FEBRUARY 2014 grouptravelworld.com £3.95
Land & Pleasant
The ongoing love affair between British people and their gardens
PLUS
● Exploring Norway ● The Commitments review ● Glorious Goodwood Revival ● GTOA AGM report
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THE FALLEN Visiting France’s World War One battlefields
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Woods Travel managing director Roger Elsmere
BEST OF THE BEST The 5 star Café Royal hotel in London
9 772048 339008
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REMEMBERING
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EDITOR’S LETTER Group Travel World, First Floor, 3 The Office Village, Cygnet Park, Forder Way, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8GX Switchboard: 01733 293240 Fax: 0845 280 2927 Web: www.grouptravelworld.com ISSN: 2048-3392
EDITORIAL Editor: Caroline Gregory T: 01733 293486 M: 07415 507 285 E: caroline.gregory@grouptravelworld.com Art Director: Ian Blaza E: raspberryjamcreative@gmail.com Editorial Assistant: Amy Moore E: amy.moore@grouptravelworld.com Features E: features@grouptravelworld.com
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Join the discussion on Twitter by following us at @GTWMagazine and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grouptravelworld
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How the future might look unless we take action today
Facing up to our new realities
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othing is ever perfect in this world, so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that news that the UK was finally emerging from recession has been counteracted by the recent terrible flooding. As the UK begins to consider (some might say “finally”) the financial and environmental impact of the floods, it is clear that the effects stretch far beyond the immediate repercussions upon families, property and the countryside. I was struck by the impassioned plea from a Cornwall resident on Channel 4 news who was desperate to reassure visitors that the region is open for tourism business. She made the point that for some of the places flooded, tourism is their main revenue, and even a couple of weeks of drastically reduced income can devastate a business. Watching pictures of train lines, bridges and roads that are completely impassable is unlikely to encourage travellers however, so it is clear that transport links are perhaps the most pressing priority for relief and restoration efforts. It is also clear that we continue to ignore these signs that all is not well with the environment at our peril. It is difficult not to start wondering what
disastrous event has to take place before our government begins to take proper notice and take aggressive action. Encouraging recycling and Boris bikes, while important, feels rather like fiddling while Rome burns. The real focus needs to turn onto budgets and big industries and businesses; exactly the areas that government is reluctant to address for obvious reasons. If we don’t take pre-emptive action soon, however, our landscape and beautiful country will eventually be irreversibly changed, to say nothing of the impact on infrastructure and ways of living. It would be good to see the tourism and travel industries speaking up more loudly about these issues. The negative impacts come at a time when the industry is already under pressure, and suffering from various detrimental policies including continuing to pay tourism VAT at 20% (unlike 24 of the 28 EU countries) and the arduous visa process for Chinese tourists, the key new market. As we enter the season of trade shows, it would be good to see the industry stepping up, shouting loudly, and thinking about tomorrow as well as today. Caroline Gregory — Editor
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IN THIS ISSUE
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NEWS The latest travel and tourism stories and current affairs
PEOPLE, POSITIONS AND PRIZES
Who is moving where within the industry, plus awards and promotions
FROM BERGEN AND BEYOND Exploring Norway
IN REMEMBRANCE Touring the WW1 battlefields of France
BIRMINGHAM Interactive museums in the UK’s second city
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22 26 28 32 34
THIS GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND Why we love our gardens
THEATRE REVIEW The Commitments
THEATRE NEWS The latest West End stories and news
THEATRE LISTINGS Up to date details of all the current West End shows
TICKETMASTER The Pajama Game
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TEAM ON TOUR Goodwood Revival shopping and racing
SPORTS Museums, stadium tours and taking part
LONDON
Some of the hottest new attractions
LONDON & PARTNERS News about the latest tourism developments in the capital
UKINBOUND
Diary of UKinbound’s latest activities
PLAY & LEARN Visitor attractions that combine education with having fun
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CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Moore
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BEST OF THE BEST The Café Royal hotel
COACH TOURISM COUNCIL The association’s recent news and stories
Amy Moore is an editorial assistant at Group Travel World and is studying journalism at the University of Winchester. Her passion for travel and journalism is reflected in her university role as editor of an adventure travel magazine. She aspires to become a top quality travel journalist after university and one day editor of a travel magazine.
GTO GRAPEVINE Five of the best hip flasks, win a family ticket to Ripley’s, and the GTOA AGM
INSIDER INSIGHT How to choose the right travel insurance
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
Roger Elsmere, owner of Woods Travel, tells us all about his travel tastes
Amy O’ Donovan Amy O’Donovan is the new marketing & events executive for UKinbound and will be contributing their monthly page to Group Travel World magazine. She previously worked for Tourism Ireland in Madrid and is fluent in Spanish. Her hobbies include travel, history, culture and sport.
Warren Humphries Warren Humphries is the new marketing manager for Ticketmaster Groups and will be providing a page of West End news and interviews for GTW every month. Warren is a huge fan of West End musicals (of course!), travelling and fine ales.
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NEWS
Travel Tidbits ●
Travelodge has announced its 2014 investment programme, which sees £100 million going into the business this year and the creation of 1,000 jobs across the country. The brand will open 15 new hotels, including five new hotels in London; these 15 new properties will boost the Travelodge estate to 514 hotels and more than 39,000 rooms. In addition to the new hotel openings, Travelodge is continuing its modernisation programme for existing hotels, and will renovate a further 11,800 guest bedrooms during the year at a cost of £37 million.
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As tourists from across the globe flock to the UK to enjoy its unique historical and cultural attractions, data commissioned by YouGov from Sykes Cottages reveals that residents may be taking the treasures on our doorstep for granted. The survey revealed how many have actually visited the UK’s top attractions, from a list of ten places in England, Wales and Scotland. The results showed that just 35% of respondents had visited Stonehenge, despite it being one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Less than four in ten of us have visited Buckingham Palace.
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Around 30 MPs from all parties united in Westminster on 11th February to urge the government to reduce VAT in the tourism sector. 24 out of 28 EU countries enjoy vastly reduced tourism VAT, unlike the UK where the rate is 20%. Research by Professor Adam Blake concluded that cutting tourism VAT is “the most effective means of generating GDP gains at low cost to the exchequer.”
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ABTA issues updated, easy-touse accessibility guidance ABTA has produced updated guidance to help their members ensure that disabled and less mobile passengers get the most out of their travel and holiday arrangements. The guidance is available in the member zone of ABTA’s website – www.abta.com/ member-zone/travel-essentials - and includes a booking checklist, practical guides on each part of a passenger’s journey and companies’ legal obligations (particularly following changes to the requirements for maritime travel), plus free online training for ABTA members. Nikki White, ABTA head of destinations and sustainability, said: “Meeting the needs of customers with disabilities is not only a legal obligation but also makes extremely good business sense. Throughout the UK there are millions of people with some form of disability. Properly understanding and servicing their needs and requirements opens up access to a substantial and important market and helps to ensure that passengers have problem-free and enjoyable
experiences. However, knowing what kind of questions to ask, how to ask them and where the information needs to be sent is not always easy. Our guidance is intended to make this process clearer for our members.” Included in the guidance is a useful checklist for disabled and less mobile passengers, which is an easy tool for ABTA members to use with their customers during the booking
process. Aimed at passengers who may have a disability or medical condition and therefore may have special requirements relating to accommodation or transport, for example, the checklist helps ABTA members obtain the relevant information so that tour operators and transport providers can assess the needs of passengers and give better advice on appropriate holiday choices.
New Visit Oxfordshire Group Services The Visit Oxfordshire Group Travel Desk has launched their new group services programme for 2014, intended as a ‘one stop shop’ for group organisers both domestic and from overseas. As well as offering their famous official guided walking tours of Oxford, Visit Oxfordshire now provides help and advice with planning a group visit, itinerary ideas, discounted ticketing for groups, a free accommodation booking service, group dining offers and welcome packs (including souvenirs) for groups. Available for the first time are exclusive packages with a range of venues, all designed to give groups the best possible experience and making the process a stress-free operation, especially for the GTO. New
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New ABTA guidance aims to help members meet the needs of the disabled
The Ashmolean Museum
group experiences include the Temporary Exhibitions Tour at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, with a 10% discount voucher for the museum shop and café, and the VIP Tour, which includes a Champagne tea in the Ashmolean’s unique rooftop restaurant. Group discounted entry and tours
of the magnificent Blenheim Palace and its gardens is another service provided by the Group Travel Desk, with the added flexibility of either a ‘stay together’ tour or a ‘wander at will’ arrangement. Visit Oxfordshire Group Services can now also offer a whole variety of alternatives for group dining, from locallysourced sausage and mash, to Italian, authentic European, traditional afternoon tea and modern British cuisine. The organisation is keen to emphasis that in addition to great food, what sets these restaurants apart and makes the experience so special are the striking venues, including the Malmaison former prison, an Oxford college, a restaurant on a rooftop and a riverside restaurant. www.grouptravelworld.com
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Tourism and Attractions Show on 8th March Group travel and event organisers can discover fresh and exciting ideas for new venues, days out and short breaks at the free entry Tourism & Attractions Show, which will be held on Saturday 8th March. For this its second year, the show has moved to the interactive ‘Enginuity’ design and technology museum at Coalbrookdale in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site in Shropshire. A comprehensive showcase for tourism and events in the North West, the inaugural show last year attracted more than 200 high quality and influential visitors and over 50 stands from Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, the Midlands and North and Mid Wales. The organisers hope to well exceed these numbers for 2014. Visitors to the show will receive passes, valid for six months, enabling them to explore the Ironbridge Gorge Museums of their choice for free on the day and for return visits. Free coach transfers are also being offered from pick-up points including Birmingham, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Albrighton, Shifnal and Telford.
‘Lost Landscape’ lectures focus on prehistoric boat find
Flag Fen Archaeology Park is conserving and studying the ancient boats
The prehistoric Must Farm boats are some of the most significant ancient finds of recent times. A series of lectures at Flag Fen Archaeology Park in Peterborough aims to bring to life the lost prehistoric world, especially as it relates to the local area, although lectures also include topics relating to further afield such as the reconstruction of the Dover Bronze Age boat. Excavations in 2011 and 2012 at the Must Farm Quarry in Whittlesey uncovered an amazing eight Bronze Age and Iron Age boats, as well as hundreds of beautifully
preserved objects from the eras. The ‘Lost Landscape’ lectures will look at the significance of the find and everything it tells us about the Bronze Age occupants of the Flag Fen basin, as well as the process of conserving the boats. The decision to recover each vessel intact, instead of cutting them into smaller sections, has been integral to their conservation, and they are undergoing detailed condition assessments at a bespoke conservation facility at Flag Fen. The ‘Lost Landscape’ lectures will all be held at Flag Fen Archaeology Park, Peterborough.
Amazingof the Month Animal Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s super-cat! Longleat keeper and keen animal photographer Ian Turner captured the amazing moment a trio of daredevil lions decided to climb to the top of a 10-metre-tall oak tree. “I was busy taking photos of some new cubs who were venturing outside for the first time when the other keepers alerted me that something unusual was happening elsewhere in the enclosure,” said Ian. “One female seemed to be the leader and she went up first, then once she had reached the top the other two just followed her up. It’s not unusual for one or other of the lions to climb up one of the smaller trees, but this wasn’t a small tree.” Despite being taller than a double-decker bus, the tree didn’t seem to provide them with too much of a challenge, but it was what happened next that really took everyone by surprise. “There wasn’t a lot of room at the top and we just expected them to climb back down again,” said Ian. “However they seemed to have a different idea, and the first female simply leapt off the top. It all happened very quickly, but when I was able to study the images afterwards you can see that, just like a domestic cat, she was able to rotate her legs around in mid-air and land on all four paws. The second lion soon followed her down in similar fashion, but the third one was a lot less confident and, after spending several minutes alone up there, she decided to climb back down. It’s something none of us have ever witnessed before and it was just total coincidence that I was there and able to capture it.”
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The architecture and landscaped grounds of Castle Howard are a must see for anyone in the region, but the castle has now also released itinerary suggestions to make it easier for GTOs to organise a whole day out, or a multi-day break. Castle Howard is a great base for trips which take in the coast, the moors and the city of York. Itinerary suggestions include ‘Gardens of Yorkshire’, ‘York and Beyond’ and ‘Yorkshire’s Steam Heritage’.
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Action groups and online polls are petitioning the government to take action to encourage cheaper holiday prices in school holiday periods, in the light of recent prosecutions of parents who took their children out of school for trips in term-time. Many parents decide to risk prosecution and go ahead with term-time holidays, as the fines that are usually imposed instead of prosecution are often still cheaper than paying the cost of the holiday in the school holiday period. The National Union of Teachers has stated that while it does not agree with parents taking children away in termtime, it recognises that the practice will continue while companies charge inflated prices during school holidays.
