Friday, August 07, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
A week after a Holiday, how long to catch up with work?
Funny it has taken me 3 days to clear backlog of work from a week away (yes I did emails while I was away) and just starting to get back to being only a week behind on my jobs. Not bad going, I think.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Mont Blanc Images of recent adventure
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2034774&id=1217334288&l=3118f2bbe7
Definitely recommend you trying it.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Shift - Free online games at Agame.com
via agame.com
This is a amazing game well worth playing, game play is simple yet intriguing.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Substitutive punctuation for when you get those emails which you find upsetting.
Yes, Ze has a solution to those emails at work. I will never use punctuation again without thinking the true meaning I am sending.
Just imaging if your office or lounge was hooked up to the net like this one!
This website allows users to move a camera and turn lights on and off! This would drive me insane.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The difference between men and women explained by an electrical engineer, accurate?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
September 2009 The Scarborough UK Jazz Festival website is now Live
Just to make you aware The Scarborough Jazz Festival website is now Live with all the information you require at www.scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk
For more information or tickets call 01723 357869
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Homeland security protecting America have a look can you decipher these signs
I get the feeling my American followers will be thinking I have it in for them, my apologies in advance of viewing this website.
I have found the end of the internet! Yes I cannot believe it.
Well maybe not the below site claims to be at the end of the internet where ever it is it looks a very nice place to be.
http://n.ethz.ch/student/stadleja/
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Eternal Moonwalk found in some web searching
A Tribute to MJ, very funny but gets a little monotonous after a while.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Great Day with Kids on Beach
Another great day on the beach!
Scarborough the Riviera of the north.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Clean Joke Alert!
I met a bloke down the pub the other day who vomited every time he told a joke.
"What the wrong with you?" I asked.
"Oh, it's just my gag reflex," he replied.
Boom! Boom! (in a Basil Brush voice)
'Extreme Lying Down' the latest Laying Down Game craze!
This difficult and dangerous pose was per formed at extreme risk to herself by Kia, the desk top is only 6 inches wide.
Kind Thanks to Stuart who carried out the risk assessment! www.CrownSpaHotel.com
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Crown Wins National Business Award
Health work and wellbeing Award just been won, picture with Vicky holding
the trophy.
I got done for shoplifting in Tesco today.
I paid for six cans of Sprite at the self checkout, but when security checked my bag, they discovered I'd picked seven up.
SOUR (Hibi no neiro) Great Video Great Tune
via youtube.com
Amazingly clever music video from the Japanese band Sour, entirely made up of cooperating webcam images. The cast were selected from the band's fan base, from all around the world. Yes I am one, but not in the video!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Toilet Joke!
The other day I was walking up from the South Bay beach and needed to pay a visit to the public toilet.
One of the doors was locked. So I went into the other one, closed the door, dropped my trousers and sat down.
A voice came from the cubicle next to me: "Hello mate, how are you doing?"
Although I thought that it was a bit strange (though it was Hollbeck Toilets), I didn't want to be rude, so I replied, "Not too bad, thanks."
After a short pause, I heard the voice again. "So, what are you up to?"
Again I answered, somewhat reluctantly, "Just having a quick shit... How about yourself?"
The next thing I heard him say was, "Sorry, mate, I'll have to call you back. I've got some prat in the cubicle next to me answering everything I say."
Tip for the little girls out there
span- When your mum is angry with your dad, don’t let her brush your hair!
The Michael Jackson death & memorial: in web numbers
The King of Pop's memorial spectacle in downtown Los Angeles yesterday was tipped to be one of the internet's biggest events to date, and the figures did not disappoint, but it wasn't enough to knock of Obama's January inauguration off the web traffic throne. Though the searches for Michael Jackson versus Obama did outstrip the president and most other Google searches to date http://www.blogger.com/>The> then please destroy the email and any copies of it. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Late Availability Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough 8th July 2009
Hi, below are the latest offers for the Crown Spa Hotel this week.
responsibility of the recipient to perform any checks it deems necessary. Chariet Ltd cannot accept any responsibility in this regard.
Google takes on Microsoft with 2010 computer operating system launch - Brand Republic News - Brand Republic
Google takes on Microsoft with 2010 computer operating system launch
by Dan Leahul, Brand Republic 08-Jul-09, 09:15
LONDON - Google will launch its own computer operating system next year, modelled around its Chrome browser, setting the company up in direct competition with its main rival Microsoft in the PC software business.
The Google Chrome OS will be initially developed for small netbook computers, launching in 2010, before eventually rolling out across every platform, including all Windows, Mac and Linux based systems.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Was out in my Kayak Yesterday sadly no pictures, dropped camera over the side!
Kayaked in the south bay on Sunday down to Cayton from the spa, must have been around 5K in total. The currents are strong past the south bay and it was a battle to get back. Though sadly to piccys for you as my cameras though waterproof did not float!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Spring Bok! Antelope Anyone!
via cruga.com
Yep! Crug (dried meats) is now in the UK and you can get them from Morrisons, flaours include the every popular Beef and Spring Bok and Osterich!
Now you have an excuse for that sweet tooth!
Sweet-toothed Brits have one less excuse for taking their morning tea with several spoons of sugar. They and other Europeans are among the most sugar-sensitive people in the world, a new genetic analysis concludes.
The vast majority of people in the UK, France, Italy and Russia boast a tandem of genetic variations in a sugar-sensing gene that allows them to detect trace levels of sweetness.
Around the world, populations that live at northern latitudes carry these genetic variations at far higher frequencies than tropical-living peoples, says Dennis Drayna, a geneticist at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders in Bethesda, Maryland.
Dark Flash Photography
via newscientist.com
Ever noticed how your camera can see the infrared light on a TV remote control or the light bar on a Wii consol. Well some bright spark has had a great idea and it has been called 'Dark flash' photography it may end red-eye Fed up with flash photography that dazzles and disturbs those in the picture?
