Letter to George Bear
“Dear George,
We were deeply moved by your plaintive appeal to be freed from the drudgery of luxury living in the George Hotel and decided there and then to make every effort to free you. To this end we set about saving all our pennies and eventually had enough to travel on our quest to release you. We travelled half way round the world for 6 weeks calling at Singapore, Perth, Cairns, Sydney and then drove 3,000 miles around both islands of your homeland before eventually finding The George Hotel in Christchurch on the very last two days that we had remaining before our funds ran out.. When we enquired at reception of your whereabouts we were told that you had ‘run out’. We had not seen you depart although we may have been able to=2 0spot you from any other room but 401 from which one can only see a flat roof.
We now regret telling our grandchildren about our mission as we have to go back to England empty handed and break the bad news to them".
Marilyn and David
20 February, 2009
George's Reply
Dear Marilyn and David,
Imagine my distress when I received your message to learn that after all your travels and efforts I was nowhere to be found. As you can see from this email that I am now back and deeply saddened that I missed the opportunity to have new adventures and a travel to distant lands.
However all is not lost for I am not a bear known for sitting around and sulking but am a bear of action. I shall stow away aboard a plane and make my way to Storrington, West Sussex where I hope to find you and entertain your grandchildren with tales of my travels.
Please accept my humble apologies for being absent during your visit, hopefully I will be able to make this up to you when I arrive in the near future.
Kind regards,
George Bear
20 February 2009
Reply to George's letter
Dear George
We were so pleased to hear from you and that you are ready for new adventures. So, we await your arrival with great anticipation. Our grandchildren have lots of exciting things planned for you when you arrive and your stay (hopefully a very long one) with us will be filled with many activities. We also intend to take you with us as we travel around the world. Although you are a very well travelled bear, we hope to be able to show you places you have never been.
Bon Voyage George and we look forward to seeing you soon.
With kind regards
Marilyn and David
24 February 2009
Letter to The George Hotel from George Bear
Dear Bruce
Just to let you know that I arrived safely in Storrington this morning (see picture) only to be immediately whisked off to Ireland (see picture taken at Gatwick Airport where we were lunching as we waited for our flight) where I am currently enjoying the rain. I am so looking forward to meeting the 3 grand-daughters who are, of course, looking forward to meeting me.
Thank you for facilitating my journey to England. I can see I am in for an exciting time with Marilyn and David. I hope to keep in touch with you as I journey around.
My very best regards to you and all at the George.
George Bear
27 February 2009
Letter to The George Hotel from George Bear
Dear Bruce,
Still enjoying my travels and new friends. Attached are two photos of me enjoying the early spring sunshine on the shore of Lough Swilly, Co. Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. Also attached is another of me with Erin, the youngest of the Irish grandchildren.
More news to follow.
Kind regards
George Bear
2 March 2009
George's Travels
Dear Bruce,
My adventure continues - yesterday we went to the Giant's Causeway (see photos).This is a World Heritage Site and an area of outstanding natural beauty - a must for all travelling bears! Not sure about the better weather as have woken up today to rain and grey skiesbut I am promised that it will clear up later.
Kind regards
George
4 March 2009
More of George's Travels
Dear Bruce
As you can see from the attached, I am maintaining my reputation as "Action Bear". I am looking forward, though, to warmer weather which I have been promised will eventually arrive. (It was snowing slightly as I kayaked my way over Lough Swilly).
Best regards
George
5 March 2009
More of George's Adventures
Hi Bruce,
Yesterday we did the cultural bit of Derry/Londonderry although only scratched the surface as there is so much history here. Attached is photo of me sitting on the city wall with the street behind me running up to The Diamond, which is the centre of the walled area of the city. The hotel you see is not a patch on the George!!!!! Weather turned wintery last evening with some quite heavy snow in places but this morning it has gone and we have what looks to be a nice spring day ahead, although a little chilly.
George
5 March 2009
George catches up with family while tripping around
Dear Bruce
Have just spent the weekend looking after David's 3, Irish grand daughters(see attached of me with Amy, the middle girl) so we are all worn out. However we have today been for a bracing stroll along the edge of the Swilly, this time beyond Buncrana and Marilyn and David showed me where the Life Boat Station was just in case I ever get lost in the kayak.
