Rhys Roberts, Managing Director

My blog [25th July 11]

I've decided to write my monthly blog earlier this month on account we go on holiday to Cornwall at the end of next week. Incidentially I don't know about you but how is it that swimming trunks which fitted perfectly last year are 2 sizes too small now and why has my wet suit served as the dogs blanket due to the fact my daughter decided that Higgins needed something soft and warm to sleep on at night. Since when did a labrador need the equivalent of a Slumberland mattress to sleep at night.

Anyhow before I think about that question too deeply back to the hotel and I must tell you about the Mid Devon Show which was lots of hard work beforehand and a long day last Saturday, but a great success. Fine weather and an excellent local show brought out the numbers on the day and we saw lots of regular customers and some that hadn't heard of us beforehand which was great. We served approximately 2500 glasses of Pimms and gave away over 16 Kilos of local fudge, not including what my wife took!. We received enquiries for weddings, private functions, one lady who wanted a private dinner in her home and a party booking for the Gallery Restaurant for Christmas, so all in all we had a brilliant time. Thank you to all who came and visited our stand, your kind comments on the hotel were much appreciated and we value your support.  

Talking about Christmas, our new Christmas brouchure has been launched and is available at the hotel, if your thinking about booking a party, please do so soon as many of the popular Cabaret nights are already fully booked. We do still have plenty of availability for the ladies only nights however, this year Freddie Mercury is the tribute artist which is expected to be popular, both nights sold out last year so please don't miss out because you believe it's still too early to book.

Again at the Mid Devon Show we launched a kids Design a Christmas Card Competition. Briefly this is open to two categories, kids between the ages of 5 to 8 yrs and 9yrs to 12. The competition is open until the end of September, entry forms are available from reception and great prizes are on offer to the winners. The winning designs will be printed and used by the hotel to send to all our guests and a special event will be held at the hotel to acknowledge both the nominees and winners. We look forward to lots of entries to choose from.

I've found myself with another job, I've been invited to join the National Council of the British Hospitality Association. The Association represents all aspects of our industry and is a powerful body which leads the industry in dealings with government and other interests. It has both a regional and national structure and some of my Best Western Board collegues sit on its regional committees, it has a great reputation within our industry and does excellent work on our behalf advising our law makers on future regulations and improving standards. I recently met with its Chief Executive Ufi Ibrahim in London and from her presentation, I've no doubt the organisation will continue to go from stength to strength and I'm delighted to able to play a small part in its future. My first meeting is in London in September and I'm looking forward to learning a great deal more about the association at that time. Judging from the papers I've already received, it's clear to me it does a considerable amount of work and has impressive objectives in seeking to shape our industry for the better.

Enjoy the summer and see you when I return.

Don't forget if you would like to leave comments or questions please contact me through  and I will always get back to you.

Rhys Roberts