Now there's a solution - photography using a "dark" infrared and ultraviolet flash to invisibly illuminate the scene without disturbing your subject with a bright light.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
A Very inventive competition promotion from Moonfruit
Moonfruit, the web design software company, has found itself one of the most tweeted about subjects in the world as word spread of its Twitter-based MacBook Pro giveaway.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Well I am now a very lazy guy
Yes I am now posting en-mass to all my social networking sites using www.posterous.com
Well I will just have to see how it goes.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
AGM Scarborough Hospitality Association
Well I have been Vice President of the Hospitality Association for the last year, it is now my turn to take over the reigns from Michael Broddle (who has worked valiantly for the industry for many years; he is still on the committee and much needed by the Association and Committee)
During the next year we need to divide the committee up into the sub committees for Marketing and IT, Memberships and Social etc...We also need to set our sights on the main issues we need to tackle over the next year and set some goals to achieve.Well looks like a busy year ahead!
During the next year we need to divide the committee up into the sub committees for Marketing and IT, Memberships and Social etc...We also need to set our sights on the main issues we need to tackle over the next year and set some goals to achieve.Well looks like a busy year ahead!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Just prey that intel does not name its next computer chip Scarborough!
You know things are bad when something's value is predicated by its standing in the Google search rankings, but that's exactly what's happening down at the Cornish town of Penryn apparently consigned to oblivion by Intel's chip of the same name.
This is Cornwall explains: "A week ago, typing Penryn into the Google search engine...would have immediately brought up information about the Cornish town in the top position. But now Penryn is slipping down the ratings as hordes of computer users around the world click on to find out more information about the new range of Intel computer processors."
Oh dear. Kevin Pickup, big cheese down at i-webmarketing, "a Cornish company which helps firms optimise their search engine position", explained the possible apocalyptic implications of the cyber-relegation: "This is going to be a huge problem for Penryn businesses. Although the chip isn't even on the market yet, there's already a huge buzz. Web pages relating to the Intel Penryn are starting to displace local businesses in the search results.
"As people who search the internet rarely look past the first couple of pages of results, the Cornish websites will effectively disappear from search engines."
Of course, Intel will rename Penryn (the chip) in due course, but that could come too late for Penryn (the town). Pickup continued: "Even if they announce a new name, it will take up to a year for it to come off the placements. Businesses need to look at their keywords and maybe change a few things."
Intel has moved quickly to assure Penrynians that they will not be forced to shut up shop and move to a more Google-prominent location. The UK's Intel marketing manager Chris Hogg offered: "It's just a codename that we're using - we have no plans whatsoever to use it as a brand. Once we start using the official product name, people will quickly stop using the codename. Cornwall is one of my favourite holiday destinations and I think Penryn is a delightful town."
This is Cornwall explains: "A week ago, typing Penryn into the Google search engine...would have immediately brought up information about the Cornish town in the top position. But now Penryn is slipping down the ratings as hordes of computer users around the world click on to find out more information about the new range of Intel computer processors."
Oh dear. Kevin Pickup, big cheese down at i-webmarketing, "a Cornish company which helps firms optimise their search engine position", explained the possible apocalyptic implications of the cyber-relegation: "This is going to be a huge problem for Penryn businesses. Although the chip isn't even on the market yet, there's already a huge buzz. Web pages relating to the Intel Penryn are starting to displace local businesses in the search results.
"As people who search the internet rarely look past the first couple of pages of results, the Cornish websites will effectively disappear from search engines."
Of course, Intel will rename Penryn (the chip) in due course, but that could come too late for Penryn (the town). Pickup continued: "Even if they announce a new name, it will take up to a year for it to come off the placements. Businesses need to look at their keywords and maybe change a few things."
Intel has moved quickly to assure Penrynians that they will not be forced to shut up shop and move to a more Google-prominent location. The UK's Intel marketing manager Chris Hogg offered: "It's just a codename that we're using - we have no plans whatsoever to use it as a brand. Once we start using the official product name, people will quickly stop using the codename. Cornwall is one of my favourite holiday destinations and I think Penryn is a delightful town."
HOTEL or not HOTEL; that is the question!
Well what is the best way to categorize providers of accommodation?
This question is being asked due to the on going implementation of the new harmonisation standards and the effect these standards are having with regard to the word HOTEL.
Yes HOTEL, when is a HOTEL not a HOTEL?
According to Visit Britain and the AA when you are not listed as a HOTEL in their inspection scheme, you are then called an Accommodation Provider.
So the end result will undoubtedly be making thousands of establishments in the Accommodation Provider scheme with HOTEL in their name remove this name from the property, letterheads, websites etc...
Unless those affected write into the powers that be and put their argument forward!
So if your one of the ones affected and are unhappy write in and send a copy to your local trade bodies of which you are members and get them to put your objections forward in a further letter from the trade body.
This question is being asked due to the on going implementation of the new harmonisation standards and the effect these standards are having with regard to the word HOTEL.
Yes HOTEL, when is a HOTEL not a HOTEL?
According to Visit Britain and the AA when you are not listed as a HOTEL in their inspection scheme, you are then called an Accommodation Provider.
So the end result will undoubtedly be making thousands of establishments in the Accommodation Provider scheme with HOTEL in their name remove this name from the property, letterheads, websites etc...
Unless those affected write into the powers that be and put their argument forward!
So if your one of the ones affected and are unhappy write in and send a copy to your local trade bodies of which you are members and get them to put your objections forward in a further letter from the trade body.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Conservapedia
I love the net and its peculiarities especially things like this give me a real giggle!
Conservapedia was created to offer an alternative US outlook on the world, with American spelling. Result is many people have been encouraging and overstating the American view point in order to "knacker" the effectiveness of this site and add a bit of mischievous fun.
This makes for an entertaining pass time like looking for flying helicopters on Google earth, or BIG swear words.
Do check out their opinion of the UK, especially the religion section.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Scarborough Burns rubbish!
Just got thenews that the council is burning an incinerator that will power a number of local houses. They seem to think they are the first!
But they are not Singapore has been doing it sucessfully foryears and recylcing and reducing their power useage at the same time.
In Singapore they also have a policy on energy useage and reducing packaging.
Well we do get there eventually!
But they are not Singapore has been doing it sucessfully foryears and recylcing and reducing their power useage at the same time.
In Singapore they also have a policy on energy useage and reducing packaging.
Well we do get there eventually!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Guestlink!
Met with Janet Deacon to discuss the effects on the members of SHA with the incoming guestlink system for online booking.
I can't help thinking though that this online booking is as fundamental as the arrival of the fax machine for accommodation providers.
If you don't think this will have any protetial benefits for you and your an accommodation provider then take 3 days asside, and get your head round it.
