The recruitment day at Windermere’s Langdale Chase Hotel follows a hugely successful event in the North Lakes which attracted more than 60 people, many of whom are now working in hospitality or tourism.

The events are labelled “Discover New Opportunities” at any age, and while younger people are most certainly invited to attend, the focus is on those who might have retired and miss the daily banter with colleagues, or find that they still need something to fill part of their days. Others might be looking for a new challenge and the chance to meet new people... in the loveliest corner of England.

This one is on Thursday November 27 from 3-5pm. “You can have a drink and a nosey around the hotel, and then chat to prospective employers,” said LDHA chair Ben Mayou. “We have some beautiful hotels in the Lakes staffed by lovely people, and you might want to consider spending a few hours a week, enjoying the location and earning some extra pin money.”

SUCCESS STORY

Sheila Williamson landed in the Lake District after an action packed “gap” year, travelling around Central and South America, New Zealand and SE Asia.

But Sheila wasn’t on the usual student experience trip. She was a newly retired former nurse who’d worked as a GP practice manager, and now – at the age of 61 – she’s embarking on another new career in one of the Lakes’ leading hotels.

A runner and walker who had always loved the Lake District, Sheila went along to a recruitment day organised by the Lake District Hotels Association and realised that here was a chance to live another of her dreams. She let out her house in Cheshire, rented a place in Kendal, and now works two days a week as part of an enthusiastic hospitality team at the Langdale Chase.

“It’s a flexible and varied arrangement,” says Sheila, who’s now taking the opportunity of her spare time to start ticking off all the Wainwright fells. “I work with the food and beverage team, sometimes in the lounge, sometimes behind the bar. I really enjoy it, and it’s given me the chance to maximise on my outdoor pursuits.”

Originally from south west Scotland, Sheila has also lived in Edinburgh. Now in the South Lakes, as well as running and walking, she’s taken up the new game of Pickleball, for which there’s a thriving club in the region.

“I’m doing something completely different, enjoying working part time, and earning some extra money,” she says. “I’m really enjoying it. Given I had no experience in the hospitality industry I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity. The support has been amazing, and I am excited to continue to learn new skills and contribute to this team.”

THE MANAGER'S VIEW

Langdale Chase hotel manager Mike Vincent said: “We’ve had some real success in recruiting people who, after having had a career and years working in other industries, are wanting to do something different with a role that is flexible to their needs. Hospitality is perfect for that, with so many options.

“There is naturally an element of trepidation of ‘I don’t know how to pour a pint or carry plates or use a computer’. But I say, don’t worry, we can teach and support you with all of that. What is important for us is a warm and genuine personality from someone who wants to give great service.

“We have seen a huge benefit in adding this dynamic to our team, having our older workforce interacting with our younger team members, who are just starting on the their career journey. This has enabled learning and appreciation to be had from both sides. Our older team members bring with them life experience, understanding of hard work and doing a job well. Often there are so many transferable skills you wouldn’t think exist.

“As I said to Sheila when I met her for the first time at our LDHA Event, why don’t you come along meet the team, have a go at it and if it’s not for you then we can shake hands and move on. If you are thinking about it but not sure, why not come along and have a chat.”

Anyone interested is asked to book on the free event, so organisers know how many to cater for. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/discover-new-opportunities-at-any-age-tickets-1414313512789