23/01/2007 - Clumber Park Hotel Left Counting Cost Of Thursday’s Storms

The owners of the Clumber Park Hotel are still counting the costs of the storms that lashed the county last Thursday. (January 18)  

The hotel, which is now back in full operation, was left without electricity for 50 hours after a tree brought down power lines, guests were booked out to other hotels and an annual Scrabble weekend was cancelled.

And because power was off for so long, thousands of pounds worth of food in the hotel’s fridges and freezers had to be thrown away.

On the Thursday night, food was prepared and served by candle light and bottled water used for washing. A total of 14 guests braved the conditions, and one couple even stayed the whole weekend, unconcerned by the lack of facilities.

Clumber Park co-owner Derek Macdonald said: “When the power was cut we were told we could be without electricity for up to seven days.

“The storm has certainly caused us some problems and we have had to book customers out as well as having to cancel the annual Scrabble weekend. We also had two trees in the car park blown down as well as having to get rid of a lot of food.         

“As a result of losing our power we are now investing in a generator to ensure if this ever happens again we can carry on regardless.”