Suej
Thankyou Dorothy, a remarkable woman who taught me and many so much. Now released from the travails of this world. Sending love and prayers to your family now and in the months ahead. x …
- September 13, 2023
- 8:45 pm
Memories of
Dorothy Purdew OBE
Mrs Dorothy Purdew was owner and chairperson of Champneys Health Spas.
She started her first business, WeightGuard in 1970 with just £60 and opened her first Health farm, Frimleys eight years later. With her late husband Bob, and son Stephen, she went on to buy Henlow Grange. Over the following years, Dorothy and her son Stephen went on to purchase Springs Hydro, Forest Mere and then Champneys Tring. The Purdew family then created the Champneys group, with all four of their properties. The brand went from strength to strength and in recent years, Dorothy and Stephen purchased Eastwell Manor and more recently Mottram Hall in Cheshire.
Mrs Purdew could never believe a girl from a working-class background could become one of the world’s most influential spa operators. Champneys became her life. Even into her nineties, she would read the guest feedback every morning, eager to learn of how the business could improve.
Mrs Purdew loved her guests and her staff. She enjoyed taking time to find out about people’s lives.
This digital book has been created to allow memories to be shared and to create a record for Stephen and the family to cherish.
Book Owner: KT
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Sharon longmuir
Being a member of Henlow Grange has brought me so much pleasure over the years. Mrs Purdew is a truly inspirational woman – I’m sure she was proud of all that she achieved – sending best wishes to her family …
- September 8, 2023
- 3:46 pm
K Pallett
Having worked for Champneys for several years, I have met Mrs Purdew on many occasions. I always found her to be witty, entertaining and honest. She was an inspirational woman and someone to look up to and admire. I send my heartfelt condolences to Stephen and family and to Bev Strong.Rest in peace Mrs Purdew. …
- September 8, 2023
- 9:31 am
Mo Cerrone
From that day in 1980 when Dorothy first visited my jewellery shop in Hitchin,I knew that we would be firm friends. Dorothy and family had recently acquired Henlow Grange as a new business venture which she rapidly expanded into the Go To luxurious spa it is today. Looking back we had lots of fun social occasions,Dorothy’s 70th Birthday the annual New Year’s Eve Ball held at the Grange,we were invited as a family and my offspring enjoyed it immensely and when Dorothy became my daughter Sorrel ‘s Godmother I knew that her wise advice both professionally and personally would be spot on. One day at a party Dorothy announced that she would like to purchase and fly a helicopter!I was quite apprehensive at that statement. At our last recent meeting we had a pleasant afternoon reminiscing and chatting including the launch of her new recipe book of which she was very proud filled with all kinds of healthy and simple recipes.As I was leaving Dorothy gave me a smile and showed me the Aquamarine and Diamond ring purchased by Bob in the 1980s “See I’m still wearing it” We all have people who touch our lives and.leave a magical …
- September 7, 2023
- 8:29 pm
Jo Flint
Thank you Mrs P It has been a pleasure to know you and an honour to work for you for the last 28 years Rest peacefully …
- September 7, 2023
- 12:53 pm
Rebekah Solomon
I joined champneys in 2016 and Mrs Purdew was always so kind and welcoming to me. I always looked forward to seeing her and speaking with her when I visited. It’s been a pleasure to know you. You inspired me in many ways, you taught me to work hard for what I really want and to just always be me. I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. RIP Mrs Purdew. Xxx …
- September 6, 2023
- 11:39 pm
Diane Ratcliffe
It was an honour and a pure pleasure to work for Mrs P at her apartment in Nice, France. I remember clearly the first time we met. I had been in her apartment getting it ready for her arrival. She had some really tarnished silver, frames, trinket boxes and all in need of of a really good polish, I have no idea when they were last done. I polished them up until they were gleaming, finished my prep and thought no more of it. it was one of the first things she noticed when she arrived in her rooms. She sought me out to thank me for that little extra touch.she was both delighted and delightful. I remember being a bit late one morning and she asked if I had a watch!! I didn’t so she gave me one if hers. I’ve still got it now. I went into her bedroom one morning with her cup of tea and she was in such a deep sleep, I thought she might have died. I was desperately watching her for a breath and her eyes slowly opened. She laughed so much when I told her my fear 😆 Mrs P was …
- September 6, 2023
- 10:05 pm
Mark Gough
RIP Mrs Purdew it’s an honour to have met you and chatted with you. From my family to yours thankyou and out thoughts are with Stephen and the other members of the Purdew family at this sad time …
- September 6, 2023
- 8:05 pm
Darren Solomon
Her Vision, Inspiration, Determination beat all odds that which will forever remain. Continually paving the way for others to follow. Never resting, never pondering, never wondering about the what if’s. The stage was set, the bar was raised and if you believed you achieved it, let’s raise it again to achieve greater. She lived a life of service. A life shared with family, friends, staff and those guests who frequently graced the illustrious grounds of Champneys. May her beacon continually burn as she gave it her all until time was no more. …
- September 6, 2023
- 12:21 am
Nicola Eager
I’m so grateful for the last eight years of knowing and working with Mrs Purdew, I will miss our debates on business practice and new ideas and the best way to get things done! I will miss learning about all things ‘Spa‘ from the best in the business and miss you sending me updates from the industry until the end. Thank you for your kindness, your interest in me and your teams far beyond their work at Champneys, and thank you for paving the way for women in business, a true trailblazer. Mrs Purdew, your Champneys legacy will live on and allow generations to come to benefit from your vision and hard work. Rest In Peace. …
- September 5, 2023
- 7:19 pm
