Dodford Manor
We would like to extend our very best wishes to all of you in these challenging times.
It is with a cautious sense of growing optimism, that we begin to look ahead to the rest of the summer and what it means both for us a venue and for you, our happy couples. We are extremely grateful for the patience and understanding shown to us over this unprecedented period. Our small team has been extremely busy, supporting all those couples immediately impacted by the lockdown measures and we continue to be here to help you in any way we can in the build-up to your big day.
The Government has recently clarified that the Registration Service is now permitted to open in England for registration purposes, with couples able to be married at approved venues, supported by gatherings of up to 30 people. This means that Dodford Manor is now able to host wedding ceremonies for up to 30 people with effect from Saturday, 4th July and we anticipate further lifting of restrictions in the coming weeks and throughout the summer.
Dodford Manor is a highly flexible space and the slight relaxation in social distancing guidelines from 2m to 1m+ is welcome news. We are now planning a wide range of potential layout options for our couples, ensuring we comply with guidelines while still giving you a day to remember for the rest of your lives. The hospitality sector continues to press the Government for direction and we all hope the green light is given soon to allow for a full reopening. We strongly believe our venue, with its exclusive private use, space, ventilation and flexible layout presents significantly less ‘risk’ than any pub or restaurant open to the general public.
It goes without saying that the safety of everyone at Dodford Manor is ever paramount and we have followed Government guidelines to the letter throughout lockdown. This period has provided us with the opportunity to revise the way we operate and we have already taken significant steps to make the venue ‘COVID-secure’ ahead of our return.
These actions include:
- Installation of hand sanitisation stations; with signage, hand sanitiser, tissues and discreet foot-operated bins at the entrances to the venue and to the ceremony room.
- Frequent cleaning and anti-virus sanitation regime for all common touchpoints including door handles, stairway bannisters, loo handles and frequently used hard surfaces including coffee tables and bar.
- Increased ventilation of internal spaces and further internal doors held open.
We anticipate further measures to be implemented in the immediate future including:
- Discreet Perspex bar shield
- Clear floor markings for approach and exit routes
- Increased bar area space and enhanced spacing between dining tables
- Extra hand sanitisation stations
- Staff temperature testing and reporting
We appreciate your ongoing goodwill and support. We are awaiting further Government updates buy Saturday 4th July is a milestone for us all. It is a great stride forward and enables us to reopen for ceremonies. We are in constant dialogue with our industry body, which is lobbying Government, the Registration Service and local MPs and we remain cautiously optimistic that the situation will continue to progress positively.
As ever, we ask for you to bear with us as we work our way towards a full reopening. Our wonderful couples are, and always be, at the forefront of our minds and we are working hard to do all we can to ensure we’re ready for your special day.
We can’t wait to share it with you.
Our very best wishes
Simon, Annabelle, Rachel, Lynsey, Carla, Marije, Lydia, Jessica, Ashleigh, Simon and Bruce and our fabulous Housekeeping Team.
The Dodford Manor Team
