A MANAGER has marked his 24th year of service at the Windermere Briery Wood Country House Hotel.

Roger Benson joined the business as the new manager in 1998 and has enjoyed over two decades with the hotel and experienced everything that the Lake District hospitality trade has to offer.

After living in Ambleside for over 40 years, Roger has seen the industry grow and change over nearly a quarter of a century.

Roger is a family man who has been married for 35 years and has a daughter who lives in London.

He marked his anniversary on May 24, 2022.

Roger said: “Working in the lake district and the country hotel has been such an important part of my career.

“Seeing the company grow has kept bringing me back. We have been through a lot of refurbishment programs and that has kept things changing around here.

“We have expanded into the wedding side of things which has been incredible.

“It’s been amazing to see people come to us for weddings.

“I’ve seen a lot over the years, most recently how things were during lockdown and the sudden return of trade once it ended. Lots of nice memories.

“We have been busy since we came back in May after the second lockdown.

“We didn’t get a chance to have a refurbishment done as a lot of companies weren’t available and our staff were on furlough. It just wasn’t the ideal time.

“Outside of work I played for the Windermere Taverners as a wicket keeper. They are a charity cricket team and they’ve played a few matches before the lockdown. It’s great to be back with them and raising some money.

“We have a few games coming up, and I’ve even played against the hotel team.”

The hotel wrote a statement of tribute to Roger for his years of service.

They said: "Our very much loved Hotel Manager Roger celebrated his 24 year work anniversary last week.

"We are so proud of all of his achievements in his 24 years with us and thank him for his continued hard work, dedication and laughter he brings to the team.

"Here's to the next 24 years hey Roger."