Ravo’s Bush Telegraph

The Liddy Hotel Family Reign Comes to an End (Well, Almost!)

Dennis and Jenny Liddy recently departed from the Royal Hotel Moonta after a 15-year stint as hoteliers in the popular tourist town of Moonta (now rated Number 1 Tourist Town in SA).

I understand their tenure was extended somewhat by the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has affected us all.

The Liddy Family Hotel Association commenced back in 1911 through great grandfather, Michael Liddy, at the Paskeville Hotel.

That hotel no longer exists as it was burnt down many years ago and was not restored. The legendary Liddy family hotel connection will continue however, as younger brother, Andrew, and wife, Jannene, remain at the Bentley’s Hotel at Clare, and have been there for over 17 years.

Dennis and Jenny have always been staunch supporters of the AHA|SA, and have regularly attended the regional meetings on the Yorke Peninsula. They have been terrific friends and ambassadors to Moonta townsfolk and tourists and have fully supported many sporting clubs and community events during their time at the Royal.

I asked Dennis what his plans were for the future, he put it simply, to reinvigorate the body and enjoy a wellearned break with his wife, Jenny, a great ally and hardworking supporter of his, and to reconnect with their grand-children and families.

Their children Shannon, Megan, Aaron, Jess and Brooke, who incidentally have all worked at times in the family hotels, no doubt will enjoy a closer relationship with mum and dad as well.

I must also thank Dennis for being a great source of shenanigans behaviour, gleaned from him about his mates in the industry - all off the record of course, but true!

We wish them both well, and thank them genuinely for being great hotel industry contributors.

FOR SALE SIGNS WORK

Obviously the ”for sale” sign has been working recently with a large number of hotels proposing change of ownership.

I had a phone call from a well-known publican who has just undergone a right knee replacement operation and barracks for Port Adelaide, saying that the following hotels are, or will be, changing owners:

• The Bushman’s Arms at Naracoorte

• Royal Oak at Penola

• Woolshed Inn at Bordertown

• Portside Tavern at Port Pirie

• Newmarket and Port Anchor at Port Adelaide

• Salisbury Hotel at Salisbury… to name a few.

These pubs are well known and some have been run by industry legends, so the Bush Telegraph wishes them and the new owners all the best for the future.

See you for now, Ian (Ravo) Ravenscroft.

P.S. The Bush Telegraph welcomes and appreciates any news of interest from any in the industry for this column.