MEMORIES of life at the Talbot Hotel in Malton were relived during a special afternoon tea to celebrate its re-opening.

As part of the project to create a hotel for the 21st century, a book has been produced charting the Talbot’s history and fortunes over the past 300 years.

An appeal was made through the Gazette & Herald for readers’ memories and stories of the hotel for the book produced by writer Norman Maitland.

Those who contributed to the book and helped with its production were invited to the hotel last week for a preview of the refurbished premises.

Dorothy and John Nendick, from Malton, held their wedding reception at the hotel on September 8, 1962.

Mrs Nendick also worked in the hotel kitchen as a schoolgirl and had fond memories of her time there.

“I was 14 and used to come every evening after school to help in the kitchen, and also helped the ladies upstairs, which I loved, earning £1.25 a week,” she said.

“We’ve been back a few times since but it is now so different – it is such a lovely building now.”

Margaret Boyes, who worked at the Talbot for eight years after leaving Norton Girls’ School in 1958, said the afternoon had brought back many memories.

“I used to work in the kitchen and it is certainly a bit different now,” she said.

“This has made my day – it’s fantastic and everything is so beautiful, the whole hotel is wonderful.”

Eileen Bulmer, who was employed as a nanny for the manager’s children around the same time, said she was delighted to be back.

“I cannot thank everyone involved enough – the staff have been wonderful to us girls,” she said.

“I was also able to see the old nursery, which is now a bedroom.”

Joyce Richardson came to work at the hotel in 1957 as a waitress, following in the footsteps of her mother, Mabel, who worked at the Talbot for 41 years.

“I came straight from school and was here for 12 years. It was a fantastic time,” she said.

“The Talbot was the ‘in’ place for everyone to stay. It was unbelievable the people who came in and out of here.”

Mrs Richardson said she was very impressed with the hotel renovation.

“I would love to come and stay here. I’m sure it will be the ‘in’ place for people to come to again,” she added.

Valerie Jones, who now lives in London, said she came to Malton especially for the get-together.

“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. It is lovely to see everyone again after so many years and to see what has been done to the hotel,” she said.

“I would like to thank everyone who has got us all together. It has been a lovely experience.”

Mr Maitland said the history of the actual building was fairly well-documented in Estate records and archives but what was missing was the social history of the hotel.

“I am pleased with the finished book but I am more pleased with the fact that people who have a personal connection with the place have been able to re-establish that connection,” he said.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, from the Fitzwilliam Estate, which owns the hotel, said he was touched that so many people had come along to the event.

“I know that some spent many years working at the Talbot, while others were involved with their wedding or other celebrations,” he said.

“I think Norman has produced a brilliant history of the hotel and what is also thrilling is to see the building come back to life and welcome everyone back here.”