New chapter in lodge's life opens

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 677, 11 March 1997, Page 11

New chapter in lodge's life opens

A new chapter in the colourful history of Ohakune' s Kings Court establishment opens this year, with the Armstrong family now in residence and ready to open. Lorelei and Ron Armstrong, from Tauranga, sealed their long-term relationship with Ohakune by buying the lodge at the begining of this year. The couple know the area well, having been regular visitors since AHI first built Turoa skifields. "When we first came here we used to stay in a caravan in the motorcamp," said Lorelei, "and if anyone had told us then that we would one day buy Kings Court we would have roared with laughter." Lorelei had wanted to return to her native South Island and Ron wanted to remain in the North Island and when the lodge came on the market, a move to Ohakune proved the ideal compromise. It is basically a new venture for the town as the lodge has been closed all of 1 996 and most of 1 995 after the previous owner ran the business into the ground. Kick starting the new venture will be a family affair, with the couple' s second elde^ Haip a ritv anH Guilds qualified Navy chef, run- ni fianceeNatalieworkingat l sonDamian who will train ]

ant manager. As well as reviving the winter trade for accommodation (with 1 00 beds) and the restaurant and bar, they plan to boost the summer trade over the long term by offering package deals for various activities including golfing tours. Events in the lodge for the locals will include something every month apart from winter, with a

Bavarian night planned complete with oompah band, a swinging sixties and sizzling seventies night (planned soon for the official opening), murder mystery weekends, Halloween parties — all sorts. They strongly support the nominated driver scheme for their bar patrons and will give free orange juice to sober drivers. They are continuing their work of the past two months carrying out repairs and redecorating the lodge, which includes an innoVative treatment of the tower. 'The tower is such a landmark, but did not feature on the inside, so we decided to open it up so you can see up inside it to make it a feature of the bar area," said Ron. Lorelei said they plan to incorporate some spooky features in the tower, to tie in with its character and the legend of the ghost. The couple said they are-hearing many, many stories about the history of the lodge — with new stories coming forth almost daily. While the Bulletin reporter was speaking to the Armstrones. this was borneout