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Albert Dock Liverpool is celebrating the news that coach visits in 2013 were 17% higher than in the previous year. The city’s most-visited free tourist attraction unveiled its group offers at the Great Days Out show in Manchester, and also welcomed a group of delegates back to the dock for an exclusive tour. Coach visits are welcomed as part of the city’s ‘Coach Welcome Scheme’, with Albert Dock providing complimentary refreshments at selected venues for coach drivers.
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Literary London celebrates Shakespeare
Travel Tidbits
Middle Temple Hall, likely site of Twelfth Night’s first staging, is one of the finest buildings from Shakespeare’s era
With 2014 marking 450 years since the birth of William Shakespeare, the capital is preparing for a year-long celebration. A range of special events, plays and exhibitions are expected to attract fans and experts from far and wide to London this year. Shakespeare’s Globe – The open air theatre’s 2014 season will mark the writer’s anniversary with new productions of Antony & Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and The Comedy of Errors. A world tour of Hamlet Globe to Globe will begin at the Globe on 23 April before touring every country in the world over two years. A new indoor theatre will also open at the Globe named after its visionary founder – the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. The candlelit venue’s first performance will be the The Duchess of Malfi. Middle Temple Hall – The first performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is said to have taken place in the hall in 1602 with Queen Elizabeth I in attendance. Middle Temple Hall remains virtually unaltered since completion in the 1570s and is one of the finest Elizabethan halls in the country. From the moment they arrive onto the cobbles of the lantern-lit Middle Temple Lane, visitors feel as though they have stepped back in time to somewhere very special. Guided tours must be booked
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in advance by contacting the Events Department on 020 7427 4820. Lunch at the hall is also available upon request. V&A - Shakespeare: Our Greatest Living Playwright– This immersive installation running until September will examine the enduring influence and popularity of the world’s most famous poet. Drawing together objects from the V&A collection and interviews with key contemporary practitioners, Shakespeare: Our Greatest Living Playwright will examine how Shakespeare’s plays have travelled across centuries and continents to be used as a springboard for theatrical re-imaginings and interpretation. London Walks: Shakespeare’s & Dickens’ London – London Walks takes Shakespeare and Dickens fans back in time, visiting half-timbered Elizabethan dwellings and the magnificent early-16th-century gatehouse where the bard went with his plays to the offices of the Elizabethan Master of the Revels. Despite the ravages of time, traces of their London are still well and truly there for all to see. Visitors can explore the wonderful world of Shakespeare and Dickens for two hours. Tours run every Wednesday at 11.00am and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Rose Theatre – When it was erected in 1587, The Rose was only the fifth purposebuilt theatre in London, and
the first on Bankside – an area already rich in other leisure attractions including brothels, gaming dens and bear-baiting arenas. Shakespeare plays performed at the theatre included Henry VI Part I and Titus Andronicus. Once The Globe was built, The Rose Theatre disappeared into history in 1603. In 1989, the archaeological site of The Rose was discovered and since then there has been a long campaign to rebuild the theatre. Theatregoers can visit every Saturday or go and see one of the productions, including Shakespeare’s Richard III in April. Shakespeare in Love, Noel Coward Theatre – Seven times Academy Award winning film Shakespeare in Love is to be adapted for the stage and will start its run at the Noel Coward Theatre in the summer of 2014. Preview performances begin in early July, with box office bookings starting in February. The play will tell the tale of how promising new playwright Shakespeare, plagued by debt, tormented by writer’s block and in desperate need of a new hit, finds his muse in the form of passionate young noblewoman, Viola De Lesseps. Their forbidden love soon draws everyone, including Queen Elizabeth I herself, into the drama and inspires him to write one of the greatest love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet. www.grouptravelworld.com
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The world’s top hotel The Grand Hotel Kronenhof, in Pontresina, Switzerland, has been named the world’s top hotel in the 2014 Travelers’ Choice® awards. In the awards’ 12th year, the world’s most outstanding properties were identified in the categories of Top Hotels, Bargain, B&Bs and Inns, Family, Luxury, Romance and Small Hotels. Travelers’ Choice® award winners are determined based on the reviews and opinions of millions of TripAdvisor travellers around the globe. On receiving news of the win, Grand Hotel Kronenhof’s general manager, Marc Eichenberger, said: “Every member of the team is extremely proud of the hotel’s outstanding performance in the 2014 Travelers’ Choice® awards, because it is based
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Switzerland’s Grand Hotel Kronenhof has been named the top hotel in the world by the Travelers’ Choice® awards
on the opinions of our guests. We celebrate the glamour and exclusivity of grand hotels every day in the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, and are thrilled that our efforts are appreciated by our guests. More than ever, today’s visitors value the timeless elegance and gracious
hospitality of our historic landmark property, a fact that is reflected in the TripAdvisor awards.” Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor, added: “We’re excited to recognise the world’s best properties, but
particularly Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina, which has been named the World’s Top Hotel 2014. These awards are based on the opinions of those who know – the millions of travellers around the globe who come to TripAdvisor to share their experiences.”
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The latest industry news about jobs, people, promotions and awards PEOPLE NEWS
PEOPLE, POSITIONS & PRIZES n
DEIRDRE WELLS OBE has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of UKinbound, the trade association representing the interests of the inbound tourism sector. Wells comes from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, where she is the government’s head of tourism and has worked for 20 years. She will begin her new role at the beginning of March. Wells said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking up this exciting role. International tourism to the UK is currently booming, contributing hugely to the country’s economic recovery … I have been extremely impressed with the capacity of our industry to grow, innovate and respond to customer demand. I look forward to working closely with members of UKinbound and the wider tourism sector.” She was awarded an OBE for her work heading the team which delivered the memorial services for the victims of 9/11, the Bali bomb, the Asian tsunami and London 7/7, and has more recently held the post of programme manager for the Olympic Legacy Board. Rita Beckwith, chairman of UKinbound, said, “We are delighted to welcome Deirdre as the new CEO of UKinbound. Her skills, experience and knowledge will lead UKinbound in its next stage of growth and development, as well as ensuring we meet the needs of our members, expand our programme and reach and represent the interests of inbound tourism in the UK.”
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SOPHIE DEKKERS has been promoted by easyJet to the role of UK market director. She takes over from Paul Simmons, who left the airline last year to join Flybe. Dekkers has been with easyJet since 2007, in a variety of roles including working as a UK commercial manager, providing customer insight and more recently driving the airline’s business traveller strategy. In this new role she will be responsible for driving the airline’s commercial success and strategic direction in the UK and will be working closely with the teams at all 11 of the airline’s UK bases.
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ALISON BROADHEAD was recently appointed as chief commercial officer for Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company. She is now responsible for all sales, marketing and revenue activities across the company’s 22 hotels and other related businesses. Based in Dubai and reporting to chief operating officer Nicholas Clayton, Broadhead is tasked with driving Jumeirah’s commercial strategy, building profitable growth, increasing brand awareness and value and leading an international sales and marketing team. Born in Aberdeen, Broadhead has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, of which 15 were spent in the Asia Pacific region. 10
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ANTHONY DRURY has taken on the role of director of business for easyJet. Anthony joins the airline from American Express, where he has held a number of senior leadership positions since 2002. Drury will play an instrumental role in driving easyJet’s business proposition strategy across Europe. Commenting on his new role, Drury said: “It’s certainly exciting times at easyJet and I’m really looking forward to building on the team’s current success across the corporate sector in Europe.”
YACINE BEZEGOUCHE has become the new restaurant manager at The Park Tower Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection Hotel in London, and Santo Borzi is their new sommelier. Originally from France, Bezegouche’s passion for hospitality began at a young age and he has worked at Michelin-starred restaurant René Bénard La Cadiére. Following his move to London in 2005, he worked at many fine dining institutions including Raymond Blanc’s Diamond Club and Hotel Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. Joining the restaurant from Buddha Bar in Knightsbridge, Borzi has worked for ten years in the industry, including at renowned London restaurants such as The Ritz, Babbo Restaurant and 5 Hertford Street. Recently recognised as the third best restaurant in London by The Sunday Times Food List, The Park Tower Knightsbridge’s One-O-One is famed for its outstanding, creative fish and seafood dishes.
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GEORGIE MACKIE is the new marketing chair for London City Selection, a consortium of some of the finest venues in London. Relatively new to LCS, Mackie steps up to the role on the board after joining as a member in June last year and will be involved in co-ordinating marketing initiatives and trade show events for the consortium throughout the year. Commenting on her appointment, Mackie said: “I am really looking forward to the new challenges of leading the marketing strategy for LCS for the forthcoming year and am particularly excited about exhibiting at shows such as the upcoming BNC Global Event Show.”
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Experience the Household Cavalry Story in London’s Royal Heartland
Fun and thrilling sightseeing tour on London’s River Thames
Open daily from 10am For further information, advice and every assistance in planning visits to this exceptional and prestigious venue (including touring group day visits, private evening functions and evening tours)
please contact Martin Westwood on 020 7930 3090 or com@householdcavalry.co.uk
The Household Cavalry Museum Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk
• Corporate Parties • Stag & Hen Groups • Families • Children’s Packages • Bespoke Tours Located close to the Capital’s main tourist attractions TRAVEL TRADE GROUP BOOKINGS WILL RECEIVE 20% DISCOUNT
Tours run every hour from Monday-Sunday from 10am-6pm
For further information or to book a tour visit www.ribtourslondon.com or call 0207 118 1181 or email sales@ribtourslondon.co.uk to discuss your enquiry
m o r F
N O R W AY
n e g Ber
and beyond
AMY MOORE
Take flight to Norway, renowned for its luxurious landscapes, folklore and fresh, inexpensive local delicacies. From picturesque fjords dotted around the coast and clear lakes sketched among domineering snowcapped mountains, it is often viewed as the ideal place to visit during the winter season
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ergen’s Fish Market is situated on the outskirts of the town’s docking bay. This is one of the most visited outdoor markets in Norway, famous for a wide array of local produce including smoked whale meat, with its unique texture that resembles beef jerky with a fishy aftertaste. The market is a riot of Norwegian food and friendliness, open all year round, six days a week, and attracts both locals and visitors. Similar markets are located nearby, selling fruit, vegetables, souvenirs and handicrafts. Peppes Pizza is an exceedingly popular food chain developed in the country’s capital of Oslo during the 1970s by an American and his Norwegian wife. A restaurant that aims to be creative with their dishes while keeping reasonable prices, visitors
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N O R W AY
GETTING THERE Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a strong Norwegian heritage as the company was founded in 1848 in Hvitsten, a small town on Oslofjord, by the three Olsen brothers, Fredrik Christian, Petter and Andreas. Now in the fifth generation of the family, Fred. Olsen cruises include itineraries which visit the Norwegian fjords. Many of today’s massive cruise ships cannot reach the small coastal villages or navigate the fjords in the way that Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships can. Highlights include Bergen, Flåm, Stavanger, Oslo and Olden as well as Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bergen fish market
FACT BOX: NORWAY l There are three distinct languages spoken in Norway. Norwegian Bokmål (which translates as “book tongue” – the official written standard most commonly taught to students), Norwegian Nynorsk (namely “New Norwegian”) and Sami (the common language of Scandinavian natives situated in the north of Norway). l The Norwegian Kroner (NOK), translated as “crown”, is the common currency, usually abbreviated to “kr”.
