Leeds Met Students Organise Tourism Society Yorkshire Lunch and Seminar

Photograph shows L- R
John Gallery, Helen Taylor, Millie Jackson, Loren Short, Emma Whittaker, Becky Kenny, Charlotte Hammond.

News Release                            2nd May 2014

Leeds Met University Students stage Tourism Society Yorkshire Spring Lunch and Seminar with Yorkshire Grit and Gumption Theme. 

When: Thursday 1st May 2014 - Where: Leeds Industrial Museum

Tourism operators heard from four speakers with a Yorkshire theme about different activities both local and regional at a lunch held at Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mill Leeds on Thursday 1st May.

The event was planned, organised and executed by six students of event management at Leeds Metropolitan University for the Yorkshire branch of the Tourism Society. Presentations included:
•    Sally Tierney, The Yorkshire Garden Designer, explained how a well-designed garden can be a key part of the First Impression, so important for tourism businesses and how this can contribute significantly to the bottom line.  Sally provided visual examples and inexpensive tips that can make a real difference. 
•    Keith Madeley, company director and chairman of The Yorkshire Society and popular business personality known as ‘Mr Yorkshire’ explained how his charity work, education advocacy and Yorkshire Society activities contribute to the education and economy in the region. Keith also explained the Yorkshire Suit, a symbol of the woollen industry in the region.
•    Alex Blackman, business development executive at Welcome to Yorkshire enthusiastically explained how Yorkshire is planning and executing the Tour de France Grand Depart in July with ideas and advice about how businesses can and are taking advantage of the largest free to view sporting event in the calendar.
•    Laura Knowles of the Yorkshire Blue Badge Guides Association provided details about the first official Yorkshire Tour Guide programme to be staged in 20 years. The course is the most senior level training for tour guides available and is recognised throughout the Tourism industry as the benchmark for Tourism Guiding.

“Tourism is one of the most important drivers in the economy and our events are designed to inform and engage operators; destination management organisations, consultants and other interested business people with the latest trends and activities in the industry on a national, regional and local level. Our annual Spring Lunch provided some interesting and useful insights into Yorkshire and each provided a perspective for guests to consider, challenge and contribute to.” comments Tourism Society Yorkshire chairman John Gallery.  

The students arranged a special tour of the Leeds Industrial Museum during the event when delegates heard the history of the woollen industry and viewed the extensive range of industrial machinery and other artefacts demonstrating this important industry in the Yorkshire region.

“Working with these six enthusiastic students has been an excellent experience and hopefully by providing them with the opportunity to stage a live event as part of their course projects, we have contributed to their progress into this important sector of tourism. We shall be doing this with the University more often in future”, added John Gallery.  

ENDS
Further information: The Tourism Society Yorkshire, Chairman, John Gallery
Tel: 0845 838 6338 Mobile: 07967 032623 Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors:
The Yorkshire branch of the Tourism Society provides an educational forum for people in all sectors of the tourism industry and stages events several times a year with an interesting mix of speakers and at various locations throughout the Yorkshire Region. It is part of the national Tourism Society that organises seminars, education and is a wide network for people working in all aspects of the Tourism sector. Its annual Symposium takes place on 2nd and 3rd June 2014 in Liverpool as part of the international Festival of Business.

Herriot Scoops SCOOT Gold Award

Ian Ashton MD World of James Herriot with Ebony Feare

                    28th April 2014
World of James Herriot scoops SCOOT Headline Award

The World of James Herriot in Thirsk has today won Gold in the coveted SCOOT Headline Awards.
The annual SCOOT Awards is one of the most prestigious business awards in the UK that recognises and rewards the successes and achievements of British businesses, large and small. Actress and TV personality Ebony Feare presented the award to Ian Ashton, managing director of The World of James Herriot.
SCOOT, the leading online business directory, is keen to help local, regional and national businesses to maximise their commercial potential by bringing them and their achievements to the attention of a massive new audience.
“This is a real boost for the World of James Herriot which welcomes guests from all over the world. The SCOOT Gold Headline Award follows hotly on the heels of our recent Highly Commended Award in the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards and the launch of the James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund. To have been successful against such stiff national competition is testament to the tremendous efforts that our team at The World of James Herriot make in delivering a quality visitor experience”, comments The World of James Herriot managing director and chairman of the Herriot Country Tourism Group, Ian Ashton.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, World of James Herriot, 23 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, guesthouses, self-catering and other visitor attractions in the area.

