Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, June 6, 2024

Vice- President Olaf chaired the meeting.  

 Guests Beverly Hare, Wendy Butt, Assistant Manager of the Glynmill Inn, and Connie Rose, General Manager of the Glynmill Inn were introduced and welcomed.

 

 Martin introduced the guest presenter Cory Abbott, Marketing Director of Steele Hotels Group of which the Glynmill Inn is a part.  Cory spoke about the Glynmill Inn which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary on June 30, 2024.

 On being introduced, Connie spoke of her personal connection to the Inn as her mother and siblings have all worked at the Inn. She noted the Glynmill Inn has been fortunate to have a loyal family-connected staff over the years.

Cory began by looking at the history of the Inn. In the early 1920s the Armstrong- Whitworth Company who were building the paper mill in Corner Brook, decided that senior staff needed living quarters. In 1923 Andrew Cobb designed the Tudor style “Staff House”. When the paper mill was operational this became the hotel known as the Glynmill Inn.  On May 16, 1924, Mr. Bill Cossitt and three employees of Pickering & Watson, signed the register and three weeks later, the first dinner was served. 

 On June 30, 1924, Sir Glyn West, Chairman of Armstrong-Whitworth Company Limited, officially opened the hotel.  The hotel had two dining areas, the Carriage Room, and a special private dining room for VIPs, had two bars, the Tudor Room and a special club called Blomidon, for members only and behind the building were tennis courts.

Cory showed several photographs of guests, some very famous, staff, and activities at the Inn over the years. The Inn has has served as a focal point for many local organizations. He noted that the Corner Brook Rotary Club held its first meeting in 1956 at the Glynmill Inn. 

 In 1974, the property was acquired by Atlantic Inns Limited, and an additional wing added.   Now the Glynmill Inn reflects a contemporary spirit but keeps its rich traditional heritage. The Inn is one of the best examples of a Tudor-inspired building in the province with the original Tudor Style half-timbering still in place.

 Cory continued by talking about the 100-year Anniversary celebrations that will take place. There will be collectible souvenirs available, a call for memories has been placed. Artifacts, photos and memories will be displayed in display cabinets as part of the 100-year celebrations.  On June 30^th, there will be an Anniversary Dinner held in the Carriage Room for which tickets are available.  Questions and memories were shared before Gerry thanked Cory on behalf of the club.

 The Rotary Wheel was spun by Jim and Rotarians shared good news stories before the meeting was adjourned.