Stonyhurst College and Clitheroe Castle at heart of Ribble Valley tourism boost
MEMBERS of the Ribble Valley Tourism Association have been sampling the visitor experience at two of the district's top historic attractions.
The summer RVTA member's meeting was held at Stonyhurst College, once a Jesuit college, now one of the finest boarding and day schools in the country.
Prior to the guided tour of Stonyhurst, Marianne Hyde of Precious AT Whalley was invited to advise fellow members on how retail businesses can also attract tourists. Marianne explained, using examples from her own business, how loyalty schemes, up-to-date window displays and keeping afresh with the area's events and activities helps her to gain commercial advantage and offer a quality customer service.
Days later, Ribble Valley members were invited to an exclusive familiarisation tour of Clitheroe Castle and Museum organised for the RVTA in conjunction with Ribble Valley Borough Council's tourism department and Lancashire County Museum Service, who manage the museum on the council's behalf.
Now re-opened after a 3.5m. makeover, the museum has stood on Castle Hill for over 800 years. It is the district's newest all-weather attraction which received support from the RVTA in its early stages of the project when the association contributed towards the 500 Challenge, an initiative aimed at raising funds for the Castle re-development.
The invitation, extended to Lancaster and Wyre district tourism associations, allowed members to explore the new interactive galleries, collections and displays which reveal amazing stories and take you on a journey through 350 millions years of history. Some members even braved the climb to the top of the Castle Keep, to enjoy the panoramic views of Clitheroe and Ribble Valley.
The new exhibition, on display in the Stewards Gallery, is called "Facing North" and runs until October 10th. It illustrates a selection of the talent and diversity of northern artists showcasing their work and how they see themselves.
Afterwards, to satisfy any hearty appetite, guests were treated to a taste of the attraction's Cafftessen restaurant with a buffet featuring a selection of tasty morsels from locally sourced produce.
The next RVTA meeting will be held at Oakhill Academy on Wednesday, September 30th, at 2 p.m. If you are a tourism-related business and are interested in joining RVTA, come along to the meeting or contact Valerie Jackson on 01282 680573.
Pictured: (From left to right) Peter Carpenter, deputy chaiman of RVTA, Valerie Jackson, administrator RVTA, Ribble Valley Mayor's consort Howell Jones, Mayor of the Ribble Valley Coun. Beverley Jones, Sue Hindle, Wyre Tourism Association, Roger Carter, Bay Tourism Association.(s )
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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