The triangular pier in the docking bay near the fish market in Bergen. This picture was taken between 1890 and 1900
The Edvard Grieg Museum in Troldhaugen includes the former home and practice hut of the famous Norwegian composer
l National Day (Norway’s “Constitution Day”) is held on 17th May with colourful celebrations taking place throughout the capital.
will be welcomed by a lively and sociable atmosphere. It is the only place in Bergen that offers salad as a topping or for the meat eater, steak and chips with béarnaise sauce. This cosy little restaurant is located just around the corner from the fish market and occupies a handy position at the top of the town. The World’s Largest Gingerbread City, aka “Pepperkakebyen”, based in central Bergen, is very much a national treasure that offers free admission for any accompanying adult during school or day centre visits. Free access is also readily available to any school or kindergarten that has contributed to this miniature masterpiece, as happens every year. Since 1991, this Norwegian tradition has produced a unique novelty display specifically tailored to the Christmas season. Open in November and December, the amount of passion and creativity demonstrated in each piece means it is impossible not to feel inspired and seriously impressed. Additional building stations have been set up alongside so everyone can get a taste, literally as well as figuratively. Mountainous views are available in abundance from the Funicular, one of Norway’s best known attractions, where visitors embark upon a robust, quadratic tram which leaves every 15 minutes daily
from 10am to 7pm. With a journey time of less than ten minutes, the Fløibanen Funicular passes sublime scenery above Bergen and beyond. Family tickets are available to purchase at a reduced rate and it is easily accessible to wheelchair users. After disembarkation, visitors are free to forage in forests and locate lonely lakes, dine in rustic restaurants and contemporary cafés, all while overlooking the town centre, the docking bay and beyond. Families with small children always enjoy the playground, which is inhabited by a traditional grisly wooden troll. Since 1928, the Edvard Grieg Museum in Troldhaugen has been a celebration of the Norwegian composer’s work, situated within his former home. Exhibits include the hut where he practised, designed to perfectly isolate sound without any distractions. The concert hall “Troldsalen” also acts as host to a programme of public and private concerts throughout the year, with seating for approximately 200 people. Currently, the site is preparing for the 14th International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition coming up in October this year, an annual event which further honours Grieg’s legacy. Opening hours alter throughout the year depending on the season. Groups of 15 or more get a reduced entry rate. n
l The Sami people are known for their colourful clothes and reindeer herding. They are said to have lived in northern Scandinavia for around 10,000 years and even have their own parliament. l Trolls play a significant role in Norwegian heritage as beastly, mischievous characters. Nowadays, visitors may notice that several places in the north have been named after them, such as Trollheimen and Trollhatten.
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WW1 CENTENARY AMY MOORE
In Remembrance A pproaching the Great War Museum in Meaux, visitors might expect something more solemn than the bright, starkly modern building which stands out in the flat landscape. No more than 100 years ago, this area was the site of the brutal first Battle of the Marne, described as ‘one of the greatest battles ever fought in France’s history’. The Great War Museum first opened on 11th November 2011, and since then has aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the First World War. The museum includes an immaculate café overlooking acres of poppy-filled soil, with the American Monument standing out in the distance. Introduced
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A recent Coach Tourism Council fam trip over to France visited some of the most significant battlefield sites of World War One, along with the Great War Museum in 1932 and entitled ‘Liberty in Distress’, the statue grandly stands in the museum grounds as a commemoration of the victory for France. This model is based on the original by sculptor Frederick MacMonnies and stands approximately 26 metres high, composed of 220 blocks of stone. The French and English inscription on the base reads ‘Here speak again the silent voices of the heroic sons of France.’ The museum’s exceptional collection, owned by First World War expert Jean-
Pierre Verney, spans over 3000 square metres and contains over 50,000 documents and relics, including 200 full uniforms. A vast amount of interactive displays, including a short animation to start, encourage a more sensory experience that visitors would rarely find anywhere else. Children in particular are encouraged to handle objects, such as the coarse uniforms, and activity books are provided free of charge from reception. It soon becomes clear to anyone visiting www.grouptravelworld.com
13/02/2014 14:33
Interview... Frank Baldwin started leading battlefield tours while still a major in the army. After leaving, Frank worked for the travel arm of the Royal British Legion as a guide and operations manager. He has planned and led hundreds of tours all around the world and holds his official badge from the Guild of Battlefield Guides. What can people expect from Baldwin Battlefield Tours? We provide a battlefield travel and tour service, tailored to provide a balance between information, education and entertainment. What would you say makes a good group trip? A smooth and seamless service which encompasses the range and variety of interests of the group members. Also, the aforementioned balance between education and entertainment. What inspired you to become involved in group tours in and around Europe? I worked for ten years as a guide for the Royal British Legion. I could see how important travelling for remembrance was to people. What inspired you to visit France as a historical destination? The history of France is closely bound to that of Britain, as an old enemy and a more recent ally. Many of the corners of its foreign fields are forever England. Meaux is both the site of Henry V’s last siege and where the BEF ended the retreat from Mons in 1914.
Western Front focus on the 1916 battles, on trenches, mud and wire. This is a different story of the British and French in 1914 (and the Americans in 1918). Come to the Marne to see why the war didn’t actually end by Christmas 1914 and why it ended in 1918. What kind of group/tour operators are you looking to attract? We’d like to talk to any group/ tour operators seeking to offer a battlefield tour to the First World War battlefields, in particular those seeking to provide a unique experience. We are particularly interested in talking to groups and operators seeking ways to follow up the government’s schools initiative with a community visit to the locations associated with the men and women from their communities. We can help to tap into the Heritage Lottery Fund grants available
subsidise community projects, including travel to overseas battlefields. How does Baldwin Battlefield Tours tailor to these target audiences? We can help to turn history into personal heritage. We can customise a tour to look at the story of people from a particular community, say the names on a local war memorial, or research the fate of relatives. The tour was very interactive; how else do you encourage people to get involved? We recognise that people get different things from different types of experience and vary in how they like to experience the world. Things like videos, pictures and audio recordings help. It also helps sometimes to think about what you would do in some of the historical situations or how it might have felt. Flight simulators, discussion and war games can help to understand what happened and why. Sometimes people enjoy walking through or role playing what happened to try to understand what people did and why they did it. Places can be enormously evocative, for example it isn’t too hard to imagine the beet fields in September 1914 or the river crossings in the valley. Nor to follow in the footsteps of the men who fell. Groups include travellers with a range of levels of interest and expertise. A small travelling library and opportunities to chat to the
guide provide chances for individuals to pursue their personal interests. Of course, involvement in a group tour is also more than participation in an educational experience. It also means taking part in an experience where travellers can meet others on the tour and enjoy their company. We facilitate this by planning an itinerary which has the time, venues and activities that encourage socialising, including lectures that provide a focus for discussion and debate. What can groups look forward to from Baldwin Battlefield Tours in the future? There are three specialist operations: ● Airpower Tours: www. airpowertours.com. This looks at military aviation and the impact of air power on battlefields. ● Gunner Tours: www. gunnertours.com. The Royal Regiment of Artillery formed 25% of the British Army in the world wars. So about half the UK population has a relative who was a gunner. Gunner Tours is the only battlefield tour service supporting travel to tell the story of the gunners and gunnery. ● Business Battlefields: www.businessbattlefields. com. This is designed to serve organisations seeking to use battlefields and other military heritage for corporate events. Perhaps as an informal away day or as a management study to learn lessons from history.
Describe your Marne Battlefield Tour in three words. Epic. History. Countryside. How does your Marne Battlefield Tour differ from other battlefield tours available in the area? Most battlefield tours to the
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Baldwin Battlefield Tours in France encourage groups to learn, enjoy, discuss and debate
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WW1 CENTENARY
We’d like to talk to any group/tour operators seeking to offer a battlefield tour to the First World War battlefields, in particular those seeking to provide a unique experience. - Frank Baldwin
War memorials dotted over the area give pause for thought about the quantity of lives lost
The Great War Museum has over 50,000 items
Tomb of the poet and essayist Charles Péguy 18
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that the museum is not necessarily a place to grieve over loss, but somewhere to celebrate victory and learn about a time of dramatic change. It was fascinating to discover that each soldier’s face on display had been sculpted using a real person’s face as a model, in order to provide realism. Other personal touches include the acknowledgement of all nationalities in war, including the British Forces. The deformities display in particular caught the eye of many, with its rather gruesome and dramatic content. The astounding differences between the French and German trenches were detailed and were also very memorable. One of the museum’s many exhibition partners includes The Imperial War Museum in London and additional temporary exhibitions have been booked up until the year 2019. Group rates are available from 15 people and guides go free. The region of Meaux is steeped in cultural heritage, home to the delectably creamy Brie de Meaux with its slight hazelnut taste, as well as the traditional Pommery Mustard that was produced by the religious communities up until the 1760s. More importantly, it boasts the ‘Victory of the Marne’, so named due to the French Army’s retreat towards the River Marne in order to defend against the German’s advance on Belgium. Exploration of the huge area of The
‘Liberty in Distress’, the American Monument Western Front is available to groups via coach tours, which provide valuable insight into the various combat strategies put into action from September 1914. We enjoyed a Marne battlefield tour from Baldwin Battlefield Tours. There are detailed touches – for example, the German movements were in accordance with the Schlieffen Plan, which was explained on-board through an interactive map. The British Expeditionary Army, with its four separate divisions, crossed the Marne on 9th September 1914 where the first major battle was fought. The second battle of the Marne occurred four years later and resulted in the first allied victory. The enthusiasm of our guide sparked forgotten passions for history and perfectly complemented aspects such as the unexpected beauty of the battlefield cemetery near Puisieux. The added novelty of listening to veteran interviews from 40 years ago made an ideal historical journey through visually stunning war memorials situated amongst sugar beet fields. Visitors are encouraged to take in this solemn scenery by road whilst tracking their experiences on maps that are provided to passengers as an educational aide. Guests are also given the chance after disembarkation to explore each mass grave erected to commemorate the many divisions that had been lost in action, which usually consisted of around 15,000 to 20,000 people. n
each soldier’s face on display had been sculpted using a real person’s face as a model
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Page 1 14:52 3/2/14 p00_GTW_0114 Great War
” al e ar 14 eci th e W 14 20 sp y On he ly er a d b ar s t Ju mb ge ye W oin a a d j om ce st pl rl e Fr De ill le Wo pir 31 w ro in Em til um the y h un use of Arm ritis M n e B e io pir e th bit m Th hi E w! ex tish No i Br oin “J d lle ca
BIRMINGHAM
Thinktank covers all things scientific, including historic and modern developments
Birmingham’s best for groups
C
adbury World in Birmingham is a visitor attraction that is definitely in a different league to the museum norm. No matter what the type or age range of the group, visitors make the most of the chocolate experience on offer here, exploring 14 zones and learning about the history of the Cadbury brand. From exploring chocolate’s ancient Aztec origins to walking through a full scale replica of Bull Street where John Cadbury opened his first shop in 1824, Cadbury World covers everything the visitor could possibly want to know about chocolate and the brand. Groups can learn how their favourite confectionery is made and watch demonstrations of traditional chocolate-making skills. Cadbury World’s in-house chocolatiers use around 12,000kg of chocolate every year to create limited edition and seasonal novelty products available exclusively from the on-site shop. Open since 1990, Cadbury World now welcomes over half a million annual The tunnels at Sealife Birmingham allow visitors to get as close as possible to the underwater world
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Cadbury World showcases chocolate at its finest
Three destinations in Britain’s second largest city that go beyond the traditional confines of a museum
visitors in search of entertainment and chocolate treats. Free preview visits are offered to group organisers and special discounted entry rates for groups of 15 or more are available all year round, with additional savings to be made if visiting on off-peak dates. Free coach parking, plus admission and a complimentary meal for one driver are all included, while groups of 20 or more also receive free admission for the group organiser. Thinktank is an exciting interactive science museum at the Millennium Point complex in Birmingham. Organised into four floors covering the past, the present and the future, there are over 200 handson exhibits as well as historical and valuable items, and a regular programme of events and activities. Key items in the collections include the Smethwick Engine, the world’s oldest working steam engine built in 1778 on James Watt’s patented design of 1769. Younger visitors are likely to enjoy the wide variety of interactive exhibits in the five ‘Investigate the Present’
galleries, which include a giant digestive system to play with in the ‘Things About Me’ gallery. The Thinktank café serves sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks, and there are plenty of other dining options elsewhere in Millennium Point too. Groups of ten or more get ticket discounts, and there is a dedicated groups’ entrance with a pick-up zone for coaches. Function rooms can be hired, including for morning coffee or lunch. Sealife Birmingham opens up the underwater world for everyone to explore. Located behind Symphony Hall in Birmingham’s stylish canal area, over a thousand creatures are on display including seahorses, hammerhead sharks, otters and giant turtles. The tropical tank (no less than a million litres of water) provides exceptional opportunities to get as close as possible to some of the world’s most fascinating animals; many visitors name the walk-through underwater tunnels as their favourite part. There are feeding demonstrations throughout the day, and opportunities to touch crabs and meet starfish. The 4D cinema shows a film featuring SpongeBob SquarePants and lots of underwater action aimed at children. Sealife Birmingham plays an important role in conservation, so visitors can also learn about activities to rescue seals, raise money and breed endangered species. Group visitors (ten or more individuals) can get discounted prices, 10% discount in the gift shop, two GTO preview visits, and can upgrade to VIP tours which will include a Sealife expert to give a specialised tour. See the Group Travel World directory for full details of places mentioned: www.grouptravelworld.com/directory n www.grouptravelworld.com
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tary chocolate to enjoy along Full of heritage, fun and complimen issable day out for all ages. unm an is the way, Cadbury World unts s Free preview visit for s Special packages and disco group organisers all year round for groups of s Excellent disabled access fifteen or more and facilities s Meal deals and the World’s s 2014 group visits brochure Biggest Cadbury Shop available online
0844 880 7667 cadburyworld.co.uk
Book now on or visit
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GARDENS
P
erhaps more than the inhabitants of any other country in the world, the British people are known as lovers of gardens – their own gardens, public gardens, and the formal gardens of the land’s stately homes and castles. From tiny inner city high-rise concrete balconies to estates covering swathes of the British countryside, dedicated (some might say obsessive) gardeners can be found, working hard to attain perfection in their little piece of soil. Nowhere else can you find quite so many shops, television and radio programmes, shows, celebrities, magazines, awards and jokes all occupied with the topic of gardens and gardening. A Briton’s garden is very different from the functional backyards of America, the scrubby rustic patches of land adjoining houses in France, the architectural order of Chinese gardens or the dacha plots growing produce for Russians. Functionality does play a part, whether that is digging up the roses to plant vegetables during the war or putting down a patio and brick barbecue to make the most of the two days of summer.