If you can't drop me a line I will either asist you myself or get someone to come and help you!?
I can't help thinking though that this online booking is as fundamental as the arrival of the fax machine for accommodation providers.
If you don't think this will have any protetial benefits for you and your an accommodation provider then take 3 days asside, and get your head round it.
If you can't drop me a line I will either asist you myself or get someone to come and help you!?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Online Booking Anyone!
Got the details for guest link this week, the online booking engine.
The system looks good I hope providers in the are take advantage of it!
http://www.guestlink.co.uk
for more details
The system looks good I hope providers in the are take advantage of it!
http://www.guestlink.co.uk
for more details
Monday, April 09, 2007
Bording all Easter Weekend!
Just spend all weekend on the beach with the kids! I spent most of the time in the sea on my bodyboard with fins and wetsuit on.
Good Friday was real mean I got cramp and had a 15ft wave drop on me, very nasty. Always shakes you upa bit that. The waves were big and thick with a classic 14 second interval between them.
The wave carmed down over the weekend and actualy got glassier(better).
Beach was great with BarBQ, kids, sun and fun!
Yes in the picture is the size of the surf, and that guys around 6ft tall!
Friday, March 23, 2007
2003 Server Nework Course
Attended a networking course this week with server 2003; came out of the course with a list of things to do; one of the main things is security.
I learned how to listen to traffic on a network this week; yes folks this included PASSWORDS being sent to websites and servers. Scary! So spending most of the weekend screwing down our network vulnerailities.
I learned how to listen to traffic on a network this week; yes folks this included PASSWORDS being sent to websites and servers. Scary! So spending most of the weekend screwing down our network vulnerailities.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Centre Parks
Had great fun at centre parks this week!
Yes! a great time and we didn't even fly!
Trouble is it cost about £800 altogether, may have been cheaper going abroad!
Yes! a great time and we didn't even fly!
Trouble is it cost about £800 altogether, may have been cheaper going abroad!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Pancake Race today!
Represented the Scarborough Hospitality Association at the anual pancake race; we didn't win!
But the lads down in the gym at the Crown did! :)
Yes it helps that when you enter a team; at least one of themruns for county at the 100m; lol
The boys at Boyes didn't stand a chance; the cup make a great mint holder in Stu's (club manager) office at work!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Been to Borough Yourism Working Group Today
Well me some borough planning guys today and well they want to formulate a borough wide planning policy with regard to tourismand hotels.
So we have more accommodation providers coming to Scarborough town; when we already have over supply, now these guys want a borough wide policy covering Filey and Whitby and Scarborough. Problem is the three towns are very different
So we have more accommodation providers coming to Scarborough town; when we already have over supply, now these guys want a borough wide policy covering Filey and Whitby and Scarborough. Problem is the three towns are very different
- Filey needs more serviced accomodation providers, they already have a ton of non-serviced in the form ofCaravans.
- Whitby needs more serviced and non-serviced providers.
- Scarborough needs less serviced and probably no more non-serviced.
So there you have it we can not have a uniform borough wide policy on this matter.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
TESCO SCAM
Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while shopping at Tesco.
Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you!
Here's how the scam works:
Two seriously good-looking 20-21 year-old girls come over to your car as you are packing your shopping into car.
They both start wiping the windshield with a rag and Sqeezy with their
breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts.
Believe me it's impossible not to look.
When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say "no" and instead ask you for a ride to another Tesco store (any store will do they say, including these new tesco express stores!)
You agree and they get in the back seat. On the way, they start having sex
with each other. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and
performs a sex act on you, while the other one steals your wallet.
I've had my wallet stolen January 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 5th, 17th, & 24th. Also
on February 1st, 3rd, and twice just yesterday!
Scarborough Relagated on Wikipedia
So wait and see!
Last time I checked Scarborough on google, the first 6 were UK Scarborough related.
I bet this drops to say 4 in a month, as Wikipedia has a page rank of 9 with backlinks to many Scarborough UK enitites.
Last time I checked Scarborough on google, the first 6 were UK Scarborough related.
I bet this drops to say 4 in a month, as Wikipedia has a page rank of 9 with backlinks to many Scarborough UK enitites.
Scarboroough Relagated on Wikipeadia
So wait and see!
Last time I checked Scarborough on google, the first 6 were UK Scarborough related.
I bet this drops to say 4 in a month, as Wikipedia has a page rank of 9 with backlinks to many Scarborough UK enitites.
Last time I checked Scarborough on google, the first 6 were UK Scarborough related.
I bet this drops to say 4 in a month, as Wikipedia has a page rank of 9 with backlinks to many Scarborough UK enitites.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Scarborough might be relagated in Wikipedia
So What I may hear you ask?
Well the attempt isbeing made by Scarbooians in Canada as their town is larger.
If we are relagated this will affect the listing of Scarborough UK in Google, yes it will.
So go to here to oppose this attempt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Scarborough
Please help sort out these "cultured" Yanks!
Well the attempt isbeing made by Scarbooians in Canada as their town is larger.
If we are relagated this will affect the listing of Scarborough UK in Google, yes it will.
So go to here to oppose this attempt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Scarborough
Please help sort out these "cultured" Yanks!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
ok! We won the Casino Bid.
I have read (briefly) the 181 page report, yes the borough has been awarded the Small Casino License.
I have had a think about where in the borough it will be?UMM!
My bet is on the Futruist Site, my reasons are;
I have had a think about where in the borough it will be?UMM!
My bet is on the Futruist Site, my reasons are;
- The sands dealis a done deal, the casino here will not affect the deal the council has already reached with benchmark, though benchmark can make a high monetary bid the council will have to take into other factors.
- Whitby has not got a site that comes to mind, and it would be rather too near the middleborough Casino site, access to Whitby from the south is also an issue, so effectively a site in Whitby would be competing for the same punters as the middlesborough site.
- Filey, nowwhee here is coming tomy mind.
- The futurist is in desparate need of development why loose the opportunity of developing this site by wasting it on a development (sands) that will not be stopped without a casino as part of the deal.
So we will wait and see!
What do you think?
Friday, January 26, 2007
Could this be YOU??
