The Guild of Chester Tour Guides (established 1977) has welcomed 24 newly qualified Green Badge Guides for the City of Chester.
The ITG (Institute of Tourist Guiding) endorsed training, supported by the BGTG (British Guild of Tourist Guides), started in September 2021, having been delayed from the previous year by the Covid pandemic.
“We then spent the next few months delivering the course in a Covid-safe fashion, dancing around the ever-changing rules of safe practice. This was made all the easier by the amazing staff at the venues we used including the Grosvenor Museum, the Bluecoat Building, the Cathedral and Bishop Lloyd’s Palace. We have fond memories of huddling in coats and scarves during lectures in those cold winter months so that doors could be kept open to allow adequate ventilation.
“Covid also prevented some students from taking all their exams, but with grit and determination, re-sits were swiftly arranged, and everyone finally managed to complete the course. Following these unprecedented challenges, we already knew this cohort of Guides has what it takes to be successful in the tourism industry – flexibility and the ability to keep calm and work cheerfully through a sensible solution no matter what happens! We are expert at turning negatives into positives!”
The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of the City of Chester presented the new Guides with their certificates at an official celebration of their achievement in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall. The Lord Mayor was very welcoming and enthusiastic in his support of the Guild of Chester Tour Guides especially because he has chosen the tourism industry to be the focus of his term in office. The Guild hopes it can continue working with the Town Hall to help more people discover the delights of this important historic building.
Earlier in the day, the Guild of Chester Tour Guides hosted the AGM for the North West Tourist Guides Association. Each region takes its turn as host and this presents a perfect opportunity to showcase the city to Guiding colleagues from Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire.
. After the event the guides were joined by The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of the City of Chester and the Lady Mayoress, when the Lord Mayor’s Attendant, Clive Bradshaw, gave a superb talk on the city’s fascinating and historic Regalia. The afternoon was rounded off with Northgate Communications Manager Andrew Arditti giving us a presentation on the Northgate Development followed by a show-round of the brand new market.
“”Our colleagues in the North West region were suitably impressed and have hopefully been inspired to venture forth and spread the word about our wonderful city.”
The Chester Tour takes place daily at 10.30am departing from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre in Northgate Street. Also at 2pm Thurs to Sun inclusive throughout November. Tickets direct from the Guide on the day. – Tours for groups can be booked by visiting http://www.chestertours.org/group-bookings
The Chester blog 