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Blenheim Palace was awarded a Silver grading by the UK’s leading green tourism promotional body in recognition of its commitment to helping the environment. The Green Tourism Business Scheme was founded in 1997 and is now the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK honouring businesses that demonstrate high levels of commitment in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. On 13th November, local MP Rt. Hon David Cameron presented the current 11th Duke of Marlborough with a ‘Heritage Tree’ to mark the Palace’s continued commitment to conservation and the environment. Penelope Viscountess Cobham, Chairman, VisitEngland attended the event, alongside, Her Excellency Mme Fu Ying, Chinese Ambassador who helped plant the tree as a symbol of ‘friendship with China’. Award winners are scrutinised by qualified assessors on more than 145 separate measures - including efficient lighting and heating, nature conservation, use of renewable energy, buying local produce and community involvement - before being appointed the relevant grading. The GTBS is already considered one of the most rigorous green accreditation schemes in the world and is the only certification scheme validated by VisitBritain. “Blenheim Palace is an icon of the British landscape and we are very proud to admit them to the growing family of GTBS members across the UK,” said Andrea Nicholas, Director of the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The palace has worked hard to obtain a Silver grading and has shown real commitment to the environment and to improving the sustainable use of resources. It is a shining example to others of how such magnificent monuments to Britain’s past can help lead the way to preserving our future.” His Grace, 11th Duke of Marlborough says of the Awards; ‘It is a great credit to everyone within the business here at Blenheim Palace to receive such recognition. We all feel incredibly proud of these important achievements which recognise the high standards and continuing hard work that is applied daily to improve the enjoyment of our visitors. Jo Bates, catering services director, Sodexo Prestige at Blenheim Palace says; “The Sodexo Prestige team is delighted to have supported Blenheim Palace throughout the accreditation process and is committed to working in a sustainable way. We have initiated important partnerships to improve the overall environmental performance. We have a commitment to British sourcing where possible . This is best demonstrated through our partnership with Foxbury Farm which is an award-winning, family run farm, located just outside Brize Norton, Oxfordshire and currently rears lambs, pigs and cattle. Local honey is sold in the shop and our local ice cream which we served in the pantry is very popular.” Head chef Billy Bush champions local and seasonal produce in all of the menus he creates. Currently his favourite dishes include Rack of Foxbury Lamb with Lemon & Brioche Crust Crushed New Potatoes, Seasonal Greens, Garlic & Rosemary Jus as well as Seared Fillet of English Beef, Wild Mushrooms & Spinach Pie served with Fondant Potato and Crushed Root Vegetables. Billy regularly visits Foxbury Farm and says; “It is great to have developed this partnership with Foxbury Farm. The beef are naturally reared and the stock is made up of Aberdeen Angus, Lincoln Reds and Blonde Aquitaine. In the summer the young cattle graze in the Oxfordshire meadows and in the harsher times are housed. On the farm the main breed of pigs is Gloucester Old Spot with some British Lock. The pigs are all free range and fed on GM free food. Scotch Mill and Texel lambs are also reared on the farm at Foxbury and are fed on grass and barley grown on the farm.” Coffee with Principles is served at Blenheim Palace and is accredited as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance Certified and organic. It truly is ethical, supporting the growers, the environment and farming methods – ensuring it tastes good not just today or tomorrow, but well into the future. Prestige Sodexo Prestige joined up with Matthew Algie, the UK’s largest independent coffee roaster and number one for Fairtrade, to develop ‘Coffee with Principles’. In addition to Fairtrade coffee, guests are also served Blenheim water from the estate. Blenheim Palace For over 300 hundred years Blenheim Palace has been the family home to the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace to Sir Winston Churchill. A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture designed by Sir John Vanburgh, Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage Site and as King George III said of it, "We have nothing finer". Blenheim Palace is a versatile venue offering a range of private function rooms whether it is a boardroom meeting for 30, a private, intimate dinner for 10, weddings for up to 180 in the beautiful Orangery. The extensive parkland and gardens provide the perfect space for marquee events for up to 2000 guests and adrenalin, fun team building and family fun days. The Blenheim Palace State Apartments provide stunning settings for drinks receptions and gala dinners from 80 up to 300 guests. Blenheim Palace is just minutes from the M40, 1.5 hours from Central London and 45 minutes from Heathrow Airport.
Set in the stunning parkland of Burghley House, the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials offers that elusive ‘something different’ at one of Britain’s favourite events. Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th September, 2010
Back of the net! With Newcastle United back where it belongs in the Premier League, now's the time to get on board with the winning team by holding your next meeting, conference or event at Newcastle's own St James' Park