Yes this next week the results will be released to the lucky or unlucky towns who will be getting a regional casino. Could Scarborough be getting a casino with a gaming floor the size of a football pitch, excluding the gaming machines!This causes me concern as to the social impact on the town, yes my town, I was born and bred here! I am also concerned about the economic impact!The people visiting casinos will be from out of the town mainly, the money they spend in the casino will be pupmed out of town to the share holders of the Casino!Leaving an economic moat around the venue, where the people outside are generally excluded from the economic advantages of this type of development, the staff will be probably from old Eatern block countries.I think I might be regretting not taking up that Cash Converters opportunity in 2000, before I joined my family at the Crown Hotel (now Crown Spa Hotel).This type of economic moat is already prevalent in Atlantic city, where the locals look into the Casinos like children looking into "Willy Wonkas Factory" with longing eyes at the economic benefits inside, whilst the only new businesses that have opened up are Pawn Brokers!This type of development always hits the weakest and most vuneralble in society!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Been a bit Stormy this week!
I think the pictures say it all, yes we had rain and wind and BIG BIG SEAS.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Scarborough Hospitality Association Marketing Meeting
We what should we do as an association to promote hospitality;
we thought and discussed about the following;
we thought and discussed about the following;
- Building a data base together, if each member or local attraction collected on a simple form (possibly with a competition inducement) 75 names of guests/customers and shared them with the association. We as a group could market these people in quaterly mailings with refferal offers for recommending friends. We would soon have a list of over 10,000 + names. Our business belongs to a marketing group who do just this, we now mail to 30,0000 prospects!
- Seasonal advertising in regional newspapers like the Yorkshire Post, for as little as £120 each between at least 18 establishments, we could place an advert to run over 3 weeks promoting scarborough and the participating establishments. Offers would of course have to be simple like 3 nights for the price of 2, but obviously date restictions and prices would be different per establishment.
- A monthly newsletter sent out to potential and regular scarborough visitors to inform them as to what is going on in the town, this could be marketed through local atrractions and going out to shopping centres (like our promotional trips). This could be away of keeping people informed as to what is going on in Scarborough on a regular basisi with may be some offers from local attractions.
- Upgrade the SHA discount card to a "ticket book" self funded by the attractions that advertise in it, with any extra funds being used to promote Scarborough.
Do you have any thoughs?
We are next mneeting on the 30th Janury 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Anual Hospitality Ball Last Night!
This was a great night with a good band.
The food at the spa was very good as was the service.
Good venue to host it!
Thanks for the comments given regarding my amazing technicolour dream coat made of Tiger skin!
The food at the spa was very good as was the service.
Good venue to host it!
Thanks for the comments given regarding my amazing technicolour dream coat made of Tiger skin!
Anual Hospitality Ball Last Night!
This was a great night with a good band.
The food at the spa was very good as was the service.
Good venue to host it!
Thanks for the comments given regarding my amazing technicolour dream coat made of Tiger skin!
The food at the spa was very good as was the service.
Good venue to host it!
Thanks for the comments given regarding my amazing technicolour dream coat made of Tiger skin!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
North Bay Liason Meeting
Ok met up regarding Sands Development.
Delays were alledgedly due to
Bat & Bird Survey
Suplimentary agreements to be finalised with benchmark and the council; apparently there were 26 questions from the banks to benchmark, 5 could only be answered by the council, 21 by Benchmark. Hopefully this will be agreed by mid-January 2007.
They are wanting to commence demolishing the corner next week (I will believe that when I see it!)
Atlantis, report to cabinet this week, (but I have seen the pool plant they use and it is pants) I expect it to be shut this summer personally.
Kinderland will be open this year, looks more like Atlantis will be shut as Good news may help bury the bad news!?
Beach Huts may arrive early Summer 2007 (aledgedly)
Northbay Railway is going well with the tempoary operators, with 3100 passengers since early December 2006, good news, I hope this operator gets to be the permanent operator! Expressions of interets close 19th January 2007.
To reserve a flat in the new block costs £1K (non refeundable!)
Well we will wait and see!
Delays were alledgedly due to
Bat & Bird Survey
Suplimentary agreements to be finalised with benchmark and the council; apparently there were 26 questions from the banks to benchmark, 5 could only be answered by the council, 21 by Benchmark. Hopefully this will be agreed by mid-January 2007.
They are wanting to commence demolishing the corner next week (I will believe that when I see it!)
Atlantis, report to cabinet this week, (but I have seen the pool plant they use and it is pants) I expect it to be shut this summer personally.
Kinderland will be open this year, looks more like Atlantis will be shut as Good news may help bury the bad news!?
Beach Huts may arrive early Summer 2007 (aledgedly)
Northbay Railway is going well with the tempoary operators, with 3100 passengers since early December 2006, good news, I hope this operator gets to be the permanent operator! Expressions of interets close 19th January 2007.
To reserve a flat in the new block costs £1K (non refeundable!)
Well we will wait and see!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Hospitality Association Committee Meeting
Had this meeting today, much quieter than the last meeting.
The various issues were discussed Sands development, new parking revision etc...
People seemed more positive about the season ahead, I am also feeling more psoitive this year!
The various issues were discussed Sands development, new parking revision etc...
People seemed more positive about the season ahead, I am also feeling more psoitive this year!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Got an email from Number 10 Downing street today.
Had a bet this week that I could get an email from number 10 downing street!
It won me a tenner! :)
Here is how I did it;
go to trendy tony's website, yeah I'm really in touch with society
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk
Think of something that is likely to be rejected, possibly something whitty.
Press send, and then got tap your mate up for the tenner! :)
Copy of email below!
Though this has a serious side, it does enable us as citizens to register our concerns directly, though one of my favourites over Christmas was "we the undersigned petition the prime minister to release a Christmas Record"
Hi,
I'm sorry to inform you that your petition has been rejected.
Your petition was classed as being in the following categories:
* Intended to be humourous, or has no point about government
policy
If you wish to edit and resubmit your petition, please follow
the following link:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Squirrel-Helper/CVA09VC5oEEDB3ptmWADBD2
You have four weeks in which to do this, after which your
petition will appear in the list of rejected petitions.
Your petition reads:
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to: 'Provide
every person of 70 years of age with a Grey Squirrel'
They are very useful for jobs around the house; I managed to
get my piano upstairs with my grey squirrel last week; mind you
I had to use a whip! But the brave little fellow did manage to
get all the way up two flights of stairs. I think this is a
super idea for keeping these little grey ASBO rascals from
harrasing the cute red squirrels!
