Cumbria Tourism Awards 2009
The winners of the 2009 Cumbria Tourism Awards were revealed at a special ceremony in Kendal on Wednesday 6th May.
Hundreds of tourism professionals and businesses from around the county gathered at the Castle Green Hotel where the evening began with a drinks reception sponsored by Jennings Cumberland Traditional Ale. Host for the evening was comedian, actor and broadcaster Ted Robbins who announced the winners and kept everyone thoroughly entertained with a constant stream of jokes and anecdotes.
Nineteen prizes were awarded on the night, which recognised excellence both in business and in people including the final award for the Large Hotel of the Year being presented to the host venue, the Castle Green Hotel.
Each category winner received a certificate and specially designed award, individually handcrafted by Jonathan Stamper at High Head Sculpture Valley. Seven of the awards were dedicated to employees working within the tourism industry and these successful individuals each received a cheque for £200 in addition to the engraved award.
You can view the individual award winners below.
For further information on the awards, please contact Pauline Crossley on 01539 825042 or email pcrossley@cumbriatourism.org
People Awards
The Sheila Hensman Award for Most Outstanding Customer Service
For frontline individuals who deal directly with the public & possess outstanding communication skills, constantly exceeding the expectations of customers & colleagues.
The winner is:
Jennifer Taylor, The Archway Guest House - Windermere
Jennifer makes outstanding customer service seem the norm. Her professionalism, love of the area and warm personality is why guests at The Archway say she is "one in a million."
Most Exceptional Young Tourism Manager
For supervisors or managers within any sector of the tourism industry who are under 30 years of age on 6th May 2009 and are a positive role model to other up and coming managers.
The winner is:
Emma Wright, Townend - Troutbeck, Windermere
Emma's enthusiasm, energy and passion for Townend impressed the judges as did her ability to recognise and harness the skills of 7 staff and 50 volunteers. Emma works at both a strategic level and as part of the operational front line staff, building a successful future for the property.
Sponsorship by Carrier Direct Marketing
Tourism Team of the Year
For teams of any size, from small departments to entire businesses, whose combined skills and unique approach to working together has made an outstanding contribution to success.
The winner is:
Alston Local Links Team, Alston Local Links - Alston
Since the amalgamation of the Tourist Information Centre and library in 2008, this multi-skilled Alston Local Links team has worked closely together to provide a flawless service for both visitors and local people. The judges were impressed with their willingness to re-train and delegate tasks according to the individual team member's strengths.
Sponsored by Graphic Design
Small Hotel of the Year
Gilpin Lodge Hotel, Windermere
Gilpin Lodge Hotel‘s luxurious accommodation and exquisite food together with its peaceful ambience and incredibly attentive and friendly staff, totally exceeded the judges' expectations.
Self Catering Holiday of the Year
Hall Hills Cottages, Dalston, Carlisle
The four self catering properties have been converted from 17th century barns. The judges were impressed with the fresh and bright interiors which incorporated many quirky features whilst retaining their original identity.
Sponsored by Lakeland
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Walby Farm Park, Crosby on Eden
Masses of interactive fun for all the family whatever the age of the children. The customer service was warm and friendly with a café serving excellent home cooked food and an extremely well stocked shop.
Tourism Experience Award
Silverband Falconry Birds of Prey Workshops, Kirkby Thore, Penrith
Silverband Falconry workshops aim to entertain, educate and inspire their visitors to show just how amazing their birds of prey can be. From the speed of the peregrine falcon to the awe inspiring power of the golden eagle, they provide a series of experiences to suit everyone.
Sponsored by Natural Economy Northwest
Tourism Website Award
www.hotelslakedistrict.com - The Ambleside Salutation Hotel
A great look and fresh feel with good access to pdfs, enquiry forms and social bookmarking made this site stand out from the crowd. The judges liked the innovative use of the Google translation tool and felt the information was ideally presented to its target audience.
Sponsored by New Vision
Unsung Hero
For behind the scenes staff, normally unseen by the public (gardeners to accounts staff, housekeepers to porters) whose contribution is outstanding and ensures the smooth running of their organisation.
The winner is:
David Rhodes, Graythwaite Manor Hotel - Grange-over-Sands
Since joining Graythwaite Manor 20 years ago, David has revived the neglected grounds to recreate the vision of the original gardener in the 1800s attracting many people to the hotel simply because of the beautiful gardens - even though they only know him as "the gardener".
Sponsored by Armstrong Watson
Most Valuable Volunteer
For any individual who freely gives their time, advice and/or expertise within any sector of the tourism industry or who has contributed to the success of any particular business, project or event, working largely for the benefit of others.
The winner is:
Farfield Mill Volunteers, Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage Centre - Sedbergh
The team of volunteers came together to rescue the mill during a difficult financial period. They turn their hand to anything from strategic planning to running the café and cleaning. The guest book testifies that Farfield Mill is more welcoming and vibrant than ever before.
Sponsored by Dodd & Co
Business Awards
Large Hotel of the Year
The Castle Green Hotel, Kendal
The judges felt the courteous, friendly and welcoming staff, excellent locally sourced food and 4 acres of natural gardens all added up to a first class guest experience.
Sponsored by NatWest Commercial Banking
B & B of the Year
Storrs Gate House, Bowness-on-Windermere
A four year building and refurbishment programme culminating in a 5* silver award have resulted in a B&B which receives unanimous praise for its outstanding facilities, beautiful courtyard garden and warmth of welcome by its attentive owners.
Sponsored by Cumberland Business
Holiday Park of the Year
Catlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park, Keswick
A distinctly Cumbrian holiday park with superb views, excellent facilities, a traditional Cumbrian restaurant and a shop full of local food and produce, all set in tranquil surroundings with red squirrels and nature trails.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Wordsworth House and Garden, Cockermouth
Wordsworth House and Gardens take the visitor back in time and provids a friendly and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The staff and volunteers, wearing period costume, give visitors a splendid insight into life at the time of the Wordsworth family's residence.
Sponsored by CLEAN (Cumbria Local Enterprise Agency Network)
Taste of Cumbria Award
Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop, Sizergh, Kendal
A working, organic dairy farm with a wonderful shop, craft gallery, farm trail and tearoom from where you can watch the cows being milked whilst enjoying wonderful home-made Cumbrian food.
Sustainable Tourism Award
Langdale Leisure Ltd, Great Langdale, Ambleside
The judges were impressed with the evidence Langdale Leisure could provide to prove the impact of their sustainable practices on their business. From their biomass boiler to a home working pilot and extensive carbon footprinting, the business is showing extensive commitment to really making ‘green' work.
Sponsored by Friends of the Lake District
Business Tourism Award
Warwick Mill Business Village, Carlisle
An unusual and flexible conference venue catering for 2 - 60 delegates. Situated in a refurbished textile mill, Warwick Mill provides all the services, technology and facilities of a town centre venue in the beauty of a rural setting.
Sponsored by Business Link NorthWest