Our Businesses

The business side of The Mudcastle has just evolved, I'm afraid. We can't take any credit for a master plan here.  Tapping into previous skills, the private restaurant idea operating from our home began with an approach from a local branch of the Women's Division of Federated Farmers to look through the house. The Murder Mystery evenings took off after a local bank wanted to do something a bit different for a work function. And the business of Creative Occasions came into being in answer to honeymooning couples bemoaning the lack of decorations, time and expertise available to help style their wedding venues. Creative Occasions has since been divided into four separate businesses - the retail outlet (now The Party Shop), the wedding decorating business, the decoration hire business and the corporate theming business. All have now been sold on, the idea being to allow Kevin and Glenys to concentrate on The Mudcastle as the only function venue in which they now use their event management, decoration design and theming skills.

Some of the Creative Occasions media coverage

 As one journalist wrote:

 "The combination of their organisational and creative skills, their on-site venue experience and their product and service supplier network is unparalleled in the region. They are experienced, professional decorators who take the stress out of sourcing, making, co-ordinating, installing and dismantling decorations - the elves in the night who make the magic happen".

And choosing just a few restamonials from their massive body of work, it's clear the service was appreciated.

“Did you guys WOW everyone or what? I have had heaps of great feedback on the decorations today. Folk really appreciated the effort that had been put into making their night special and you were both an important part of this. Many thanks!”

Karyn Byrom, Sealord Shellfish

“The Graduates’ Ball was a memorable and magical occasion for all who attended, and it could not have been achieved without your help.”

M Smith, Nelson College for Girls

“Everyone was absolutely blown away by the theme and decor which transformed the venue beyond recognition. It’s a wonderful service you offer.”

Leslie Hamilton, Radio Fifeshire

“Thanks to your contribution we were able to hold a first class event. The decorations and attention to detail was outstanding. It was great to work with you.”

S McManaway, Crop Care New Zealand

However, despite the best of intentions in simplifying their business commitments, another business detour became necessary (apparently) when a supplier could not supply illuminated dancefloors for a nationwide contract Kevin and Glenys had secured. Rather than let their client down, Glenys' father Peter, a retired electrician, and Kevin designed, organised manufacture and wired a superior 12 volt LED version in order to honour their side of the contract and all inside  2 weeks! They now market these illuminated dancefloors for sale, lease or hire under The Illuminated Dancefloor Company Ltd. but their next goal is to find someone to take this over so that they can re-focus (again) on the original dream.

The Mudcastle was the site on which Kevin and Glenys held their own wedding ceremony and now it is a favourite wedding venue in the Nelson region. This aspect of the business, perhaps more than

any other, gives the most satisfaction to the couple as they are able to share the home they have built with couples who are embarking on their own dream. As they watch wedding guests truly relax in a home environment and listen to their enthusuastic comments about the couple's wedding venue choice, it makes all of the hard work worthwhile and gives them the encouragement to continue.

Although initially offered as Bed and Breakfast accommodation, The Mudcastle really is

"in a class of its own now with its attention to fine detail and its uniquely theatrical ambience". However, this does not mean that you will miss out on the personalised service of a B&B. The owners remain committed to this as a further point of difference of The Mudcastle experience.