Retreat house is one of the best tourism experiences
Launde Abbey
Launde Abbey, the retreat house of the Diocese of Leicester, has been shortlisted for the award for the Best Tourism Experience category of the East Midlands Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2007/08. This regional award recognises the excellence of management, hospitality and welcome and the all-round experience that those staying at Launde receive.
The shortlisting has been given 'for the outstanding tourism businesses that help make the East Midlands so attractive to visitors'. The awards are to be presented at a prestigious awards dinner on the evening of the 10 October 2007 at the East Midlands Conference Centre. To successfully reach the finals Leicestershire businesses had to compete with other tourism businesses from across Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.
Rt Revd Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester, says: "I am delighted that Launde Abbey, our magnificent Tudor retreat house in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, has been shortlisted. As one of the finest houses of Christian retreat and hospitality in this country, it is right that Launde Abbey should receive the recognition it deserves for the quality of its care for visitors and its stunning location."
Describing Launde's contribution to tourism and spirituality, the Bishop speaks of the growing need for space in people's hectic lives. "As our lives get more demanding, more regulated, more busy, the silence of this place becomes essential if the wellsprings of spiritual life are to be kept fresh." Launde Abbey, he says, has already become "a gift of God to the people of across the county and beyond, to deepen their journey of faith, and to those searching to see if there is any such journey to be made".
Launde Abbey was gifted to the Diocese of Leicester over 50 years ago, and recently welcomed its 4,000th overnight visitor of the year, passing the total number of bed-nights for 2006. It is in the process of undergoing a major programme of refurbishment.
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Further information: Liz Jepson 0116 2487402
Mobile: 07966 288731
e-mail: liz.jepson@leccofe.org
Tim Blewett (Launde Abbey Warden) 01572 717254