-- the ePetitions team
IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!
OK! so i'm now 40+.
Well I don't feel any different; just wish people would stop reminding me that I am supposed to feel different.
One bonus was an email from Number 10!
Well I don't feel any different; just wish people would stop reminding me that I am supposed to feel different.
One bonus was an email from Number 10!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
What wifey wants for Christmas
Yes, my good lady told me yesterday night she wants the new Katie Pice and Peter Album, A whole new world, so I duely dashed out and bought it, when I gothome she was out and I just couldn't resist slicing the package open to listen to it first.
I've always loved music of all types whether sparce Belgian techno or dark jungle, gabba or handbag cheese, trip-hop or progressive, uplifting Italian piano or down and grimy speed garage, drum AND base or good ol' fashioned nosebleed, but today.... today something new, something ground breaking has literally assaulted my ears like a sonic enema, purging everything that I thought I knew about music, leaving me feeling washed out, cleansed and ready to leave behind the old me, what I used to be, leaving me ready, ready for a whole new world. I ripped this CD into MP3, put on my iPod and as the first notes hit me, I sat bolt upright, like, like...... like a puppy that's been trodden on, and I ran, ran through the house, down the hall and straight through the closed patio doors, shards of glass embedding in me as I danced around the garden, leaping like Bambi might have done if Bambi had been shot in the backside with a .177 air pellet. I don't remember what happened next, but when the final track, 'Lullaby', ended I was tapping my foot and clicking my fingers in the first class section of a plane to Barrow-in-Furness. Naked. My hair is now completely white and I twitch more than I used to, but the doctors say that's normal and have prescribed thorozine, but nothing, nothing, NOTHING beats the new high that I have found in this album. I wonder if it's possible to make albums like this in bathroom laboratories to be shipped out for unknowing young ravers worldwide....? What a buzz!! *Locks door and puts CD in player*
Merry Christmas!!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Affordable Online Booking
Had the SHA coffee morning today at the Bradley Court Hotel on South Cliff Scarborough, lovely place staff very customer focussed.
Met some fellow hoteliers who have all got near the end of a busy season, so everyone was in a boyant mood.
Earlier I met a chap called Chris Parkin who is using an online type booking system called “rezovation system” is used by Mr. Chris Parkin who runs www.bandbowner.com (he may be selling the product through his site at a cheaper price!)
Members of www.bandbowner.com get extra discount on the fees with the “rezovation system”
The link is below; though it looks like more than the £90 he spoke of, so I will need to speak to him further.
http://www.rezovation.com/RezOvationDesktop/booking_engine.html
Online booking and affordable access is something that I am looking further into at the moment my sister uses http://www.guestmaster.com/ which is a great piece of “kit” though it can be costly when the price is reflected in a per bedroom basis, I am presently looking to see if we can get preferential rates for our Scarborough Hospitality Association Members.
Met some fellow hoteliers who have all got near the end of a busy season, so everyone was in a boyant mood.
Earlier I met a chap called Chris Parkin who is using an online type booking system called “rezovation system” is used by Mr. Chris Parkin who runs www.bandbowner.com (he may be selling the product through his site at a cheaper price!)
Members of www.bandbowner.com get extra discount on the fees with the “rezovation system”
The link is below; though it looks like more than the £90 he spoke of, so I will need to speak to him further.
http://www.rezovation.com/RezOvationDesktop/booking_engine.html
Online booking and affordable access is something that I am looking further into at the moment my sister uses http://www.guestmaster.com/ which is a great piece of “kit” though it can be costly when the price is reflected in a per bedroom basis, I am presently looking to see if we can get preferential rates for our Scarborough Hospitality Association Members.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Common Standards Guest Accommodation
A Common Standards Update
This brief guide is for Accommodation providers a Hotel guide will follow latter.
The AA and Quality In Tourism (QIT) is now inspecting Guest Accommodation against the new star rating Quality Standards. Funnily enough our business has had 5 inspections this year, two with Q.I.T. (Visit Britain) and 3 with the AA; this has lead to a greater understanding of the new standards and the impact on the industry. Having cut their teeth on the larger establishments the AA particularly is turning its attention to the smaller establishments. The AA has said it will aim to complete the first phase of inspections by the middle of 2007, in time to have star ratings for all properties in the 2008 AA B&B Guide. I am sure Q.I.T. (Visit Britain) will not be far behind.
The New Standards
There is a common date for final completion of all inspections by January 2008. This target date is shared with Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and Visit Wales. Although; as you would expect; all four organisations are working to different time tables!
Result, there may be some star’ed establishments in the same vicinity as diamond’ed establishments, this will undoubtedly lead to guest confusion in the mean time.
One thing that we all need to consider as we get nearer to the 2008 deadline is the word “hotel” in an accommodation provider’s property name. In arguing the point with the unmoving powers at Visit Britain as an industry we may cause more confusion to the guest during this intervening period, this is something that we must accept; if we are to continue to argue this point on behalf of the members.
As a possible fallback position with regard to the word “Hotel” it may be wise to consider that the word “Hotel” could be substituted with say a word like “Gotel”, meaning “guest hotel” as this is so similar in wording that the guest would know it is a form of “Hotel”; plus it is only one letter change, minimizing costs. Do remember though! That the Scarborough Hotels Association has voiced its members concerns at the highest level with Visit Britain on the matter of retention of the word “hotel” for accommodation providers and they have extended the provision of dropping the issue until 2008, though Visit Britain are still adamant that after this date the word “hotel” must be dropped..
Inspections
Inspections; “get the knowledge” and “get aware” before your inspection is the word of the day, do your own critical inspection of your own premises, look for “quick wins” with regard to service enhancements. Download the guides or ask Alison at the Scarborough Hospitality Association to email you them! When the inspector comes discuss any concerns you may have with them.
I understand that anomalies in the recommended rating are being resolved locally between the AA and the relevant Tourist Board through the Area Inspectors or Area Manager so for example a “three diamond” and “3 star AA” on the same property should not happen!
It is probably going to be late 2008, when all four organisations have completed the entire process of grading under the new standards; only then will it be evident where some ratings may need review.
What Designator should you be listed under?
Well there are six different designators for Guest Accommodation. These must be used in conjunction with your star rating to avoid confusion with the full-service ‘Hotel’ scheme; i.e. those establishments who in Visit Britain’s opinion can use the word “Hotel” Your designator will be the same for all organisations you are involved with, for us in Scarborough it is presently Visit Britain and the AA.
