Combermere Abbey - A Year In Review

As 2017 is drawing to a close and the New Year looms filled with new prospects and adventures, we’ve been thinking about what a truly fantastic year we’ve had here at Combermere Abbey…

Throughout this year we’ve been delighted to see both our romantic, magical, enchanting wedding venue and charming, relaxing B&B recognised for their quality in industry awards. In November, we attended the Marketing Cheshire Awards at Chester Racecourse, and came home with not one, but two prizes! Not only were we highly commended in the ‘Wedding Venue of the Year Category’, but we also took home the title of ‘Best Boutique Accommodation’ for the fabulously unique North Wing.

It’s not hard to see why we managed to fight off the tough competition, with the North Wing steeped in so much history, mixing beauty, elegance and luxury to create a truly unforgettable stay. Did you know you can even top off your stay with ‘The Wellington’ package, a bespoke selection of drinks and nibbles of your choice? Perfect nourishment after enjoying a walk through our ancient woodlands.

Another huge event of the year was owner and manager of Combermere Abbey, Sarah Callander Beckett, who spent years restoring the Abbey and creating the stunning wedding venue we know today, being appointed as this year’s High Sheriff of Cheshire! The High Sheriff is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen to represent her in the county, and Sarah wanted to use her time in office to highlight the issues and challenges faces by rural communities and to work with a whole range of local charities – including the Cheshire Community Foundation and Crimebeat.

Sarah was appointed as High Sheriff back in April, at a ceremony held right here in Combermere’s exquisitely restored library. Throughout her term, the High Sheriff has attended events which recognise the unsung heroes of the county, and given speeches at charity fundraising events.

In the summer she was delighted to open the unique ‘Remember Me’ garden at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, in collaboration with Jane Bingham and Mid-Cheshire Hospital’s Dementia Appeal. Visitors to the garden were taken on a journey that represented the first instance of a diagnosis of dementia, right through to the stages of 24-hour care. The display brought to light just how many people live with dementia and how important dementia friendly environments are in everyday life.

As well as raising money for charities throughout the year from our Garden Open Days and Classic Car Show, in October we were delighted to work with the students of Bishop Heber High School, as they organised a charity walk at Combermere in aid of Cheshire Crimebeat. As well as raising an incredible £570 for charity, the project helped Bishops’ ‘Combermere Team’ develop their event management skills and helped to encourage positive citizenship in the community – something you can never have enough of!

We’ve seen some absolutely beautiful weddings in 2017. Jo’s Couture Cakes has made some showstoppers – from gold leaf marbling to grades of popular copper, each and every bake has been equally scrumptious and stunning. We’ve also been lucky enough to have our glasshouse and pavilion decorated by the incredibly talented Red Floral – we’ve seen everything from simply stripped back greenery to extravagant rose centrepieces with hanging candle baubles. And who can forget when our drinks partner Gorilla Events 1920’s themed ‘Pimp Your Own Prosecco’ bar?

View our 2024 special offers here

View our 2024 offers here

Combermere Abbey – a year in review

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