DEMOLITION of Northwich’s sinking Floatel is now well under way – with the hotel yielding a surprise secret in the festive form of an abandoned Christmas tree.

Former Floatel employee Fiona Rice contacted British Waterways when she learned of its imminent demolition to ask whether contractors May Gurney could look for the tree, which she left behind when the Floatel suddenly closed its doors for the last time back in January.

Amazingly, a search revealed Fiona’s tree, complete with base and decorations, hidden away in a loft space above Room 225 Now a delighted Fiona and her daughter, Kay Briggs, 24, are ready to reclaim ownership of this special tree in time for it to take pride of place in their Northwich home.

“I was overwhelmed that British Waterways and their contractors took the trouble to listen to my request.

“That tree has been back and forth to my house for so many years now, all the time knowing it may never see another Christmas at the Floatel,” said Fiona.

“Getting it back means so much to my daughter. It will make our Christmas complete, knowing she has something to remind her of the Floatel before the building is completely removed forever,” she added.

Fiona started work at the Floatel in September 1996 as deputy head housekeeper, being promoted to duty management shifts by the time the hotel closed.

“In fact, I was duty manager on the final day when we were told by the administrators to lock the doors,” said Fiona.

“We knew the hotel’s days were numbered but the way it happened was still a real shock.

“My daughter Kay wanted the tree back because when she worked there for five years, she was the one who put the tree up.

“I told her that there was no chance but the contractors got back to me and it seems we have had a stroke of luck.

“She said she wanted the tree but she couldn’t believe it when I said they had found it.

“I think she will have closure when she gets it back though.

“It used to be in the bar every year when I was working there, it is quite a pretty thing when it has its lights on.”

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