Detour de France

‘Detour de France’ joint initiative at The Old Lodge Malton and Pinewood Park Wild West Themed Events Park Scarborough.

The Old Lodge Malton and Scarborough’s Pinewood Park Wild West Theme venue have announced a ‘Detour de France’ joint initiative for Summer 2014.
The two businesses have teamed up to develop this offer in order to provide an alternative holiday option for visitors to Yorkshire when the Tour de France Grand Depart takes place in July 2014.

“We have a very different venue here at Pinewood Park and whilst we are delighted that Welcome to Yorkshire secured the Grand Depart in Yorkshire, we are hoping that visitors following the Tour’s marketing campaign will come to Scarborough and learn how they can enjoy the Yorkshire Coast and experience our unique accommodation and service.” comments Kerry Woodhead director of Pinewood Park.

Eileen Lowery, general manager at The Old Lodge Malton said; “We were more than disappointed when the route was announced and does not include Malton but also realised that there will be some people who are not interested in the Cycle Race and this initiative will provide an excellent alternative. There are also potential opportunities for followers of ‘Le Tour’ to extend their stay to discover our part of Yorkshire after the weekend.”
 
Concerned that Malton and Scarborough’s part in this world spectacular is not limited by the geography of ‘Le Route’ but optimistic that their offer will be taken up by visitors whether they be following ’Le Tour’ or not both businesses will provide accommodation options and a series of activities as part of the initiative including:
For Cycling Enthusiasts:
•    Route planner from 'Le Tour Route' to The Old Lodge Malton and Pinewood Park Scarborough.
•    Cycling Route Options around Malton and Scarborough
•    List of Cycling Shops/Specialists in the area
•    Learn to Talk Tyke for overseas visitors to Yorkshire
For non-cycling enthusiasts:
Alternatives activities to cycling - to watch or participate in.
'How to avoid the Tour de France' checklist.
Cycling ‘impossibles’ - routes that cyclists would avoid but ideal for driving.
Cycling without Wheels - Special Interest Walking Routes around Malton and Scarborough.

In a joint statement Kerry Woodhead and Eileen Lowery said: “The Grand Depart is a fantastic showcase for Yorkshire and we feel it is important that parts of the County such as ours that are not on Le Tour route will have equal benefits. The Detour de France offer provides different accommodation options and is part of our joint effort to keep visitors coming back and to encourage the cycling audience to extend their visit to the Moors, Wolds and Coast. “

- ENDS -

Notes for editors:

For something a little less conventional, the cowboy-themed Pinewood Park on Racecourse Road, Scarborough is an outdoor and indoor venue. Woody's Barn is an emporium of all things Wild West and can hold 80 delegates standing or 60 seated for £40 per hour. A separate field and small wooded area are available for outdoor activities, while overnight accommodation includes native American Indian tipis, cowboy
tents, wagons and camping shacks that sleep three people each.

Contact:  Kerry and Dave Woodhead Tel: 01723 367278 / 07787 378111
info@pinewoodpark.co.uk Web: www.pinewoodpark.co.uk


The Old Lodge Malton is a stunning Tudor mansion set in beautiful grounds, on the edge of the historic Market town of Malton, near Pickering, North Yorkshire with 20 en-suite rooms, all with TV, DVD/CD player, tea & coffee facilities, plus a further 8 rooms in a renovated public house about 50 metres away, called The Old Lodgings. The Old Lodge has a beautiful antique wood panelled boardroom. It has adequate natural lighting, supplemented with overhead lights and lamps, with a window that can be shuttered to block out light if necessary.

