Hotel's chief put town on the map (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hotel's chief put town on the map

A MAN who started his working life as an apprentice coach finisher at Swindon railway works has retired after more than 30 years as a director and general manager of a successful four-star hotel.

Michael Liddamore, 65, joined the staff of Blunsdon House Hotel as chief barman in 1964 after finishing his National Service, during which he was a steward in the officers' mess on a British Army base in Cyprus.

Ten years later the hotel's owners, Peter and Xan Clifford, made him a director.

"When I joined Blunsdon House the hotel had a staff of 30 and was undergoing its first extension," he said. "Now it employs 180.

"It was the first family-owned four-star hotel in Wiltshire."

Fifteen years ago the Cliffords presented him with a Daimler Sovereign in recognition of his hard work and the car is still his pride and joy.

In 1976, with support from the borough council, he helped to set up Thamesdown Tourist Association, which aimed to get Swindon recognised as a venue for holiday makers on short breaks.

"Some people laughed at the idea that the town was a place with plenty to offer visitors," he said. "But we did a lot to prove that Swindon is a worthwhile place to come to."

The association's members included stately homes, parks, leisure centres, art collections, museums and sports facilities within a short drive from the town.

It organised trips around the area for travel journalists and coach and tour operators.

The organisation folded four years ago.

When Mike joined the staff at the hotel a good dinner cost 7s 6d less than 40p. A double room was a guinea £1.05.

Now it runs conferences, balls and gala celebrations for clients from all over Britain.

It is also licensed for marriages and hosts 80 weddings a year.

Concorde test pilot Brian Trubshaw and his French counterpart stayed there for a year while the aircraft was being developed.

"Of course I'm going to miss it all but I'm going to enjoy retirement," said Mike, who lives with his wife Sylvia not far from Blunsdon House.

"I love my garden and working around the house," he said. "I'm no Jamie Oliver but I also enjoy cooking.

"And we have bought a holiday home in the New Forest, so there will be plenty to do."

At a party at the hotel the managing director, John Clifford, presented him with a portrait of himself.

smathias@newswilts.co.uk