St Martin's on the Isle

Spring Newsletter: 2011 Season

Opening Date: Monday 11th April

Dear Friends,

Open as usual for 2011

The 2011 season is almost upon us and as most of you will be aware, we will be open for business as usual with no sign of builders. The proposed building works have been put on indefinite hold for the foreseeable future, so the idyllic peace and quiet that everyone loves can be enjoyed throughout the season without interruption.

Winter on St Martin's

As usual, the winter has been kind to us on the island with hardly a sniff of snow, but it has been a bit chilly at times. The Christmas flower crop decided not to pop their heads out, so couldn't be picked until the New year - Oh well - good things come to those who wait!!

Winter at the Hotel

In a word - "quiet". It's a bit like that 1980's film "The Shining" with Jack Nicholson, set in an isolated, off season hotel. There are only four of us here in the winter - Neil plus my wife Dawn in the reservations office, plus Tony carrying out all the essential maintenance of the equipment throughout the hotel and me (Keith) working my way through the endless paperwork that all businesses have to deal with.

Personnel

Many of the staff who got to know you last season will be returning again this season. We are also delighted to announce that we have recruited a new Head Chef who worked here a few years ago with Chef Kenny Atkinson who achieved a Michelin Star for his cooking.

Social Housing

The two new units in Middle Town are nearing completion and the lucky inhabitants are due to move in towards the end of February. There is feverish speculation about who will be chosen to occupy these houses and all will be revealed in due course.

Early Season at the Round Island Bar and Bistro

Last year we started opening the Bistro each Friday evening, starting in February, with a single, hearty dish of great British food which was an outstanding success, so this year we plan to repeat the experience just as soon as our new Head Chef arrives. Local take up was phenomenal with most evenings fully booked and we are all looking forward to partaking of this Friday fare again.

The New community Centre

We are making progress with this project, albeit somewhat slowly. Builders have been asked to tender for the project and we are in the last round of the funding process. As I am sure you will remember, we obtained revised planning permission last year and have now dealt with all the concerns from English Heritage, the Planning Office, The Duchy and various other concerns that needed to be dealt with. Subject to obtaining the necessary funding - and that is by no means an easy feat in this economic climate - we hope to start this project this coming winter with completion in the spring of 2012. Yours truly, as Chairman of this august body, is keeping his fingers well and truly crossed.

Keith Bradford, General Manager