On 26 January 2013, VisitEngland, the national tourist board announced the shortlist for Tourism Superstar 2013.  Sally Randell, tearoom manager at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham is on the 10-strong shortlist.

The tourism accolade was launched last year as part of English Tourism Week (this year running 16-24 March 2013).  The award recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have a priceless experience.  This year the award focuses on employees at English visitor attractions

Sally Randell celebrated her 25^th anniversary at Fairhaven last year. She started work there in 1987, making sandwiches and serving tea and cake in a building that was also the shop and ticket office. Sally has been part of the garden’s development into an award-winning visitor attraction and now manages the new ‘green’ tearoom, which opened in 2008

“It is fantastic to be on the shortlist for Tourism Superstar 2013,” said Sally Randell, “I love working at Fairhaven; the garden is beautiful and the people I work with are like one big extended family. They are all tourism superstars. ”

Louise Rout, Manager, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden said:
“Sally really deserves to be on the shortlist for Visit England Tourism Superstar. She is always positive and has a wonderful sense of humour. Sally has been a vital support as we have steadily increased events and activity at the garden to develop it into a year-round attraction. She works really hard to cater for all customers including offering gluten free food, vegan and diabetic cakes. She really does go the extra mile to look after her customers. Regular visitors have their special orders, including one customer who eats ‘Go Ahead’ bars. Sally always keeps a couple hidden for him, just in case there is a rush on the bars.”

Nick Bond, Head of Tourism VisitNorwich said:
“We are extremely proud that Sally Randell has been shortlisted for this prestigious award celebrating the people behind English tourist attractions. Sally is clearly dedicated and passionate about her role at Fairhaven Garden, it’s great her story is being told on a national level.  VisitNorwich works hard to promote the area of Norwich and the Broads, but shouting about the destination itself is not enough, it’s the people behind the scenes which make the area attractive as well and there are plenty of local people who do just that. VisitNorwich is a membership organisation, so it is wonderful to share with our members opportunities like this to participate in national initiatives with VisitEngland. Sally and Fairhaven Garden will receive some great coverage from this nomination which will encourage new visitors, greater understanding in ‘sustainable tourism’ and local pride in what Fairhaven Gardens has achieved to date.

We will be supporting Sally in every way to win this accolade and want to encourage the people of Norfolk to get behind her and vote. Good luck Sally”.

Chairman of English Tourism Week David Curtis-Brignell said:

“Tourism Superstar 2013 serves to highlight the passion and dedication that abounds in the tourism industry.  This award recognises the people on the front-line who meet and greet visitors on a daily basis, and whose unfailing hard work ensures that visitors to England have an unforgettably wonderful experience.”

VisitEngland has teamed up with national newspaper, The Daily Mirror to host a public vote.  From February, short films of all nominees will be found on www.mirroronline.co.uk where readers can vote for their favourite.  Voting will commence in February with the winner announced during English Tourism Week (16-26 March).

The winner will be invited to attend VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence held in May this year where their Award will be presented to them in person and the gathered audience from across the whole of the tourism industry can recognise the contribution frontline staff make to tourism across England.

The full shortlist:

Colleen Davanney, Jorvik Viking Centre – York
Colleen is a re-enactor for Jorvik and Barley Hall in York telling tales of the Vikings and Tudors for over ten years.  She weaves spell-binding stories and brings history to life with passion and knowledge.

Elaine Munday, Exbury Gardens – New Forest
Elaine has had five different roles at Exbury Gardens and currently divides her time between working at the admissions gate, acting as the railway guard, and, most significantly, driving Exbury’s three locomotives: Mariloo, Naomi and Rosemary.

Wayne Grimston, Longleat Safari & Adventure Park – Wiltshire
Wayne is in charge of taking visitors on VIP trips of Longleat Safari & Adventure Park where he wows visitors with his in-depth knowledge of the park’s residents, and ensures all guests have an up-close-and-personal experience with their favourite animal.

Simon Entwistle, Samlesbury Hall – Lancashire
Simon has been providing ghost tours at Samlesbury Hall for over a decade helping to put Lancashire’s ghostly heritage firmly on the map.  He puts his heart and soul into providing a thoroughly memorable experience for visitors and has enthralled over 50,000 people over the years.

Sally Randell, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden – Nr Norwich. Sally is the Tearoom Manager and this year celebrates 25 years working at Fairhaven.  Sally has been integral to the development of Fairhaven into an award winning visitor attraction, and now manages the environmentally friendly tearoom.

Colin Spargo, National Maritime Museum – Cornwall
Colin has been a volunteer at the National Maritime Museum since 2009 and enjoys meeting visitors and providing them with information and assistance as well as regaling them with his personal anecdotes of Cornwall’s maritime history adding a little magic to every visitor’s experience.

Coriena Brierley, Coventry Transport Museum – Coventry
Coriena is a fount of all knowledge at the Coventry Transport Museum.  In her role as Retail and Reception Manager she is one of the first people who visitors meet when they arrive at the museum.  She provides a very personal service to everyone from recommending key exhibits, to helping people pick out the perfect gift from the museum’s shop.

Claire Preece, Kents Cavern – Devon
As Kents Cavern’s Hospitality Manager Claire is constantly thinking of ways of improving what’s on offer for her visitors, adding new activities and events and ensuring that visitors are always top of her list.

Anthony Gales, Beamish Museum – Durham
Anthony literally ‘lives’ Beamish Museum – his home is on site so he is available at any hour to help with any issue.  He is busy setting up events, running the ice rink and looking after visitors from the moment they arrive.

Brian Grover, Museum of London Docklands – London
Brian is the host of the Museum of London Docklands and as a true East Ender is passionate about the area.  He regularly hosts tours of the galleries within the museum and into East London and is famous for bringing the area to life.

Source:  www.visitnorwich.co.uk

 

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