Savoy tea for two comes true at Northampton care home
One of the UK's best-known hotels has stepped in to make a Christmas dream come true for two care home residents.Betty and Jean, who live at Collingtree Park near Northampton, said they had always wanted to take afternoon tea at The Savoy in the Strand in London.The hotel obliged with a hamper of treats, some genuine Savoy bone china, and a handwritten copy of their scone recipe for the home's chef.The ladies said they were "treated like royalty".
The story began when the home's activities co-ordinator, Martin Tilly-Reed, set up a Christmas wishing tree for residents to reveal their hopes and dreams for 2025.He got all kinds of responses, but the one from Betty and Jean caught his eye.Mr Tilly-Reed got in touch with The Savoy to see if they would make the ladies' dream a reality.
The hotel was built by the impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte with profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan opera productions and opened on 6 August 1889.It has three restaurants, all managed by Gordon Ramsay, but would they be able to bring something of their opulence to a South Northamptonshire care home?The answer came in the shape of a hamper of Savoy treats, a bone china Savoy tea service, and handwritten instructions for the Collingtree Park chef to create Savoy scones for all the residents.
Betty and Jean said: "It has been the most fantastic afternoon, we have been treated like royalty."We had the most beautiful fine bone china, delicious Savoy black tea, home-made Savoy scones, and gorgeous Savoy preserves as well."Such a day to remember and so lovely to be able to share it with all our friends here and all the staff who really are heaven-sent."The acting general manager of the home, Catherine Campbell, said: "The Christmas wishing tree was Martin's idea and he is busy fulfilling all our residents' wishes."This one took a little while to pull off but was it worth the wait."
Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
24 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Lord Hermer not to blame for ‘lenient' rape sentences, insists Cooper
Lord Hermer is not to blame for a rapist receiving a shorter sentence than Lucy Connolly, Yvette Cooper has insisted. The Home Secretary defended the Attorney General after The Telegraph revealed he declined to review 'unduly lenient' sentences given to a rapist, a paedophile and a terrorist fundraiser despite signing off on the prosecution of Connolly, who was imprisoned for 31 months for a tweet about last year's Southport attacks. Critics have since claimed Lord Hermer thinks 'rape is less serious than Twitter comments' after fresh concerns were raised about his 'appalling judgment'. The three criminals all received softer sentences than Connolly. When asked to look again at their cases, the Attorney General's office opted not to refer the decisions to the Court of Appeal for review. The revelations prompted fresh calls for Lord Hermer to be sacked after it emerged that he personally approved Connolly's prosecution, despite having the constitutional power to prevent it. He did not have any say over her sentence. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, confronted Ms Cooper over the case during Home Office questions in the House of Commons on Monday. He said: 'It emerged yesterday that the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, chose not to refer a man given just 28 months for rape for a longer sentence under the unduly lenient sentencing scheme, which the Attorney General can do. 'Yet, Lucy Connolly got more prison time for a tasteless tweet. Why does Lord Hermer think rape is less serious than Twitter comments? 'This is two-tier justice in action, and doesn't this show Lord Hermer has appalling judgment, and the Prime Minister should fire him?' Ms Cooper initially dodged the question, referring back to Mr Philp's record as policing minister in the last Conservative government. But pushed for an answer by Tory MP Sir Julian Lewis, she said: 'Lord Hermer does not decide sentencing. He has a particular role as the Attorney General that (Sir Julian)… as a very experienced member of this House, will know the way in which the system works.' In England and Wales, members of the public can ask the Attorney General to re-examine a sentence handed down by a Crown Court if they believe it to be 'unduly lenient'. He may then refer the decision to the Court of Appeal, which can keep the sentence the same, increase it or issue guidance for future cases. The criminals whose cases were 'not referred', according to data published by the Government, included Ben Churcher, from Wiltshire, who was given 28 months in prison in January for raping a woman in her home. 'Defies common sense' Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, claimed the findings suggested Lord Hermer considered a 'nasty offensive tweet' to be a more serious offence than rape, paedophilia or terrorism. This was because the Attorney General's office made the decision not to refer those cases to the Court of Appeal after Connolly had been jailed for 31 months, meaning he was supposedly aware of her sentence when he failed to challenge the others. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, also claimed Lord Hermer was 'content for Lucy Connolly to receive a tougher sentence for a nasty tweet than a vile rapist or paedophile', adding: 'That defies common sense.' A source close to the Attorney General said: 'The law officers are not involved in sentencing decisions, which are a matter for the independent courts. Nor do they have any role in setting the sentencing guidelines for particular offences. To suggest otherwise is completely inaccurate. 'Each unduly lenient sentence case is assessed against the specific guidelines for that offence, case law and in many cases advice will be sought from a senior specialist barrister. The Court of Appeal has set out what constitutes undue leniency, and this is a high bar. 'The law officers have referred a large number of cases to the Court of Appeal, many of which have resulted in increased sentences, including of rapists and child sex offenders.'
The Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Sun
Molly-Mae Hague reveals the £18 secret to her summer glow – and you can get it even cheaper if you hurry
MOLLY-MAE Hague has revealed the £18 secret to her summer glow – and if you're quick, you can get it even cheaper. The 26-year-old businesswoman recently returned from a holiday abroad and shared a makeup tutorial with her 4.1 million followers. 4 She revealed that she never wears makeup while on holiday, as the two don't 'really go hand in hand' for her. However, she decided to switch things up this time. Molly-Mae, who recently revealed that she is back with Tommy Fury, explained that she usually sticks to just one makeup look, but wanted to try something a little different. She began her routine by applying Refy's Face Sculpt Moisturiser, £38, and Primer, £24, followed by MAC Face and Body Foundation, £38, as her base. Next came Refy's Cream Bronzer in the shade 'Sand', £18, and a cream blush in the shade 'Malaya', £16, which she said gave her the look of a 'happy, rosy-cheeked girly.' She also dabbed some blush on the tip of her nose for a 'little bit more sun-kissed' effect. To set her under-eye area, Molly-Mae used a touch of Laura Mercier powder, making sure not to use too much in order to maintain her glowy finish. She followed up with Refy's Clear Brow Gel to set her brows, which she prefers to wear in a 'fluffy' style. For eyeshadow, she used Benefit's Hoola, £17, then applied Refy's Lash Sculpt Mascara, £20. Her lip liner of choice was MAC in the shade 'Whirl', £15, followed by Refy Gloss, £18, and she finished the look with Fenty Beauty's You Mist setting spray, £18. I feel sorry for myself but trolls were right - I was Quagmire but Zoe saved me from destroying my face, says Molly-Mae Molly-Mae closed the video by saying: 'I feel like holidays for me are just where I make my most magical and special memories that I just cherish forever.' Currently the Refy website has 15% for a limited time only. If you sign up to be a World member there is even a chance to get more discounts. Molly-Mae's video gained 2.3million views after one day of it being shared on her TikTok account. Her video also gained 569 comments, as many rushed to share their thoughts. 4 4 One wrote: 'I also use the Refy primer and brush; they are both really good.' A second added: 'Obsessed!!!! You look stunning and I'll be recreating this look ASAP.' Whilst a third said: 'The Refy mascara is such a good product especially for sensitive eyes.' And a fourth added: 'She just gets more gorgeous honestly.' Molly-Mae's glow-down from 'glamour model' to 'yummy mummy' Celebrity PR Expert, Ed Hopkins told Fabulous: 'I believe Molly-Mae Hague 's new look is more than just a style change but a powerful statement of who she is becoming. 'It underscores her journey towards authenticity, maturity, and sophistication and is likely to enhance her success and influence in the years to come.' Brand and Culture Expert Nick Ede agreed, and told Fabulous: 'Molly-Mae has transformed herself into a yummy mummy who has ditched the glamour model style for a more relaxed and natural look. 'She's becoming more down to earth and relatable to people and cleverly showing a softer side which will win her legions more fans in the process.' According to Ed Hopkins, Molly-Mae's chic new look could be 'highly lucrative' for the star. Ed told Fabulous: 'Molly-Mae Hague's transformation towards a more natural, chic look seems to be a testament to her personal growth and evolving style. 'This change, which has become more pronounced since she became a mother, appears to reflect her journey towards embracing authenticity and sophistication. 'It's possible that this new image could be highly lucrative for Molly-Mae. 'Her chic, understated style might appeal to a wider audience, including more mature demographics and high-end brands, potentially opening up lucrative endorsement deals and partnerships. 'By adopting a more elegant look, she seems to align herself with premium and luxury brands that favour natural beauty and sophistication, which could lead to higher-paying collaborations. 'Additionally, with consumers increasingly valuing authenticity and natural beauty, her new image could be both timely and marketable.' Nick Ede agreed and told Fabulous: 'She has started to promote some really great luxury brands including the cosmetics brand Tatcha and with her laid back look she will make a lot of money from brands looking to align with her.' Ed also noted that Molly-Mae's transformation may be a sign that she is looking to step away from her reality show past. He continued: 'Molly-Mae's transformation also seems to symbolise her desire even more so to well and truly step out of the shadow of her Love Island persona. 'The shift to a more mature and unique style appears to demonstrate her growth and her wish to be seen as an individual beyond her reality TV beginnings. 'By shedding the bold, flashy look associated with her time on Love Island, she might be rebranding herself as a serious businesswoman and influencer who is carving out her own identity. 'This new look helps her stand out in the crowded influencer market, showcasing her as a trendsetter with a distinctive, refined aesthetic.' Nick agreed and claimed: 'Shedding the flash looks she previously went for, she's also detaching herself from the Love Island stereotype and stepping out as her own person with a cool look that's not flashy but totally on trend. 'Gone are the 'look at me' posts and in are family style posts and trend led fashion statements.'
BBC News
32 minutes ago
- BBC News
Essugo arrives at Chelsea in time for Club World Cup
Chelsea have officially announced the signing of midfielder Dario Essugo in an £18m deal from transfer was agreed in March, alongside the signing of winger Geovany Quenda, who will move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the 2025-26 20, has been on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas this will join Chelsea for the Club World Cup and is expected to back up Moises Caicedo.