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This Green and Pleasant Land What is it that will cause a Briton to don his wellies in the most disgusting weather and leave the warmth and comfort of the sofa to head outdoors for mud and drafty sheds? Or will motivate a coachload of visitors to jump off and explore the extensive grounds of a stately home? We have a love affair with all things gardens, which has permeated British culture through the centuries However, it is the focus on beauty, experimentation, pleasure in the process and pure romanticism that really sets British gardens apart. Designing and planning a garden purely for pleasure is not, in Britain, the preserve of the rich or
the landed. There are plenty of theories about why we love our gardens so much. Many areas of Britain are significantly overcrowded and hectic, with nightmarish traffic and strained resources. A person’s garden will
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“I think British people love gardens so much because they’re places to find inspiration to take back and use in their own gardens” - Matthew Hall, Batsford Arboretum head gardener
British gardens are often seen as tranquil places for escape and a taste of the countryside
RHS flower shows are a source of inspiration
Good Read A
Great Gardens of Britain by Helena Attlee
With beautiful photography by Alex Ramsay, this coffee table book takes a look at 20 of Britain’s finest gardens. Encompassing a huge range of styles and periods, Attlee explains the fascinating history of each garden and takes a look at the features which have made them some of the most famous gardens in the world. Wyndcliffe Court Gardens are typical for the way in which they incorporate multiple sections always offer escape and solitude, as well as a little portion of what many deeply desire but cannot fit into their lives – a taste of the countryside. Our climate is another factor. The weather often keeps us indoors, but at least with a garden there is something to look at through the windows. Five minutes of sunshine between downpours, far too short a time to head out for a walk, is still enough time to pop outside and stick into the ground those half-dozen seedlings that have been patiently waiting on the kitchen windowsill. It is enough time to check the vegetables, smell the roses, or just wander round and plan what to do out there on the next decent day. And planning is in itself a key provider of joy to gardeners. Matthew Hall, head gardener at Batsford Arboretum, makes the connection between visiting grand gardens that operate on a large scale and our gardens www.grouptravelworld.com
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back at home: “I think British people love gardens so much because they’re places to find inspiration to take back and use in their own gardens … visiting beautiful gardens like Batsford restores the spirits and provides a fantastic place to gather ideas and inspiration.” Many aspects of the wider gardening world relate directly to this function of the garden as a source of inspiration and an outlet for creativity. Garden centres, gardening programmes, gardening books, visiting famous gardens on a far grander scale – all of these serve to encourage the ambitions of gardeners no matter how small their own plot. Attending events such as RHS flower shows, or the Garden Party at Gloucester Quays (taking place this Easter weekend, from April 18th to 21st), also motivates gardeners to think about just how much they can achieve back home. Andy Stevens, head gardener at Borde
Hill, points out that the weather we so frequently denigrate has advantages when it comes to gardening. “The British climate offers us the opportunity to grow a fantastic range of plants from all over the world”, he comments. “This makes gardening so exciting and gardens so interesting to visit.” UK gardeners often achieve surprising success with growing plants that in theory are not suited to our climate, thanks to dedication, research and experimentation. The UK also has the advantage of many microclimates, from pockets of sunshine and warmth down in Cornwall, to damp Gulf Stream patches in Northern Ireland, to dry gravel areas of East Anglia. The Lost Gardens of Heligan include camellias and tree ferns, unusual for the UK, but happily flourishing thanks to a microclimate of Cornwall warmth and sun, with the added protection of nestling in a steep valley. The area at February 2014 ● Group Travel World
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GARDENS
Products at Gloucester Quays Garden Party
“The British climate offers us the opportunity to grow a fantastic range of plants from all over the world” - Andy Stevens, Borde Hill head gardener the bottom, which they call their ‘Jungle’, is at least five degrees warmer than their Northern Gardens. Less than ten miles away at the Eden Project, the founders have made the most of mild Cornwall and added their famous biomes, in order to experiment, educate and learn more about rainforests, sustainability and plant biology. Britons love using gardens to learn and teach, and not just the gardens that are on the scale of the Eden Project. The Chelsea Physic Garden was established in 1673 to teach apothecaries about medicinal plants, and still welcomes visitors today to learn about the future of gardening as well as the past. Kew Gardens is the most famous of many gardens that have year-round extensive programmes of lectures, activity days and talks aimed at all ages and levels of expertise. Of course, the gardens of stately homes also teach us much about our social past as well as about things strictly plantrelated. Nowhere else in the world do large gardens of big houses contain so many disparate sections. Wyndcliffe Court Gardens include sculpted topiary, a sunken garden, a summerhouse, walled
gardens, fountains, a lily pond and a bowling lawn leading out to wooded walks. Lakes, white gardens, kitchen gardens, wildflower meadows, terraces, rose gardens – all these elements and more find regular space in the country’s large estates. These days, the beauty of these spaces is often used as a backdrop for other events and exhibitions too. The gardens at Waddesdon Manor, which belongs to the Rothschilds, are used to display some of the incredible art that the family continues to acquire, and sculptures and outdoor exhibitions abound there, as they do in many other gardens throught the country. Most of all, though, it is simply the ability of gardens to transport us to another world, one of enjoyment and natural pleasures, that we love. Even amateur gardeners will tell you that as you kneel down to the vegetable plot or grub around the roses’ roots, the worries and stresses of life slip away as soil through the fingers. Look up, and the scents and sounds reassure you that some things never change. These sensory comforts occupy a role in our lives that no amount of technology can ever replace. n
Castle Hill Gardens
• Stunning historic 50 acre gardens • Refreshments and talks in the West Wing • Special group rates • Easy access from A361 Filleigh, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 ORQ 01598 760336 gardens@castlehill-devon.com www.castlehilldevon.co.uk
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Theatre
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T H E AT R E // R E V I E W
The Commitments at the Palace Theatre JULIE COUSINS AND STEPHANIE GILBERT
A
fter a leisurely meal at Shaka Zulu restaurant in Camden, and running late, we rushed to the nearest underground station only to find it closed. In a mindless panic we hailed the nearest London cab and thankfully got Owen Williams of East Dulwich, our hero taxi driver, who was a master of ‘The Knowledge’ and managed to get us safely to the Palace Theatre for a showing of The Commitments. With only seconds to spare, we rushed into the foyer only to be told that there was a hold-up due to technical problems. So, with terrible indigestion from rushing, and time now to spare, we headed to the bar to quench our thirst. Eventually we were called, and took our seats to wait for the curtain to rise on this first staging of the Roddy Doyle book and film. The plot explores the tribulations of an impoverished band trying
Finding hope in American soul; The Commitments is packed with music
to resurrect American soul in Dublin in 1987. The cast were outstanding, especially Denis Grindel as band manager Jimmy Rabbitte, an upbeat character who knew the band was going to have to fight for everything that they deserved. Killian Donnelly played the thoroughly unlikable Deco, who is reluctant to take any direction from his
fellow band members, but whose rebellious attitude to life is redeemed in the end by his talented soulful voice. Joe Woolmer as Mikah the skinhead bouncer was hilarious and added a great deal of comedy value to the show. If members of the audience have had the pleasure of seeing the film, they will probably find
the first quarter of an hour of the production underwhelming. Alan Parker’s film version brought nuances to the development of the characters that aren’t found here, and also dealt better with the theme of 1980s Dublin disillusionment with unemployment and social troubles leading the impoverished to set their aspirations higher by turning to the soul music of 1960s America. As soon as the cast began to belt out classic songs such as ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ and ‘In the Midnight Hour’ however, the show became a full-blown, rousing West End musical. The audience were soon finding it very difficult to remain seated and danced until the final curtain. We would truly recommend this marvellous stage production of a great story. There is high volume of strong expletives in the performance, so parental guidance is advised for the very young. ■
The Commitments has a cast of talented relative newcomers to the West End
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T H E AT R E // I N T E R V I E W
cast interview
‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’
D
irty Rotten Scoundrels is based on the classic movie comedy starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, which won 10 Tony Awards. Opening in March and marking the return to musical theatre of threetimes Olivier and Tony Award winner Robert Lindsay, the story is based on two con-men fleecing wealthy society ladies in the South of France. Sergio Cicala from Encore Tickets caught up with Robert Lindsay and fellow star Rufus Hound. What can group audiences expect from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels? RL: The plan has always been to do a big West End version of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. We had a workshop back in November where Rufus and I met for the first time, with Jerry (director and choreographer) and the writers from America, and we discussed why it was not as big a hit in Broadway as they
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wanted it to be, and how can it be a big hit here. They said that they wanted to re-do it. So that was the plan. We all sat down and worked out what would and would not work in London and that was the start of the journey. Robert Lindsay, what appeals to you most about your character in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels? RL: Jerry rather brilliantly, from my point of view, developed my character. Lawrence was relatively stuffy and quite a boring character to be honest. He came across as a pompous old fart. But Jerry has given me a number at the beginning now where I think the audience will get to know him and like him. Now he is pretty cool. Rufus Hound: Even though the story is the same, you see a lot more vulnerability and as such he becomes much more likeable. You like Lawrence way more with Robert playing the character.
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Rufus Hound, having come from One Man Two Guvnors into Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, do you find any similarities between the two?
One Man Two Guvnors was much more visceral – watch this man fall over, watch this man get himself into a terrible state, watch this man contort and bend and twist and rope people in, in order to get through this. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels feels like a mixture of what I have learnt about how to make people laugh, plus singing and dancing. So it really feels this is a coming together of all the things I have done, in the hope that I can be greater than the sum of just those parts. And frankly I didn’t go to drama school, so everything I am learning about being an actor, I learn from the people I am on stage with. But if you want to learn how to be a 360 degree performer, you can do a lot worse than work with Robert Lindsay, trust me on that.
RH: There are definitely similarities. Stand up for me was always a cerebral exercise. I always had to think what are the contents, what are the ideas and how can they be shared.
■ Dirty Rotten Scoundrels opens on10th March at the Savoy Theatre. Encore has new group rates available for groups of ten or more. See www.encoretickets.co.uk.
Robert, you are a 360° performer: plays, musicals, comedy, drama, film and TV. Is there one field where you feel most comfortable? RL: My wife pleaded with me to do this, because she said it is what I love. She said that she has seen me over the years, giving everything and working my butt off, but that she wants to see me enjoy something and she was right. As soon as I came into the rehearsal room I was like WOW. Then you meet a comic genius like Rufus, and then you have to go up a notch. Then you think hey, this is going to be great.
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13/02/2014 22:21
p00_GTW_0214 Stomp
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T H E AT R E // N E W S
Cast change for Perfect Nonsense New casting has been announced for Perfect Nonsense, the Jeeves and Wooster play written by The Goodale Brothers and currently showing at the Duke of York Theatre. Comedy stars Mark Heap and Robert Webb will play the main roles of Jeeves and Wooster, taking over from Stephen Mangan and Matthew Macfadyen from 7 April. The charmingly incompetent Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves have been brought to life in this new comedy by brothers Robert and David Goodale. Based on and adapted from the literary works of P.G. Wodehouse, Perfect Nonsense started previews at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 30 October 2013. Following an overwhelming
New lead for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Mark Heap and Robert Webb
audience response the show has been extended in the West End to 20 September 2014. Robert Webb is best known for his role as Jeremy in Channel 4’s multi-award winning Peep Show in which he stars alongside long-time collaborator David Mitchell. Mark Heap has appeared in a variety of television comedy roles which include Dr Alan Statham in Green Wing and Jim in Friday Night Dinner.
