Happy Birthday Holiday Inn!

Telford's Holiday Inn hotel is 20 years old in May - and four of its original staff members are still part of the workforce.

The hotel, in St Quentin Gate, was originally built in 1990, with an extra 50-bedroom extension added 10 years later.

Four of the hotel's current staff members were among the team which officially opened for business on May 5, 1990.

Wendy Ford started off at the Holiday Inn working in the housekeeping department, and is now General Manager of the hotel.

Room attendants Pam Bradley and Gill Darlington have also served the hotel since its launch, and both only retired this month.

Food Services Manager, Pat Wyer, has also been a member of the team since the beginning and continues to work at the hotel.

Tom Gray, Chief Executive of the Southwater Event Group which owns the hotel, said it was a real milestone for the company.

"We're very pleased to have reached such a landmark anniversary, and even more delighted that four of our original members of staff were here to help us celebrate."

The hotel is also currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment programme to refit the bedrooms with new fixtures and fittings, furniture, and bathrooms.

Improvements are also being carried out in public areas of the hotel and the customer toilets, and the upgrades will be completed in phases over the next three years.

The hotel refurbishment programme is part of wider development plans for the Southwater Event Group which also owns The International Centre, The International Hotel and Grays Hotel.

Long term plans for the Group include creating a new 1,000 capacity conference suite at The International Centre, a new 200-bed hotel, and new bars and restaurants around The International Centre itself.

ENDS/Tic Holiday Inn anniv rlse/April 21, 2010

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