Folk Week's here again

Another Folk Week is here. Even though we're always busy for folk week it isn't too bad as everyone is here for a full week aqnd we have a good crowd. Makes it a bit of a nightmare on the Saturday when everyone goes though with every room to do for people checking in for Bank Holiday.

Green Tourism Business Scheme Advisory Visit

We have just had our GTBS advisory visit. We thought we were doing a lot but there is a lot more to do. Fortunately most of it isn't too difficult (or expensive) to achieve. We can officially use the "Awaiting Grading" logo now on our advertising.

Regatta

The end of another Regatta weekend with the usual fantastic firework display from East Pier. Next year's event is going to be more of a problem for everyone as it conflicts with the first half of Folk Week and the Regatta organisers won't consider moving it. The Folk Week cannot readily move as it is part of a whole programme of events around the country and is always the week leading to bank holiday, whereas the Regatta is governed by tides which are a moving feast. Click here for more photos of the fireworks.

Proud parents

Nothing to do with The Waverley, except that we were closed yesterday and today. Jessica has graduated from Leeds University with a degree in English, no doubt that she will complain about us putting this on the blog!!

Soul Weekender

It is the Soul Weekender this weekend. We are only a couple of hundred yards from The Pavilion, I guess that's one of the reasons why we have the same people coming back every year.

Hope that there isn't the same controversy about tickets this year - last year some people had problems getting in as there were apparently some forgeries around. It caused a lot of frustration and resentment.

Lynn's Bowel Cancer Campaign Big Bike Ride hits town

Here at last after several months of planning we have 40 intrepid bikers on their epic round Britain motorbike ride for Lynn's Bowel Cancer Campaign. We have been involved with Lynn and her campaign for 11 years since I (Stephen) had advanced bowel cancer. Lynn was a great support throughout the whole ordeal. Many thanks to Ian, from the famous Magpie Café who fed everyone down by the bandstand The main aim is to raise awareness about bowel cancer on a route that takes in Birmingham, Leeds, Whitby, Gateshead, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Conway, Cardiff, Brighton and London over a 4 day period. The ride, is about 1400 miles with a very eclectic mix of bikes.

From Big Bike Ride 2008

Swampy and Swampette!!

The article has been published in today's Whitby Gazette. Click on the photo if you fancy reading it, it is mostly accurate although the bit about napkins is a misquote. Should have said "We are considering whether linen napkins are a more environmentally friendly option than paper." Unfortunately there is no clear cut answer.

New Restaurant - Vinyard

Just been to a new restaurant with our friends Jon and Judith from Whitby Carpets, had a great meal. The Vinyard is worth visiting if you're in Whitby, whether you are staying with us or not.

Fame at last

Press photographer from Whitby Gazette has just been to cover the story about the GTBS pilot scheme. Story should be in paper in a week or so.

FOE and PBF

Having been to the Plastic Bag Free meetings we eventually found ourselves at a Friends Of The Earth meeting as the PBF is supported by FOE. We had been a bit surprised to find that we, and everyone else there had to contribute to the cost of the venue by having a "secret collection". As our guest lounge is under utilised we decided that we could host both FOE and PBF meetings. Tonight is the first meeting - just hope that too many people don't turn up.