25th July 2012

BEAMINSTER: Hotel staff shocked by tunnel deaths

CONDOLENCES have been offered by staff of the Bridge House Hotel, where Beaminster Tunnel landslip victims Rosemary Snell and Michael Rolfe enjoyed their last meal before the tragedy.

The hotel released the following statement this week: “Everyone at the hotel is in a state of profound shock and sadness at this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are obviously with immediate family and friends.

“Mrs Snell and her friend came to dinner at the Bridge House Hotel in Beaminster on the night of the floods two Saturdays ago. As regular visitors they enjoyed a two-course dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, the Beaminster Brasserie. Mrs Snell’s companion paid the bill and they left the hotel shortly after 10pm.”

Hotel Maitre ‘D, Jane Fox, added: ‘Several of our guests had cancelled their reservations that night because of the appalling weather. Others had sought refuge at the hotel and we were full to capacity.

“However, Mrs Snell and her friend braved the atrocious conditions and managed to reach the hotel earlier that evening. They were a genuinely nice couple who were always very chatty and interested in each other. Mrs Snell always appeared immaculately dressed. They were simply a pleasure to serve and have as our guests.”

Shortly after the couple left the hotel, kitchen and reception staff followed only minutes later on the same route, the B3066 to Mosterton. By then the landslip had occurred and they were forced to turn back unaware that Mrs Snell and Mr Rolfe had been caught in the mud and rubble.

Hotel owner Mark Donovan said: “Conditions that day were truly dreadful. Villages all around Beaminster were cut off. It appears that these lovely people were simply in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time.

“We are humbled and devastated by this appalling accident and send our sincere condolences to their family and friends.”

BEAMINSTER: Hotel staff shocked by tunnel deaths

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