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Blue Badge
Tourist Guides throughout the
United Kingdom
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The national professional association for Blue Badge Tourist Guides
with members in every part of Britain
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International Tourist Guide Day
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Saturday 19 February 2005
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A number of events took place around the country, the following are a just a few examples of what was organised by the various regional associations.
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Salisbury
Free tours were conducted in Salisbury on Sunday 20th by several members of the Salisbury City Guides. About 70 people took up the offer, which concluded with a scrumpious tea of homemade scones and cakes served in the Banqueting Suite. Visitors were shown the Civic Service Collection and the newly installed 1612 James I Charter, with King's seal. The 744th Mayor, councillor Jeremy Nettle, was in attendance, with the Mayoress, Deputy Mayor and Mayoress. Donations for the tea raised a total of £217 and were given to the Mayor's Appeal for a charity for families in need. Press coverage appeared in the local newspaper. A good example of what can be done.
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Lincoln
The Lincoln Guild of Tour Guides used the event to launch the Green Badge. Eight tours were conducted which were enjoyed by both the public and the guides themselves. Clearly people who know how to enjoy themselves! Half way through the day, the Mayor and Mayoress held an informal reception for a photo opportunity for the local press. There was plenty of local press coverage plus an interview on the local radio. A great opportunity to promote the local guides.
Herbert Sharman 3rd left recounted that he was at the opening of the Usher Gallery by the Prince of Wales with his father in May 1927.
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Oxford
So much choice in Oxford, but the theme this year was Tolkien. Starting from the Eagle and Child pub where he met others like CS Lewis as part of the Inklings Literary Club. Also places visited along the route were Merton College and Exeter College with entry at a time when it is normally closed. It was promoted in the Oxford Times with a photo. A great idea that continues to work here, well done and thanks Terry and Annetta.
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Guildford
Guildford saw a lot of activity thanks to SEETGA who organised three coaches to take volunteers to Guildford for the day. This year they were from Leonard Cheshire Homes and Hospices in the South East of England. The 16th was chosen to coincide with Sussex's half-term. Coach companies Warrens and Epsom generously provided vehicles for the day, with West Sussex County Council sponsoring the third. Thanks to Wilf Jackson, Frances Farrer-Brown, Jo Dadley, Rebecca Howard and Bronwen Mills for helping on the day. Guildford TIC were the hosts and visits were organised to the cathedral, museum, Abbot's Hospital and the Guildhall. It was here that a welcoming speech was given by the Mayor. This must have been such a worthwhile day for all concerned and no doubt everyone is looking forward to next year.
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Test Valley, Hampshire
A visit to Test Valley to view the Test Valley Villages and tapestry was conducted by Elizabeth Keatinge. The tapestry is a stunning collection of 19 canvaswork panels vy communities along the Test (Queen of chalk rivers) between 1984 and 1994. They show well known and characteristic features of individual villages and the river. If you are in Andover, they can be viewed free of charge on Monday lunchtimes at Test valley Borough Council Offices. Money raised went to the Woodford Valley Senior Citizens Club. What a great idea to promote the Blue Badge and such an interesting local treasure. How will this be followed next year we wonder.
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Cardiff
The City of Cardiff is always involved with this event. This year there were 3 tours on the Friday and Saturday, plus 2 tours on the Sunday. Both Margaret Butler and Audrey Griffiths ran the free tours to help promote the new location for the Information Centre. They were part of the programme of events for "Cardiff 2005", which marks 100 years as a city and 50 years as the capital of Wales. A totalc of 53 people turned up and there was a mention in the South Wales Echo, plus adverts in the Information Centre. Maybe more will get involved next year in a great idea of how to promote the best the city has to offer.
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What will you be doing on 21st February 2006?
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ITGD Introduction
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Guild Home Page
Use a Blue Badge Tourist Guide to make the best of your visit
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The Guild of Registered Tourist Guides
The Guild House, 52d Borough High Street, London, SE1 1XN
Tel: 020-7403 1115 . Fax: 020-7378 1705
E-mail: guild@blue-badge.org.uk
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