Hampshire wedding venue in administration to re-launch with 1940s party

Coldeast Mansion Ltd, the company that owned Coldeast Mansion, in Coldeast Drive, Sarisbury Green, went into administration at the end of October.

But the venue is to open its doors again to celebrate its re-launch – as ‘The Mansion.’

The re-launch will see guests enjoy a 1940s themed party, with a fish and chip van, vintage military vehicles, and fancy dress all inspired by the Second World War era.

Lynne Buckland, the general manager of the venue, said: ‘We are still looking to get a band and have speakers broadcasting speeches from Winston Churchill.’

The event is seen as an opportunity to ‘distance’ the venue from its troubles last year, with the administrators, CG&Co, still looking for a new owner.

Lynne said: ‘It’s been really horrible

‘We all lost our jobs and were kept in the dark.

‘We were annoyed about it, but we have just moved on.

‘A new company is taking over the operation side, and that’s why we have been able to do a relaunch.

‘We wanted to distance ourselves from the negativity of (being in administration).’

One of the function rooms will be open as a wedding showroom, with Stacey Page, a wedding organiser from Totton, brought on-board to arrange any couple’s big day at the country house.

The 28-year-old said: ‘It would be a shame for such a beautiful venue to go to waste.’

Guests will be charged £2 on the door and tickets for afternoon tea are available for £15 – with all profits going to a cause close to the organisers’ heart.

Stacey added: ‘All profits will go towards Alzheimer's Research UK.

‘It was chosen as a charity because the illness has affected Lynne’s family, and I lost my nan when she was 64 to dementia.

‘We’ve sold half the tickets for afternoon already.

‘We’re hoping to raise thousands of pounds.’

The Mansion will host the event from midday to 5pm on Saturday May 30.

The former owner of the venue was approached for comment.