We are often asked what is the point of the Lakes Hospitality Association, when the tourism industry is already represented by Cumbria Tourism. There are many reasons, not least that the LHA is independent, doesn’t rely on public funds for its existence and can therefore feel free to speak out on any issue without fear of its funding being withdrawn. But the main reason is that a little bit of competition is good for the soul, it keeps people on their toes and counteracts complacency. Today we reviewed the very long list of the LHA’s achievements over the last year, and one of these was the TV advertising campaign which we undertook to try to counter the sharp decline in trade after the floods. The LHA were first off the mark with a series of TV ads, which were 20 seconds long and used professional film. The ads were designed to capitalise on “The Lakes”, which was shown in between episodes of Coronation Street. A similar, but greatly inferior TV ad from Cumbria Tourism followed ours. The CT ad was only 10 seconds long and used still photography and didn’t really hit the mark. I think it’s fair to say that if it wasn’t for our campaign there would have been a general feeling that TV advertising just isn’t viable. The underdog can often win, which is why I’m such a keen supporter of the LHA. And, at the successful, if low-key AGM, I was proud to be re-elected its Chairman.

At lunch today I bought ten ducks which will take part in the annual duck race in Kendal later this year (watch this space) to raise money for the Bob McGie award. This is testimony to the vast amount of alcohol we were given (Champagne to begin with and then a different wine with each course) with our lunch, which was prepared and served by the students of Kendal College. It is one of the best hospitality events of the year. The money raised by the ducks, the lunch and other events sponsors students from the college on trips abroad to widen their horizons and give them the chance to learn about food in another country. This year, trips are being sponsored to Portugal, Dubai and New Zealand. Tony Jackson from Lakeland Vintners, who has supplied the wine to my hotels for nearly 20 years, which in itself shows what a great guy he is, generously donated the wine.

How Gail got away with putting live pigs next door to the Cumberland sausage stand I’ll never know. But it was fun watching people tasting the free samples of sausage under the pleading eyes of the little pigs. The Food Marquee of the Lakes Hospitality Association “Best of Lakeland” Show also contained a pen of llamas, who formed part of the appreciative audience for a cooking display by the Malmaison Hotel Head Chef.

Gail and I gave several interviews in the morning for Radio, TV and the local newspapers in our capacities as Secretary and Chairman of the Association. We were later taken to task by someone who objected to us referring to Windermere as ‘Lake Windermere’. The argument is that ‘mere’ means lake, so it is tautologous to use the word lake when referring to Windermere. My reply is that I’d go for clarity over pedantry any day.

At the Royal Yacht Club, Bowness,  giving a presentation alongside a spokesman from the Bank of England to 60 guests of the Royal Bank of Scotland.  The title of my talk was “Tourism, the local perspective, 2010 and beyond”. I followed the ‘Dave’ Cameron style of ‘no tie, no script’, which to my mind is much more friendly than a power-point presentation.  My theme was that although the recession may have passed the tourism sector by this year, we may be due for a nasty shock in 2010 if interest rates rise, if the pound recovers ,if energy prices rise and  if VAT goes up to 20%.  I was amused to see on the evening news that Sir Stuart Rose, the Chairman and CEO of Marks and Spencers had been making a speech at the same time, telling the City that we can expect a rise in VAT next year to 20%.  Sally “flipped” me and this extract contains the introduction and the conclusion of my talk.