Great Potential Marketing, Management & PR
Business Tourism Specialists: Hotels, Tourism, Conference, Events, Sales, Marketing and Management
Great Potential client Denise Carter, owner of Newton House guesthouse Knaresborough is on Channel 4 TV’s ‘Four in a Bed’ from 16th to 20th May 2016. Denise and her colleague Jackie Fennell are the first of four guesthouse owners who compete to be the winner of the competition to be the best of the four.
The winner is announced in the final episode on Friday 20th May. The Newton House episode can be viewed here.
Sutton Hall Resort Gardens Open 28th May 2016
Sutton Hall Resort, near Thirsk is opening its gardens to the general public on Saturday 28th May in the first of a series of open days to coincide with the 300th anniversary of Lancelot ’Capability’ Brown this summer. A lost garden has been identified in the grounds of the Hall and the open days will provide an insight into the historic heather and rock gardens, its valley gardens and a woodland walk.
A ‘lost’ garden has been discovered in the grounds of the Hall and management and gardening staff have decided to open up the grounds to a wider public to be able to appreciate the gardens.
The ‘lost’ garden was developed by James Harry Edwards who acquired the property in 1907 and who decided on a Japanese garden style.
“Capability Brown’s tercentenary seemed a perfect time to invite the general public to explore our gardens. We are not claiming designs here were Browns’ but we are especially keen to show people the gardens, which are in a style reminiscent of Brown’s work. Restoring the ‘lost’ garden will be part of this activity.” comments Linda Barnard, manager of the Resort.
For further information please contact:
Linda Barnard, Sutton Hall Resort, Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2PS. Tel: 01845 597 200 Email: info@suttonhallresort.com
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential Tel: 07967 032623
Email: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
Sutton Hall is an historic Manor House which has been beautifully and sympathetically adapted to provide eight elegant apartments with a small indoor pool and a Residents’ Lounge. The resort operates as a private members club and also includes six adjacent cottages providing further accommodation with a similar theme. There are 24 acres of grounds, which include gardens, woodland, and a meadow with a stream running through, two all-weather tennis courts and a croquet lawn.
The second series of the Yorkshire Vet began on Tuesday 12th April and bosses at the World of James Herriot and the Herriot Country Tourism Group are delighted. Visitor numbers at the World of James Herriot are up by 9% year on year since the new series began, giving a welcome boost to tourism in the area. The World of James Herriot is located in the original home and surgery of the author in the market town of Thirsk. The attraction was formally owned by Hambleton District Council and is now operated as a private business. It is the focus for the Herriot Country Tourism Group, the destination marketing membership organisation that includes hotels, guesthouses, self-catering and other visitor attractions in the area.
“This is fantastic news for the World of James Herriot in the 100th Anniversary year of James Herriot’s birth. It’s also a boost for the Herriot Country Tourism Group in this part of Yorkshire because there are so many people who have been inspired by the original James Herriot books, TV series and films of All Creatures Great and Small and we are delighted that Daisybeck Productions and Channel 5 have produced another series.” comments Ian Ashton, World of James Herriot managing director.
A black tie dinner is to be held on Saturday 1st October at Tennants Garden Rooms in Leyburn to commemorate the 100th Anniversary and to raise funds for the James Herriot Foundation Trust. Yorkshire Opera star Lesley Garrett OBE, will perform and BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration MBE, will be master of ceremonies. Tickets can be ordered online at www.worldofjamesherriot.com
Yorkshire Vet series boosts Herriot Country. April 2016
Great Potential director John Gallery was recently interviewed on Webcertain TV at the National Attractions Conference held at The National Football Centre, St George’s Park, Staffordshire.
John explained the work Great Potential is undertaking for the World of James Herriot in Thirsk in driving engagement and creating opportunities to combine traditional marketing with digital channels.
See the interview here:
Flying Scotsman breaks launched at Stoke Rochford Hall Hotel near Grantham to celebrate the return of the the ‘world’s most famous’ locomotive.
Flying Scotsman returned to the National Railway Museum , York on Thursday 25th February travelling along the East Coast Main Line from Kings Cross London to York. The locomotive was the first steam train to reach 100 mph and did it at Stoke Bank near Stoke Rochford Hall on the main line.
The special break that includes a two-night stay with dinner and the chance to visit the section of track where the record was achieved. Guests will also be invited to a special visit to the Great Central Railway at Loughborough, the only place in the world where you can see two full sized steam trains pass each other. The break is priced at £100 per person.
