For many months we have been pondering the future of our use of Kettering for our major overnight tournaments.   It has been made clear by many members that Kettering provides a less than desirable venue, mainly because of the lack of convivial hotel facilities.  It is also geographically difficult for some members to reach.

After much consideration, the Board and the Tournament Committee have agreed that for the next season, starting with the 2007/2008 Tollemache, all overnight events will be held at the Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley Leicestershire. Click here to go to their website for more details.  

It is an “event” hotel, used for many different types of event during the year, and the staff are very experienced at dealing with large numbers of people.

The hotel has (we hope) everything you will want.  

The playing areas (one of the big conference rooms is pictured on the left) are excellent.

There are around 340 well appointed bedrooms, one of which you can see pictured here.

There are two bars, a coffee bar, good food, a pool (pictured below), gym, secure lit (free) parking for 600 cars and it is right on the motorway network, as well as being reasonably close to a number of mainline railway stations.

We have made arrangements for the 2007/8 season which means that the cost per night (per person) will be £45.00 double, £55 single.   Dinner is available for around an extra £12 although this price is not finalised.

I stayed at the hotel last weekend for the BCL Annual Congress, and was very impressed with the hotel, the staff, the food and facilities.   I hope it works for our members.

Barry Capal