 Although conferences are strictly business while private functions are for celebration and relaxation, choosing the ideal venue is a make-or-break decision. According to Bathurst hospitality entrepreneur Robyn Hanney, who is known for her magnificent historical venue and the events it can host, both business and private functions require similar selection criteria. We take a closer look at some of the points she raises and the factors event planners should take into consideration when choosing venues.
Read: Accommodation Bathurst Affordable Bed and Breakfast Guest House Places to Stay 1. Memorable Venues Make for Memorable Events Finding a space with catering facilities and a hall with tables and chairs is easy enough, but these two basics don’t necessarily make for a memorable event. “Special spaces make special memories,” says Robyn, “and my clients invest in events because they want their function to be remembered for all the right reasons. For example, Holmhurst Guest House in Bathurst is completely unique. It’s a historical building with gracious grounds and magnificent views. Just being here is enough to make attendees realize that something significant is about to happen. They’re expecting something extraordinary, and they’re receptive to the event’s message and purpose.” 2. Ample Space and Privacy When people organize events, they need private rooms with enough space for all delegates and guests. Robyn points out a fact that may seem obvious, but that some of us may have felt the lack of in the past: “You don’t want distractions. If it’s a private function, it’s about the person or event it is held in honour of. If it’s a business conference, delegates need to be able to concentrate on the speakers. It’s impossible to focus in cramped, awkward quarters or when random strangers keep passing through.” “During my career, I have worked in several managerial positions, and I’ve seen entire events cancelled, or moved at the last minute, because the hosts and event planners failed to ensure that space and privacy were adequate,” she says. “Good staff management on the part of the hosts is also important. For example, waiters shouldn’t move between tables during speeches. Again, it comes down to maintaining a distraction-free environment.” Read: Bathurst Accommodation Quality and Affordable B & B Guest House New South Wales 3. A Service-Oriented HostThere’s no room for rigidity in the hospitality industry. Event hosts need to have a guest-oriented mentality. “You can’t refuse requests just because they’re last-minute, and you can’t expect schedules to run like clockwork,” Robyn remarks. “I’d say that on most occasions when I’ve hosted events, people tended to be a little behind schedule rather than ahead of it. That means we have to be ready to adapt our plans and direct our staff accordingly.” “We also have to be ready to help with details we may not have been told to consider beforehand. For example, we may not have known that the bridegroom wants to accompany his speech with a slideshow, or that the CEO’s assistant needs a desk and chair to herself. Whatever the need, we have to try and meet it if it’s at all possible to do so.” Robyn asserts that good event planning is all about communication. “The venue’s manager must be ready to talk, listen, and ask questions. Even the most efficient event organizer can forget a small but important detail. I look for gaps in the specifications and if I see one, I’ll check with the client. Good service means clarifying expectations, and I want Holmhurst to be remembered as having fulfilled every one of them to perfection.” For more information and to book your stay at Holmhurst Guest House visit, HOLMHURST – Affordable B & B Accommodation in Bathurst or call 0434 937 306  With it’s friendly atmosphere and fascinating history, Bathurst is a small city with a big heart that attracts visitors from around the world. Although it’s a great place to relax, there are also plenty of activities and attractions in and around Bathurst. We asked Bathurst’s Holmhurst Guest House owner, Robyn Hanney for her top picks. After all, locals always know where the good stuff is happening! Read: Accommodation Bathurst Affordable Bed and Breakfast Guest House Places to Stay Bathurst Festivals and Events There’s almost always something on in Bathurst, and visitors may want to time their visit to coincide with one of its many festivals and events. Of course, the Mount Panorama motor racing circuit, near Ms Hanney’s gracious guest accommodation at Holmhurst Guest House, is renowned. But there’s much more to Bathurst than just fast cars. Those with artistic leanings will enjoy the Arts Trail, which is open to visitors once a month, while supporters of live music will love partying at the annual Inland Sea of Sound Festival. “The Winter Festival is lots of fun and it’s usually a big drawcard. This year, organizers have cut back on the program somewhat owing to Covid-19, but we’re all hoping that it will return to its usual festive glory once this difficult time is over,” says Ms Hanney. Fascinating Historical Buildings, Museums and Galleries Those with a fondness for history will find much to do in Bathurst. The city features several beautiful historical buildings, of which Holmhurst Guesthouse is one. “We’ve worked hard to keep the interior appropriate to the Edwardian origins of the house,” says Robyn, “so guests can really soak up the ambiance of Bathurst here. And, of course, there are many other historical buildings to visit. Miss Traill’s House and the amazing Abercombie House located just out of Bathurst are among these.” While some of the museums in Bathurst are historical homes that reflect the lifestyle of a bygone era, one of them stands out as going much further back – to prehistoric times. Housed in a building dating back to 1876, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum is not to be missed! If visitors are looking to admire something a little more modern, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery is the place to be, says Ms Hanney. “There are many museums and galleries in and around Bathurst, but these are definite highlights.” Read: Bathurst Accommodation Quality and Affordable B & B Guest House New South Wales Country Day Trips Encompass Natural Beauty and a Mining Heritage Exploring Bathurst itself can keep a program full, but for visitors ready to break away into the countryside, there are even more attractions to enjoy. “There are some amazing walking trails near Bathurst, and many of them feature striking views over the countryside, fascinating rock formations, and relics of our history as a mining town,” says Ms Hanney. “You can really feel the pioneering spirit here, and I recommend packing a picnic and spending at least one day of your holiday in Bathurst enjoying the outdoors.” From easy trails that make for pleasant strolling to rather more strenuous ones with panoramic views as the reward for all that physical activity, there’s something to suit every visitor to Bathurst and its surrounds. Visit Bathurst and See For Yourself It would be fair to say that one could write an entire book on Bathurst and its many attractions. Whether an art fundi, a history buff, a rugged hiker, a motor racing enthusiast, or a foodie, visitors are sure to find memorable activities and amazing photo opportunities. Choose the calming oasis of Holmhurst Guest House (located conveniently close to the CBD) as the starting point, and the place where you return to a warm welcome, tired and happy after the day’s adventures. For more information and to book your stay at Holmhurst Guest House visit, HOLMHURST – Affordable B & B Accommodation in Bathurst or call 0434 937 306  Lots of things look like “easy living” when viewed from afar, but a career in hospitality takes more dedication than outsiders may have believed. Whether you’re an aspiring guest house owner or a hotel school student, it pays to listen to the experts, and there’s no doubt that Robyn Hanney, owner and hands-on manager of Holmhurst Guesthouse in Bathurst, NSW is among the voices you should hear.
Location, Location, LocationRegardless of the niche you hope to occupy in the hospitality industry, your working experience dictates your style - and it could either open or close doors for you. The location of hotels and guest houses dictates ambiance, atmosphere, activities, and style. And since the business’s owners and employees will be catering for their guests, it will affect the ways in which they work and the knowledge they gain in the process. “Holmhurst Guesthouse provides accommodation for quite a wide range of people with varied interests. But it’s not only chosen by Bathurst visitors because of its relatively central location. It’s a historic building, and as such, people are expecting old-world comfort and an entirely different and more personal experience to the one they’d get in a very modern, convenience-only-based, “sleep-and-go” style establishment.” “Whether you’re working in an establishment or starting your own business, you should think about the type of guests for whom you want to cater. Will they be adventure tourists, holidaying families, businesspeople, or honeymooners? What you do and what you offer depends on your clientele.” Hours? What hours?Thoughts of a career in hospitality may conjure up visions of sun-soaked beaches and luxury living, but it’s a business direction that includes a lot of hard work, and the hours you’ll be busy can be unpredictable. Robyn explains: “When you work in hospitality, your job is not about you. It’s about your guests and the overall guest experience from the first booking enquiry to checking out. You can try setting fixed working hours but be ready to be flexible.” “Even in the biggest hotel chains where the staff is numerous and set shifts are prescribed, you’ll still experience last-minute needs for overtime and the dreaded midnight calls to cope with sudden crises. Once again, it’s all about the guests. When what’s going on behind the scenes is organised chaos, what they see and experience must be professional, always pleasant, and so smooth as to be seamless. Be ready for anything in this career because anything can and does happen!” It Helps if You Genuinely CareAlthough Holmhurst Guesthouse was a new venture for Robyn Hanney back in 2018, she has always been a keen traveler. “I know what makes people feel welcome and valued, and I know how to deliver it. If you want to succeed in the hospitality industry, it’s knowledge you absolutely must have. If you think the hospitality industry is for you, I recommend traveling so that you can experience the hotel and guesthouse industry from the guest’s perspective.” “But it goes beyond that. People can see whether you genuinely care or not, and it helps a lot if you do care. Knowing the right words to say and the right expression to wear isn’t going to convince anyone. You need empathy. You need to want that perfect guest experience as much as your guests do.” “If you thought you were a people person, hospitality is the acid-test of whether you really are one. It’s more than how you work with your guests in person. It’s every detail. Cleanliness, food, those special touches you offer beyond the basics - it’s an all-out effort and, when you make it, it should feel like a pleasure to you too.” For more information and to book your stay at Holmhurst Guest House visit, HOLMHURST - Affordable B & B Accommodation in Bathurst or call 0434 937 306  There’s a special “something” about certain buildings, especially when just looking at them is enough to tell you that they have a story to tell. Holmhurst Guest House, a sprawling Edwardian mansion in Bathurst, New South Wales, is such a building.