This break in Ireland ends tomorrow but there are a few 'photos left that I have to send you during the week.
Hope all is well at The George.
Kind regards
George B
10 March 2009
George takes in the wonders of Lough Swilly
Dear Bruce
Just to let you know that I am back in England now having arrived from Ireland late last night, hopefully I will now get to see some of this country as we left for Irelend the moment I arrived in Storrington.
I attach three 'photos from yesterday which was a lovely spring day and the sun had some real, promising warmth to it. It is hard to imagine that Lough Swilly is connected to the Atlantic Ocean on a day like yesterday when it gets mirror flat. I have a few more 'photos from Inch to send including one from Inch Experimental Farm but David says he has to get government approval before we can send it, hopefully this will not be too long in coming as it is a very interesting picture.
Please give my best regards to all at The George
Yours
George B
12 March 2009
Letter to George
Dear George,
Thank you so much for the regular updates on your travels along with the beautiful photos. You have certainly been making the most of your new found freedom although I understand you may be settling down a bit more now. We have loved hearing from you and are certainly intrigued about your latest "top secret" government assignment. I imagine you have been grateful for your fur coat as you seem to have been outdoors quite a lot and taking in some stunning scenery.
We have been putting your photos up in our staff-room so all the team can see what you are up to and are still working on getting some local media to pick-up your story.
You also appear to have met some lovely children and we know how much you love spending time with them.
I imagine that once you settle in to your new routine you may not be in contact as much but that is okay, we will still remember you fondly and wish you all the best for your future life and adventures yet to come.
Kind regards,
Bruce
12 March 2009
George Settles in
Dear Bruce
Thankyou for your recent email, I am flattered that the staff are interested in my travels and all the time I am doing new things I will continue to keep in touch and let them know how I am doing. I am at present in Hampshire staying with David but had the pleasure of meeting Marilyn's daughter and grandson, Barnaby at the weekend when they came for the day. I have met Murphy the cat and he doesn't seem too bothered by my presence (see 'photo) and this afternoon had a ride in a car, David has promised me a flying helmet and goggles (nothing was mentioned about ear plugs as I really need them too) for the next trip out in it as it is very windy and I was really pleased I had my fur coat.
Kind regards
George B
17 March 2009
“Following completion of our [very] extended tour of New Zealand, we feel we must express our appreciation of our experience of The George when we stayed with you in November [24 -28].
Of all the 18 hotels we stayed in NZ, The George gave us the best and most memorable stay. From the quality, comfort and cleanliness of the suite to the excellent meals, nothing could have been bettered.
It was particularly nice to find the staff, without exception, friendly and helpful. It was notable that everyone, from room service to management, clearly took great pride in the hotel: not a usual experience these days. It would be good if you could pass these thoughts to the staff.
George Bear sends his best wishes: he has settled down well in England!"
Robin & Diane Jacob, Shropshire, UK
28-11-08
“This stay at The George I would rate as one of the best I have ever had in a hotel – on a global scale.
The extra touches (chocolate, water by bed etc) made it a very luxurious stay.
The service was amazing! Everyone was constantly on their toes, helping and giving quality service with a smile.
You should be very proud of your hotel!
Thanks for a wonderful stay.”
Ms Donnelly, Auckland
30-04-08
“My wife and I have been extremely impressed with your hotel in all areas.
The room has been excellent in terms of facilities, cleanliness and the way it is appointed. All the staff have been very helpful and friendly as well as being very obliging.
We ate in the hotel on all 3 nights of our stay and were very impressed with the standard of the food and the level of service from your staff. They were all very friendly and went out of their way to make us feel ‘special’.
I think what stands out for us are the little extra touches that you provide. My wife was particularly taken by the little teddy bear ‘George’. We would have no hesitation in recommending your hotel to anyone planning a visit to Christchurch in the future and we would definitely stay here again.”
Mr & Mrs G Carver, England
29-03-08
“Our Suite (415) was the best designed hotel suite we have ever experienced. Every consideration has been given to the needs of a guest- surfaces to put things on, drawers to put things in, every want has been catered for. Hotel room designers should be shown it – even if they are designing for smaller rooms, it would give them plenty of ideas.
The service has been exemplary. We cannot speak too highly of the staff.”
Lord and Lady M., London
6-2-08