B&B
This is best for any accommodation provided in a private house, run by the owner and with no more than six guests
Guest House
Accommodation for more than six guests and run on a more commercial basis.
Farmhouse
Accommodation provided on a working farm or smallholding
Inn
Accommodation provided in a fully licensed establishment
Restaurant with Rooms
Destination restaurant offering overnight accommodation with a maximum of 12 bedrooms
Guest Accommodation
Any establishment that meets the minimum entry requirements is eligible for this general designator
Ok! What’s the difference between the “old” standards and the “new” standards?
According to surveys conducted the new star ratings are more robust than the diamond standards; apparently for two reasons
Physical requirements: a full en-suite (or private) bathrooms to achieve four or five stars. If you have in room basins the maximum you can get is three stars.
Service and cleanliness; overall level of quality in all areas, especially hospitality, cleanliness, bedrooms, bathrooms and breakfast, is far higher than before. Therefore, if you were at the lower end of your diamond band and have made no positive changes, then you might be graded at a lower star level than you perceive you should be at; so now is the time to look at these issues!
Above all remember this is an entirely new scheme, and must be viewed as such. The inspectors are allowed to take a flexible attitude until the end of 2007, where they can see that proprietors are making changes or have plans for improvements, but do remember this flexibility is based on subjective application; so keep on the good side of the inspector during the inspection process and remember they are there to help you, so remain calm and friendly.
If you have any further queries about the new rating system, do contact the association for information.
This brief guide is for Accommodation providers a Hotel guide will follow latter.
The AA and Quality In Tourism (QIT) is now inspecting Guest Accommodation against the new star rating Quality Standards. Funnily enough our business has had 5 inspections this year, two with Q.I.T. (Visit Britain) and 3 with the AA; this has lead to a greater understanding of the new standards and the impact on the industry. Having cut their teeth on the larger establishments the AA particularly is turning its attention to the smaller establishments. The AA has said it will aim to complete the first phase of inspections by the middle of 2007, in time to have star ratings for all properties in the 2008 AA B&B Guide. I am sure Q.I.T. (Visit Britain) will not be far behind.
The New Standards
There is a common date for final completion of all inspections by January 2008. This target date is shared with Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and Visit Wales. Although; as you would expect; all four organisations are working to different time tables!
Result, there may be some star’ed establishments in the same vicinity as diamond’ed establishments, this will undoubtedly lead to guest confusion in the mean time.
One thing that we all need to consider as we get nearer to the 2008 deadline is the word “hotel” in an accommodation provider’s property name. In arguing the point with the unmoving powers at Visit Britain as an industry we may cause more confusion to the guest during this intervening period, this is something that we must accept; if we are to continue to argue this point on behalf of the members.
As a possible fallback position with regard to the word “Hotel” it may be wise to consider that the word “Hotel” could be substituted with say a word like “Gotel”, meaning “guest hotel” as this is so similar in wording that the guest would know it is a form of “Hotel”; plus it is only one letter change, minimizing costs. Do remember though! That the Scarborough Hotels Association has voiced its members concerns at the highest level with Visit Britain on the matter of retention of the word “hotel” for accommodation providers and they have extended the provision of dropping the issue until 2008, though Visit Britain are still adamant that after this date the word “hotel” must be dropped..
Inspections
Inspections; “get the knowledge” and “get aware” before your inspection is the word of the day, do your own critical inspection of your own premises, look for “quick wins” with regard to service enhancements. Download the guides or ask Alison at the Scarborough Hospitality Association to email you them! When the inspector comes discuss any concerns you may have with them.
I understand that anomalies in the recommended rating are being resolved locally between the AA and the relevant Tourist Board through the Area Inspectors or Area Manager so for example a “three diamond” and “3 star AA” on the same property should not happen!
It is probably going to be late 2008, when all four organisations have completed the entire process of grading under the new standards; only then will it be evident where some ratings may need review.
What Designator should you be listed under?
Well there are six different designators for Guest Accommodation. These must be used in conjunction with your star rating to avoid confusion with the full-service ‘Hotel’ scheme; i.e. those establishments who in Visit Britain’s opinion can use the word “Hotel” Your designator will be the same for all organisations you are involved with, for us in Scarborough it is presently Visit Britain and the AA.
B&B
This is best for any accommodation provided in a private house, run by the owner and with no more than six guests
Guest House
Accommodation for more than six guests and run on a more commercial basis.
Farmhouse
Accommodation provided on a working farm or smallholding
Inn
Accommodation provided in a fully licensed establishment
Restaurant with Rooms
Destination restaurant offering overnight accommodation with a maximum of 12 bedrooms
Guest Accommodation
Any establishment that meets the minimum entry requirements is eligible for this general designator
Ok! What’s the difference between the “old” standards and the “new” standards?
According to surveys conducted the new star ratings are more robust than the diamond standards; apparently for two reasons
Physical requirements: a full en-suite (or private) bathrooms to achieve four or five stars. If you have in room basins the maximum you can get is three stars.
Service and cleanliness; overall level of quality in all areas, especially hospitality, cleanliness, bedrooms, bathrooms and breakfast, is far higher than before. Therefore, if you were at the lower end of your diamond band and have made no positive changes, then you might be graded at a lower star level than you perceive you should be at; so now is the time to look at these issues!
Above all remember this is an entirely new scheme, and must be viewed as such. The inspectors are allowed to take a flexible attitude until the end of 2007, where they can see that proprietors are making changes or have plans for improvements, but do remember this flexibility is based on subjective application; so keep on the good side of the inspector during the inspection process and remember they are there to help you, so remain calm and friendly.
If you have any further queries about the new rating system, do contact the association for information.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
SHA Committee Meeting
Well I had to chair my first committee meeting today, I think it was the most ummm! how you say controversial one for some time! Shal I say a change to the usual one.Though I lot was said that needed to be said and got off peoples chests, and some stuff was said that did not need to be said, some stuff was also said that should not have been said and some insults were made by some people present to other people present, I think overall it was productive; I know this sounds strange to say! I was fascinated to see some members were very vocal and some were deadly silent, and did not say a word.Some of the best meetings I have been in that have resulted in the best moves forward have been like this meeting full of passion and emotion (not that I want every meeting to be like this!), I think the result will be a reassessment of targets as a group, with an overall aim to try and achieve for the year. We need to tackle this in January and take this passion and make it productive, as for the silent members ummm! Did they have any passion? Why were they silent, is it because we have not made them feel part of the team?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
32 inch TV only £389.99
Oh Yes! I like to know when I spot a bargain.
