The Silver Lining Let’s be positive!  The weak pound – it's great news for us in the inbound travel business! Eager tourists will hopefully flock to our shores in 2009 to enjoy our fantastic cities and countryside. And what's more many residents are likely to holiday at home. Help everyone explore Britain through the enlightenment of a professional. Blue Badge Guides offer coach, family and walking tours – and personal driver-guides. With total flexibility to accommodate your clients' requirements we are waiting to give everyone a fantastic and memorable time.		Picture Source :Tina Engstrom
Countrywide Cover — Together with London there are specifically trained Blue Badge Guides operating in all regions Cumbria East Midlands East of England Heart of England Isle of Man Jersey London North East England Northern Ireland North West England Scotland South East England Southern England South West England Wales Yorkshire
		What are we celebrating this year ? • Henry VIII – his reign started 500 years ago – special exhibitions at the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace  • Charles Darwin – double celebrations – born 200 years ago and 'Origin of the Species' published 150 years ago • The British Museum – opened its doors 250 years ago • Big Ben – first rang out 150 years ago • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – author of Sherlock Holmes born 150 years ago • Selfridges – retail therapy celebrations – the famous store is 100 years old!
Blue Badge Guides are extensively trained to create tours and itineraries based on themes of your choice – they make places and characters come alive
What’s new and on-offer to your clients? In the build-up to the 2012 games many home and overseas visitors to London will be curious to know what is happening, so we are devising specific tours to accommodate. Walks around the Olympic Park Area are already available for individuals on the first Saturday of each month. Blue Badge Guides leading these walks have completed a 2012 Venues course. Group bookings available on request, along with many other options. See the websites below for full details and how to book. www.olympictourguides2012.com/ www.toursof2012sites.com
		London’s Royal Parks Did you know that Blue Badge Guides are giving guided walks in London’s Royal Parks on the following themes: Royal Ladies, Peter Pan, Royal Palaces and Guards? If you have another theme in mind you only have to ask! Email: bluebadgewalks@yahoo.com www.blue-badge-guides.com/royalparkswalks.html
Why Blue Badge Guides are great value Solicitors, accountants and many other professionals charge a small fortune as an hourly rate. We offer a fantastic experience for a fraction of the price! Our rate is per half day or full day. Divided between 50 people on a coach – the cost equates to approximately £4 per person – maybe even less! That buys a professional with a wealth of knowledge and skills in group management and operations. True value for money! International service for an internationally acclaimed destination Blue Badge guides offer over 34 different languages – refer to our website to find the right guide for your.		Royal Recognition One of our most respected Blue Badge Guides, Elizabeth Keatinge, was awarded an MBE in November  2008 by Prince Charles, for her impressive services and promotion of high standards within our profession. Elizabeth holds Blue Badge qualifications for London, Southern England, South East England, Cumbria and Wales. Internet Friendly See our website www.blue-badge-guides.com. Many guides also have their own web pages too. Come and meet us at the Best of Britain Trade Fair, 26th – 29th March at Excel, London    We look forward to seeing you!
Wishing you all a successful and busy 2009! We're not letting the sun set on our business! www.blue-badge-guides.com Pictures Source : 2012 Committee and  Deborah Charles ©