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Interview with Mrs Raina Chatel mainly about working as hotelier in Douglas, 1959-1999

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Date(s): 21 June 1995

Creator(s): Manx Heritage Foundation

Scope & Content: Tracks 1 and 2: Mrs Raina Chatel talks to John Beckerson about working as hotelier in Douglas. She talks about her maternal grandparents from St Helens having hotel called the Wembley; Raina’s parents guest house on Bucks Road, then Warrington on Central Promenade, Douglas; refurbishing hotel after the Second World War; helping her father in the hotel and taking over in 1959; how much they charged and what was included in full board; taking on The Imperial in 1975 and selling it in 1980; buying cafe and selling it in 1985; 1993 buying The Blossoms (originally Sandy Beach) B&B; decorating; visitors unhappy with holiday establishments on the island; being on the town council; Promenade requiring regeneration; types and age groups of visitors who stay at B&B; average day at the B&B; changes to operating establishments; relations who also ran hotels; prominent families who ran hotels; guest house association; favourite aspects of the job; differences in types of visitors; entertainment on the island such as dancing and cabaret; how most people hear about her B&B through word of mouth.

Interviewer asks her about Douglas Holiday Club where she worked as a private secretary; she describes types of work she did there; different types of people at holiday camp; return guests to bed and breakfast; and what she thinks makes a good establishment.

Administration / Biographical History: Mrs Raina Chatel was born 29 June 1938. John Beckerson, researcher, born 1974.

Language: English

Extent: 33 min. 54 sec.

Item name: cassette tape

Collection: Sound Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: SA 2019-0001/60

Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.

Subject tags : #UOSH, #UOSHHolidays

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