So I've been watching out for a cheap HD ready 32 inch TV for some time before Christmas arrives; our TV is not working very well it flickers from 28 inch to 3 inch intermitently.
So when Aldi advertised a 32 inch TV for£389.99 today, I dashed down to cue for the opening in the morning. I was 12th in the cue!
OH Yes! I am on to abargainn here I thought as I looked at the people behind.
Oh Yes!Ass the doors were opened by the security man.
Oh yes!Lookss like they have a lot of TV's!
Oh NO! I am12thh in the cue and they only have 10 TV's.
typicall, the way modern marketing works these days, so I left no buying anything!
Will I go back, Yes! I am a sucker for an offer that sounds too good to be true!
Oh by the wayWollworthss are selling a 32inch LCD by Relisys (they make computer monitors) for £449.99, so unless Tesco's and the other supermarkets have a war of the LCD's beforChristmasas I think I will be getting one from there; unless you know somewhere else I can get one elsewhere?
Monday, November 20, 2006
Christmas Lights On or Off!
Over the last two weeks I have been telephoned a number of times by people complaining that I am mad not giving the council "what for!" over the Christmas lights non-switch on.
What's my problem?
Don't I care about Scarborough?
I have asked the people who complained to me, were they there last year, most answer no, those that do answer yes were on the prerifery of the event with no children in tow. Well I was not there either, but I do care about the health and safety of people attending the event!
I have two friends who were in the town for the switch on last year both with young children, and they both experienced very frightening moments with regard to their children being crushed! This is not light matter, it only takes a second of resonable pressure to crush a child badly.
At the end of the day the Christmas Switch on event is not a spontaneous event, so it has to be assessed for health and safety by law, and the process for such a large event will require input from Police, Fire, Ambulance, and council and in the end and somebody the organiser has to put their "neck on the block" with regard to their job and possibly their liberty; if things go wrong!
At the end of the day nobody was willing to do this after assessing all the risks involved. I understand the reason the decision was so late was because the concerned parties were looking at options up until the last minute.
I personally can not see how 10,000 people who would each need a space of around 0.5 square meters to 1 square meter each just to stand (let alone move) can fit in the largest are near where the christmas lights are. I don't think any are in the town centre is that big? Or to put it another way would 20% of the towns folk fit in the area used last year safely?
So no switch-on this year, the failure is due to its own success!
This does raise the question of where else you could do the switch on! But there is little point if the new area is not where the lights are being displayed!
What's my problem?
Don't I care about Scarborough?
I have asked the people who complained to me, were they there last year, most answer no, those that do answer yes were on the prerifery of the event with no children in tow. Well I was not there either, but I do care about the health and safety of people attending the event!
I have two friends who were in the town for the switch on last year both with young children, and they both experienced very frightening moments with regard to their children being crushed! This is not light matter, it only takes a second of resonable pressure to crush a child badly.
At the end of the day the Christmas Switch on event is not a spontaneous event, so it has to be assessed for health and safety by law, and the process for such a large event will require input from Police, Fire, Ambulance, and council and in the end and somebody the organiser has to put their "neck on the block" with regard to their job and possibly their liberty; if things go wrong!
At the end of the day nobody was willing to do this after assessing all the risks involved. I understand the reason the decision was so late was because the concerned parties were looking at options up until the last minute.
I personally can not see how 10,000 people who would each need a space of around 0.5 square meters to 1 square meter each just to stand (let alone move) can fit in the largest are near where the christmas lights are. I don't think any are in the town centre is that big? Or to put it another way would 20% of the towns folk fit in the area used last year safely?
So no switch-on this year, the failure is due to its own success!
This does raise the question of where else you could do the switch on! But there is little point if the new area is not where the lights are being displayed!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Scarborough Hospitality Association Committee Meeting
Held today at the Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough.
We handled the usual committee meeting issues and spent the traditional November meeting finalising the Annual Ball. The evening should be good and a lot of work has been put in by the social committee.
After we met the coucil representative and two hoteliers (guest providers?) from Hartleypool (Don't mention the monekey!). In hartlepool the council make no exception for the parking for the tourist over night stay industry, the hoteliers have to pay £250 per parking place! They were very interetsed in the consessions Scarborough Hoteliers had negotiated, £1 for upto 4 days. Presently our organisation has spent £3,821.00 on parking this year (last year was £2978.93), the main reason (95%) is due to the increase in parking costs. Without this valuble cosessions the tourism business in the borough would be adversely affected not just profits but total visitor numbers. Maybe we aren't badly provided for in the parking area after all?
We handled the usual committee meeting issues and spent the traditional November meeting finalising the Annual Ball. The evening should be good and a lot of work has been put in by the social committee.
After we met the coucil representative and two hoteliers (guest providers?) from Hartleypool (Don't mention the monekey!). In hartlepool the council make no exception for the parking for the tourist over night stay industry, the hoteliers have to pay £250 per parking place! They were very interetsed in the consessions Scarborough Hoteliers had negotiated, £1 for upto 4 days. Presently our organisation has spent £3,821.00 on parking this year (last year was £2978.93), the main reason (95%) is due to the increase in parking costs. Without this valuble cosessions the tourism business in the borough would be adversely affected not just profits but total visitor numbers. Maybe we aren't badly provided for in the parking area after all?
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Sea, Sand and Surf!
The last two days have been a wild time in the bay. I managed to get into the sea with my Body Board (Sponge) today, one of these types of board not a kids board!I caught three real good waves and my new surf friend Hayley (as you are supposed to have a surf buddy as part of the first rules of safety) was real real brave in to face of a 15ft rouge that met her head on!
Instead of coming out of the water shook up and shaking, she came out with a big smile on her face :). REAL BIG RESPECT!! It was only her second time out on a sponge.
So if your living in Scarborough and can't find anything to do pop down to your local surf shop (we have 4 now!) hire some kit and try it out, or even book some lessons!