Specialising in Group Bookings
Delicious pre-packed meals for groups on the go Free delivery to Central London before 8am. We have been providing a range of high quality, freshly-prepared varied Lunch Packs and Breakfast Packs for tour operators and for organised tour groups since 1999. Lunch packs from just £4.80.
Restaurant bookings in and around London Group Restaurant bookings from just £12 for 2 courses & drink
London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds Tickets up to 50% cheaper
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Alex Jennings is to play Willy Wonka in the recordbreaking West End production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the role currently played by Douglas Hodge. Jennings’s first performance will be on Monday 19 May. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has quickly become one of the West End’s most popular and successful stage musicals, breaking records at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it has been seen by over half a million people since it opened in June 2013. It is currently taking bookings until May 2015. Alex Jennings is the only performer to have won an Olivier Award in each of the drama, musical and comedy categories; Best Actor for Peer Gynt (1996), Best Actor
ENCORE TICKETS has broken sales records by selling over £1 million worth of tickets for Miss Saigon in advance of the show’s opening in May 2014. The acclaimed musical will run at the Prince Edward theatre. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production is coming back to the West End where it opened with a record breaking run 25 years ago. Since then it has played in 300 cities in 15 different languages all round the world. THE DYLAN THOMAS CENTENARY this year will be marked by the National Theatre Wales with a starstudded, multi-platform re-imagining of Under Milk Wood. Featuring theatrical installations across the town of Laugharne, which sits on an estuary in Carmarthenshire in Wales, it will include pre-recorded performances from some of Wales’ best-
in a Musical for My Fair Lady (2003), and Best Comedy Performance for Too Clever By Half (1988). He is an associate at the National Theatre and the RSC and has had a wide and varied career on stage, screen and radio.
Alex Jennings takes on Wonka
known actors and singers. BBC Cymru Wales is also planning to broadcast a unique, contemporary, multilayered version of Under Milk Wood incorporating elements of the live National Theatre Wales event and readings by an extraordinary Welsh cast in New York, Los Angeles, London, Cardiff and Laugharne. BACK TO THE FUTURE, directed by Jamie Lloyd, will be opening in the West End in 2015. Marking the 30th anniversary of the famous film which starred Christopher Lloyd and Michael J Fox, this new musical has been developed by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, who wrote the original film. Universal Stage Productions, producer Colin Ingram and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment are all involved in the venture, which will also see a book by Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale and Jamie Lloyd, and new music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.
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13/02/2014 21:43
p00_GTW_0114 Bateaux
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T H E AT R E L I S T I N G S / / W E S T E N D
Theatre Listings LONDON
London’s West End theatre remains the most vibrant in the world. On these two pages lists the major West End shows currently open, or about to open. Always check the details before making any arrangements Victoria Palace
Victoria Street SW1
BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSICAL
Musical about a northern working class boy who wants to dance. n Booking to: 16 May 2015 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 3hrs 00mins n Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Vaudeville
THE DUCK HOUSE
Strand WC2
THE BODYGUARD
Savoy
Phoenix
Based on the classic movie comedy. n Booking to: May 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 3pm
Theatre Royal
Gielgud
Drury Lane WC2
Roald Dahl’s deliciously dark tale. n Booking to: November 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Weds & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 30mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE 32
Lyceum
Catherine Street WC2
THE LION KING
Stage adaptation of the Disney film set among the wild animals of Africa. n Booking to: 20 April 2014 n Times: Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Weds, Sat & Sun 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 45mins n Booking Codes: AM AP DY EN GL TM SE Novello
Aldwych WC2
MAMMA MIA!
Musical featuring Abba hits.
Shaftesbury Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY
Epic new musical from Tim Rice, set in 1941 Pearl Harbor and currently starring Darius Campbell. n Booking to: 26 April 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Tues 3pm, Sat 4pm n Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE St Martin’s
West Street WC2
THE MOUSETRAP
Agatha Christie’s whodunit and the West End’s longest running show. n Booking to: 3 January 2015 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Tues 3pm, Sat 4pm
Miss Saigon makes a welcome return to the West End
Shaftesbury Avenue W1D
BLITHE SPIRIT
Angela Lansbury returns to the West End for this Noël Coward play. n Booking to: 7 June 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm n Length: TBC n Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE
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The long-running musical about the French Revolution. n Booking to: April 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Weds & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 50mins n Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE
ONCE
n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
LES MISERABLES
Charing Cross Road WC2
The love story of two musicians in Dublin. n Booking to: 31 May 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 3pm n Length: 2hrs 25mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
n Length: TBC
Queens
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Roald Dahl’s much-loved tale of an extraordinary genius child. n Booking to: December 2014 n Times: Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm, Sun 3pm n Length: 2hrs 40mins n Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE
Denmark Street W1
Broadway musical telling the story of 1960s pop group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. n Booking to: October 2014 n Times: Tues-Sat 7:30pm, Tues & Sat 3pm, Sun 5pm n Length: 2hrs 30mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
Strand WC2
Hilarious Broadway musical about a pair of Mormon boys on mission. n Booking to: 5 April 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm n Length: 2hrs 30 mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
n Booking to: 25 October 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:45pm, Thur & Sat 3pm n Length: 2hrs 35mins n Booking Codes: AP DM EN GL TM SE Cambridge Earlham Street WC2
JERSEY BOYS
Musical based on the legendary film that starred the late Whitney Houston. n Booking to: 30 August 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 3pm n Length: 2hrs 25mins n Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
Coventry Street W1
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Strand WC2R
Comedy with Ben Miller, set in the world of parliament and elections. n Booking to: 29 March 2014 n Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 3pm n Length: 2hrs 20mins n Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE Piccadilly
Adelphi
Prince of Wales
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Subhan Harrison (Lorene) and Robert Lonsdale (Private Prewitt) in From Here to Eternity. Photo by Johan Persson
■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Her Majesty’s Haymarket SW1
■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
The most successful musical of all time, which began in 1986, with music from Andrew Lloyd Webber. ■ Booking to: 26 April 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Ambassadors
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Criterion
Piccadilly Circus W1V
THE 39 STEPS
Based on John Buchan’s novel, this is a comedy version of the classic. ■ Booking to: 18 October 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:45pm, Fri & Sat 3pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Noel Coward
St. Martin’s Lane WC2
THE FULL MONTY
Musical based on the acclaimed 1997 film about unemployed steel workers. ■ Booking from: February 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP DY GL TM SE Palace
Shaftesbury Avenue W1
THE COMMITMENTS
Roddy Doyle’s best-selling novel, adapted into a musical, tells the story of a band in 1980s Dublin. ■ Booking to: October 2014 ■ Times: Tue-Sat 7:30pm, Sat & Sun 3pm www.grouptravelworld.com
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West Street WC2
STOMP
Toe-tapping dance and rhythm using everyday objects, this show makes the audience want to join in. ■ Booking to: 21 December 2014 ■ Times: Mon, Thurs-Sat 8pm, Thurs & Sat 3pm, Sun 3pm & 6pm ■ Length: 1hrs 40mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP GL TM Lyric
Shaftesbury Avenue WC2
THRILLER LIVE
A celebration of Michael Jackson’s career and music. ■ Booking to: 28 September 2014 ■ Times: Tue-Fri 7:30pm, Sat 4pm & 8pm, Sun 3:30pm & 7:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 20 mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Aldwych
Aldwych WC2
STEPHEN WARD
The story of the infamous Profumo affair. ■ Booking to: 1 March 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: TBC ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Palladium
Argyll Street W1
I CAN’T SING!
New musical about the X Factor, with a script from Harry Hill, depicting life behind the scenes of the TV show.
■ Booking to: 25 October 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 3pm ■ Length: TBC ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM New London
Drury Lane WC2
WAR HORSE
Theatre Royal
The moving story of a boy and his horse, based on Morpurgo’s novel. ■ Booking to: January 2015 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 20mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Dominion
Haymarket SW1
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
Adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s 18th century comedy Servant of Two Masters. ■ Booking to: 1 March 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 30 mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM
Tottenham Court Road W1
WE WILL ROCK YOU
Prince Edward Old Compton Street W1
Musical featuring hits of Queen, now celebrating over 4000 performances. ■ Booking to: 5 April 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 45mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE Apollo Victoria
MISS SAIGON
Reprisal of the famous musical. ■ Booking to: 25 October 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Thur & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 40 mins ■ Booking Codes: AP EN GL TM SE
Wilton Road SW1
WICKED
KEY TO BOOKING CODES
The untold story of two witches from the Wizard of Oz. ■ Booking to: 31 October 2014 ■ Times: Mon-Sat 7:30pm, Wed & Sat 2:30pm ■ Length: 2hrs 45mins ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE Fortune
The hit ghost story now in its 23rd year. ■ Booking to: July 2014 ■ Times: Tue-Sat 8pm, Tues & Thur 3pm, Sat 4pm ■ Length: 2hrs ■ Booking Codes: AM AP EN GL TM SE
AM Ambassador Groups AP Applause Groups DY Disney Theatrical TM Ticketmaster Groups
GL Groupline SE SEE Groups EN Encore Tickets
When booking, please mention
Russell Street WC2
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
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TICKETMASTER NEWS © Alistair Muir
The Pajama Game You’ve performed in numerous musicals including The Sound of Music, Phantom Q of the Opera and Oklahoma!. What was it that attracted you to this particular show?
A
It was a huge success when it opened down in Chichester last summer. Plus, the Olivier Award-winning creative team are just wonderful! It is directed by ex-National Theatre artistic director Richard Eyre, choreographed by Stephen Mear and musically directed by Gareth Valentine. Also, I get to perform opposite the outstanding, double Olivier Awardwinning actress Joanna Riding. The final reason is that I love the role of Sid. He’s tough, stubborn and an alpha male, but has a good sense of morality and duty. His conflict with both himself and Babe makes for an unusual, exciting and unpredictable romantic relationship.
Following a sell-out run at Chichester’s Festival Theatre, The Pajama Game transfers to London’s West End in May. Tickets are now on sale and Ticketmaster Groups has been lucky enough to chat to one of its stars, Michael Xavier energy. How difficult is it to keep this up night in, night out?
A
Keeping your enthusiasm and energy night after night isn’t difficult if you remain focused and open to change at
or what has been the biggest influence on your career? Q Who A
My chemistry teacher who told me I’d never make any money being an actor. At that point I remember thinking, “I’ll prove you wrong.” That statement has stuck with me my whole career and makes me all the more determined to be a success.
can audiences expect from this production of The Pajama Game? Q What A
This production was already a hit down in Chichester so you know you’re coming to see a show that has been put together beautifully. Plus, it’s full of comedy, romance, high-energy dance routines and of course, wonderful songs by Adler and Ross including Hey There, Hernando’s Hideaway and Steam Heat.
like The Pajama Game require a huge amount of enthusiasm and Q Musicals www.grouptravelworld.com
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every turn. Those who get bored do so because they set ‘their’ show in stone and don’t enjoy the immediacy and unpredictability of live performance. Plus, working as a lead in a West End show is a great way to make a living so I don’t ever take it for granted!
And finally, what do you think it is that makes The Pajama Game a great night Q out for groups?
