.

We have now started the 2008 season but a week later than usual this year. Similar to other industries everyone is talking about 'credit crunch' and 'doom and gloom' in our unique part of the country, trade will always be good for those successful businesses offering value for money and consistent high standards. This point has been proven throughout our 18 years of trading. Bookings for cottages and the hotel have been brisk and we have more advanced reservations than this time last year. The 2008 festive period has now been planned and is on our website with reservations already being made.

Every year we always look at our business and try and improve our winning formula. Our roast lunches have been re-invented and we have launched the 'pirate packed lunch boxes' which have been met with a great response. Despite the ever rising operating costs we have managed to keep our food prices the same as last year. This has been achieved by our team selling larger volumes of food due to increased business. This year we are please to say that Dave, Tomasz, Sean, Christine and Lukasz have all returned so there will not be any unfamiliar faces.

As usual the various councils have been unhelpful over the last few months. The sign which we put up on a post at the entrance to Malborough to say we are open caused threats of enforcement notices! The sign is up for a week over Christmas and a week in February. It lets regulars know we have re-opened. Local radio and newspaper advertising cannot replace this sign. Whilst it should not be a consideration, Hope Cove Weekend has put thousands of pounds into the Parish of Malborough.I was always taught 'do not bite the hand that feeds you'. This is my last year's involvement with Hope Cove Weekend and I understand that there are a number of essential financial requests within the South Huish Parish. Careful thought and consideration will be given this year. Dad is coming back for the last two weeks in August, he wants to see how we do Hope Cove Weekend nowadays as he was involved in the late 70's. There will be three generations of Hassall's in the fancy dress this year; a recipe for mayhem!

As pet business is our main accommodation filler we have to get firmer on a few ongoing situations which are essential for everyone's enjoyment and safety. It is essential that pets are on leads attached to a responsible person at all times whilst on the hotel site. This is down to past problems and a dog psychology issue; I will explain if anyone wants to know more! The enclosed gardens at the cottages have on occasion been used as a dog toilet for early morning and late night visits. We ask all owners to take their pets down the lane for these visits .It was brought to our attention by Olive our neighbour and cottage watcher! She has offered to be vigilant in watching the situation for us in order to keep the cottage gardens special for everyone especially children and pets.

Yet again South Hams District Council has displayed their anti-tourism policy. Our panning permission for a disabled bedroom and bathroom for Buttercup cottage has been refused on the grounds of they do not like extensions to barn conversions. The Parish Council actually had no objections. The neighbours were all in favour and the relevant official bodies that have to be consulted had no objections . It is obvious the SHDC do not care about disabled guest holidays and have ignored the fact that there is not any pet friendly disabled self catering accommodation in the area It will be a great blow to the customers thati have already booked for 2009. It is extremely short sighted of the council. I hope they can cope with the press implications! We will of course appeal.

Emily will be 14 in a few days and is planning her career options at school. I have persuaded her not to be a caterer and it seems that she has an interest in legal extortion (being a solicitor!) Ella is now nearly 3 and has started pre-school which is a great relief for Hazel as Ella now needs a lot of stimulation! Josh is a real gentle giant; it won't be long before he is keeping Ella in check! Now that Josh is a little older I can look after both children especially when Emily is with us. This means Hazel can take on more responsibilities and she enjoys being back 'out front'. Emily now enjoys waitressing to earn her pocket money which means I gain both ways!

The catering industry in rural locations in England has become much more financially challenging in the last 10 years. Power costs have rocketed, equipment purchase and maintenance has escalated, personal costs and administration are out of control along with rapidly rising food and commodity costs

.I think we will see many more catering establishments close down over the next few years. The Tourism Department has not a clue what is going on within the industry and the local Tourist Information Centres as always, are left to fend financially for themselves. We have pulled our cottages out of theE.T B.rating system for 10 months now with no adverse effect. We have in fact through our own hard work in promoting what we do have been busier. Maintenance costs are the biggest burden for both businesses but fortunately I do nearly all of this now which is the key to keeping costs down and the properties in good condition.

Our Website now forms the major part of our advertising with the ability to put up cancellations and discounted last minute gaps to fill, its well worth a look for a short notice break. Space at the hotel is getting limited but throughout March and April you can stay 3 nights D,B&B for £175 per person,With a last minute rate of of £150 for 3 nights D,B&B until 3rd April, and pets still come free, or why not have a cottage for the week. A couple's rate is £440 for the cottage for the week.Some cancellation weeks are availble. Look on the news page.

We look forward to seeing you over the next year,

Sean, Hazel and Family, Dave and Crew.