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heraldexpress.co.uk
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
HERALD EXPRESS
Torbay welcomes the world!
ON behalf of the English Riviera Global Geopark and the people of Torbay (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham), we are immensely pleased with the accolade that UNESCO has bestowed upon us by bring the next 2016 UNESCO Global Geopark Conference to this beautiful part of the UK. Hosting such a prestigious international conference showcases the English Riviera’s unique geological features on a global stage and one which will bring over 600 delegates to Torbay for a four day itinerary of inspiring activities. We are looking forward to giving delegates and conference VIPs a warm English Riviera welcome. I am sure they will enjoy the wonderful hospitality of a vibrant English resort that has its roots in outstanding natural coastal and rural environment. Our UNESCO Global Geopark is innovative and proactive, and we are keen to show UNESCO, the Global Geoparks family, and the world’s Earth science community the positive results that Geopark status has brought to our community. I look forward to welcoming the UNESCO family of Global Geoparks to the English Riviera in September 2016. GORDON OLIVER Torbay’s elected Mayor
AS patron of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, I am delighted that the 7th International Conference will be taking place here in Devon, in an area of such outstanding beauty as well as geological significance. And as Professor of Geoscience Communication at Plymouth University, and the director of its Sustainable Earth Institute, I am thrilled that our institution is a partner in this landmark occasion. With a strong emphasis on sharing international research, this conference will offer the means to bring a unique range of resources together for the first time, offering a significant contribution to the global challenge of wellbeing. Through our creative innovation, community outreach, partnership working and academic collaborations, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark has come to recognise its unique opportunity to bring about change to this complex agenda. We aim to offer a landmark meeting where a renewed sense of collective purpose will emphasise the network’s capacity to lead the way in local, national and transnational wellbeing. I hope that you and your organisation can support our event and become part of our partnership to bring positive change to people’s lives. “Landscapes have shaped society, local industry and culture over millennia. The conference will inform, educate and celebrate what this means for life in the 21st century.” Prof IAIN STEWART, Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute, Plymouth University, broadcaster and patron of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
THERE are currently 120 Geoparks in 33 countries worldwide, and we’re very excited to be welcoming colleagues to the English Riviera, the first urban area ever to be granted the status of Global Geopark. Situated within the stunning, rolling hills of South Devon, Torbay’s geology has created the beautiful coastline of today, which fundamentally links the rich
diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture. The conference will shine a spotlight on our work to engage local communities and make the most of our natural heritage, and offers local businesses a fantastic opportunity to promote themselves to an international audience. I am excited to be able to welcome
colleagues from around the world to our home, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, and wish them all a very pleasant and enjoyable stay as well as a rewarding experience at the conference. NICK POWE, Owner, Kents Cavern and Chairman of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
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Volunteer and become a Geopark Ambassador! ORGANISING a conference of this size and importance is a major challenge, with a large team of people needed to welcome delegates, lead them on field trips, manage timings at the conference centre and host their evening entertainment. Geopark Ambassadors is a volunteer programme launched as part of the conference, with support from members of the local community who want to get involved and help this global event to be a great success. Gordon Oliver, Mayor of Torbay, said: “The conference is a major global event, which takes place every two years, is coming to Great Britain for the first time and I’m proud that Torbay will be welcoming visitors from all over the world to the beautiful English Riviera. “This is a great opportunity for local people who are interested to find out more about the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, the place where we live, and to help us give the warmest of welcomes to these important visitors to the Bay. “The conference is sure to offer a rewarding and fascinating experience to volunteers and delegates alike.” Nick Powe, owner of Kents Cavern and chairman of the conference board, said: “The Global Geoparks conference will offer an exciting opportunity for volunteers to discover more about this global agenda, and share in the experience our visiting delegates have of Torbay. “We would particularly welcome interest from people with local knowledge who can act as guides and hosts on the field trip coaches. “Whether you have a specialist interest in tourism, local culture, heritage, geology or just want to be part of it, this will be an exciting opportunity to become involved in an event of global importance.” Conference director David Randall said: “We would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in helping out at the conference, whether they can commit to a little time or even the entire event. “Opportunities include welcoming and registering delegates when they arrive, helping out at the Riviera International Conference Centre and accompanying delegates on field trips to sites of cultural, historical and geological interest throughout the Bay. “Please help to make this event another success for the English Riviera. “We’ll make sure you take away some mementos of the conference as well as hopefully some new friends and fond memories!” Visit http://ggn2016.com/volunteer/ to register interest.
