Bennet House reopens after major refurbishment
29 June 2011
Bennet House, the Legion's Poppy Break Centre in Portrush, Northern Ireland, re-opened its doors yesterday, following a major refurbishment.
Mrs Elizabeth Alcorn from
Belfast was the first guest through the doors, and was presented
with a bouquet of flowers. Other new arrivals
were welcomed with champagne, Buck's Fizz and strawberries as they
enjoyed getting to know one another and took in their beautiful new
surroundings.
The refurbishment, which took 12 months and has come in below its £2m budget, has transformed the Break Centre with a more contemporary design voted "beautiful" by one new guest.
Property Development Manager Paul Gillam said: "Following expert advice, the chosen design has given the property a more luxurious, but not ostentatious, feel which seemed to be thoroughly approved by our first guests.
"The enthusiasm and dedication of the Bennet House staff made the day a complete success ensuring beaming smiles and even tears of happiness for some of our guests."
Bennet House Manager Melanie Truss said: "We have an exciting week planned for our guests, many of whom are enjoying their first visit to Bennet House. We have planned daily outings to shopping towns and local tourist attractions such as The Giants Causeway, lots of arts and craft classes and even some traditional Irish music performed in our 1950s American diner-themed room later in the week.
"The
inside has been completely transformed and looks quite boutique and
contemporary. We still have 16 en-suite
bedrooms, several including shower and bath. Our
Amenity Committee commissioned a well known local artist, Adrian
Magey, to paint four-foot-square contemporary pictures of three
local landmarks, including the world-famous Giant's Causeway, which
are quite awesome!
"The staff are delighted to be 'home' but, as they say, home was never this good. It's a pleasure to work in these surroundings and they are all very proud of their new workplace. They all deserve a pat on the back for the effort they have put in to get us back here as well."
More information on Bennet House and our other Poppy Break Centres can be found here.