Contact: Eileen Lowery, hotel manager. Tel: 01653 690570
Email: info@theoldlodgemalton.co.uk Web: www.theoldlodgemalton.co.uk

Press Contact: Please contact: John Gallery, Great Potential T: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

December 2013

Hotel team member invents new concept… ‘Yppah Rouh’…

Team member Garry Evans at the Best Western Crown Hotel Boroughbridge has invented a new dining and drinking concept to support the hotel’s recent refurbishment.

Known as ‘Yppah Rouh’, the concept is to be rolled out as a precursor to Christmas when guests are in the town centre taking advantage of the Boroughbridge late night shopping hours.

“Our policy of continuous improvement for our team is paying off as this is the best new idea that we have had since achieving the Best Western Customer Service Award earlier this year. Garry’s initiative was spotted when he was preparing posters for the hotel window display and without question we have decided to adopt it. We have a great team of people here at the Crown and Garry can count himself as one of the best.” comments hotel general manager Emma Lee.

The hotel has recently completed a tasteful refurbishment of all of the ground floor areas including lobby, lounges and meetings and banqueting suites.

Garry’s idea revolves around a new reverse spelling test, which challenges even the most alert observers to identify what Yppah Rouh means. Anyone guessing the correct answer will receive a free drink on the house for every drink they buy.

“We are a small hotel with limited resources but we do have a dedicated team whose focus is on customer satisfaction. Garry will of course be expected to progress his CDP (Continuing Professional Development) when he next prepares a window display and this will include looking at the sign from the outside before sticking up the letters.” added Emma.

For further information please contact:

Emma Lee, General Manager, Best Western Crown Hotel
Horsefair, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9LB
Tel: 01423 322328 Email: emma@crownboroughbridge.co.uk

Press contact:
John Gallery, Great Potential Tel: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors:

The Best Western Crown Hotel is a 37 bedroomed former 16th Century coaching inn and includes conference suites for up to 120 delegates, restaurant, bar and a leisure club with heated indoor swimming pool and fitness suite.

News Release                        29th July 2013

OXO’s Restaurant on The Mount opens at Mount Royale hotel York
- family favourite returns – Photo-call Thursday, 1st August, 13.00

The Mount Royale Hotel York has opened OXO’s Restaurant on The Mount in a return to the hotel’s traditional family-operated full service dining.

The Oxtoby family have owned and operated the Mount Royale Hotel since 1967 and for many years gained a fine reputation for dining and quality service as OXO’s restaurant. The new OXO’s Restaurant on The Mount is a return to this quality and care serving traditional British and European food with a modern twist. 

“Guests experience of the hotel is paramount and following a period when the restaurant has been leased to other operators we have decided that we can deliver that overall experience from our own team and resources.” Comments hotel director Stuart Oxtoby.

OXO’s Restaurant on The Mount is offering a choice of dining styles and menus with the focus on local suppliers and ingredients with a wine list that has been devoloped to make food and wine matching simple but interesting and enjoyable. A new team of long standing members of staff has been brought together with Russell Johnson, head chef, leading the kitchen team. OXO’s Restaurant on the Mount  will open seven days a week for dinner plus Sunday Lunch and is open to resident and non-resident diners and private lunch parties can be reserved in advance. The hotel also operates a ‘Breakfast Club’ that provides non-resident business and leisure guests with informal meeting place and a hearty breakfast to start the day.

“Guests have often said that they would like to see a return to how the restaurant was managed by the family and we have come up with a formula that we think will delight and entertain. We’re not revealing everything about our plans yet, but there is a definite return to way that my mother and father operated OXO’s from 1967 onwards.” adds Stuart Oxtoby.

For further information please contact:  Stuart Oxtoby, director, The Mount Royal Hotel, The Mount, York, YO24 1GU  Tel: 01904 628856
Email: info@mountroyale.co.uk Website: www.mountroyale.co.uk
Press contact: John Gallery, Great Potential. Tel: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors: The Mount Royale Hotel was founded by Richard and Christine Oxtoby in 1967, the hotel was formerly two private houses built during the reign of William IV (1830 - 1837) and offers 24 bedrooms all with wireless internet, there is also a bar with a coal fire and OXO’s Restaurant on the Mount offering locally sourced produce.  Other facilities include an onsite heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub open all year set in English Gardens and a beauty centre with spa treatments.