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Spectacular Earth Echoes opening ceremony!
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EARTH ECHOES: Hugh Nankivell, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Devon producer and lead composer of the GeoOpera
Conference programme THE main conference will run from September 27-30 at the Riviera International Conference Centre, where delegates will enjoy keynote speeches and a series of presentations covering topics related to the conservation of Earth’s heritage, sustainable development, science education and community engagement. Running parallel to the conference is the GeoFair, an exhibition including Geoparks from around the world and other companies and organisations showcasing their offers. The GeoFair will also be open to members of the public, 3pm to 5pm on Tuesday, September 27, and Wednesday, September 28, to visit the stands, learn more about Global Geoparks and meet some of the visiting delegates from more than 40 countries. Field trips have been arranged for delegates to visit key sites throughout the Bay. The delegates will visit a number of locations including Kents Cavern, Hope’s Nose, Cockington Manor, Torquay Museum and Brixham Museum and many more. The delegates will also attend a welcome event at Torre Abbey, where they will be treated to an exhibition of the William Smith Geology map, a rare artefact in the world of geology. The map will be in display at Torre Abbey from the beginning of the conference through to December. Delegates will also enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment at Occombe Farm, and the conference gala dinner at the Riviera International Conference Centre. The conference will close on Friday, September 30, when announcements will be made to welcome new UNESCO Global Geoparks to the Network.
ONFERENCE delegates and VIP guests will be welcomed to Torbay by local musicians and performers, coming together with the Bour nemouth Symphony Orchestra to create a ‘GeoOpera’ — telling the six-billion-year story of planet Earth. Over past months a group of local young composers have been working with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and talented young/local musicians to write the GeoOpera. They will be joined by a cast of local singers, actors and dancers at the opening ceremony on September 27 to bring this incredible story to life. Research with artistic director Mark Laville, Plymouth University Geosciences and geological experts has informed the piece. Mark said: “Earth Echos will incorporate voice, music, performance and multimedia, a multi-layered response to the incredible geological story of the planet. “Composers, schoolchildren, youth and adult choirs have been engaged through outreach sessions. “This community of voice, performance, and instrumental becomes the Performance Cast of over 190 people, through extended rehearsals with the artistic team and Birmingham Symphony Orchestra musicians.” Hugh Nankivell, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Devon producer and lead composer of the GeoOpera, said: “Earth Echos wouldn’t be possible without our communities help! “We’ve worked with a really enthusiastic group of people who have an interest in composition and sound, sharing ideas and the compositional process to produce an epic new opera for the Bay.” The GeoOpera is a partnership project funded by Arts Council England and supported by Torbay Council, TDA, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, Barbican Theatre Plymouth, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Plymouth University, Doorstep Arts, South Devon College and Stiltskin Arts and Theatre Company. The Earth Echoes team are looking for a huge chorus of singers to accompany the performers, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and local musicians in an amazing piece of musical theatre. If you would like more information, please email or phone Meg and Hugh at Doorsteparts@gmail.com
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016
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Oddicombe Cliff Railway
Hope’s Nose
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016
HERALD EXPRESS
Staging the 7th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks is a major undertaking, but also an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the world-class businesses that are based in Torbay. The conference will see delegates visiting from more than 50 countries, supporting local tourism businesses and offering the chance for companies to promote their products and services to a global audience. The organisers are grateful to the following current sponsors and supporters for helping to make the conference a success
Torbay open for business course, that we hope will give these international visitors a good reason to visit Torbay again in the future.”