Also big respect to the person in the bay yesterday near the lighthouse when that large 20ft wave came into the bay, I am lucky to be able to watch the bay from the comfort of my kitchen window with central heating and a large cup of honey tea.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
End of the Scarborough (Whitby Filey) Guide!
End of the Scarborough (Whitby Filey) Guide! I attended the ATP (Area Tourism Partnership) meeting followed by the Borough Tourism Working Group meeting at the Evron Centre Filey today. At this meeting it was announced that this year is the last year of the costal guide that advertises on Scarborough Whitby and Filey accommodation; future guides will incorporate the boroughs of Hambleton, and Ryedale. This I was told will give the borough the opportunity to widen its exposure to new markets and reduce the entry costs to communicate to these markets. A long period of time was spent discussing the future of Scarborough art gallery, should it have a cafe. Some time was also spent discussing Whitby Tourist Information Centre and the opening of a cafe in the adjoining space.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Thunder Cats Hooo!!
We have Thunder Cat racing in the South Bay this weekend!
No this is not the bi-pedal cats carrying swords led by Lion-o fighting the evile Mumm-ra and his evile band of eveil doers! But these Thundercats!
These boats will be racing around the bay, having fun.
Needless to say, me and the kids will be surfing at 6.30am in the morning to avoid being run over!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Scarborough Hospitality Association Coffee Morning
Scarborough Hospitality Association Coffee Morning I attend this in the winter months and this month it was at the Harmony Country Lodge an interesting place built in a hexagonal shape at Burniston, with a religious and holistic slant.
North Bay Sands Development Liasion Group
The Sands North Bay Scarborough
Attended my second North Bay liaison group today regarding the sands development FAQ here
In my capacity of Scarborough Hospitality Association Vice President,
roughly here is the present situation;
Work has now officially started, highway diversion operates outside the old corner, hoarding will be going up soon, renovation of part of the old pavilion will commence soon and then demolition of the corner complex.
Mr Rhodes (from Benchmark) is keen to see as little disruption to the locality as possible and is keen to see rubble crushed on site and buried as future hardcore on site. This will be good for the environment.
Local suppliers will be used as much as possible, subject to cost constraints.
Nicholson; a local estate agency is handling the letting of the remaining 2 shop units. Nicholson will also be selling the apartments that are part of the first build. I understand that around 12 flats have already been sold "off plan".
The rest of the meeting was spent discussing proposed traffic routes that big lorries and normal lorries could use so as to minimise disruption to residents. Though I suppose the Scarborough Borough Council already have this worked out? The main big deliveries are the steel from Sheffield and the bathroom pods from Hull. Though I suppose the raw materials for the concrete machine that will undoutably be on site will also be large and regular!
Is the Sabds Development Good For Scarborough? Discuss!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Talking of widening the A64
Here is an interesting point of view of a person in the accommodation trade, ie me
A business colleague told me about a conversation with a leading business person from blackpool, regarding improving the A64.
Blackpool (off there this week!) hotels noticed that when the road was made dual carriage all the way into the town, Hoteliers noticed a sharp drop in trade from there usual markets!
Why?
Well around 75% of the Blackpool short break market came from a drive time distance of around 1.5-2.5 hours, ie. Long enough for a short stay but too long a drive for a day trip!
After the road was improved this market that was 1.5-2.5 hours drive away was now 1.-1.5 hours away, result they no longer needed to stay over night as customers could reach Blackpool easier for a day trip.
This placed many hoteliers off balance with their understanding of their market, unfortunately for Blackpool the new 1.5-2.5 hour drive distance did not take in a more densely popuplated area than the old 1.5-2.5 drive time area.
So what does this possibly mean for Scarborough?
Our main short stay market is West and South Yorkshire, high density areas, the main industrial base of the region is located here. If the A64 is made dual all the way into Scarborough, I think this market will become mainly day trip, beyond this area there is not a more densely populated area to replace it; so we need to be prepared to react to this change if it comes.
Don't get me wrong I firmly believe the A64 dual link into Scarborough will be a good thing for the town as a whole! When it does happen don't be supprised if you see me opening an ice cream parlour! However, the accommodation market needs to think ahead when this change does come!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Friday, October 06, 2006
Betting On Scarborough Update!
Interesting to note in the Evening News today Don Robinson (AKA Local Character) is leading a bid to get a Casino in York.
Interesting that as he said Scarborough is too small for a Casino! Ummm!
Really!
Interesting that as he said Scarborough is too small for a Casino! Ummm!
Really!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Place your bets! Betting on Scarborough
I attended the “betting on Scarborough” meeting tonight with my brother Richard at the Royal Hotel, one of Scarborough's other historic hotels. This was about Scarboroughs attempt to get a license for a reginal small casino with a gamming floor the size of a football pitch (Small?)
The meeting was interesting after all the important people had said their bit, there were some very important people there; CEO's of Scarborough Borough Council (sbc), North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC), and Yorkshire Forward (YF) a local charater wanted to have his say!.
Don Robinson (aka a local character) moved to the from and spoke from the podium and said a bigger casino was not viable in the area, and A64 widening was most important, A director from the local exisitng casino said that a new casino would force them to close (Similar to what happened to an other exisitng casino that was open and trading just before they opened up their new casino at the old Royal Opera House site.) Mind you this resoning is fairly mute as the we could use the same reasoning for a new hotel or accommodation provider opening up in the town! Others had minor objections to the lack of public consultation on the issue?
Council officers seemed bemused and a degree embarrassed somewhat, and the whole thing sort of “fell apart” though no blame should be attached to the participants or organisers, I wonder what the CEO's of SBC, NYCC and YF thought!?
The casino regulators do not make a decision until December, interesting that the final plans for sands are not submitted until December, though this site is probably the best place to put a casino anyway!
The council officers seemed very confident that they are going to get a license for a gaming floor the size of a football pitch! I think the behaviour of the few have strengthened the resolve of the officers to “go for it!” Though in the headdy hights of council politics you never really know what the big game plan is, and tonight was a classic example!
Any way the food and service at the Royal Hotel on this occasion was very good.
Interesting that non of the excitement on the night was reported in the evening news; our local rag!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Scarborough Hospitality Association
Scarborough Hospitality Association I attended this meeting as the vice president on the first Tuesday of the month, many things were discussed at this meeting including the proposed Sands development and the furutre of the towns tourism
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