Archive - Originally posted on "The Horse's Mouth" - 2007-03-13 07:59:25 - Graham Ellis
Over the weekend, I was at "The Manor" for a while each day, door open for people to walk in. And I'm delighted to say that people know that we're a hotel, they do walk up, and they do walk in. Gone is the forbidding 8 foot wall which used to block the property in. And I delight in the variety of people we meet.
On Saturday, a young gentleman came by ... he's getting married in a couple of months in the town, and was looking for a room "with a fourposter" for the night before he and his bride head off on honeymoon. He had a look around and decided that, although there's not a fourposter in the place, one of our more romantic rooms is ideal.
On Sunday, a chap dropped in looking for casual work. I've nothing to offer, but had a good chat with him - I thought he looked familiar and indeed he was telling me that he used to be homeless in Bath but now had a place in Melksham. Been through some tough times, as described to me, but now fighting and clawing his was back up life's ladder putting demons such as drink behind him.
I don't share some of the views of "Bob" (shall we call him that?) - religion isn't my thing, and nor can I comprehend the gift of healing he says that he has. And there's a strong chance of the odd downward step again as he climbs the ladder - so even if we had something available, it would need to be offered very carefully. But I am impressed with his determination to step back up, his open-ness on the issues he faces, and I wish him well.