You don't need me to tell you about the important work done by Hospitality Action - helping those from within our trade who have fallen on hard times or who have suffered some terrible setback.
Raising money for Hospitality Action has been a labour of love for many in our trade over the years, some devoting a great deal of their personal time to this vital business. We should also acknowledge the generosity of several companies who support HA through their membership, sponsorship and other donations.
Well, yours truly is lucky enough to have rubbed shoulders with some of these people and I'm hoping to do so again on May 24th when everyone on the South West fundraising committee attempts to cycle from Whatley Manor to Lucknam Park in Wiltshire (feel free to sponsor me if you like!). This is just the start of a big "Cyclathon" involving Pride of Britain Hotels, Relais & Chateaux, von Essen and Best Western among others. Teams will cycle from one hotel to another, or a series of them, each attracting their own sponsorship going directly to Hospitality Action.
If you are averse to strenuous excercise then perhaps a gentle stroll through the gardens at HRH The Prince of Wales's home at Highgrove is more to your taste? Join us on 10th May if you can. The day starts with an early lunch at Lucknam Park. To buy your ticket please contact Astrid@hospitalityaction.org.uk
There is also to be a glorious Polo Day on September 11th at the famous Beaufort Polo Ground near Tetbury and anyone can come. The cost is £100 per person to include a fine day's polo plus a 3 course lunch prepared by leading chefs from the region. I'll be there stuffing my face as usual - all in a very good cause!