The biggest marina on Windermere is calling for the 10mph speed limit on England’s longest lake to be lifted in the week of its fifth anniversary.

This week, marks five years since a 10mph restriction was brought in – banning water-skiing, jet-skiing and power boating on the 10.5 mile long lake. Windermere was the only lake left in the whole of the Lake District where power-boating and water-skiing could take place.

Jason Dearden, Managing Director, runs Windermere Marina Village on the edge of the lake near Bowness, which is home to over 400 boat owners and draws visitors from the North West, North East and Cumbria, as well as around 11,000 visitors a year staying at its lakeside cottages and apartments. It is the biggest and most sheltered Marina on Windermere, and the largest in the whole of the North.

He believes a relaxation of the 2005 ban or a commitment to rethink it by the Lake District National Park Authority this year, would be a welcome gesture to tourism around the Lake following the floods, as well as assisting in the area’s economic recovery.

He also thinks that representations should be made to review the 10mph byelaw if there’s a change of Government after the general election.

One of the major reasons the ban was brought in was to reduce “conflict” between different types of people using the lake and make the lake more tranquil.

Mr Dearden believes Windermere is large enough to have a scheme which allows room for all types of waterborne activities – sailors, power-boaters, canoers and water-skiers – sharing the water harmoniously.

Mr Dearden said: “We are five years on from the ban and many tourism businesses would like to see a rethink because it unfairly excludes a proportion of visitors from enjoying England’s longest lake. We wouldn’t dream of banning certain visitors from enjoying Scafell Pike, so why have a rule which stops certain visitors wanting to enjoy Windermere.”

“If there is conflict between different types of people using the Lake, all we need to do is start looking at what those conflicts are and finding out how they can be managed – so everyone can enjoy Windermere.”

“We have to get out of the mindset of treating the lake like a village duck-pond and believing this byelaw somehow makes it quiet. It is the bigges and most popular lake in the Lake District and the most developed. There are over 16 lakes and bodies of waters across the Lake District if people are seeking total tranquillity.”

“In the Norfolk Broads, where there are a lot of waterways and a lot of water users, the national park authority there has a system which regulates what every users can do and it works. All we need to do is adopt a similar policy for Lake Windermere and it will really assist tourism. If we are trying to convert a younger audience of visitors to discover the Lakes, we have to offer what they want.”

Water-skiers, power-boaters and jet-skiers were an important visitor to the Marina as they often had a high-disposable income and made repeat visits – staying and spending in the local area as they pursued their hobbies.

Windermere Marina Village, a family-owned tourism business, is close to completing a £3 million upgrade of the Marina and taking bookings again for the new tourism season. Following the floods of last year, the water level of the lake rose 10 feet – swamping the Marina’s 29 ground level Windermere cottages meaning holiday cancellations. The Marina employs around 55 people and its 11,000 annual guests use local restaurants, shops, cafes and visitor attractions, making it a significant contributor to the local economy of Bowness and Windermere.

For more information, please contact Tracii Monet at Windermere Marina Village on 015394 46551 or visit http://www.wmv.co.uk

The launch of the new dining room at the Borrowdale Hotel was a truly sparkling affair as guests were treated to a Champagne Celebration dinner which included a different champagne with every course.

The new look dining room now appears larger, warmer and more inviting with rich gold’s and burgundy bringing the hotel up to date yet still keeping its charm. It was the perfect setting for Champagne coming to Cumbria.

Stephen Wilcock, General Manager of the hotel took advantage of his Master Sommelier skills to work with Jean Pierre Marniquet – the hotel’s specialist grower and wine maker from the Champagne region. Working with Head Chef they created a delicious menu that married the flavors and textures of the food with the different champagnes produced by Jean Pierre.

Guests heard Stephen explain the history of Champagne and also how this particular Champagne is nurtured through production in Jean Pierre Marniquet’s small, privately owned vineyard. “His seven hectare vineyard is very close to some of the most famous champagne names, but as a small grower producer, Jean Pierre can stay very close to the production process to ensure the best from his grapes.”

Jean Pier and his daughter Cyrille travelled from France especially for the evening. They were invited to explain the complexities and subtleties of each champagne as it was served with each course.

