AGM 2007 Minutes
Annual General Meeting - 25th April 2007
Apologies:
James Bertlin, the Rockeries, Lindale
David Hogarth, Lakes Cottage Holidays
Nigel Wilkinson, Windermere Lake Cruises
Dave Harlow
Haydn Spedding
Mr & Mrs Haywood
Pauline & Jim Bennett
Sarah Wilcock
Nick Lancaster
Bill Smith
Barry Surtees
Elizabeth Berry
Paul Dewsbury
Welcome by Lakes Hospitality Chairman, Jonathan Denby.
Newby Bridge Hotel was thanked for the fabulous buffet lunch
Presentation by from LA Serve was given on new LHA on line booking system
Presented by Mark Prada.
Miss Maureen Agars asked whether we had adopted new company logo as it looked like Kendal College’s, it was confirmed by JD that we hadn’t as yet and were just looking at some examples. Miss Agars felt that it was important that we keep the daffodil as part of the logo.
Last year’s minutes
Adopted
Brenda Watson proposed
Suzanne Varden seconded
Chairman’s report
JD ratified the LA Serve online booking system and stated how well it had worked for his hotels and that it was available for Guest Houses, B&B’s and self catering establishments.
Membership fees reduced – announced:
£40 per annum for a guest house
£80 per annum for a hotel
Brochure Pack – new design and professional package, example shown.
North dispute now resolved, £8,000 has been divided between two bodies plus interest. The group in North have now changed their name.
Best of Lakeland Show 1271 exhibitors this year, excellent weather in comparison to last year’s snow storms. Handsome profit made.
New Interior Design Show in October this year. Chris Gabbott, Colin Monk and Tony Blaney pushed forward and worked very hard on it. Turnover of over £100,000 with good profit to be made.
TB added that it will be a ‘trade only’ show so only Guest Houses, Hotels and shops to be there. Pre-registration can be done on website from August 2007 www.lhis.co.uk
LHA also raised and fought issues on members behalf:
· Lyons report recognised and agreed with Bed Tax. LHA campaigned against it. Government have now turned it down.
· Council cuts. Council have cut its support for TIC’s even though after budget meeting £900.000 was found that wasn’t allocated. They still went ahead with pulling funding support. Kirkby Lonsdale closed for 6 weeks due to lack of staffing. Grange-over-Sands on shorter hours due to lack of staffing.
Every local conservative MP has confirmed their support for TIC’s funding campaign
Only 1 liberal democrat MP replied to e-mail sent 9 days ago. Members asked for their support with their local MP’s.
SLDT thanked for their support throughout the year
Social committee thanked for all they had done in the past.
Presentations by past Chairman
Chris Gabbot was introduced to hand out cheques from the money raised whilst he was in Presidency.
· £600 Marie Curie- Ms Zoe Cassons representing
· £300 Curlew Trust (Windermere Brownies) -Mrs Shirley Grisp representing
· £300 Bob McGhie- David Metcalf representing
Each recipient said a few lines about their charity.
JD thanked and congratulated CG on raising the money.
JD announced the awards dinner that was going to be plat formed this year.
Accounts
Were presented.
Maureen Agars asked if we were still supporting Japan Forum. JD explained why we were. 50,000 visitors per annum to hilltop. 2nd biggest destination visited by Japanese after London. Cotswolds coming up fast.
Adoption of accounts.
CG proposed
SV seconded.
Nomination of Chairman
Tony Blaney took over the chair nomination took place. TB asked if there were any objections to JD continuing the Chairmanship for another year.
No objections raised
Iain Garside was thanked for his year in Presidency
JD proposed CG to be appointed as President for the coming year – proposal accepted
Executive Committee Members were voted back in en bloc
Tony Blaney
Brenda Watson
Suzanne Varden
Jenny Meads
George Gale
Jean Fry
Any other Business
Maureen Agars asked what happened re toilets closures being fought (last year’s minutes).
CG responded as he was in Chair at the time and stated that the subject was ping-ponged from CT and SLDC and LHA and CT eventually took responsibility.
JD said that he would take toilets and car parks closures on along with fighting TIC closures.
He said Grange over Sands spent £117,000 on building small block of toilets recently due to bureaucracy and nominated builders.
Social
May 17th Bowling and meal in Barrow – Barbara Gabbott organising Ladies pamper day: June 6th
Hog roast: end of June at Fairfield
Meeting closed at 2.50 pm