Just heard the news of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, to say he will be missed is an understatement, he leaves with an incredible record of achievement and his successor will have huge boots to fill. I should add that we here wish him and his family a happy retirement.

Back to the hotel and some staff news, firstly congratulations to Isabella our Head Receptionist who safely delivered a baby girl Olivia recently. We are all thrilled for Isabella and Robert and wish them all the best for the future. We also send our best wishes to Head Housekeeper Jo who recently underwent surgery, the good news is that all seems to have gone well and we wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return.

Keeping on the personal theme, the Roberts family moved house recently and we are all now in our new home which is already becoming familiar and welcoming thanks to the efforts of Claire. I'm sure we are going to be happy in our new surroundings.

Still on a positive note, Spring has finally sprung and the gardens are bursting into life, the gardener has a smile on his face and the working week is punctuated by the sound of lawn mowers cutting grass. I need to sit down at this point, all this bonhomie is giving me a headache.

Just when you think the world has turned, back to reality, yesterday I received a letter from Victoria's finest informing me that I went through a speed camera at 8 kilometres more than the limit and as such they would like me to part with 200  Australian dollars. That's the ticket, back to the grind and our recent trip to Australia comes back to haunt me. My wife, ever supportive reminded me I was driving and mentioned Chris Hulme and get it sorted which I duly did this morning.  

Finally our Best Western inspection is almost due and we are preparing the hotel for the visit, this is a great tool for me as it concentrates the mind of our maintenance department who bear the brunt of the work in getting a busy hotel into tip top condition. I fully expect to pass well as our grades from guests are better this year than last when we scored highly, bring it on I say.  

Until the next time.  

Rhys Roberts