Family clocks up 70 years of hotel service
LIKE MOTHER like daughter, Rosemary Kendell of Halifax has devoted her life to independently owned hotel and restaurant, Holdsworth House.
As a young girl growing up, Rose watched her mother Maureen work at Holdsworth House in Halifax as the hotel’s kitchen porter.
A loyal employee, Maureen worked at Holdsworth House for 25 years seeing it go from a private country manor to one of Yorkshire’s top hotels and wedding venues.
In 1977, Maureen finally hung up her apron and it was a 16-yearold Rose who took over as kitchen porter. Rose remained at the award-winning hotel and wedding venue for 45 years.
Now, with 14 grandchildren to dote on, Rose has finally decided to retire and said a fond farewell to the team with a celebratory afternoon tea party at the hotel held in her honour.
Rose was born in Belfast but has lived in Halifax for most of her life.
Despite settling here and raising a daughter and four sons, Rose hasn’t lost any of her Irish humour or beautiful dialect.
She is held in the highest regard not only amongst the hotel team, but also Gail Moss and Kim Wynn of the Pearson family, who have owned the hotel since 1962.
Whilst Rose’s mum Maureen was at the hotel when The Beatles stayed, Rose has witnessed her fair share of exciting times in
Holdsworth House’s recent history.
From welcoming famous faces from TV and film including Marvel, Ackley Bridge, Gentleman Jack, Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax, to hobnobbing with the stars including Jamie Oliver, Henry Winkler, Suranne Jones and James Corden – although she’ll be the first to dismiss stardom with a wave of a hand!
Rose said: “Holdsworth House is my second home and it’s a family that grows every year with all the new couples that get married here. You just can’t beat it.”
In 2018, Rose was recognised with a long-service award for 40 years in the job. But she went on to add another five years and complete a momentous career.