| Winners 2005 |
Categories 1-6
(Click here
for categories 7-12)
Category 1:
The Berry Savory Tourism Award for the Best Norfolk Attraction
In association with Norfolk Tourist Attractions Association
Winner: Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Runners-up: Dinosaur Adventure Park; North Norfolk Railway
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Kirsty Burn, director of the Norfolk Tourist Attractions Association, with George Debbage, manager of Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. |
Judges lavished praise on this “hidden
gem” of the Broads, saying the Fairhaven team had worked hard to grow
the attraction, and made the most of everthing they had.
George Debbage, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden manager, said: “Winning
this award means recognition of the commitment, attention to detail and
hard work that everybody puts into looking after our visitors.
“Thank you very much for voting Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
the best Norfolk attraction in 2005. This award has been achieved against
very strong competition and I know personally how hard everyone in tourism
works, often against the odds and the weather. It is certainly not a 9-5
job! Lastly, but most importantly, thanks to my wonderful team who have
helped to win this trophy for Fairhaven.”
Category 2:
Best Bed & Breakfast and Guesthouse Award
In association with Larking Gowen
Winner: Beaumont House
Runners-up: Byfords Posh B&B, Holt; Field House, Hindringham
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Christopher Scargill, Larking Gowen partner, with Kim Hedges, proprietor of Beaumont House. |
Judges were impressed by this ambitious venture and felt the
owners had worked hard in a difficult environment.
They were particularly taken with the range of glowing comments from previous
visitors and unusual touches such as birthday gifts and the guesthouse’s
fluffy towels.
Proprietor Kim Hedges said: “We have worked extremely hard to bring
good quality accommodation with exceptional service to Great Yarmouth –
we believe we have put the faith back into some past visitors who have stayed
elsewhere before and given them the type of service and stay that should
be the norm and what they truly deserve.”
Category 3:
Best Hotel Award
In association with Business Link for Norfolk
Winner: Strattons Hotel
Runners-up: The Kings Head Hotel, The Marriott Sprowston
Manor Hotel, The Victoria
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David Wood, workforce development co-ordinator – tourism, of Business Link for Norfolk, with Vanessa Scott, chef and proprietor of Strattons Hotel, Swaffham. |
Strattons Hotel in Swaffham won the Best Hotel Award amid
fierce competition from three other establishments.
It won praise for its friendly, family atmosphere and was described as “small
enough to care”.
The judges described it as a very focused operation with a strong emphasis
on environmental issues. It also promotes local activities and helps create
a strong regional identity.
Proprietor Vanessa Scott said: “Our hotel acts as a conduit between
the local community and our guests. It is also about helping to dispel the
myth that Noel Coward left us with that Norfolk is flat and boring. For
us it is about constantly thinking of new ideas and packages.”
Category 4:
Best Caravan or Holiday Park Award
In association with Greene King IPA
Winner: Searles Leisure Resort
Runners-up: Clippesby Hall, Woodland Leisure Park, Trimingham
One of West Norfolk’s most popular holiday destinations
was the winner of the Best Caravan or Holiday Park Award.
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Graham Green, regional sales manager North Anglia, Greene King IPA, with Richard Gowen, general park manager of Searles Leisure Resort. |
Searles Leisure Resort at Hunstanton won praise for its impressive
facilities and the wide range of activities available for guests.
Its clear marketing material and customer care also caught the eye of the
judges, who said there had been generations of investment in the park.
Richard Gowen, general park manager, said: “Winning this award would
mean achieving recognition for all at Searles Leisure Resort as a leading
holiday park within the industry.
“Also, winning this award recognises all our investments to date and
encourages us to continue investing in the future both in facilities and
staff.
“We have put a lot of investment into the park and it feels like we
are going forward and with our staff providing an excellent resort for our
customers.”
Category 5:
Best Self-Catering Establishment Award
In association with Norfolk Country Cottages
Winner: Lower Wood Farm Country Cottages
Runners-up: The Roost, Lower Gresham; White Lodge Farm Cottages, Hingham
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James Ellis, Norfolk Country Cottages marketing director, with Jill Nicholls, proprietor of Lower Wood Farm Country Cottages. |
The award for Best Self Catering Establishment was presented
to Lower Wood Farm Country Cottages at Mautby.
The cottages were praised for their good range of facilities, offering an
all-round appeal for families and providing a personal greeting to visitors.
Members of the judging panel were also impressed with how the owners had
risen to the challenge of maintaining a fresh appeal – even though
the cottages had been established as a self catering destination for some
time.
Jill Nicholls, proprietor, said: “We are delighted with the award.
We just try to keep ahead of what people want and meet our customers’
expectations.
“The award will have pride of place. It is a great accolade.”
Category 6:
Best Tourist Information Centre Award
In association with Chapelfield
Winner: Norwich Tourist Information Centre
Runners-up: King’s Lynn Tourist Information Centre; Mundesley Visitor
and Advice Centre.
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Sheridan Smith, Chapelfield marketing manager, with Michelle Hurren, manager of the Norwich Tourist Information Centre. |
Staff at Norwich Tourist Information Centre were delighted
to win the award for the best tourist information centre in the county.
The tourist information centre at The Forum was singled out by the judges
– who said it “ticked all the boxes for the criteria”.
About 400,000 people access the centre every year, and its knowledgeable
staff help promote the rest of the county from its impressive modern facilities.
The centre is a hugely important resource helping provide information on
accommodation, restaurants and other facilities for visitors and residents
alike.
Michelle Hurren, Norwich Tourist Information Centre manager, said she was
delighted on behalf of the staff to win the award.
She said: “Winning this award will mean so much to the staff who put
an incredible amount of hard work and enthusiasm into their work. It is
recognition that being one of the larger Tourist Information Centres in
the area doesn’t mean you compromise on quality of service.”
All pictures copyright Photo Graphics.
To order contact Andy Plane, 01603 431994 or email mario@3dimens.freeserve.co.uk