Swopping business suits and chef’s whites for lycra and cycling helmets, the Chewton Glen cycling team took part yesterday in the “ le Tour de Cuisine 2016” and raised £6,000 for Hospitality Action during the Cotswold Cycle Challenge.
In total over 160 cyclists registered for this sportive cycle challenge, sponsored by Zenith Hygiene Group, which started at the Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury. Riders passed through some of the most spectacular Cotswold countryside before completing the cycle ride with a BBQ, prepared by chefs from Lucknam Park, and a well reserved rest.
Completing the 100 mile ride, Chewton Glens team featured Mark Bevan, General Manager; Edward Fitzpatrick, Operations Manager; Kerry Hudson, Spa Director; Andrew Stembridge, Managing Director; and guest cycling appearance by André Garrett, Executive Head Chef of sister property Cliveden House. The money raised will be used by Hospitality Action to support the hospitality industry’s employees, both past and present, suffering life altering illnesses, experiencing poverty, bereavement and domestic violence or feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Commenting on the cycle challenge, Andrew Stembridge said: “Although there were four routes to select, the short 20 mile for those who enjoy a leisurely cycle, the mid-routes with 40 and 60 miles of countryside to enjoy, our team opted for the more challenging 100 mile option, and although we are all aching a little today we wanted to give the maximum we had, to raise a significant amount of money for Hospitality Action, which is a charity that we regularly support at both hotels,” he concluded.
In total ‘le Tour de Cuisine raised a staggering £37,000 for the charity, with more to donations to follow. Participants included those from: Calcot Hotels, Exclusive Hotels, Bespoke Hotels, Red Carnation Hotels, Gold Key Media, Whatley Manor, Chewton Glen and Cliveden House, The Capital, Walter Rose & Son, and many more HA supporters. So far Chewton Glen’s donation is the largest to be received.