World of James Herriot announces 'Coup'

News Release                                 April 2013

‘Coup’ at World of James Herriot! - Six different breeds of Hens introduced and Name the Hens Contest announced.

The World of James Herriot in Thirsk is continuing to add new experiences for visitors to the attraction that encourages ‘hands on’ interest especially for children.

The new Hens follow the recently announced installation of the largest individual collection of Herriot memorabilia secured from a private collector, a World War II Air-Raid shelter in the the attraction’s cellar and a model railway.

The Hens have been acquired from Long Acre Bed & Breakfast, Thirsk, who keep hens for the eggs for guest breakfasts and is a Member of the Herriot Country Tourism Group. The Hens are intended to encourage the children of families and school groups visiting to enjoy a live experience that will be reminiscent of the scenes James Herriot had in his time on farms and small holdings in the villages of his working area.

 “We are introducing many new experiences this year and it seemed appropriate that we actually have live animals on site which is what James Herriot would have been dealing with every day. Introducing the Hens, which are easily managed, is a simple yet interesting experiment that will add value to everyone’s visit young and old”. comments The World of James Herriot managing director, Ian Ashton.

The Hens are now on site and a children’s competition is to be held to name them with a prize of free entry to the attraction for the family of the winning child. Family’s Schools and children’s groups should write to Ian Ashton to enter the competition at mail@worldofjamesherriot.com

The World of James Herriot is a unique tribute to Alf Wight, vet and author of the James Herriot stories. Based in his original surgery at 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire - the 'Skeldale House' of the Herriot books - it takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940s.
ENDS
Attached photograph: Left to Right, Will aged 7 and Ava 5  Chesney, from Doncaster. and Kelis Holmes aged 8 from Thirsk.

For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, The World of James Herriot, 3 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential. Tel: 07967 032623
E-mail: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors:
The World of James Herriot is located in the original home and surgery of the author in  the market town of Thirsk. The attraction was formally owned by Hambleton District Council and is now operated as a private business. It is the focus for the Herriot Country Tourism Group, the destination marketing membership organisation that includes hotels, guest houses, self-catering and other visitor attractions in the area.

Free Wedding Venue Opportunity at Bedern Hall's First Wedding Fair

News Release                               5th April 2012

FREE Wedding Venue opportunity for Wedding Fair attendees at Bedern Hall

Photo-call: Wednesday 10th April 2013, 12 Noon.

Bedern Hall the historic meetings and event venue in the centre of York is staging its first Wedding Fair on Sunday 14th April from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and is providing the opportunity to one couple to have the venue FREE of charge for their wedding.

Bedern Hall has teamed up with York Wedding Deals to showcase this intimate venue and attendees will meet the friendly team, enjoy a glass of ‘bubbles’ and samples of food whilst talking to local wedding services businesses.

“We are delighted to be able to help couples plan their special day. This event will show people how an intimate and historic venue such as Bedern Hall can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for the couple, family and friends. We will also demonstrate the good value and the opportunity to arrange other wedding services under one roof on the day.” comments Roger Lee director of Bedern Hall.

In addition to the venue, prospective wedding couples can meet up to 16 other wedding services companies including wedding gowns, photographers, vintage cars, wedding cakes; jewellery and others, plus there will be discounts on many of these services when booked on the day. Additional prize opportunities will also be available from the participating businesses.

“One couple will be really happy as we intend to announce the prize of the FREE wedding venue on the day of the Wedding Fair.” adds Roger.

Registration to attend the Wedding fair is at www.bedernhall.co.uk

Photo-call: Press Photographers are invited to a 1950’s Vintage inspired display provide by Wedding Network Partners on Wednesday 10th April at 12 Noon at Bedern Hall.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Roger Lee, Time and Place Caterers, Bedern Hall, St Andrewgate, Bedern, York YO1 7AL Tel: 01904 653698
Email: roger@bedernhall.co.uk Website: www.bedernhall.co.uk
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential, Tel: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
•    Notes to Editors: Bedern Hall caters for up to 80 delegates for a sit-down meal or conference in the main hall plus a smaller suite for up to 25 guests. Bedern Hall is owned by the Guilds of York. The Hall is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies.

Events Park near Scarborough has a ‘late breaking’ ‘All Weather’ camping Easter

Wild West Pinewood Holiday and Events Park near Scarborough has a ‘late breaking’ ‘All Weather’ camping Easter ‘Egg-travaganza’ available.

