​           Vancouver Yachts Association

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Woodlands Lodge and Environment
The Woodlands Lodge Hotel is a charming “boutique” hotel with 3 acres of private grounds opening onto the New Forest.  Originally built in 1550 and extensively revamped in 1770 it was believed to be owned and used by the Duchy of Westminster as a Royal Hunting Lodge.  It later became a country house hotel in the 1950s yet still retains its character and grandeur.
 
The New Forest - designated a ‘National Park and an area of outstanding natural beauty’- was established in 1079 by William I.  From the hotel grounds there are walks through the beautiful forest on many good gravel paths, including through to the ‘capital’ of the New Forest,  Lyndhurst.   On your walk it is not uncommon to see deer and other wildlife not to mention the wonderful bird song. There are many places of interest nearby such as the quaint but famous village of Beaulieu with its motor museum, Bucklers Hard where many of Nelson’s warships were built, Exbury Gardens or in another direction the market town of Romsey with its ancient abbey; the National Trust house and gardens of Mottisfont; etc.
 
Transport links
By road, close to the M27 (J2).  By rail , the station less than 2 miles away at Ashurst with trains from the mainline station in Southampton travelling from London to Plymouth with countrywide connections.  There are airports at Southampton and Bournemouth.

Dinner
Please see the three course dinner menu ( downloadable from your VYA WebCollect account ) for you to make your selection.  Cost per person is £32 with payment to be made directly to the Vancouver Yachts Association using your VYA WebCollect account.  Your menu selection should be sent to Cindy Hammond as directed on the form.
 
It is planned to introduce a raffle during the evening with sailing-related prizes, as well as two others generously donated by the hotel.  Proceeds to the ANDREW CASSELL FOUNDATION  for disabled sailing.
Should any member wish to donate a prize, it will be gratefully received. In this respect please advise Cindy Hammond
 
Accommodation
As the Woodlands Lodge Hotel is ideal for our event, the entire hotel has been booked on a non refundable basis to secure the substantially discounted rates negotiated.  In the unlikely event there is a shortfall in bookings, then these will have to be borne by the VYA.  There  are 17 beautifully appointed but different rooms available.  The very special room rates, which include breakfast, are:
 
6 Standard at £70 each           8 Deluxe at £80 each          3 Suites at £100 each
 
To avoid disappointment, it is recommended you book your accommodation as soon as possible to secure one of these lovely rooms/suites DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL  - tel : 02380 292257 - quoting ‘VYA’.  Should the demand require, a ‘wait list’ will be set up by the hotel.  We also have a list of nearby alternative accomodation. Should the country find itself in another ‘lockdown’ situation, there would be a postponement or refund arrangement in place.  Whilst this appears unlikely now, it cannot be ruled out in the light of past experiences.
 
The Weekend
With the amazing room prices obtained why not make it a full weekend by adding a Sunday night as well.  If booked at the same time as the Saturday the hotel will honour the special price, including breakfast, for the second night.  If sufficient members stay on for the Sunday and Monday and interest is expressed, then a program  perhaps  of walks and visits (with possible discounts) could be arranged.  Alternatively you may prefer to just relax at the hotel and stroll in the gardens.
 
Any Queries regarding hotel/menu
The Venue and Dinner this year have been negotiated/arranged by Cindy Hammond (V34P Pajero) so any queries in this respect please email Cindy directly on hammondsatcobwebs@gmail.com ( with VYA in the heading please! ).  Please also let her have your menu choices.  It would be helpful too if you could advise if booked to stay over and whether for one or two nights.

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