NCHA's Fernley Smith dies
Fernley Smith, president of the National Council of Hotel Associations (NCHA), has died at the age of 77.
Smith had been involved in tourism both locally and nationally since 1985 when he helped found the NCHA. He was also a long-standing executive member of the Weymouth Hotel and Catering Association and, before that, with his wife Hilda, owned the Southbrook Guest House in Weymouth, Dorset, which is now run by their daughter Jane.
Smith, who was appointed MBE in 1995, died from heart failure after several weeks in hospital.
Chairman of the NCHA Alan McGibbon described his former colleague as "irreplaceable".
Tony Flux, chairman of the Weymouth Hotel and Catering Association, said: "Fernley was someone who saw the wider picture and who worked tirelessly on behalf of the interests of the small accommodation providers. He provided a unique and invaluable service."
