A STALWART of the Lake District hospitality industry has stepped down from Kendal College’s board of governors after an impressive 20 years of service.

John Tiscornia, from Windermere, leaves with the accolade of being the longest-serving board member at the college. The 64-year-old was first appointed in 1996 while he was general manager at the Old England Hotel in Bowness.

John, a keen golfer, current treasurer and former captain of Windermere Golf Club, started his hospitality career at Blackpool College and has since worked at a number of hotels in the Lake District, as well as further afield in the North West and Yorkshire. He has also worked for Cumbria Tourism and is a huge advocate of the industry.

While on Kendal College’s board, John has chaired various committees and has overseen many of the college’s major capital build projects. This includes more than £27 million being invested in new and upgraded college facilities such as a new Construction Centre, The Box performance venue, Engineering Centre, and innovative Castle Dairy Restaurant & Art Gallery.

John was joined by other board members and college senior managers for a special retirement dinner, where he was presented with a pen set by Principal Graham Wilkinson.

Graham said: “John has given a huge amount of time to the college to support it achieving its outstanding status and to make it the successful campus it is today. His passion for the college and willingness to be involved has meant that we’ve continued to re-elect him, hence him becoming our longest serving board member.

“John has always had a keen eye for financial figures and has provided a robust level of support to me and the senior team as well as challenging us where needed on key decisions. He will certainly leave a big hole behind but I know that his personal support of the college will never end.”

John said: “It is with mixed feelings and emotions that I retire from the board at Kendal College after 20 very rewarding, if not at times very challenging, years. I am proud to have been a member of the board that has seen the College through some difficult times in the early years to have grown and flourished to what it is today – one of the top colleges in the country. The team work and camaraderie has been first class.

“Development through board membership has been a two-way experience. As well as the college drawing on my experience, I have also personally gained skills and knowledge that I wouldn’t otherwise have had if it wasn’t for my time on the board. I wish the college well for the challenging times ahead and if I can continue to contribute in some way, I would be happy to do so.”