While some buildings lurk behind impenetrable fences and remain mysterious, getting a look around Holmhurst Guest House is easy. These days, it’s a popular Bed and Breakfast in Bathurst with its own website. And if pictures on a screen don’t convey enough of its ambiance for your liking, you can simply book a room and stay there for a few nights. It’s certainly a space that offers a unique experience. Guesthouse owner and manager Robyn Hanney is the person to ask about the building’s history - and as its looks imply, it has seen over a century of life’s ups, downs, dreams, and dramas. Here’s a brief summary covering the basics of Holmhurst’s history. Chapter 1: The Family Residence Back in 1904, when it was built, Holmhurst must have been everyone’s idea of a dream home. The man behind the construction was a respected banker, Mr James Holmes, and it was here that he settled with his family and lived out the rest of his days. Little else is known about the man himself, but it’s easy to imagine a large family, living out an elegant lifestyle behind its walls. The garden, still part of the property, must have been a wonderful place for children to play, and Mr and Mrs Homes were surely among the “Smart Set” of the town in their day. They would have entertained guests in the spacious rooms, and an invitation to dine with the couple would surely have been considered as an occasion to don one’s best clothes and exercise one’s best “company manners.” Chapter 2: The Catholic Orphanage Sadly, Mr Holmes and his family would not enjoy their beautiful home for many years. In 1915, he died, and his widow donated the property to the Catholic church. There are both sunny and sad sides to this, the longest chapter in the building’s history. It became St Joseph’s Orphanage, also known as St Joseph’s Girls’ Home, and it would continue to fulfill this role until its closure in 1975. Today, we can see a plaque commemorating the many girls who reached womanhood here. It touchingly refers to their tears and laughter as well as their time spent at work and at play. Though some reports say that the nuns were often strict and not always as merciful as the name of their order, The Sisters of Mercy may suggest, we can safely assume that there were nevertheless times of happiness, acts of kindness, and even love. The building itself underwent some changes, notably, the addition of 4 extra wings, including a chapel during this part of its history. After all, it was no longer a building meant to house a single family with a handful of children. But nothing remains the same forever, and the orphanage was closed in 1975. The Catholic Church retained its ownership of the building and used the space as a seminary for ecclesiastical studies until its sale to a new owner.& Chapter 3: Holmhurst Reborn - From Student and Motor Racing Enthusiast Accommodation to Welcoming Guest House In 1992, “St Joseph’s” was sold to a private entrepreneur who recognised the potential of the large building as a residence for university students. It was also a convenient spot for accommodating motor-racing enthusiasts pursuing their passion at the nearby Mount Panorama racetrack. It was during this phase of its varied history that the name “Holmhurst” was restored to the stately building In 2018, Robyn Hanney became the new owner, and her vision was much more ambitious. Together with her partner Greg Hargans, she resolved to recapture both the ambience and the sense of elegance, converting the magnificent building into a welcoming guest house for Bathurst’s visitors. Today, we see the high-ceilinged rooms a far cry from how they must have looked during their decades as an institution. Holmhurst is a happy home once again, and a truly beautiful one into the bargain. It’s a place fit for weddings, honeymoon memories, romantic weekends away, and family holidays with the kids all rolled into one, and it’s not just the place or its period-appropriate furnishings that makes it that way. Both seasoned travelers, Robyn and Greg know how to make guests feel welcome. They believe in the personal touch. The welcome, the panoramic look at the surroundings from the gorgeous balcony, directions to local attractions, and sociable evenings around the fire – Robyn and Greg are the perfect hosts. Asked about the house in its current incarnation Robyn proudly says: “There are very few buildings like this in Bathurst. It allows guests to step back in time and appreciate the architecture and style of a bygone era.” Robyn and Greg have created an experience in hospitality that makes you feel right at home from the first time you enter the doors of Holmhurst Guest House. To us, this may seem like a happy ending, but to Robyn and Greg, every day is another new beginning. The story of Holmhurst continues… For more information and to book your stay at Holmhurst Guest House visit, HOLMHURST - Affordable B & B Accommodation in Bathurst or call 0434 937 306 |