A
Michael Xavier, star of The Pajama Game © Uli Weber
Well, what’s NOT to love about The Pajama Game? Toe-tapping tunes, comedy, love, dancing and (if it’s a hen do) I get my shirt off at the end! It ticks every box for the perfect group trip to the theatre. February 2014 l Group Travel World
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T E A M O N T O U R / / V I C KY A S P I N A L L
GLORIOUS
GOODWOOD REVIVAL
“T
he thought of Goodwood Revival musters up much excitement … the colourful arrays of cars and motorcycles, and the enthusiastic drivers, riders and spectators. The nostalgia of all of those fifties and sixties racing heroes, the famous daily track parade, the air displays - the list goes on and on. But for me personally, it is the glamorous fashions and vintage clothing on display that is one of the most exciting aspects. The vast array of exhibitors is truly shopping heaven, with an immense amount of choice – with stall after stall of tweeds and trilbies, frocks and furs, it is hard not to become fully immersed in the nostalgic and bustling atmosphere. In addition to enjoying the racing action, the Goodwood Revival is the perfect opportunity to indulge in glamour and get dressed up, and to make a few purchases - so before the excitement of the racing, a wander round the
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stalls was a must. First stop was ‘What Katie Did’, who stock a wonderful array of forties-style underwear delights. If you want to achieve the true vintage look even under your clothes, then this company is perfect – bullet bras, corsets, silk stockings the range is truly wonderful. ‘What Katie Did’ has many famous clients, including Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson. If waiting until the next Goodwood Revival seems too long, ‘What Katie Did’ can also be found on Portobello Road in London. Those feeling in need of a little pampering to complement a glamorous period outfit could pop to the Vintage Hair Lounge. Professional hair and make-up artists were working hard to give visitors a luxurious experience and transform their appearance to match the outfits. With undies purchased and hair styled, the next pit stop was at ‘Beautiful Vintage Clothing’, who had a wonderful stock of vintage
Dressed to look the part at the Goodwood Revival clothing and furs to choose from. Silk scarves, hats and gloves all add to the period look. There is just so much to choose from at Goodwood Revival … the stalls are plentiful with forties militarystyle outfits, chic fitted suits with knee-length skirts, fifties full dresses with petticoats, and sixties miniskirts. The stalls have it all, and there were definitely some good bargains to be had. The whole shopping experience at the Revival is made extra special by the fact that so many people make
the most of the day and dress up. The array of beautifully dressed ladies and gents in their finest period clothing from the forties, fifties and sixties is a real treat to see, and sure to give inspiration when looking through the stalls for that special look. The glamour of a bygone era and stall after stall of shopping treats all adds to the thrill of the biggest and best motor racing party of the year. The Goodwood Revival is the place to go for a full day out of period glamour, style and action.” ■
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SPORTS
With the largest collection of golf memorabilia in Europe, the British Golf Museum welcomes fans of the sport to the St Andrews course
T
he British Golf Museum is situated just yards from the first tee of the famous Old Course at St Andrews and the Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse. From the roof of the museum, panoramic views of the course help evoke the sense of history that makes this corner of St Andrews so special. In the twenty years since opening, the British Golf Museum has entertained and informed thousands of visitors through its innovative presentations of the largest collection of golf memorabilia in Europe. The museum offers a wealth of sporting heritage spanning more than three centuries. High-quality displays bring to life the people and events that have shaped the game’s history and influenced its growing popularity, not just in the UK, but worldwide. Once inside, the history of golf unfolds before the eyes of visitors. The museum is home to star attractions such as the oldest known set of golf clubs in the world, the first Open Championship medal, which was presented to Tom Morris Jr following his 1872 win, and the oldest known footage of a golf match, dating back to 1898. Imaginative exhibitions and stunning displays set the museum apart as the 38
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As the Sochi Winter Olympics focus the eyes of the world on sporting prowess once more, GTW has a look at a couple of options for groups, whether they are interested in sporting heritage, sport today, or even taking part world’s premier heritage centre for golf. At the end of a visit, groups have the chance to sink a putt to win The Open and have their picture taken with the Claret Jug in The R&A Gallery. A gift shop sells exclusive souvenirs based on the collections of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, including prints, ceramics and stationery. The museum is open seven days a week throughout the year and every visitor is given a complimentary guidebook as a memento. 2014 is a great year to visit Lord’s Cricket Ground. The bicentenary of this ‘home of cricket’ is an ideal opportunity to take a tour of Lord’s and explore behind the scenes. As well as being the most famous cricket ground in the world, Lord’s is steeped in history and charm, with extraordinary architecture and fine art. Led by expert guides, tours take in the dressing rooms, the pavilion and the J. P.
Morgan Media Centre. Groups can see the Ashes Urn and discover the treasure house of Lord’s in the MCC Museum. Beneath the famous ‘Honours Boards’, they get a chance to sit on the seats usually occupied by the England team. The MCC Museum is launching a new exhibition this year in partnership with J. P. Morgan, entitled ‘Cricket’s Crown Jewels’. Fascinating gems of cricketing memorabilia are on display alongside information about the great collectors who have contributed to this historic collection. The tours also include plenty of chances to enjoy the award-winning architecture of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre. Originally built in 1999 for the Cricket World Cup, it is truly an innovative and iconic building, housing around 150 journalists on major match days. At the end of the tour, the Lord’s shop offers a wide range of cricket equipment, www.grouptravelworld.com
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SPORTS
Lord’s Cricket Ground, the sport’s home
The J.P. Morgan Media Centre at Lord’s
gifts and souvenirs to remember the day by, and the Lord’s Tavern serves traditional pub food with a discount for tour visitors. Public tours are daily, and private tours can also be arranged. Finally, for those groups who are looking for the adrenalin rush of actually taking part, an unforgettable day with a group of friends or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, Lee Valley White Water Centre will make the experience one all visitors will remember. White water rafting is the perfect group activity, with up to nine people fitting into every raft. The ‘March Mayhem’ offer allows smaller groups to book on the same days for just £30 per person and has great prices
for all group sizes. There has never been a better time to tick white water rafting off the bucket list, as this newly upgraded and expanded London 2012 venue provides a first-class experience. Upon arrival, visitors are kitted out with a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet and boots before going through a safety assessment and some flat water exercises on the lake, where they will learn the secrets of navigating this world-class white water course. Rafters can then tackle the Olympic Standard Competition Course; with 13,000 litres of water pummelling down per second, it is rated as the best course in the world for rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Journeys start with an adventurous first
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White water rafting on the Lee Valley course run designed to get participants used to the feel of the raft and working as a team. Raft guides progressively ‘up’ the fear factor each time, depending on group abilities, so that by the final run the group could be surfing, high siding, spinning and nose dunking! Groups of adrenalin fans can also challenge the rapids with a new hydrospeeding activity. This fun and physical white water challenge involves navigating the rapids of the Legacy Loop course using a hydrospeed to carve, turn and surf. Hydrospeeds are a cross between a bodyboard and the floats used when learning to swim, and excellent group discounts are available. n
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LO N D O N
London Location:
The hottest destinations for group visits in the capital, including the newly re-opened ArcelorMittal Orbit
T
he Household Cavalry Museum is a great central London visitor destination, especially as it can be combined with viewing the ceremonial guard changes on the hour from 10am until 4pm outside at Horse Guards. Originally opened by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2007, it has just reopened after a short closure during which some splendid new features were installed. New displays have been created which are geared to the commemorations of the outbreak of WW1 (2014) and the Battle of Waterloo (2015). New displays trace the changing role of the cavalry from horse and sabre (pre-WW1) right up to these days of riding in high-tech armoured vehicles and light tanks. In addition to these new displays, a state-of-the-art multimedia guide mounted on an easy to use handheld device with earphones has been developed by Imagineear. The guide traces the history and accomplishments of The Household Cavalry over the years, but more importantly gives vivid insights related by former and serving officers and troopers of what it is like to serve today, either on duty at Horse Guards, as part of great ceremonial state pageantry, or in recent combat situations. Situated in the heart of Royal London at Horse Guards, the museum is housed in the 1750 stables of the building which to this day is still the official entrance to the Royal Residences. Unlike other military attractions, it offers a rare opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at the ceremonial and operational role of the Household Cavalry. Through a large glass screen, visitors can view troopers attending to their horses in the working stables of The Queen’s Life Guard. Exhibitions include a dazzling display of uniforms, weapons, horse furniture and highly prized artefacts. The museum traces the history of the regiments which make up the Household Cavalry (The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals), from their foundation early in the reign of Charles II to the present day, describing
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the exploits of many of the regiments’ heroes, who fought for their country all over the world. Each exhibit in the museum has its own compelling story to tell and is brought to life using a mix of graphics, audio-visual and interactive displays. The Household Cavalry Museum is a charity. Profits from the museum go directly to support Household Cavalry troopers and their families who have been adversely affected by current operational deployments. Open daily from 10am, groups of eight or more get 10% discount on the admission price. Bateaux London is an exceptional way to combine sightseeing with quality dining. Viewing the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London and The London Eye among others while moving gently along the Thames is surely the most sophisticated way to see the best of the capital and all its most famous sights. Groups are welcomed onboard for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner cruises, and there are also private dining and exclusive hire options. With over twenty years of experience in providing dining cruises, Bateaux London are the experts in their field. Just because the venue is moving along a river doesn’t mean that the dining quality is compromised either; teams of chefs prepare fresh and seasonal meals onboard which can rival those served in London’s top restaurants on solid ground. The UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit, re-opens to the public on Saturday 5 April this year. It offers visitors a totally new perspective of London and unrivalled views of the capital’s newest, must-see destination – the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Orbit was designed by Turner Prize winning artist Sir Anish Kapoor and it quickly became an icon for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the regeneration of East London. At 114.5 metres high, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is taller than the Statue of Liberty and gives visitors views of over 20 miles across London. From two spacious viewing
The Household Cavalry, both past and present www.grouptravelworld.com
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The iconic symbol of the 2012 Olympic Games, Anish Kapoor’s ArcelorMittal Orbit
City Cruises use boats with lots of glass, to ensure guests see all the sights on either side
galleries, London’s architectural and social history can be seen like never before – from old listed buildings and ultra-modern skyscrapers to the green fields at the edge of the capital. The ArcelorMittal Orbit will open to the public at the same time as the south of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is being transformed into a beautiful new space with meadows, wetlands and waterways. There is lots for groups to see and do, including visiting the Copper Box Arena, the Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome, or shopping at Westfield Stratford City, Europe’s largest shopping centre. Group tickets are on sale now and group prices are available for any group of 15+ individuals booked onto the same timed entry at least five days in advance. There is a 28 bay coach park in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park available to book from April. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a fascinating collection designed to intrigue all visitors. Located in the heart of London’s West End at number one, Piccadilly Circus, Ripley’s is home to over 700 exhibits from across the globe, such as the infamous collection of authentic Ecuadorian shrunken heads. It is the only place in the UK where visitors can check out a life-sized knitted Ferrari, www.grouptravelworld.com
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take a peek at 75-million-year-old dinosaur eggs and come face to face with an albino alligator. Children will love the portrait of the attraction’s founder, explorer Robert Ripley, made entirely from bubble gum balls. Ripley’s has a new dedicated in-house group reservations team who can create a bespoke package for groups. GTOs and coach drivers get free entry. There are guided tours which can be arranged on request for a small additional cost, or for those who would rather enjoy the attraction at their own pace, audio guides are available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Group rates are available and members of a group can benefit from a 15% discount in the gift shop. New allinclusive packages for groups of ten or more are now also available. The attraction has teamed up with some popular restaurants, including Planet Hollywood, Café Rouge and Bella Italia to offer a complete package. City Cruises offer a range of excursions on their modern, bespoke craft, including lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, sightseeing and jazz cruises. A typical cruise firstly takes guests past HMS Belfast, along the Thames in the direction of Westminster, with London’s iconic sights passing on either side. The City Cruises boats have sides and fronts made almost entirely from glass, so there is no question of being unable to see everything, in addition to large open-air decks upstairs on all the bigger craft, and commentary that makes sure that everyone is aware of the sights being passed. Cruising under Tower Bridge, the boats pass St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, before reaching the London
Eye and the Houses of Parliament. After turning, the boats go on to Canary Wharf and Greenwich, before turning once more and heading back to the starting point. Different cruises take slightly different routes and City Cruises also runs a ‘hop on, hop off’ service. The cruises combine the very best of sightseeing with great food in comfortable surroundings. The London Bridge Experience is a fun and interactive tour through the arches of London Bridge, exploring the history of the local area and its inhabitants. Visitors are given a chance to become part of London’s gruesome history and travel back in time to an age of adventure, while uncovering the dark secrets that lie beneath the world’s most famous and apparently most haunted bridge. The London Bridge Experience is a multisensory experience which lets visitor see, hear, feel, taste and even smell what London Bridge was like through the ages. Romans, Vikings, an encounter with the expert executioner of William Wallace, a first-hand experience of medieval life as guests pass through the Chapel of Thomas Becket and onto the shop-lined streets of the old London Bridge, an opportunity to learn the old trades before the Great Fire of London sweeps through the city … these are all part of the fun. The London Tombs, formerly a plague pit, completes the experience. Walls drip with blood, visitors must squeeze through confined spaces, meet spiders, snakes, ghosts, ghouls and many more. The exciting journey uses the latest in Hollywood-style wizardry and brilliant live actors. Groups of any sort are welcome, and the venue is known for hosting all sorts of corporate events for something a bit different. Groups should complete the online form before booking. n
At 114.5 metres high, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is taller than the Statue of Liberty
February 2014 l Group Travel World
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12/02/2014 19:04
LO N D O N N E W S London News is brought to you by London & Partners, the official promotional organisation for London. For more information on London go to: visitlondon.com
From Michelle McCracken, Marketing Executive
Famous Londoners welcome you to the capital Joanna Lumley is one of the famous Londoners promoting the capital and everything it has to offer to visitors from far and wide If we haven’t given you reason enough to visit the UK capital, let our favourite famous Londoners – Joanna Lumley, Twiggy, Gordon Ramsay, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the Royal Ballet’s principal dancers – share their passion and top tips for the city with you, as each stars in their very own London Story short film. From the design gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum,
Twiggy shares her love for the city’s cultural highlights and of course, shopping, while Joanna takes us on a journey through Holland Park, “the best kept secret in London”, round to Buckingham Palace and beyond. Gordon tells us why he thinks London is the best place to eat in the world and from up high in a pod on the EDF Energy London Eye, Boris lets us into his own secret – where to find
delicious sausage and mash by the canal side. He describes London as “gentler” than other cities and Royal Ballet principal dancers, Thiago Soares and Marianela Nuñez, show this perfectly as they explain how going for coffee turned into a marriage proposal in their beautifully romantic film. Boris, Gordon, Joanna, Twiggy, Thiago and Marianela join a host of other passionate
London celebrates Shakespeare This year marks 450 years since the birth of playwright William Shakespeare, and to mark the occasion London, the city where many of his plays were debuted, is preparing for a year-long celebration. To help you plan we’ve picked out some of the highlights… Shakespeare’s Globe will dedicate its open-air season to the bard with new productions of Antony & Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and The Comedy of Errors, while a world tour of Hamlet Globe to Globe will begin at Shakespeare’s Globe on 23 April. From 8 February, the Victoria and Albert Museum examines the enduring influence and popularity of the world’s most famous poet across the globe and throughout time, via an 44
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Follow us on LinkedIn Shakespeare’s Globe welcomes new productions for 450th immersive installation as part of the exhibition Shakespeare: Our Greatest Living Playwright. In theatre, the stage adaptation of seven times Academy Award® winning film Shakespeare in Love will begin this summer at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play will
Group Travel World ● February 2014
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Londoners telling their own London Story, including Rebecca Holmes, a make-up artist at Madame Tussauds London, Beefeater Barney Chandler, Chris Gibbons, a tour guide at Wembley Stadium, Royal London Parks Manager Mark Wasilewski and Richard Clayforth, a senior manager at perfumer Penhaligon’s. Discover more London stories at visitlondon.com/story
tell the tale of how troubled yet promising new playwright Shakespeare finds his muse in the form of a passionate young noblewoman. Bookings open this month. For the latest information on all that’s going on in London in 2014, go to visitlondon.com.
