WiFi

We are now WiFi throughout:  Evolvement  Networks, of Milford Haven, have installed a sophisticated system incorporating user name & password access controls. And, as part of the testing, we have learned that our broadband service sometimes hits 10 Mbps! For us non-techies, that’s quite fast, apparently.

Another (financial) year gone by

Our accounting year expires at the end of September so we’re now in a new year! Let’s hope there’s less economic turmoil ahead.

Having said that,  our last year has been saved by the higher costs of holidaying in the Eurozone as well as people making up their minds at the last minute, sometimes apparently after hearing the next three days’ weather forecast.

So we are fortunate not to have been as badly affected as many others and for the town not to have been presented with as many empty buildings as seemed likely earlier in the year.

We’ve just been gifted with a quote for fire detection equipment to comply with “L2″ standards and on Monday embark upon installation of a wi-fi system to cover the entire hotel. Add onto the shopping list the cost of duvets for the third (and final) floor and an industrial washing machine we’ve had to replace and don’t forget our VAT bill at the end of this month and ………… say goodbye to that little financial bubble.

However, who would want to keep money right now – interest rates are not exactly wunderbar.

Youngest makes it to the London busk-off

Phoebe  was selected into the last 10 in the latest London buskers competition. The final heat was judged yesterday in London’s Indigo O2, complete with Boris Johnson and followed by Question Time.

She didn’t make the last three, but heck, the lady done well. So congrats Phoebe Martha.

That was the summer

Well, given the economic climate and the disappointing weather through the school holiday period, Fourcroft has been fortunate indeed. This was the year of the “staycationers” and Tenby saw the return of families big time.

Fourcroft was awash with children like it used to be 10 years ago and, for many of our staff, a new experience of high speed delivery to dramatically increased demand. Hard work but everyone knows just how lucky we have been.

And now we’re into September, Tenby Arts Festival, the best weather in the UK and contemplating where we spend money on the hotel over the next six months. Do we sit on our money in case of more turbulence in the economy or do we reinvest it so as to continue to improve our product? Answers on a postcard ……..

Tenby Arts Festival – September 2009

Our next Jazz Brunch , on Sunday 20th September, features the always impressive gipsy jazz rythms of The Amigos. This is our contribution to The Tenby Arts Festival week.

Also in the Festival, on Friday 25th September and promoted by Tenby Blues Festival, the ‘butt-kicking’ Coalhouse Walker Blues Band, complete with dancers and supported by The 44s. This really promises to be a great night, in its own right & as a prelude to The Blues Festival on 13th / 15th November 2009.

Icelandic Experience

Just returned from five days holiday in Iceland, where Kath & I were deeply impressed by blue skies & sunshine , 24 hours of all four days we were over there. Yep, 24 hours daylight.

Reykjavik proved to be a truly great place to enjoy nightlife, with so many music performances happening, not all exactly brilliant but all live, and a huge choice of venues, restaurants, cafes, etc. Our hotel was friendly and flexible and well located next to the cathedral, close to the main retail & food/drink places.

We managed to fit in the Blue Lagoon experience of hot water pools, the Geysir, yep, geezer for you & me, and astonishing waterfalls at Gullfoss. We also went out on a boat trip & saw a number of whales, well they looked like whales but only the two large water-spouting ones were convincing, loads of seabirds including those ridiculous puffins and other boats full of people looking for … whales.

We ate & drank well, sampling the Icelandic special “Black Death” Brennivin, a schnapps type thing from caraway seeds – distinctive – espressos everywhere and a cool “smoresbrod”. Highlight was not tasting Puffin, Guillemot & Whale on the menu, but you know, when in Reykjavik ……..

Loved the Icelanders, so friendly, full of humour &, sorry, so highly competent in conversing in English. Great place. Apart from various buildings in semi state of build, you wouldn’t easily know of the country’s economic plight, then who are we to comment?

A country of 300,000 people occupying an island the size of England, but most of it uninhabitable. 180,000 live in Reykjavik, a deceptively large city. A landmark party place at this time of year, I wonder what it’s like in six months time, without any daylight? In any event, a country that apparently understands its culture and how to celebrate it. Felt quite at home.

You dancing?

Some waterfall!

Gardens win prize

Fourcroft’s front gardens won first prize (+10 bedrooms category) in last week’s Tenby in Bloom awards. We look forward to picking up our prize in two weeks time, but, more importantly, we say thanks to the efforts of our gardening team – Peter, Susie & James Osborne – in providing our customers with one of the very best places to rest, relax & enjoy the stunning view of Tenby’s North Beach, old fishing harbour & out across Carmarthen Bay.

Aberaeron Birthday Treat

Just enjoyed two nights away at The Harbourmaster Hotel overlooking Aberaeron’s harbour. Fine food, excellent beer & great attention to detail in the hotel’s finishes. Kath & I were able to chill out after a rather frenetic, but profitable, period of activity at Fourcroft. And it was a special birthday treat for me.

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21st June – The Longest Father’s Jazz Day

On Sunday 21st June, Cafe Jazz – a trad jazz band from Aberystwyth & Pembrokeshire – play from midday til 3pm. And tickets (only £12) include Fourcroft’s legendary Brunch.

This is also Father’s Day, so for any dads wanting to enjoy ‘your’ day listening to live jazz, Fourcroft is probably where you’d want to be.

And, after all that, it is the longest day of the year.

TRIPLE WHAMMY?