A lucky Group Insurance Scheme member will become another one of the many officers to have benefitted from the branch’s luxury holiday homes after he won a week’s stay in a recent competition.
Sergeant Paul Wilson is set for a well-deserved break at the Old Byre, a stunning stone-built barn conversion at Wandylaw Farm in Chathill.
Paul won a week’s stay at the retreat during Northumbria Police’s latest Direction to Outstanding event, a conference held to engage officers and staff with the Force’s performance strategy.
Speaking after receiving the prize, he said: “I was absolutely delighted to hear I had won the stay – firstly, because I seem to be one of those people who enters various competitions and plays the lottery weekly but never seems to win.
Holiday homes
“But more importantly, I am happy because I have heard very good things about the Federation’s holiday lodges and they sound amazing.
“The home I am staying in looks like the perfect place to switch off from everything, and that’s what I’m really excited about more than anything else. I booked up as soon I could, so I had it all to look forward to.”
At the Old Byre, Paul and his loved ones will have access to three comfortable bedrooms – an ensuite master, a double and a single – and other amenities such as a family bathroom, well-appointed kitchen and a log-fire sitting room.
Guests can also keep warm with underfloor heating, while outdoor features include a landscaped garden with a patio to enjoy alfresco dining.
Beyond the property itself, the spectacular Northumberland countryside – with miles of beautiful coastline and beaches – and numerous English Heritage sites like Alnwick Castle and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne await.
Branch chair Nick Munnelly congratulated Paul on his free stay as he highlighted the importance of officers enjoying downtime from the demands of policing.
“In Northumbria, we are fortunate we don’t have to go very far to find perfect areas for an idyllic getaway, and that’s where the Old Byre comes in for us and our Group Insurance Scheme members. I’m sure Paul and the guests he brings along will love every minute of their time there,” Nick said.
“Whether it’s the Old Byre, or our other holiday home, Windermere Holiday Lodge, it always pleases me when I hear about people taking advantage and booking them up for a break with family and friends.
Friendly prices
“While we might not be able to host everyone for free, we are very proud of our holiday homes and the fact we can offer them at such friendly prices. I think it’s as crucial as ever that our members have access to such opportunities.
“Time off work is one thing, but time off in a complete change of scenery can be so beneficial, because it gives you a real chance to disconnect.”
More information on the Old Byre and Windermere Holiday Lodge, a second holiday lodge at White Cross Bay in Cumbria sleeping six people, can be found on the holiday home page on our website.
Both destinations are on offer at affordable rates to all members opted into the Group Insurance Scheme, with availability calendars displayed from which booking enquiry forms can be filled out and sent to the branch for approval.
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