English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has filled quite a number of job vacancies during the uncertain times of Covid-19. We’ve welcomed some great team members who are either changing career, or who are looking for a new employment challenge. One such person is Loraine Radcliffe who joined The Wild Boar team in August 2021. Having had a very full career to date, and with some responsible managerial positions under her belt, Loraine had decided to up sticks and move to the Lake District for a new challenge.
I was intrigued to find out what had prompted the move, and why she had rejected the option of retirement for the fast-paced life of a Receptionist at The Wild Boar.
Tell Us a Bit About Yourself
I was born and brought up in Leeds. In my 20s, love came knocking and I moved to Bradford where got married and settled down. I’ve had several job titles in my career, but most of my time was spent in the Lord Mayor’s Office in Bradford where I was employed, very happily, for 27 years. I was Civic Affairs Manager and had a team of twelve people working with me. We were responsible for all civic events, including royal visits, civic parades, ceremonial events and many other meetings and conferences.
Highlight of your time there?
I was responsible for Bradford’s Royal Maundy event at which the Queen distributes Maundy coins. One standout moment was when I met Her Majesty – she even stopped and spoke with me. That was quite an honour.
What Led to a Job Search in the Lake District?
Five years ago, my husband passed away after a battle with cancer. Obviously it was a difficult time, but it also led to a watershed moment. It was my son, Jamie, who encouraged me to try something new. He asked me what I would always regret not doing. I’d always held a secret ambition to be a holiday rep, that was back in the days of Pontins and Butlins red coats. I spoke to a friend who worked for SAGA and they encouraged me to send in my CV.
Long story short, but I was offered a job as a Saga holiday rep in Carbis Bay in Cornwall. I loved the people contact, welcoming guests, taking them on tours and making sure they had a great holiday. I did two seasons in Carbis Bay and then transferred to river cruises where I worked a further two years and saw some amazing places along the Danube and the Rhine.
Covid struck and the cruises were late in getting started again. I found the isolation difficult and struggled with the boredom of not seeing people. That’s when I struck on the idea of a ‘Meals on Wheel’s service for the elderly people in my community. Again, I loved the human contact and gained as much from the experience as the recipients.
Post-Covid it was time for a new adventure! When most people would be thinking of retirement, I needed a new challenge. The Lake District is my favourite place in the UK and we’d spent a lot of time here as a family. So, I up sticks, rented a house in the area and started a job search. I was amazed at the number of jobs available, with signs in lots of the local shops and restaurants.
Searching on Indeed.com, The name Wild Boar jumped out as I knew the Inn and had enjoyed a stay there, and absolutely loved the food. After an interview the General Manager, Adam Bujok, rang to offer me the job of Receptionist. I thought, ‘That’s a great new challenge’, and without any hesitancy said ‘Yes’.
How have you settled in at The Wild Boar?
I have fitted into the Wild Boar team well and I love the camaraderie and the sense of family. We’ve been on a few evenings out and I’ve signed up for weekly Zumba classes with some of my colleagues. It’s very important to me that every guest leaves with a happy memory of The Boar, and I take that as a personal challenge. I love checking out happy guests that have had a great stay. I particularly love the reputation The Wild Boar has for great food and many of the guests comment on that.
A few of my friends think I am mad, especially when they know I have to get up at 6 am for the early shift. I’ve absolutely no regrets and am loving life at The Wild Boar and in the community of Windermere.
Retirement – never! Whatever age you are, don’t be afraid. Just go for it. You never know what you might miss if you don’t.
Join the Team at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues
It was inspirational talking with Loraine whose vivacious personality, and joie de vivre is just perfect for her role at The Wild Boar. If you are ready for a new challenge, or have reached a watershed moment in your life, why not take a look at the jobs and careers available at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues.
Take a look at the job opportunities available today.