Coffee was served with an old Fin de Champagne which was provided by Pascal Delorme from Grapevine Wine Merchant who also supply the hotel with most of their wine.

Diners described the evening as “truly incredible – a wonderful way to reopen the restaurant and a fantastic introduction to a great range of champagne.”

The redevelopment of the restaurant is something that Stephen Wilcock is very proud of. As a Master Sommelier he is now eagerly waiting for the completion of a Wine Cellar and wine tasting bar in the dining room.  “Guests really enjoyed learning about the Champagnes we served and want to learn more about our wines.” He said “the Wine Cellar is almost complete and we are looking forward to many Wine tasting events in the future. The Borrowdale hotel has come a long way in the last two years – introducing the wine cellar is something new for Lake District Hotels and it will make us unique in the area.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Borrowdale Hotels new wine tasting cellar should contact Stephen Wilcock at the Borrowdale Hotel on 017687 77224 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/borrowdalehotel/index.htm.

Bought in March 2008 by Lake District Hotels, the Borrowdale Hotel is undergoing a refurbishment programme which will see a £1 million investment once finished.

Phase one which cost almost £1/2 million is now complete with a noticeable transformation to the entrance, lounges bars and some of the bedrooms. The hotel is now ready for the influx of visitors during the summer before commencing more work in the autumn.

Plans to refurbish the hotel were carefully phased to avoid disruption for guests at busy periods like Christmas, New Year, Easter and the summer holidays. The work has been overseen by General Manager Stephen Wilcock who has been working closely with the tradesmen – all of whom are local.

As the first coaching inn to be built in the Borrowdale Valley, the Borrowdale Hotel is steeped in history and has a reputation for warmth and traditional hospitality. Kit and Charles Graves, Directors of The Lake District Hotel Group were keen to ensure the refurbishment remained sympathetic to the hotel’s character. “We want to keep the warmth and heritage of the hotel because that is what visitors and guests really appreciate. We have developed a look and feel that still creates a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Tradition and personality still pervade – like the original 41 room bells that still hang in the hall and the Victorian coffee grinders, bed pans and plate warmers that adorn the new, more open reception area. You will also still hear the homely tick of the Grandfather clock and the chiming of the hour.”

The lounges have new fire places, deep pile carpets, rich wallpapers and plush curtains. The comfortable sofas and chairs have an abundance of cushions and there are fresh flowers everywhere.

A third of the bedrooms have now been refurbished – meeting modern day expectations for quality; comfortable beds, rich classic fabrics and furnishings, sparkling bathrooms and of course, flat screen TV’s with SKY.

Some things have never changed at the hotel – like the friendly, hospitable staff and the fact that they are still happy to welcome well behaved dogs in a number of rooms – a custom dating back to when the hotel opened in 1866.

Investment by Lake District Hotels has ensured work for local tradespeople from plasterers and plumbers to painters, decorators, electricians and florists. This is set to continue during phase two of the programme which will include developing the restaurant and more of the bedrooms.

The redevelopment of the restaurant is something that Stephen Wilcock is particularly looking forward to. He has a passion for fine food and good wine – something that led him to become a Master Sommelier, a role he is eager to develop with the restaurant.

Kit Graves, Managing Director of Lake District Hotels Ltd said “We have been making changes since we bought the hotel and Stephen has worked hard to minimise disruption for guests when the lounges were being updated – they have made a real difference to the place, but regular visitors will still find the Borrowdale Hotel a very charming, traditional place to stay. The restaurant development will be the next exciting phase, but we will have to time that to keep dining disruption to a minimum and won’t be until the hotel gets quieter later in the year.”

One of the first changes was to open the bar and conservatory all day for food and drink. It has always enjoys good local trade for morning coffee, lunches and has a growing reputation for afternoon tea. The gardens at the hotel are particularly special this time of year as the ancient Magnolia tree is in bloom – attracting keen gardeners who enjoy lunch in the conservatory to admire the view.

“Visitors to the Lake District have high expectations and are more demanding than ever. We want to ensure guests enjoy their Lake District holiday and hope they want to visit us time and time again. The Borrowdale Hotel has very loyal guests but we need to continue our investment, to ensure we exceed their expectations.”