Leading UKHA into the future

Big welcome to the new UKHA National and regional Chairs

Kerry Adams, now executive head housekeeper at Crieff Hydro Hotel in Scotland, is the new National Chair, stepping into the role previously held by Lorraine Dale. Most readers will know Kerry well as she’s been a formidable supporter of UKHA, leading as the Yorkshire and NE Region for over a decade, prior to her move over the border.

Hers is a remarkable personal and professional story, demonstrating how enthusiasm and determination can lead to a wonderful career. We explore more of this with her in our In Focus feature this issue, starting on page 24 in the magazine.

The new National Chair has already revealed to members that her ethos is of ‘one team, one goal, one dream’ with a message of: “Let’s work smarter not harder.” She wants to broaden the membership base and encourage new housekeepers entering hospitality to join the association. Fernanda Lewis, executive head housekeeper at The Goring, now leads London region, where members are very grateful for the hard work of acting 􀂑hair Liana Sparks, who will remain a member of the regional committee. Lisa Williams, executive housekeeper at The Grand, York is taking over from Kerry Adams as Yorkshire Chair. Her predecessor held the role for some 14 years so there’s bound to be a lot of ‘comparing notes’ between these two good friends.

Jean Roberts has done a fantastic job as acting 􀂑hair in Manchester and would always be a hard act to follow, but members can also expect commitment and drive from new chair Jan Flynn, housekeeping manager at The Bridgewater Hall. We say ‘new’ but Jan’s been a UKHA member since its inception 37 years ago, serving as regional 􀂑hair on three previous occasions. Delia Cannings has driven Midlands region as a great Midlands acting Chair, but now hands over to Melanie Penn, head housekeeper at a HC-One residential home, having previously worked at 4-star hotels in Birmingham, as executive head housekeeper of a private members club in London and in housekeeping at Windsor Castle.

The new Scotland Chair also has a wealth of experience. Ruth Clark is head housekeeper at the Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club in Dumfries. She’s worked in both large chain hotels and small privately-run ones, with Highland Heritage Coach Tours and on the 5-star Hebridean Princess cruise ship.

Great turn-out in London

The UKHA London meeting at the luxury St Ermin’s Hotel allowed members to admire some fascinating late-Victorian features, including opulent ornate plasterwork ceilings and fretwork adorning the walls. The hotel was originally a private mansion and it’s believed Winston Churchill held secret meetings there in 1940 with the founding members of the SOE (Special Operation Executive).

Around 60 suppliers and housekeepers enjoyed the famous St Ermin’s cocktail and canapes, kindly sponsored by Royal Jersey Laundry and Diamond Staffing Solutions. Goody bags were provided by The White Company in ADA Cosmetics bags.

The guest presentation by Astley Shields of PHS Group was on what has been the taboo subject of ‘male incontinence’ in association with prostate cancer. PHS are leading the way in hopefully persuading hospitality venues to provide waste bins in men’s bathrooms for those with the condition, allowing disposal of incontinence products users must wear in their daily lives.