Over Easter weekend guests can enjoy a break in ‘all-weather’ camping accommodation at Pinewood Holiday and Events Park near Scarborough. Pinewood’s Western Wagons and Cowboy Camping Shacks are insulated and double-glazed, with lighting, cosy heating and beds. The Shacks have the added advantage of a covered veranda for outdoor eating, and for extra convenience, the Wagons have a fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave.

“We know that people are looking forward to the first Bank Holiday of 2013 but are concerned about the economy, the weather and perhaps the high cost of going abroad. So, our Easter break should provide a welcome fillip and cost-effective way to enjoy the Easter Break.” comments Kerry Woodhead director of Pinewood Park.

During the Easter school holiday break between Good Friday and Easter Sunday a special Egg Challenge is also available for guests to follow with real free-range eggs placed around the site some of which will be boiled and some uncooked.  Prizes for the most found of each will be awarded. One egg will be neither raw nor boiled but will have enclosed within it a prize of a return two-night break for the lucky finder.

“People tell us how much they enjoy the atmosphere here and at Easter we want to create a family fun time and for at least a few days allow people to escape any gloomy news.” adds Kerry.
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For more information please contact: Dave and Kerry Woodhead, Pinewood Holiday and Events Park, Racecourse Road, Scarborough, YO12 5GT.  Tel: 01723 367278 / 07787378111 Email: 
info@pinewood-holiday-park.co.uk www.pinewood-holiday-park.co.uk

Notes for editors: The Easter ‘Egg-travaganza’ provides a Family of 4 a 2 night stay over Easter, from £99, with free Easter Eggs for the kids, free souvenirs and a £30 voucher for return summer visits.
There are various dates to choose from. Guests can bring dogs along in the Camping Shacks at no extra charge.

World of James Herriot New Attractions

World War II Air-Raid Shelter & Model Railway - News Release     - March 2013

Latest developments at World of James Herriot announced.
World War II Air-Raid Shelter and Herriot Country Model Railway added to visitor experience.

Photo-Call: Friday 22nd March 2013 - 09.00

Continuing developments at the World of James Herriot in Thirsk are adding a refreshing new look to the visitor attraction as renewed interest in the James Herriot legacy grows.

The World of James Herriot is a unique tribute to Alf Wight, vet and author of the James Herriot stories. Based in his original surgery at 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire - the 'Skeldale House' of the Herriot books - it takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940s.

The attraction recently announced the installation of the largest individual collection of Herriot memorabilia secured from a private collector and the latest developments include the recreation of a World War II Air-Raid shelter in the the attraction’s cellar. The new area demonstrates the conditions of 1940’s wartime Britain in which period many of the James Herriot stories  are set. Sounds, smells and artefacts create the illusion of the real-life conditions that existed during the frightening air-raids over Britain in World War II.

“We are bringing these interpretations to whole new generation of Herriot fans and the Air-Raid shelter has an authentic atmosphere that gives visitors an experience that is, for older visitors, a reminder of that frightening past and for younger ones an educational experience to inform and help them to understand the harsh reality of that period”. comments The World of James Herriot Managing Director, Ian Ashton.

Some episodes of the extremely popular TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ included the WWII years and the new section recreates this in a practical and experiential format on the same principal as the other parts of the attraction.

In addition to the Air-Raid Shelter a new Model Railway has also been installed with scenes of the rural railway network that existed at the time. Visitors will be able to operate the railway which has been created and built by the attraction’s maintenance manager, Clive Thompson.

Photo-call: Press photographers are invited for photographic opportunities at the World of James Herriot Attraction on Friday 22nd March 2013 at 09.00 onwards.  

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, The World of James Herriot, 3 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com

Notes to Editors:
The World of James Herriot is located in the original home and surgery of the author in  the market town of Thirsk. The attraction was formally owned by Hambleton District Council and is now operated as a private business. It is the focus for the Herriot Country Tourism Group, the destination marketing membership organisation that includes hotels, guest houses, self-catering and other visitor attractions in the area. 

York College and Bedern Hall York team up - News Release                               March 2012

Historic York venue introduces student initiative with York College 

Photo-call: Wednesday 27th March 9am

Bedern Hall the historic meetings and event venue in the centre of York is introducing a new initiative to engage students studying building at York College to utilise the building as part of their course work.

A total of 24 students studying Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, and one student studying HND in Construction, will use the property this year for their building surveying and conversion and adaptation modules.  They will undertake a building and measured survey to record the current condition as well as consider alternative uses and possible alterations and expansion.

Says York College tutor Dean Starkey: “We are delighted to have this working relationship with Bedern Hall as it provides our students with a great opportunity to learn about the skills of the past and to contribute their own ideas about how the building might be preserved and used in the future. This will be an excellent contribution to their course.”

