Hotelier celebrates quarter of a century running the 4 star Adelphi in Merseyside

CAROLINE Grogan from The Adelphi Guest House, in Southport, is celebrating 25 years in business this year.

The Guest House is a 4 star hotel located on:- Bold Street, between the Lord Street Boulevard and the Promenade, in the centre, the perfect place for those visiting the Town.

When Caroline bought the guest house, she tirelessly built it up from a 2 star hotel to what it is today.

25 years on Caroline still enjoys every single bit of owning the business, with most guests becoming friends and extended family over the years.

She said:- "The job is relaxing for me because I get to be myself. I'll sit with the guests, have a cuppa, make them breakfast. Everyone who visits is like my friends and family."

A self-professed:- 'natural with people,' nothing is too much for Caroline. She enjoys making people feel special and happy.

She said:- "I enjoy my job and I think that shines through to people. I enjoy making people feel happy and remembering everyone who walks through the door is the best part."

Through owning the Adelphi and getting to know each guest, Caroline has even found a long-distance relative from Australia and reunited with an old School friend.

Now, her regular guests often buy her Christmas presents, and she always wishes each 1 a happy birthday.

One guest has been staying for around 22 years, during every Southport Flower Show. They always bring Caroline a gift back.

Visitors include:- people from all over the world, including:- America and New Zealand.

Caroline thinks it is their love of Southport which always attracts them to return. She said:- "You can do everything here. There's the Promenade, the Town, restaurants, independent shops. There's always something to do. It's a good place for a relaxing weekend away and even a good base for walkers, with amazing train connections."

Caroline's mum and dad were originally from Southport, which is why she took on the Adelphi Guest House in the 1st place. She prides its success on the:- 'homely' and inviting atmosphere. She commented:- "A lot of single people come here because it's safe. It's a really homely atmosphere so people feel relaxed. They can go in the lounge, have a drink, watch TV and it's not far if they want a wander around the Town."

Despite running a successful business for 25 years, it hasn't come without its challenges. Caroline is the only person who runs it; cleaning the rooms, making food, checking people in. She added:- "There's good and bad days and it is a lot of hard work but I wouldn't change it for the world. People say they'll be carrying me out of here in a coffin!"

To find out more about what the Adelphi Guest House has to offer you can visit the website:- AdelphiSouthport.Co.UK.

Edge Hill University supports launch of 13th annual dot-art Schools competition

EDGE Hill University is supporting the launch of the 13th annual dot-art Schools programme, an initiative that encourages artistic talent among Schoolchildren across the Liverpool City Region.

The programme invites Year 5 and Year 9 pupils to participate in an online art competition, with the winning pieces displayed at Liverpool's prestigious Walker Art Gallery.

The dot-art Schools programme engages over 1,500 students from 100 primary and secondary Schools each year, offering children the chance to develop their artistic side, have their skills recognised and envision a future career in the arts.

Carolyn Murray, dot-art Schools Project Manager, said:- "We are grateful for the continued support of Edge Hill University's Faculty of Education as a major partner. The University's generous contribution makes this programme possible."

Dr Helen O'Keeffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education at Edge Hill University, said:- "Our fantastic partnership with dot-art has helped to promote creativity and promote good mental health in Schools; 2 things that are key to our curriculum here at the University. I'd encourage every School in the City Region to try the competition and find out for themselves how much the children and teachers enjoy the experience."

The competition, which culminates in a prize-giving ceremony and public exhibition, provides the opportunity for children to showcase their work for the 1st time in a public space, giving them confidence and pride.

Alice Demba, Young People and Adults Lead at National Museums Liverpool, said:- "I want to praise the dot-art Schools' 2024 exhibition for its celebration of students' creativity, passion, and enthusiasm. A standout moment for me was engaging with students and families; it was wonderful to see how their sense of pride and achievement boosted their confidence and self-belief. I'm excited for the 2025 showcase at the Walker."

Lucy Byrne, Director of dot-art, added::- "dot-art Schools is all about encouraging self-expression and creativity. We can't wait to see the new ideas and talents students will bring to the 2025 programme."

Schools interested in participating in the 2025 programme can register online via the dot-art Schools website until Christmas. For further information, visit:- Schools.Dot-Art.Com or contact Carolyn Murray at:- Carolyn.Murray@Dot-Art.Com.