As we prepare to reopen our doors and welcome everyone back, we thought our wonderful couples might like the opportunity to get to know the team a little more, put some faces to names and learn a little bit about the people you’ve been speaking to on the phone or via email over the last few weeks.
Hi
What’s the oldest thing in your fridge? Same as Jo’s! We have a big tub of blackcurrant sorbet in the freezer which we need some help getting through when the weather warms up again
Do you have any nicknames? Markie by my grandson-in-law
Who would play you in the movie of your life? Tom Cruise
What’s your go to karaoke song? This is me from The Greatest Showman
What’s the best thing you’ve done during lock down? Tricky question! One of the ’best’ things is I’ve helped set up a support network for village residents. We’ve also managed to rearrange about 50 weddings which has been difficult but such a relief when it’s all sorted for the couples in question. The most enjoyable things are getting some of projects completed which we have been planning for ages but not had opportunity to do. I’m also enjoying the home baking and fresh veg from the new veg garden!
Now, the important bit… Tell us about your dog!! Same as Jo! We love Alfie to bits, he can be a handful at times but is so loveable and is delighted to see you whether you’ve been away for 5 minutes or 5 days! He adores playing with his ball and loves playing catch, and is extremely good at it, better than me
I’m a Derbyshire girl born and bred and love walking in the rugged hills of the Peak District. I originally trained as a nurse but now, alongside my work at Wootton Park I work as a teaching assistant in Stratford. I have 2 sons and 2 beautiful grandchildren. I have lived and worked at Wootton Park for 9 years now and it is the most magical place. I can be found doing many different roles from creating beautiful flower beds, to interviewing for new staff members, to paying the wages, to serving food on a wedding day and generally keeping an eye on all things Wootton Park!
We have a very energetic rescue dog called Alfie who is very lucky to live here!
What’s the oldest thing in your fridge? I have a chocolate dipping spoon to go into milk to make hot chocolate but for some reason have never used it. It must be about 3 years old.
Do you have any nicknames? Not that I know of!
Who would play you in the movie of your life? Goldie Hawn, ( when she was younger! )
What’s your go to karaoke song? I don’t really like karaoke unless I’m drunk but I would choose Frank Sinatra My Way or Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
What’s the best thing you’ve done during lock down? Helped create a fantastic vegetable bed and we’re now eatIng delicious veg. Also created a new flower bed at the entrance to our venue which is gorgeous and will be perfect for photos!
Now, the important bit… Tell us about your dog!! His name is Alfie and he is a rescue Mongrel, we’ve had him for about 11 years old and he loves living at Wootton Park with the wide open spaces and endless fields. His favourite toy is chasing a ball!
Hi, my name’s Emma! I started at Wootton Park in March 2020, just before the country went into lock down, so it’s been a very steep learning curve, but a fun one! I’ve worked in events since 2005 and I’ve done probably every events based job you can think of, but weddings are hands down my favourite!
I have an irrational fear of clowns and anything that flaps, so please don’t be alarmed if I’m walking around and then suddenly squeal at the doves! Hopefully we don’t get many clowns here!
What’s the oldest thing in your fridge? I have a tiny shot bottle of Jagermeister, which has been there for years but I cant’ bring myself to open it…..it reminds me too much of cough syrup!
Do you have any nicknames? I’m known by my nicknames more than my actual name! Elmo, M & Ms, Frank and Francine are the most regularly used one, but Roid is my longest standing nickname. My dad gave it to me before him and my mum even agreed on Emma! If you ask nicely, I’ll tell you the story!
Who would play you in the movie of your life? People tell me all the time that I look like Brie Larson or Yvonne Strahovski, but I think Jennifer Lawrence, she cracks me up!
What’s your go to karaoke song? Bohemian rhapsody, every time!! including Wayne’s World style head banging!
What’s the best thing you’ve done during lock down? Other than setting up a huge paddling pool, complete with unicorn and llama floatie, it’s been really nice to go to the local farm shop and do more home cooking than go out for dinner. Oh…and colouring my hair pink was a massive highlight for me!
Now, the important bit… Tell us about your dog!! His name is Alfie! He’s a border terrier crossed with a pug, I call him a bugger, amongst a million other nicknames! He’s 11 years old in September (his birthday is 2 days before mine!) He’s a complete fluff monster and I spend half my life removing fur from everything because he’s so cuddly! He’s a self confessed treat addict and loves to sing along to bagpipes, which we wholeheartedly encourage!!
Probably best described as a tiny, welsh perfectionist! I grew up in rural Wales, near the seaside and moved to the midlands after completing my university degree. I’m an animal lover (and dog mum!) with a love for anything creative! I have over 6 years experience in hospitality and events, I’ve done it all, from charity fundraisers to swimming galas and of course Weddings!
I started my new adventure at Wootton Park in the Spring of 2020, which unfortunately turned out to also be the start of a global pandemic!! It’s been an interesting journey so far but a fantastic one with a dream team at the helm and I absolutely can’t wait to get stuck in to making all of your wedding dreams come true very soon!
What’s the oldest thing in your fridge? Something healthy no doubt. Chocolate barely lasts 12hours in my fridge!
Do you have any nicknames? Grandma, Nat, Auntie Natty and Tonksy!
Who would play you in the movie of your life? Jennifer Aniston or Sandra Bullock .. And ideally they would share their secrets to not ageing!
What’s your go to karaoke song? I don’t have a song, I have a whole playlist! Top faves are Beyonce – Listen, I Love Rock & Roll – Britney Spears, Part of Your World – From ‘The Little Mermaid’ and pretty much anything Disney!
What’s the best thing you’ve done during lock down? Watched Hamilton!
Now, the important bit… Tell us about your dog!! He’s the best! My 2 year old Cavapoo fur baby is called Buddy (or sausage, funny onion, Budda, pooch, baby boy.. I could go on all day!) We rescued him just over a year ago, but it feels like he has been with us forever! He is fluffy, full of love, adorably cute and a cheeky little problem 90% of the time!!
Good bye Katie…
After three years, our wonderful Wedding and Events Manager, Katie, is leaving us. Many of you will have met and spoken with Katie during your wedding planning experience and fallen in love with her, like we all have! Her infectious smile and enchanting personality will be greatly missed by not only our amazing couples, but also the entire Wootton Park team and our fantastic suppliers!
Emma and Natalie have been working hard over the last few months to learn everything that they can from Katie before she leaves us in July, so rest assured, you will be in good hands!
We want to take this opportunity to thank Katie for all of her hard work and dedication to Wootton Park over the years! We wish you the very best of luck with your new role, you’ll smash it, but we really will miss you dearly!!