Students will be visiting the venue for the first time on Wednesday 27th March and on subsequent dates throughout the year as part of their course work. Press photographers are invited to this first visit for photographic opportunities on Wednesday 27th March at 9am.

“We are a community venue and it is important to continue to develop and we have been actively introducing local initiatives as part of our marketing and delivery strategy. Bedern Hall is owned by the Guilds of York, one of which is the Guild of Building and we hope that this initiative will help to sustain our links with the builders of the past and the future and provide an interesting and enjoyable experience for those involved.” comments Bedern Hall director Roger Lee.

ENDS
For further information please contact: Roger Lee, Time and Place Caterers, Bedern Hall, St Andrewgate , Bedern, York YO1 7AL Tel: 01904 653698
Email: roger@bedernhall.co.uk Website: www.bedernhall.co.uk
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential, Tel: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
•    Notes to Editors: Bedern Hall caters for up to 80 delegates for a sit-down meal or conference in the main hall plus a smaller suite for up to 25 guests. Bedern Hall is owned by the Guilds of York.

Medieval Meets Modern at Bedern Hall York - New Release                            19th February 2013

‘Medieval meets Modern’ Hybrid Meeting Event at Bedern Hall York.
- Event Speaker will present live from London
Great Potential the York-based Business Tourism Consultancy has teamed up with Saville AV and client venue Bedern Hall to bring together a FREE special event about Hybrid Meetings.
On 21st February between 2pm and 4pm guests will learn how Hybrid Meetings can boost business, increase attendance and create a buzz that will make events more special.
Paul Cook is director of the Hybrid Event Centre and will deliver his presentation from London into the historic and medieval Bedern Hall, York using Saville AV's latest Hybrid Meetings technology.
Guests will hear Paul's presentation and have the opportunity to ask questions live as if he is in the room. This technology is growing in popularity has advantages for both meeting planners and venues and is surprisingly inexpensive. Guests will learn how and why on the day.
“The meetings and events industry is worth £36b to the UK economy and this technology is helping to create new opportunities to stage live events and include people from around the world without them having to travel. Demonstrating how this works at Bedern Hall one of York’s smaller medieval venues and with York-based Saville AV providing the equipment seemed most appropriate. comments Great Potential director, John Gallery.
The event is open to all meeting and event planners; venue operators; hoteliers, media and professional communicators. Great Potential has organised a familiarisation visit to York for a group of professional event bookers who will be attending the event to see the technology in action. Local business and event organisers are also welcome and can book their free place via http://medievalmeetsmodern.eventbrite.co.uk/
Great Potential’s sister video production company Little Genie Media will be recording the event for distribution afterwards.
For more information please contact John Gallery
Tel: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
Notes for Editors:
Saville AV and the Great Potential Consultancy are both York-based businesses collaborating with Bedern Hall to stage this event. Both companies are involved in delivering services for meetings and conferences at venues and events throughout the UK and overseas. 
Saville AV is the UK's largest specialist supplier of audiovisual, multimedia and videoconferencing technology, with over 250 personnel in fourteen locations.
Great Potential provides consultancy and marketing services to hotels, venues and tourism businesses and specialises in business tourism and events.
Bedern Hall is owned by the Guilds of York and operated and managed by Roger Lee of Time and Place Catering.

Little Genie Media -  News Release                        14th February 2013

High-end digital video production service launched with business results promise….

A new high quality video production service, Little Genie Media, has been launched to provide high definition digital business video at 'analogue' prices.

"The right kind of video grabs people's attention and holds them longer but tells your story in less time. It also can bring your ideas and products to life, creates a buzz and makes your website more 'sticky'. " comments creative director Graham Gallery.

The new business has already won business in several sectors including clothing, hotels, food and creative events. The service also helps internal business communication and motivation for organizations that recognize the importance of distribution of their values, aims and objectives through online media, intranets and smartphone apps.

"Business and commercial video production should be high quality and creative and at the same time deliver a return on the investment. Our service is designed to do just that. We help to increase website exposure and search results at sensible rates." adds Gallery
Little Genie Media News Release cont…

For further information please contact:
Graham Gallery, Little Genie Media Tel: 0844 414 2841
Mobile: 07791 267468 Email: graham@thelittlegenie.com
www.littlegeniemedia.com

Note for Editors:
Leeds-based Little Genie Media is owned and managed by Graham Gallery, (28) a multi-media graduate of Leeds Metropolitan University and most recently online digital editor for Lime Studios, the production company of 'The Only Way is Essex'. Example show reels of Little Genie Media are available at www.littlegeniemedia.com