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UKINBOUND NEWS By Amy O’Donovan, Marketing & Events Executive UKinbound
T
he start of New Year can always be long and cold so I got a nice treat of tickets to see The Commitments at the Palace Theatre. What a show! For those of you who haven’t heard about it, it is a show that has been adapted into a full scale stage version from Irish author Roddy Doyle’s bestselling novel. It is set in Dublin in the 1980s and is the tale of a band manager, Jimmy Rabbitte, and a group of aspiring musicians who get together in the hope of forming a band. A group of weedy Irish musicians do their best to create something great, Jimmy names the band ‘The Commitments’, and together they attempt to head up an Irish soul revolution. If you love soul music, it features some great songs such as ‘Mustang Sally’, ‘In the Midnight Hour’ and ‘Try a Little Tenderness’. All to be enjoyed throughout the show and at the very end, we were all on our feet dancing! Great show and well worth a visit. Also in the past month, Golden Tours organised a fam trip in co-operation with English Heritage which I attended representing UKinbound. A group of us were picked up at London Victoria and during about two hours of travel, we received useful information from a tour guide and an overview of the history of Stonehenge. We were greeted by a representative of English Heritage who explained about the new visitor centre, which will feature an exhibition of 250 prehistoric objects. There is a 360 degree rounded room that allows
The new Stonehenge visitor centre © English Heritage
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gets a modern
OVERHAUL
The Commitments is showing now at the Palace Theatre the visitor to experience being in the centre of the ancient circle and aids understanding the full history of the site before, during and after its building. We then went via shuttle bus through the site, allowing us to become gradually immersed in the magical atmosphere of the stones. Once we had arrived, we enjoyed a leisurely visit at Stonehenge itself and took lots of pictures. The site is a true credit to all those involved, as the new visitor centre has greatly added to the Stonehenge experience. It is definitely worth a visit in 2014. Finally, February saw our UKinbound Annual Convention taking place in the Hilton Hotel Blackpool from the 5th to the 7th. As I
write, we are looking forward to discussing the future of the inbound tourism industry, looking at opportunities and potential obstacles that could impact visitor numbers to the UK. This year, our speakers include Mr Tom Buncle, managing director of Yellow Railroad Ltd and Graham Pickett, partner, Deloitte LLP global head of aviation & travel. As in previous years, our moderator is BBC broadcaster Bill Turnbull. For all information about the convention, go to www.ukinbound. org So it’s off to Blackpool we go! I will be sure to update you all on the convention next month and will even try to include some photos in next month’s edition. ■
www.grouptravelworld.com
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E D U C AT I O N
Learning while having fun at the same time is the holy grail of anyone involved in education. These three destinations welcome groups of younger people to do just that
O
ne of the key points of any school trip is to enable pupils to experience sights and activities that would be impossible or difficult in a classroom environment. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Yorkshire is an interactive learning museum and educational charity, with all galleries and programmes linked to the National Curriculum. Aimed at ages 0 to 11, all the hands-on exhibits are designed to encourage learning in a fun environment; opened in 1992, Eureka! is based on the North American model of children’s museums. Sections include ‘All About Me’, ‘Living and Working Together’ and ‘SoundSpace’ as well as outdoor areas such as the ‘Wonder Walk’ sensory trail. One of the best things about Eureka! is that it is designed and run by dedicated experts, who are also available to give workshops to school groups. For a day out that also covers lots of National Curriculum modules while encouraging groups to get outdoors and experience something different, Crich Tramway Village in Derbyshire is a unique visitor attraction with wide appeal. Beautifully restored trams run to and fro down a cobbled street past the former Derby Assembly rooms before passing under the Bowes-Lyon Bridge. The track then climbs for a mile and a half, providing passengers with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Derwent Valley. For those who wish, getting off the tram at this point gives a chance to experience the fascinating Woodland Walk & Sculpture Trail which winds its way back to the village. Young people will learn all
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Above: Eureka! The National Children’s Museum links its exhibitions directly to the National Curriculum. Below: Cheddar Gorge has unique geography and exciting activities about heritage engineering and restoration with a visit to the Workshop Viewing Gallery where they can watch current restoration projects. Groups can be catered for with pre-booked guided tours, special discounted admission, group catering arrangements and free coach parking. The world-renowned Cheddar Gorge, one of the UK’s most spectacular natural locations, is a brilliant place to take school groups or groups of young visitors. There are no less than seven great attractions for groups to explore and experience, and the area includes stunning stalactite caverns and dramatic cliff-top views, as well as rare bats, dormice, water voles and falcons. At almost 400 feet deep and three miles long, Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge. The gorge began forming about one million years ago during the last Ice Age,
when water from melting glaciers formed a river, which over time carved into the limestone rock creating the steep cliffs seen today. The Cheddar Yeo River gradually made its way underground, creating the famous Cheddar Caves. The seven attractions include the spectacular Gough’s Cave, full of stalactites. In 1903, the skeletal remains of ‘Cheddar Man’ were unearthed, and today the story of ancient man is brought to life in the Museum of Prehistory. Alternatively, a journey through the gorge takes visitors to Cox’s Cave, a brilliantly coloured crystalline grotto with fantastic calcite sculptures, dancing fountains, mirror pools and evocative music and lighting. Groups of youngsters looking for something active and adventurous can try out ‘Adventure Caving’, an expedition deep inside the Mendip Hills with climbs, crawls and squeezes. Other options include rock climbing or cave abseiling, including a 25ft free hanging abseil through the cave roof. ■ www.grouptravelworld.com
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CRICH
TRAMWAY
VILLAGE
Delight Your Group With A Tram Ride Through Time! Crich Tramway Village is an ideal destination for all ages. Visitors can ride our world renowned vintage trams through our unique period street and out into the open countryside for spectacular views, explore fascinating exhibitions and watch
as trams are restored from our Workshop Viewing Gallery. This captivating journey into history is made complete with a stroll on our Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail and a trip to our unique Red Lion Pub, tearooms and shops.
• FREE Pa rking, Ad mis & Meal fo r Coach D sion river • Special Grou Tour Disco p & Coach unts • Guided Tours on request • Phone n ow for yo ur FREE Group Vis it Pack
t: 01773 8 54
321
Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5DP|01773 854321 |
www.tramway.co.uk
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Your group,
our hotels.. Stay individual
BEST OF THE BEST // HOTELS
Best of the Best
Café Royal Our monthly page raises the bar even higher this time, with a truly exceptional five star London hotel that offers timeless, classic British service in the environs of an outstanding contemporary restoration of a longstanding London legend
J
ust off Piccadilly Circus in the very heart of London’s bustling centre, wood-panelled doors divided by marble pillars indicate the entrance to the Café Royal, one of London’s most iconic and renowned hotels. Since 1865, it has welcomed royalty, celebrities, the famous and the infamous. It reopened in 2012 after a brief closure, during which it underwent extensive restoration and redevelopment. The integration of classic and contemporary aesthetics begins immediately, as the rotating wooden door opens onto an airy marbled lobby with fireplace, stained glass and a striking contemporary chandelier. A huge flower arrangement on a central table, all glass and blooms conforming to a minimalist, subtle palette, again signals the Café Royal’s desire to merge timeless luxury with modern taste. Highly professional reception staff greet guests
warmly, and after a short journey in mirrored lifts, a personal butler is waiting in the central lobby of the floor to welcome guests and show off the bedroom. Rooms maintain a classic elegance, but move away from the historical into the definitely contemporary, with modern ‘breeze block’ walls, large marble bathrooms all right angles and rectangles, and assiduous use of the very latest technology for the lighting, curtains and television. Superior linen bedclothes and designer toiletries, as well as Nespresso machines and a general air of spaciousness, create rooms that are a joy to stay in. The Café Royal’s restaurant The Ten Room serves exceptional British cuisine overseen by executive chef Andrew Turner. Using classic British ingredients in modern combinations and styles, with distinctively French touches, the dinner menu includes dishes such as salt cured shoulder and grilled cutlet of English lamb with sweetbreads,
Bedrooms use contemporary styling and the latest technology www.grouptravelworld.com
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The Café Royal has been on Regent Street in London’s heart since 1865
Dining at the Café Royal is a chance to sample food at its very best onions, Paris mushrooms and thyme, or wild sea bass with braised fennel, dill potatoes, red pepper, tomatoes, black olives and Vierge sauce. A Paris wild mushroom velouté with truffle was exquisite, frothy richly-flavoured foam which was poured at the table over a tangle of varied mixed wild fungi, each mushroom with its own flavour and texture. Service is everything that is expected of one of the best dining rooms in London; polite, helpful, but not obsequious. The Ten Room welcomes both visitors and hotel guests, and also serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Other spaces for dining and entertaining in the Café Royal include The Bar, inspired by the Café Royal Cocktail Book compiled in 1937 and featuring an absinthe fountain, and The Café, a visually-striking golden Sienna marble room that epitomises the highest European café culture with
intricate cakes and chocolates from executive pastry chef Andrew Blas. The Grill Room is the Café Royal’s hidden secret; originally established in 1865, a single door opens into a breathtaking room that has been restored to its original Louis XVI detailing. An almost overwhelming riot of gilt decorative carving and vast mirrors, The Grill Room has welcomed London’s top celebrities throughout the years and is surely one of the best places in London to enjoy Champagne or cocktails. The Café Royal now has 160 guestrooms and suites, including six historic suites which include elements such as terraces, butler pantries and additional living spaces including a treatment room and a study. The spa and gym is open to hotel guests, visitors and members and includes a lounge bar, 18 metre pool, sauna and studios for various exercise classes. n
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13/02/2014 13:37
By Yasmin Mears, UKinbound Membership Manager
Since its foundation 23 years ago the CTC has become the leading organisation for promoting travel and tourism by coach
C TC B U L L E T I N From Paul Ovington, CTC Public Relations
Tourism theme for 2014 Coach Holiday Conference
F
ebruary’s annual Coach Holiday Conference will focus on tourism and address the opportunities open to all sides of the coach tourism industry. Our keynote speakers, from two of the most important elements of the coach package – hotels and attractions – as well as one of the biggest sellers, London theatres, will underline the importance of working with coach companies and what they are doing to make them more welcome. Richard Lewis, CEO of Best Western, has worldwide experience of the hotel and hospitality business. He will talk about how domestic and international hotel groups are developing to meet the increasing demand for high standards and quality service for guests, and why group trade is such an important element of their business. Bernard Donoghue is a well-known industry figure through his work in lobbying and promoting tourism for VisitBritain as well as in the attractions sector. He has also worked for the Royal Household. Today he is
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The RDA International Coach Tourism Federation’s 7th RDA Commonwealth Seminar based on the theme ‘Doing Successful Business in the German Coach & Group Travel Market’ will take place on 20 February in the Queen Anne Room, Edinburgh Castle. This free-to-attend meeting for RDA members and interested UK companies provides an opportunity to keep up with current German market developments and to network with coach and group travel industry colleagues. The seminar is being organised with the support of Historic Scotland and VisitScotland. For further details and to book, please email Dr Patrick Patridge at organisation@rda.de.