Bearded dragon born to be named Prince

News Release                        23rd    July 2013

Bearded dragon born on same day as Royal baby – baby lizard to be named after Prince of Cambridge

Western-style Pinewood Park near Scarborough has had its own ‘royal baby’ hatch on the same day as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s newborn.

Jordon Woodhead is developing a new reptile house at western-themed Pinewood Holiday Park near Scarborough and the bearded dragon ‘baby’ is the latest edition to his collection.

“Jordan has enthusiastically been developing his reptile house this summer and intends opening it to the guests and visitors at Pinewood this August. The new addition is very timely and Jordan has decided to name it after the new Prince.“ comments Dave Woodhead, Jordan’s father and  director of Pinewood Park.

Jordan’s reptile house includes a 14’ albino Burmese python, reticulated pythons, a rock python, bearded dragons, a chameleon, a blue tongues skink, corn snakes, yellow bellied sliders and muck turtles, an alligator snapping turtle, a Nile water monitor, an Asian Water monitor, a snapping turtle, a quince monitor lizard, a tegu lizard and a Caiman Alligator.
Jordan is the youngest person in the UK to hold a dangerous wild animal license, which then allows him to own such animals as the Caiman.
As well as having success at breeding bearded dragons, his large snapping turtle is currently in a breeding programme, and Jordan is hopeful there will be new additions to his collection in the future.
Jordan has owned and loved reptiles since he was 10 years old, but decided to turn his passion into a business, after completing a Travel and Tourism and Business course at Scarborough Sixth Form College, and is looking forward to this new challenge. 

Jordan said: “I’m really excited about opening my hobby up to all of our guests and for the newest addition to arrive on the same day as the Royal baby is an added bonus.“
- ENDS -
For further information please contact:

Kerry and Dave Woodhead Tel: 01723 367278 / 07787 378111
info@pinewood-holiday-park.co.uk Web: www.pinewoodpark.co.uk

Press Contact: John Gallery T: 07967 032623 johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk

Notes for Editors: For something a little less conventional, the cowboy-themed Pinewood Holiday Park on Racecourse Road, Scarborough is an outdoor and indoor venue. Woody's Barn is an emporium of all things Wild West and can hold 80 delegates standing or 60 seated for £40 per hour. A separate field and small wooded area are available for outdoor activities, while overnight accommodation includes native American Indian tipis, cowboy tents, wagons and camping shacks that sleep three people e

Bedern Hall Foundation Launched - Lady Cobham, chairman of VisitEngland to speak at York dinner

Lady Cobham to speak at inaugural Bedern Hall Foundation Dinner
-    medieval hall launches £30k fund raising initiative.
Where: Cedar Court Grand Hotel York - When: Thursday 31st October 2013 

The inaugural dinner of the Bedern Hall Foundation is to be held on Thursday 31st October 2013 at the Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa York, The event is to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the laying of the restoration foundation stone and Lady Cobham, chairman of VisitEngland will speak about the importance of our built heritage in Britain and its value to the visitor economy. 

Thirty years ago Sir Peter Shepherd on behalf of the Bedern Hall Guilds of York laid the new foundation stone to restore and preserve this important building for the City. In the intervening years the Hall has provided a hall for hire and social occasions venue for the benefit of the people of York and for visitors attending events from around the world. 
The Bedern Hall Foundation is being launched to secure Bedern Hall’s next thirty years and beyond with a new vision for the Hall that encompasses; education; preservation and accessibility.  

“The Bedern Hall Foundation aims to raise £30,000 annually to enable this vision to be realised and the dinner on 31st October will be the beginning of a new era for the Hall that will secure its future for the next generations. The Bedern Hall Guilds are delighted that Lady Cobham has agreed to speak at the dinner.” comments Roger Lee, director of the Bedern Hall Company and Time and Place Catering who operates the Hall.  Bookings for the event can be made online at http://bedernhallfoundation.eventbrite.co.uk/

For further information and to be included in the invitations for the inaugural dinner 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