Going the Extra Mile

Never before have the Club’s housekeeping teams been more vital, with their processes overhauled and workloads increased. The clubhouses’ Head Housekeepers explain.

Words by Annabel Harrison Photography by Martin Burton and Jamie Lau

“AS A MINIMUM, frequently touched surfaces should be wiped down twice a day,” says the government guidance. Throughout the clubhouses, they are cleaned far more frequently – every 30 to 60 minutes – just one example of the many ways in which the highest possible standards are being set.

“Pall Mall and Woodcote Park are cleaner than ever. The cleaning regime has increased massively but we’ve embraced the changes,” declares Maria Constantin, Executive Housekeeper at Pall Mall, who joined the Club in 2018. “Of course, it has been a difficult time for us but we need to take everything in our stride, professionally.”

Jennifer Kennedy, Executive Head Housekeeper at Woodcote Park, has been with the Club for nearly six years. She echoes Maria’s words when we meet. “A lot has changed. The team used to clean eight or nine rooms a day but now they can only do five, maximum.”

With member service ever at the front of the team’s minds, a new bespoke room cleaning service has been introduced at both clubhouses, so members can decide exactly what level of service they want the Housekeeping Team to provide each day when they clean their bedroom, from a range of options. “Steamers are used for every room clean because the steam will kill any virus. In the firing line, so to speak, are bed valances, headboards, chairs, curtains and sofas.” Maria says. “We also put every duvet and pillow in a dryer for the same reason.”

The Reception Teams also play their part. With items such as spare pillows and magazines currently removed from the rooms, they contact every member or guest shortly after they have checked in to ensure they have everything they need.

It’s clear from our conversations that Maria and Jennifer have put a great deal of time and effort into ensuring their teams are well trained and using the best products available. “We’ve changed cleaning products where necessary to those that are proven to kill COVID”, Maria confirms. “They are effective, but not harmful.” Jennifer adds. “We are doing and using everything that we possibly can to make sure both members and staff are safe.”

These staff are dedicated and, in many instances, long-serving. Both Mary George and Antonia Bicho have worked at Woodcote Park for 13 years. At Pall Mall, “our Valet Attendant Stuart has been here for about 20 years!” says Maria. “German, who looks after the public areas, has been here 16 years, and Janet in the Linen Room has been here for 12 years.”

At Woodcote Park, the doctors and nurses from Epsom Hospital, unable to stay in their own homes during the height of the pandemic, are long gone, but the manner in which they were looked after during their stay is indicative of the commitment of Jennifer and her team. “They became very familiar with our staff and they were so appreciative, as well as impressed by how the team carried themselves. I love working with my colleagues. It’s a great team.”

There’s no doubt that Maria and Jennifer pay attention to the smallest details – and it is this attitude that will keep us all safe. “We are busy now,” Jennifer ends, with a smile. “It keeps us motivated. And happy!”

Jennifer Kennedy at Woodcote Park (above) and the Woodcote Park Housekeeping Team in action