A 65-year-old Windermere resident has landed a front of house customer service job to launch a new career in the hospitality and catering industry.
Having moved to the Lake District from Yorkshire earlier this year, Loraine Radcliffe is the new receptionist at The Wild Boar Inn near Crook.
While many of her friends and contemporaries have been busy thinking of retirement, Loraine was looking for a different challenge altogether. The Lake District is her favourite place and she had owned a holiday caravan in the area when her son was a child. So she decided she would up sticks, make a new home and look for a job in South Lakeland.
“I was amazed at the number of jobs available,” explains Loraine: “The Wild Boar name jumped out at me as I knew the inn already and had enjoyed dining there. I originally applied for the post of wedding and events co-ordinator but when that was taken, the general manager asked me if I was interested in the receptionist role.
“I thought: ‘that’s a good new challenge’. Some of my friends don’t envy me getting up at 6am for an early shift but I love the job. Retirement’s not for me. Whatever age you are, don’t be afraid. Just go for it. You never know what you might miss if you don’t.”
Loraine is originally from West Yorkshire and her longest career role was as the Civic Affairs Manager for the Lord Mayor’s Office in Bradford. In that role she managed a team of 12 and was responsible for all civic events, including royal visits, civic parades, ceremonial events, meetings and conferences. She even met the Queen on one memorable occasion.
Her husband’s passing in 2016 was a watershed moment for Loraine and her son Jamie encouraged her to try something new. She had a secret ambition to be a holiday rep, made some applications and was appointed to work for Saga in Carbis Bay in Cornwall. She worked two seasons there and another two in Europe on river cruises along the Danube and the Rhine.
Adam Bujok from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: “Loraine is a natural fit with the team and brings a wealth of experience from a varied career. She enthused about The Wild Boar in her interview and we were delighted to recruit her.
“She’s completely at home interacting with guests and making it her mission to ensure guests have the best possible stay with us.”
English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues is recruiting across the group’s four venues in Cumbria and North Lancashire. To find out more and apply, visit https://englishlakes.co.uk/jobs/