CHURSTON TRADITIONAL FARM SHOP CREATED in 2007 to market the fabulous food and drink that is produced in the South Hams, the farm shop has two priorities: to sell quality and to sell local. Director Richard Haddock said: “This conference is the most important international event to take place in Torbay for years. “As a local business we are delighted at the opportunity to showcase the very best of our regional produce to a global audience, and give our visitors a real taste of the quality products that Torbay has to offer.”
FRANCIS CLARK LLP FRANCIS Clark is committed to bringing the very best accountancy service and tax advice to clients of all sizes throughout the South West of England, including individuals, partnerships, SMEs and larger incorporated businesses and PLCs. Paul Butler, partner at Francis Clark, said: “Francis Clark is delighted to be supporting this important event, that will not only bring tourism income to Torbay but will also give local businesses an international profile. “It is our commitment to the communities in which we work that has delivered our success as a multiaward winning firm.”
THE CARY ARMS AWARD-WINNING luxury boutique inn, the Cary Arms in Babbacombe Bay, has been chosen to host a group of international VIP guests, who will be visiting Torbay in September. Owned by the de Savary family since 2009, the Cary Arms has been awarded Five Star Inn by VisitBritain and will shortly be completing a major expansion in the form of six chic beach huts, two luxurious beach suites and a luxury spa. During the conference, VIP visitors on the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council will hold their meetings at the Cary Arms. Lana de Savary said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen as the base for these important visitors from UNESCO. “They will be some of our first guests to experience the newly opened luxury beach huts and beach suites following a £2million investment, as well as enjoying the picturesque setting and unique experience of the Cary Arms.”
Churston Traditional Farm Shop
DEVON SCHOOL OF ENGLISH AS an independent, family-run school, Devon School of English has created a relaxed and friendly environment where learning English is a real pleasure and where everyone is treated as a special guest. Paul Hawthor ne, principal and managing director, said: “As a business that teaches English to students from all over the world, we’re delighted to be supporting the conference and welcoming delegates from every corner of the globe. “We have also developed a new Geopark themed English language
PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY PLYMOUTH University is recognised as a global pioneer in Earth Sciences education and research. Named among the top 200 universities in the field by the QS World University Rankings 2016, 85 per cent of its Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences research was graded as Internationally Excellent or World-Leading in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Head of school Dr Mark Anderson said: “We are delighted to be working with the International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks. “It is a chance to give delegates a taste of our world-leading expertise in this field, at the same extending the unique experiences available to our students and academics.”
SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE AS part of the delivery of the conference Welcoming Ceremony, the producers and core creative team are very happy to be working in partnership with South Devon College, offering students and staff the opportunity to become a key part of the creative team, from designing and making banners to adorn the conference venue, to being part of the welcome performance. South Devon College tutor Sam Aspden and a selection of her students, supported by Earth Echoes designer Jacqueline Slade, will make a specific selection of costumes for the performance company. Some of the costumes will be created using dyes made from rock,
earth and plants from the English Riviera Global Geopark. A large part of the design of Earth Echoes uses three large conference screens with both pre-recorded and live footage. South Devon College students are working with local digital film maker Steve Sowden to create the digital elements. Other film and performance students will be capturing the show for a short film which will be released later this year. South Devon College has also hosted a ‘Geofest’ — Goescience workshops for primary schools, and are working in collaboration with Herald Express on a ‘Selfie Scavenger Hunt competition’ to promote specific Geopark locations.
ESW AUDIO VISUAL BASED in Devon, ESW are one of the leading audio visual companies in the UK working on more than 500 events annually. Celebrating 20 years in the business in 2016, ESW are proud to supply the audio visual for the GGN2016 Conference and Welcome Ceremony. Specialising in conference AV, medical broadcast, video production, live streaming and sound and lighting systems, ESW are also renowned for their excellent customer service and have many
long-standing clients in South Devon and across the UK. Martin Nicholls, managing director of ESW, said: “As a local company that is proud of its South Devon roots, we were really happy to be asked to support this global conference which is this year being hosted in Torquay. “This is a really important event for promoting the local area and what it has to offer to a national and international audience. “We very much look forward to working with the organisers and the conference team, and meeting the many international attendees at the event.”