in June 2010) is below.  This statement is designed to enable our guests, prior to booking, to make an informed decision as to whether our accommodation will meet their needs. 

Where possible we have endeavoured to make The Walkmill as accessible as possible.  In particular Walkmill Lodge (which was renovated and extended in 2008) which is all on one level and has an open kitchen/dining/living space and large walk-in shower for ease of use.  Our cottages have an illuminated signpost at the entrance and have large well lit parking areas.

To make life as simple and easy as possible for guests we take bookings by letter, telephone and email.  Our website meets the minimum requirements for accessibility however we recognise improvements can be made and these are scheduled for later this year.

Prior to arrival we discuss any specific requirements/requests our guests may have and do our utmost to ensure these are met.  We can provide details of public transport (including accessible taxis).  We are also happy to collect/return our guests to a local train station should they be travelling without a car. Maps/instructions can be provided, and in large print if required.

If our guests require specialist care services including equipment we can provide details of local providers.

In addition:

·         Our cottages are vacuumed thoroughly using Active Air Clean Filters to remove allergens;

·         House information is written in clear (aerial) large print (minimum 14 point);

·         We provide hypoallergenic bed linen (and protectors), magnify glass and vibrating alarms.

Our latest Access Statement is below: 

Access Statement for The Walkmill, Luxury Self-Catering Cottages

Introduction

Our two, luxury self-catering cottages, are located set within four acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We have tried to provide as much information as possible in this statement, if you have any queries please do email (enquiries@thewalkmmill@aol.com), call (01588650 737 or 07970102161) or write (Stone Cottage, The Walkmill, Norbury, Shropshire, SY9 5DZ) to me.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Walkmill.

Pre-Arrival

·        We have a comprehensive website www.thewalkmill.co.uk .

·        Bookings and enquiries can be made directly by email, letter, and telephone or via English Country Cottages.

·        The Shropshire Hills Shuttle service passes the front of the cottages and will stop on request.  This shuttle service runs at weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays from the first Saturday in May to the last Sunday in September.  They also run over the Easter Weekend.

·        The nearest train stations are Church Stretton and Craven Arms (both about 11-12 miles away).  We are happy to collect and return our guests to the train station, if they would like to leave their car at home. 

·        We can arrange for shopping (including local produce) to be delivered on arrival.

·        Our postcode is SY9 5DZ.

Arrival & Car Parking Facilities

·        Car parking is provided to the front of Walkmill Lodge and to the side of Walkmill House.

·        Parking is on shingle, and uneven in places, so guests need to take care particularly when wearing high-heeled shoes.

Walkmill Lodge

·        There is a step up to the front door of Walkmill Lodge that is 17cm high.  The front door opens inwards and is 72cm wide at narrowest point.  The key hole is 160cm high.

·        The front door opens into an open plan kitchen/diner.

·        All internal doors are 68cm wide at their narrowest point.

·        Walkmill Lodge is based all on one level.

·        Skirting and walls are contrasting.

Dining Room, Kitchen and Lounge

·        The dining room, kitchen and lounge are all open plan.

·        There is an oblong table in the kitchen area – legs on each corner, 63cm floor to lowest point of table (underspace), 141cm long, 90 cms wide and 80cm high.

·        Free space between the table and walls is at least 85cm all around.

·        There are 6 chairs with no arms.

·        There is wooden level flooring throughout Walkmill Lodge.

·        Furniture is moveable and all is non feather.

·        There are two sofas both with arm and a chaise long without arms.

·        Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available are DVD and iPOD docking station).

Self-Catering Kitchen

·        Kitchen open plan with Dining room and lounge.

·        Worktop height 87cm. 

·        Oven door is drop down, height of lowest shelf 32cm, can be accessed from the side

·        Sink is 91cm high with cupboards underneath

·        Hob is 88cm high

·        There is oak flooring throughout

·        At least 67cm free space between all furniture and worktops

·        Well lit kitchen with spotlights above work surfaces where required

·        Good contrast between floor, cupboards and other surfaces

·        Fridge with small freezer available, highest shelf in fridge 38cm

Laundry

·        There is no separate laundry however there is a standard size washer/dryer, which is front loading, provided in the kitchen.

Bedroom 1

·        Door width is 73cm at its narrowest.

·        Standard size double bed provided.

·        Bed height is 60cm.

·        Non feather duvets and pillows provided.

·        Sheets, duvet covers and pillow cases are high quality Egyptian Cotton.

·        Ensuite shower room with separate toilet.

·        Largest free space clear of doors and furniture is 75cm by 140cm.

Ensuite 1

·        Large shower with 56cm opening.

·        There is a sink at 94cm high.

·        There is a door 63cm wide at its narrowest point through to a toilet.

·        The toilet is 46cm high

·        The floor is tiled and there is a good contrast between the floor tiles and the walls.

·        Space under washbasin is free (no pipes or vanity unit).

