Newspaper Article 1984 – Byron (Buck) Buchanan of the Stortford Lodge Hotel

Byron (Buck) Buchanan
OF THE
STORTFORD LODGE HOTEL

“My career in the hospitality industry began in 1946 after 6 years in the army, 5th Field Artillery. The rehabilitation committee gave me a grant of £600 to commence business as a wine and spirit merchant in Napier. My father and I took up a dormant licence owned by Dominion Breweries and after seven years’ successful trading our lease was terminated. I had been calling regularly over that period on hotels from Napier to New Plymouth and decided the Stortford Lodge Hotel had the best potential of those I called on. I bought the hotel with a partner, Phillip McCullough, in 1953, assisted by the Bank of N.S.W. for £21,000.

A year later my father and I bought my partner out. There followed a period where my parents really built a good name for the hotel, we were honoured by many notable guests including two Prime Ministers and members of the Royal Party during a visit of her Majesty The Queen.

Thirty eight years in the trade has given me a little insight into the liquor industry, and I think success is based on three things – a little luck, hard work and a good wife. I’ve been fortunate to experience all three. As well, I’ve been able and willing to look ahead and not be complacent with our success. The expansion of our business over the years and our future development plans illustrate my confidence in the continued prosperity of Hastings.

A recent overseas trip has given me fresh approaches to future trends and you can expect further improvements at the “Lodge” to encompass these ideas – but remember life is not all work, I enjoy living and try to make every day a happy day; try it, it’s fun.

The Stortford Lodge Hotel proudly backs Hastings.

PROUDLY BACKING HASTINGS