Networking is fast becoming an essential part of business development in companies around the Bristol area.

For those not accustomed to entering a room full of strangers in order to network it can also be a somewhat daunting prospect.

What many people don’t realise is that there are certain business networking techniques that can be employed to ensure that the time you take out of your already busy day is put to the best use.

By following the few simple tips listed below you can be certain that your next networking experience is a positive one:

• Be prepared – have lots of business cards readily available
• Be open minded – you have no idea of the potential contacts in the room
• Remember that networking is built on trust and relationships – be yourself and be genuine
• Don’t be afraid of joining a group already in conversation – networkers should automatically welcome new people to the discussion
• Have a concise understanding of your business and what you can do for others so that you are not lost for words in the heat of the moment
• Be interested in others – ask lots of open questions to open up discussions
• If you are given a referral make sure you follow up quickly and give thanks and feedback
• Make contact with those you’ve met at a networking event and suggest a further meeting to see how you can be of benefit to each other
• Remember – everyone attending a networking meeting is there for the same reason – they want to meet other people – so start talking.

Networking should be enjoyable.  There are many different types of networking groups out there – there will be one suitable for you – so go on and give it a go!

If you would like to receive details about our next networking event please contact Carole on 01454 415050.

Thornbury Carnival took place on 3rd July with over 11,000 people again thronging to the Mundy playing fields to soak up the fantastic atmosphere.

Ben's Delicious Scones!

Our stand was as popular as ever with local people sampling our delicious scones with jam and cream.

So Cute!

We would again like to thank the organisers who worked tirelessly to create and execute this outstanding local event.  Well done to everyone.  Roll on next year…

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a Silver Grading by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Our attitude towards ‘green’ issues has been studied and assessed by the Green Tourism Business Scheme and has culminated in us being presented this highly coveted award.

All aspects of the hotel have been examined in great detail and action taken in all areas including, purchasing, recycling, transport, waste management, guest information, energy and water consumption.

We are extremely proud of our acheivement and are grateful to all of our guests who help to make Alveston House Hotel an environmentally friendly establishment.

If you would like more information about the Green Tourism Business Scheme please visit their website www.green-business.co.uk.

This time of year brings out the budding gardeners in all of us.

Kathryn working hard on the borders at Alveston House Hotel

Gardener and landscaper, Kathryn  Mahon, picutured right, has kindly given us some tips for an eco-friendly garden so we thought we would share them with you.

1. Deter slugs and snails from tender plants by placing bulbs of garlic or crushed egg shells around the base of the plants.

2. Try to buy plants and shrubs that attract bees and butterflies. Not only is this creating a lovely habitat for these creatures, but they will eat aphids and other insect pests as well.

3. Try to encourage birds into your garden. Not only are they beautiful to watch they will also help control caterpillars and other bugs that can destroy plants.

4. Try to compost as much garden material as possible.  If you have treated lawns with a mixture of weed/feed, do not use grass clippings to compost heap.  Most manufacturers  recommend to dispose of seperately for the first 4 grass cuts.  Always follow instructions on the box.

We were recently invited to spend a day enjoying the hospitality of the Vale of Berkeley tourist attractions.

Berkeley is only 20 minutes from the hotel and is home to a fabulous selection of the  finest tourist attractions in the area.

I was thrilled to be able to witness TV celebrity Mark Horton proudly display the latest finds during the excavaion of the Jenner Museum gardens. 

The dig at Jenner Museum Berkeley

This facinating museum tells the incredible story of the famous Dr Edward Jenner who discovered vacination in the late 1800’s.

Swans at WWT Slimbridge

Full details of these and many more attractions can be found via our links page and also from reception at the hotel.

Photographs by kind permission of Chris McHugh of Seemac Ltd.

National Vegetarian Week is a week long celebration of good, honest vegetarian food – 24th-30th May 2010.

Did you know that around 11% of the UK population are now vegetarians? 

Why is it then that it is so hard to find delicious, exciting vegetarian food in restaurants accross the length and breadth of Great Britain including Bristol?

We are incredibly fortunate to have a chef who respects and appreciates our vegetarian diners.  Ben Halliday creates mouthwatering dishes that  even the most carnivorous of guests will find hard to resist.

To celebrate National Vegetarian Week we are offering special vegetarian dishes each night in addition to our existing A La Carte menu.

We would love to welcome you to Alveston House Hotel during the week so that you too can enjoy delicious home cooked food in the relaxing atmosphere of Carriages Restaurant.

The Bristol Food and Wine Fair 2010 is this year being held 2nd – 4th July and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

We are extremely excited to be involved with this years fair.  Tickets are available from the hotel and are priced from £8.00 per person.   Bed and breakfast accommodation may be booked on-line or by telephoning the hotel on 01454 415050.

During the event you will have the opportunity to sample wines from all over the world – wine will be available to buy by the glass, bottle or case.

As well as delicious foods from a variety of producers being available to taste and purchase there will also be cookery demonstrations and lectures to inform and entertain.

With the centre of Bristol being only a 20 minute drive away you can enjoy a relaxing weekend at Alveston House Hotel whilst also visiting this incredibly popular event.

For full timetable and further information visit the Bristol Food and Wine website.

Are you looking for accommodation close to the M4/M5 when travelleing down to the South West this summer. 

It’s always a good idea to break up a long journey- but with a stay at Alveston House Hotel, just 20 minutes from the centre of Bristol,  it can also be a real treat.

Our rates include a delicious full English breakfast – perfect to set you on your way to your holidays in the beautiful South West of England.

Special accommodation rates for June, July and August mean that a stop over at Alveston House Hotel can be an affordable and welcome addition to your well earned break.

Our walled gardens can be enjoyed throughout the summer – why not book a full afternoon tea for your arrival – the perfect way to relax after a long drive.

Call us now on 01454 415050 for our best rates.

A fabulous cheese and wine evening was held at Alveston House Hotel on Wednesday 14th April 2010.

Members of the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Branches of the Federation of Small Businesses were treated to a fine selection of wines accompanied by a delicious array of local cheeses.

Our guest speakers, Kellie Davidson from Matthew Clarke and Kevin Groves from Longman Cheeses, did a fantastic job enlightening guests on the subtle differences in wines and the delicate flavours of some of the regions finest cheeses.

The evening was a great success and our thanks go to Kelly and Kevin for their presentations.

If you would like to speak to us about organising an event such as this please do not hesitate to contact Sue or Carole on 01454 415050.

Are you listening to Community Radio?

GLOSS FM is back on air, broadcasting on 87.7 FM from Monday 19^th April through to midnight on Sunday 16^th May and can also be heard through their website www.glossfm.org across the world.

This time, one of our Receptionists, Perry Poole, is presenting a programmed called “Have Your Say” on Thursdays from 12.00 to 2.00pm and would love to hear from you.

“I presented several programmes on Thornbury FM, but now we have a new antenna which provides a much stronger signal so we can be heard across a much wider area, hence the change of name to GLOSS FM (as in Gloucestershire South FM) ” says Perry. “But this is the first time I’ve actively encouraged listeners to phone in and have their say, live on air. I know that there are several, controversial issues being discussed in homes, offices and hostelries across the UK. Now people can call their local Community Radio and get things off their chest!”

Perry will also be interviewing members of the local community; Our Head Chef, Ben Halliday will be appearing live on the show on Thursday 22 April at 12.35 to talk about his experiences of being a chef at Alveston House Hotel.  If you would like to “Have Your Say”, why not phone Perry at GLOSS FM on 01454 412001.