Bedroom 2

·        Door width is 70cm at its narrowest point.

·        Two standard size single beds are provided.

·        Bed heights are 66cm.

·        Non feather duvets and pillows provided.

·        Sheets, duvet covers and pillow cases are high quality Egyptian Cotton.

·        Ensuite bathroom with bath, sink and toilet.

·        Largest free space clear of doors and furniture is 106cm by 338cm.

Ensuite 2

·        Door width is 72cm at its narrowest.

·        Bath with mixed tap with shower attachment.

·        Bath height is 60cm.

·        There is a sink at 85cm high.

·        The toilet is 46cm high

·        The floor is tiled and there is a good contrast between the floor tiles and the walls.

·        Space under washbasin is free (no pipes or vanity unit)

Walkmill House

·        The front entrance is level.  The front door is 85cm wide at its narrowest point. The key hole is 114cm high.

·        The front door opens into a large hallway.

Hall Way

·        Door to utility is 93cm wide.

·        Door to lounge is 86cm wide.

·        Flooring is stone slabs and therefore is uneven in parts.

·        There is a good contrast between the stone floor and the walls.

·        The hallway is well lit.

Utility Room

·        A standard size washing machine is provided

·        Door to cloakroom is 70cm wide at its narrowest point.

·        Back door is 78cm wide at its narrowest point.

·        Floor is tiled and the contrast between floor and walls is good.

Cloakroom

·        Toilet height is 46cm.

·        Sink height is 85cm.

·        There is 50cm by 90cm of clear space.

·        Floor is tiled and the contrast between floor and walls is good.

Lounge

·        Door to lounge is 86cm wide.

·        There are two sofas both with arms and an armchair.

·        Furniture is moveable and all is non feather.

·        There is an open fire with fire guard.

·        The floor is tiled and there is good contrast between floor and walls.

·        There is 150cm by 200cm of free space.

·        Teletext TV provided with remote control (also available are DVD and CD player).

Dining Room

·        Door to dining room is 84cm wide.

·        Door to rear garden is 78cm wide at its narrowest point.

·        There is an oblong table – legs on each corner, 62cm floor to lowest point of table (underspace), 182cm  long, 106cm wide and 82cm high.

·        Free space between the table and walls is at least 85cm all around.

·        There are 6 chairs with no arms.

·        There is slate floor.

·        Door to kitchen is 76cm wide with a step up of 13cms.

Self-Catering Kitchen

·        Worktop height 94cm. 

·        Oven door is drop down, height of lowest shelf 40cm, can be accessed from the side

·        Sink is 95cm high with cupboards underneath

·        Hob is 97cm high

·        The floor is tiled.

·        At least 90cm free space between all furniture and worktops.

·        Well lit kitchen with spotlights above work surfaces where required.

·        Good contrast between floor, cupboards and other surfaces.

·        Fridge with small freezer available, highest shelf in fridge 60cm.

·        Stable door to front garden is 90cm wide at the narrowest point.

Stairs to first floor

·        Stairs are fairly steep.  There are 21 steps with a 11cm rise.

·        Hand rail to left and right.

Bedroom 1

·        Door width is 88cm and at 156cm high is shorter than a standard door height so care needs to be taken.

·        Standard size double bed provided.

·        Bed height is 65cm.

·        Non feather duvets and pillows provided.

·        Sheets, duvet covers and pillow cases are high quality Egyptian Cotton.

·        Step down of 20cm to ensuite bathroom with toilet.  Door is 85cm wide.

·        Largest free space clear of doors and furniture is 150cm by 290cm.

Ensuite 1

·        Large cast iron roll-top bath 62cm high.

·        There is a sink at 78cm high.

·        The toilet is 44cm high

·        The floor is tiled and there is a good contrast between the floor tiles and the walls.

·        Bidet is 40cm high.

Landing

·        89cm width door to top landing, 180cm high.

Bedroom 2

·        Door width is 75cm at its narrowest.

·        Two standard size single beds are provided.

·        Bed heights are 64cm.

·        Non feather duvets and pillows provided.

·        Sheets, duvet covers and pillow cases are high quality Egyptian Cotton.

·        Largest free space clear of doors and furniture is 300cm by 160cm.

·        Oak flooring with good contrast between floor and walls.

Bathroom 2

·        Door width is 73cm at it narrowest.

·        Step of 18cm up to enclosed shower cubicle, with a further step up of 15cm to the shower cubicle.  Detachable shower head.

·        There is a sink at 80cm high and is on a pedestal.

·        The toilet is 42cm high

·        The floor cover is vinyl and there is a good contrast between the floor

·        Space under washbasin is free (no pipes or vanity unit)

Grounds and Gardens

·        The Walkmill has extensive grounds and these are open to guests.  However guests should take care as there is a river running through the property and ground is uneven in places.

Additional Information

·        Please note there is a limited phone reception for most service providers however there is no service at all on 02.  .

·        The Walkmill (the cottages and grounds) is completely non-smoking.