BAWTA Lunch The conference returns to Chester, home to a cathedral and Roman walls
head of ALVA, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions. He will talk about why attractions love to welcome coaches and groups and how the sector is improving the visitor experience with new investments. Caro Newling is a partner in Neal Street Productions, which she formed in 2003 to produce film, television and theatre with awardwinning director Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris. Under the Neal Street Productions banner, Caro is producer of the new stage versions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Shrek the Musical. She is also the producer of the hit BBC series Call the Midwife and The Hollow Crown for BBC Two. Last but not least, as the recession ends there will be a panel discussion with The CTC’s 2014 Coach Holiday Conference brochure
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Edinburgh hosts RDA seminar
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experts from both sides of the industry who will discuss how coach tourism can move forward in what will continue to be a tough trading market. The 2014 Coach Holiday Conference is returning to the Best Western Premier Queen Hotel in Chester and will be held from 23 to 24 February. The event, which has attracted record numbers over the past three years with more than 170 delegates attending 2013’s conference in Bristol, will again be in 24 hour format with a formal dinner on Sunday and morning conference on Monday followed by the ever popular CTC workshop in the afternoon. The conference is being supported by Best Western, Marketing Cheshire, Chester Zoo and The Feathers Group, owners of the 4-star, 218 room Queen Hotel in the centre of Chester, near the Roman walls and famous shops. Marketing Cheshire will also be running fam trips to a choice of Chester attractions and the local ghost walk. Visit www. coachtourismcouncil.co.uk for further details and to book.
BAWTA, the British Association of Wholesale Tour Agents, held its annual lunch for suppliers in London. Pictured from left to right are Steve Hornby of Success Tours, Tracy Bayliss of Eurotunnel, the CTC’s Chris Wales, Greatdays’ Paul Beaumont, Stuart Duddy of DFDS and Ben Pinsent
Flanders Brussels Travel Forum The international biannual Flanders Brussels Travel Forum takes place on 10 February in Bruges. The event is ideal for contract managers, business development managers and product managers, who can meet 120 Flemish product providers in a useful workshop. Pre- and post-forum fam trips of Bruges and Flanders are also included in a two night, three day itinerary. Contact Lisa Thomas at Tourism Flanders, lisa@visitflanders.co.uk, for further details. www.grouptravelworld.com
12/02/2014 17:30
of ICT.
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FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS 22 to 28 September 2014
“The Loveliest Castle in the World”
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For Group Travel Organisers, a page with useful tips, tourism gossip and travel product reviews
GTO GRAPEVINE
hip flasks 5 of the best:
Harris Tweed 8oz
Victoriana ‘Time for a drink’ 7oz
The Aviary flamingo 8oz
Ted Baker stag 6oz
£25
£29.99 £14.99
Harris Tweed is the perfect stylish material for a hip flask, with its connotations of the outdoor lifestyle. The removable cover is lined and lightly padded. Handmade in the Outer Hebrides, Harris Tweed is exclusive to the islands and hand woven. This hip flask comes with a woven label guaranteeing authenticity. www.harristweed boutique.com
WIN
Blue tartan 6oz
£12.99
Made from brushed stainless steel with a Victoriana pocket watch design on the front, this hip flask has a captive screw top which ensures you won’t lose it (it is attached to the hip flask with a metal arm). Bearing the slogan ‘Time for a drink’, it’s the ideal hip flask for taking your favourite tipple out and about with you.
A hip flask with a beautiful vintage design featuring a pink flamingo, reproductions of old plant and flower sketches and notes, and lilac flowers. It brings a touch of femininity to your portable drink holder, perfect for ladies’ handbags and anyone looking for a more contemporary design. It holds 8oz and comes with a captive top.
www.nottheusual.co.uk
£24 Another one that sticks to traditional themes associated with hip flasks, this Ted Baker option has a faux leather stag print wrap and comes in a tweed print gift box. A stitched brown Ted Baker label on the front complements the classic design and makes this a very stylish present for anyone who enjoys the countryside.
This Scottish hip flask is made from stainless steel, and comes with a leather bound blue tartan covering. Also included is a funnel for filling the hip flask, which arrives together with the flask in a stylish gift box. An oval engraving plate on the front can be personalised with names, dates or quotations.
www.hurnandhurn.com
www.in4adig.co.uk
www.bluebelleandco.com
A family ticket to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
The popular attraction in central London is offering a family ticket to this month’s competition winner. Visitors have four floors and over 700 weird and wonderful exhibits to explore, with many of the items originally gathered by the founder Robert Ripley himself. The first person to email caroline.gregory@ grouptravelworld.com with the answer to this question will win the ticket:
What year did the Café Royal hotel in London open?
e Answer somewher in this magazine
Big changes ahead for the GTOA and its members Phil Taylor, the GTOA’s new chairman, had a hard time trying to steer the Group Travel Organisers’ Association Annual General Meeting held last month at the Hilton Hotel in Swindon. Following the recent resignation of previous chairman Phil Moon, proceedings were made harder as it emerged that written reports covering marketing, finance and membership details had not been circulated. The discovery that changes voted through in the last two years were void under the Companies Act voting rules led to the
proposal that the GTOA simply ceases operating as of 31 August 2014. From 1 September 2014, a new association named the Association of Group Travel Organisers (AGTO) will be formed under a new constitution which will allow administrative decisions to be taken by members present at the AGM, or voting by proxy, rather than the entire membership. As an associate member of the GTOA, we at Group Travel World welcome the change and support the new organisation. We look forward with interest to next year’s AGM, to be held in Newcastle on 16 January 2015.
Inspirational Days Out & Holidays
News Regional Attractions s
Group Rate
ation
Accommod
For the latest news, reviews and exciting features
www.grouptravelworld.com
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February 2014 ●
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13/02/2014 16:07
p00_GTW_0214 Flanders
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Flanders Fields
The B2B page for all suppliers who provide services and amenities to the travel and tourism industry
INSIDER INSIGHT
How to...
Choose A Travel Insurance Policy
Nina Montgomery is the marketing and PR manager for Essential Travel, a leading online provider of travel insurance and airport parking. Nina has lived abroad and has travelled extensively. She blogs regularly on travel insurance in an attempt to de-mystify the topic for everyone. www.essentialtravel.co.uk
www.grouptravelworld.com
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T
ravel insurance isn’t just an optional add-on to a trip, it’s a precaution that helps travellers look after themselves properly and anyone they are responsible for if things go wrong. However, with so many companies out there offering travel insurance, each with their own policies and conditions, it can be difficult to know where to start.
QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK Travellers should take a moment to ponder forthcoming travel plans in order to focus in on the right policy for them. When purchasing a travel insurance policy, there are a few questions to ask. How often will the person be travelling? Is this for a one-off trip or does the person go away more than once in a year? If the answer is the latter, it may make more financial sense to buy an annual multi-trip policy rather than individual policies for each trip. What countries will be travelled to? Are the trips likely to be in Europe only, or further afield? There are policies that cover Europe only and others that are worldwide. Who needs to be named on the policy? Will the person always be travelling alone? If they are likely to take one or more trips with family over the year, it may be wise to take out an annual family multi-trip policy. The family does not all have to be travelling together for the policy to be valid. How long will the trip take? If travels are for longer than 45 days, customers need specialist and backpacker policies that cover long-term travel. What will be done on the trip? Will dangerous activities be undertaken, will there be work abroad, will business equipment be carried, will there be winter sports? All these may involve additions to a normal
The right travel insurance policy provides peace of mind and security travel insurance policy, so travellers must always check what is included and add extras to the policy if necessary.
THINGS THAT NEED TO BE DECLARED Staying quiet over pre-existing medical conditions may be tempting, but doing so can invalidate an entire policy. Declaring a medical condition does not necessarily mean that a policy is going to cost a fortune. With Essential Travel, for instance, customers can choose to add a condition into their policy and perhaps a pay a little extra to get it covered, or, alternatively, exclude it. If they exclude it, they will be unable to claim for anything relating to that existing condition, but everything else will be covered.
BE WARY OF CHEAP POLICIES Travel insurance is one product where it is important to look beyond the cost. Cheap policies may seem appealing, but they often come with poor or very basic cover and high
excesses, which can make them worthless. A customer needing to claim on a cheap policy may find it does not cover their situation, or if it does, the amount of excess that has to be paid is as much as the claim! It is vital to check exactly how much is covered and, where possible, compare like with like. Check both the excesses and the coverage and compare those at the same time. Customers who believe they are already covered through a free policy that is provided as part of a bank account, for example, must look at the small print and ask themselves if it is really adequate to cover their individual needs. It is also important to choose a reputable company, ideally a specialist in insurance. Look at customer reviews, notice if they have won any customer awards, and check out how easy it is going to be to get in touch with them if needed. Essential Travel, for instance, has a 24 hour emergency assistance line that can be called from anywhere in the world. n
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INTERVIEW
Personal and
Roger Elsmere has worked in the travel industry since 1971, when he began Woods Executive Taxis. He now runs two companies: Woods Travel, which provides coach holidays, day excursions and private hire, and Woods Holidays, an ABTAbonded travel agency. His proudest moment (to date) was when Woods Travel was awarded UK Coach Operator of the Year in 2013. www.woodstravel.co.uk
Kuranda cable car
The best group trip you have ever been on? It was with Victor Ubogu’s tour to Australia in June 2013. Prior to this there was also a trip to Hong Kong for the Rugby VIIs, but that’s another story. The trip to Australia was brilliantly organised and accompanied by Victor Ubogu and Mark Regan. I travelled with a long-time friend and between rugby matches we played hard at being good tourists. We were away for 21 days, had nine flights and saw rugby in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Between two of the matches there was a gap of six days, so we flew up to Cairns, did the Kuranda Railway and snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef. The rugby itself was brilliant and the atmosphere was amazing; the banter between the Brits and the Aussies was friendly and extremely funny. We were told that over 45,000 Brits travelled to Australia for the Lions Tour. At each of the stadiums we went to, the attendance figures that day were the highest they had ever had.
And the worst? The worst was an educational visit to Hungary and although Budapest was fabulous, the tour guide we had obviously thought we were a bunch of vicars. It seemed like we visited 50 churches every single day.
What’s your favourite UK destination for a group day out? Woods encompasses a travel agency, coach operation, holiday programme and a day 58
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● February 2014
Roger, Victor and friends excursion programme, so I am spoilt for choice really. London theatres, particularly the musicals, are selling better now than they ever have done, but for a real treat I really think our departure by coach to London Victoria to pick up the Orient Express for a journey of nearly three hours down to Folkestone is excellent. You are greeted with a glass of Champagne, enjoy a three course meal with wine en route with first class service, and after the journey the coach is waiting at Folkestone to bring the group back to our local area.
What makes a good group trip? It never ceases to amaze me how diverse the requests are that we get from all sorts of groups. We always try to have a face to face meeting with the clients so that we fully understand what their expectations are and what they want to achieve. We are careful to ensure that the itinerary is clear and concise and the timings are important and planned in advance, to enable the tour to run smoothly. A number of our tours are coach
tours of course, and a good driver will make the tour. If a courier or guide is also required, we make sure that the driver and guide have a good working relationship. And lastly, the actual participants on the tour can have a big impact on its success.
What do you always pack? Well I travel a lot and more to the point is what do I not pack. I have an amazing gift of forgetting something every time I travel, but I always have my phone, a camera and a powerful monocular which are essential.
And what do you leave out? I never really know until I get there. And I usually pack too much.
What was your favourite trip last year? Norway, it has to be, the fjords are just stunning. The experience of taking a coach load around the western fjords is so satisfying. The clients are amazed at the scenery and everyone says they knew it was going to be good, but it was better than they imagined. www.grouptravelworld.com
13/02/2014 16:59
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14/2/14
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p00_GTW_0114 Merlin
31/1/14
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