Staffordshire Environmental Quality Award

In November we were awarded the Staffordshire Environmental Quality award for our committment to the environment and making Staffordshire special.

Only a handful of businesses have this award as I write this and it is rewarding to know that we are one of the leaders in this important initiative.  Of course, as we live here too, we have a vested interest in keeping the environment safe and special.  Cannock Chase is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a site of scientific special interest (SSSI), a national park, a nature reserve with the largest population of wild deer in the country, and a beautiful place to live and visit.  Staffordshire has many hidden gems and you really need time to explore the beautiful countryside, stately homes, adventure parks, markets, festivals, museums, gardens etc etc etc etc . 

Why don't you visit us soon.?  I know you'll be surprised and delighted and want to come back time after time.....

Sonia

http://www.dalraddycottage.com/

GOLD award again

Hi

Oops - It's been a while since my last blog.  A lot has happened over the last year too.  We have just been awarded 4 star GOLD again (for the third time) by Visit Britain.  This accolade is only awarded to the top few percent each year.....  We are justifiably proud of this achievement.

A lot of things are taken into account when we have an assessment - the standards book is almost as thick as a certain phone directory!  It's quality and attention to detail that makes the difference, and trying to provide all the extras that you would need at home.  Still every year we manage to come up with a list of potential improvements, even though our guests already class us as "Excellent"........It can be something as simple as providing kitchen foil, cling film and freezer bags in the kitchen drawer to us being there when a guest's shopping is delivered. 

Keep an eye on the website for new photographs of the interior and exterior too.......

Sonia

http://www.dalraddycottage.com/

Eco friendly Cleaning

As part of our commitment to the environment, we have always used eco friendly cleaners wherever possible and encouraged our guests to try them in the cottage, in the hope that they'll (you'll) get hooked and then use them at home.

We are aware though that in this tight economic climate you may be tempted to go for "cheaper" non-eco friendly alternatives so I have been trialling simple to make natural alternatives which cost even less. 
The first of these is " a general cleaner" below -

As always, be careful when trying a new product or ingredient in your home. Test the cleaner in a small area first, especially on rugs and carpets, which could stain permanently.

General Cleaner

For most household cleaning, use a simple mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle   to remove dirt and germs. You can use this mixture to clean windows, floors, and countertops

I'll be trialling this over the next few weeks to clean the windows, floors and work services - I'll let you know how I get on.

Sonia
x