·        Dogs are welcome – please see our Dog policies.

Contact Information

·        The Walkmill, Norbury, Shropshire. SY9 5DZ. 

·        Telephone 01588 650 737 or 07970 102161.

·        Email enquiries@thewalkmill.co.uk

·        Website www.thewalkmill.co.uk

We welcome your feedback to help us continuously improve if you have any comments please contact Gilly Bachelor on the details provided above.

As part of our commitment to ‘Going Green’ we have completed a rigorous self-assessment (using the framework provided by the Green Tourism Business Scheme) and can confirm that we comply with the relevant legislation, however we will continue to review and monitor our policies to reduce the negative impact our business has on the environment, whilst striving to maximise the positive aspects.

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and to reduce waste.  Examples of our efforts include:

• Installing the latest condenser boiler with an A rating for energy efficiency  (Walkmill Lodge);

• Using low energy light bulbs; 

• Installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves to allow for better control of heating;

• Replacing white goods (once they have passed there useful life) with low energy ratings ones;

• Installing replacement double-glazed windows;

• Providing strong shopping bags made from recycled plastic bottles;

• Ensuring the roof, floors and walls are insulated to the very highest levels;

• Encouraging our guests to leave their car at home by offering to collect/return guests from the local train station (and running promotions with our local pubs!).  Bikes (and helmets!) and information on public transport are provided;

• Providing recycling and compost bins;

• Encouraging our guests to feed the hens with (suitable!) leftovers;

• Installing Toilets (Walkmill Lodge) have low flush cisterns;

• Installing a state of the art treatment plant which treats effluence and releases the clean water back into the river (without chemicals);

• Providing washing machines with water economy programmes;

• Collecting river and rain water for use in the garden;

• Providing showers, and Walkmill Lodge has a slipper bath designed to save water;

• By using environmentally-friendly cleaning and laundry products, purchased in bulk to reduce packaging;

• By using recycled, unbleached paper products;

• By providing toiletries with recyclable packaging, bottles and caps;

• By purchasing very high quality Egyptian bed linen which is wearing extremely well.  However this will be replaced with Fair Trade Organic Cotton bed linen when necessary.

• Managing our grounds to attract native plants and wildlife;

• Not permitting smoking on site.

We encourage our guests to support our efforts by:

• Turning off all devices when they are not in use; 

• Switching off lights when they are not in the room and using the dimmer switches provided;

• Using the Thermostatic Radiator Valves to control the heating levels in each room;

• Using the strong carrier bag made from recycled plastic bottles provided (rather than acquiring plastic bags);

• Using the environmentally-friendly cleaning and laundry products provided;

• Using public transport or the bicycles (and helmets!) provided, or taking one of the beautiful circular walking/cycling routes right from your door (route maps provided)!

• Using recycling and compost bins provided;

• Keeping stale bread/cake for hens!

• Using the water economy programmes on the washing machine and dishwasher;

• Not smoking on site.

We are committed to supporting our local community:

We encourage guests to attend local fetes, coffee mornings and events.  Details are provided in the cottages.

We are committed to supporting the local economy:

• Guests are welcomed with a homemade cake using eggs from the Walkmill free range hens (purchased from the Wernlas Collection near Ludlow);

• Guests are encouraged to shop and eat locally;

• We have our own groceries delivered once a week and offer this service to our guests (without carrier bags!);

• All our furniture has been purchased locally (Shrewsbury) or was bought second hand and refurbished on site.

We encourage our guests to support our efforts by:

• Shopping locally and buying local produce or eating at our local pubs and restaurants (3 are within walking distance!).

We also encourage guests to enjoy our wonderful countryside responsibly:

• By leaving gates as they find them;

• By protecting animals and plants by not dropping litter;

• By keeping their dogs under control.

For a copy of our ‘Green Policy’ please contact Gilly Bachelor by email at enquiries@thewalkmil.co.uk or call 01588 650 737.

Lily in Motion!

Today (Sunday 11th July2010) Lily and Freddie arrived at The Walkmill. 

Freddie posing for the camera

The brother and sister are 12 week old Working Cocker Spaniels.  They are a lively pair - Freddie is slightly bigger and has white flashes on his chest and neck and Lily has brindle paws, eyebrows and ears.

Freddie lives with Barry and Rita Preston in Walkmill Cottage whilst Lily lives with us, but they will spending a lot of time playing together.

Lucky has welcomed the pair with an aloof manner.

Visitors to The Walkmill will find a postcard in their cottage which entitles each guest to enjoy a free pint of Shropshire Beer at The Inn On the Green, Wentnor, only 1/3rd mile from The Walkmill.  But yes there is a catch … you must walk there and back!

Gilly Bachelor said ‘this joint offer encourages guests to leave their car at home and to support our wonderful local pubs and breweries, and forms part of our ‘Going Green’ iniative which aims to reduce our carbon footprint and to support local businesses’.