North Yorkshire Moors and Coast Hotel introduces Victorian Etiquette courses.
Cober Hill Hotel and Conference Centre near Scarborough has introduced a new initiative that encompasses Victorian Etiquette and engages the hotel’s employees to provide a more courteous and polite approach to guests and to each other.
The initiative was inspired by the founder of the hotel which was originally a Victorian Manor house that was developed in 1905 by John Wilhelm Rowntree, eldest son of the chocolate manufacturer Joseph Rowntree, who had planned Friedenstahl, a detached house in large grounds at Scalby, as a guest house.
Meetings, conference and event delegates are to be invited to sign up for the initiative when holding events at the hotel and will be included in the hotel’s register of ‘Campaign for Courtesy Ambassadors’.
“Our staff receive many compliments from guests and we are certainly seen as a very friendly and happy team. However, we do see in society many examples of poor behaviour and manners and this initiative is designed to remind us that there is a way to provide a polite and helpful service that will be recognised.” comments general manager, Lyndsay Chamberlain.
The hotel has joined the ‘National Campaign for Courtesy’ as a corporate member and will be promoting the aims of the charity, which works to retain courtesy and politeness in everyday life and business.
“As a hospitality business you would expect the best of polite and courteous behaviour and it is important that we set the highest standards of welcome toward our guests. We can learn much from our Victorian forefathers and I am sure our founder would be very pleased.” added Lyndsay.
News Release January 2016
‘The World of James Herriot’ opened its doors to local people for free over the weekend of 23rd and 24th January and over 1000 visitors passed through the Centre.
All Hambleton residents were offered free admission to the £1.4 million Thirsk attraction for two days, which was valid on production of proof of residency such as a utility bill or driving licence.
“Not only did we have people coming through to look around the recreated 1940s home but many came especially to see the latest addition to the centre – a life size bronze statue of Alf Wight (James Herriot) set in the garden of the attraction. We had queues outside at one point and were literally rushed off our feet.” said Kate Pawlett, centre manager.
Previously owned by the local council, the World of James Herriot is now a privately operated company whose management has a vision to continually develop it and attract more visitors including the launch of the James Herriot Foundation Trust initiative which aims to provide bursaries for people wishing to enter the animal care world and for whom the James Herriot stories have been an inspiration.
The centre also won ‘Best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ in the 2015 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, following the Welcome to Yorkshire’s White Rose Award for the ‘Best Yorkshire Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’ in 2014.
“We are delighted that so many local people came to see the Centre and the new Alf Wight Statue.” added Kate.
Pictured: Local residents at the Alf Wight (James Herriot) Statue: Sharon Powell, Katy Hassan, Jazmine Hassan, Malik Hassan, Cameal Hassan, Charis Mclurken and Richard Mclurken.
For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, World of James Herriot, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential. Tel: 07967 032623
E-mail: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
Notes for Editors: The World of James Herriot is located in the original home and surgery of the author in the market town of Thirsk. The attraction was formally owned by Hambleton District Council and is now operated as a private business. It is the focus for the Herriot Country Tourism Group, the destination marketing membership organisation that includes hotels, guesthouses, self-catering and other visitor attractions i
‘Impossible ‘ Winter Challenge and 2016 programme of activities announced with prices held.
North Yorkshire Youth, (NYY) based at Carlton Lodge Activity Centre near Thirsk, North Yorkshire has announced its programme for schools, scout groups, youth clubs, corporate packages and at weekends and school holidays for families.
There are Activity Days and Adventure Skills in the May half term and during the Summer school holidays for 2016 when prices have been held at £150 per week. At weekends a two-day/one night option is available from £99.
The centre provides activities throughout the year for all types of organisations that boost self-confidence and team working skills by focusing on communication, planning and creative thinking. Schools, scout groups and youth centres find the activities to be invaluable. A new initiative that helps people to achieve things that seem impossible, The Winter Challenge such as a Winter Survival programme ideal for older teenage groups from colleges and universities or for corporate groups.
“2016 promises to be a big year for activity groups here at Carlton Lodge. The success of our school holiday programme last year has provided the momentum for further services this year and the addition of the Winter Challenge will create a further exciting option for the seriously active”. comments Mark Faulkner, centre manager
Taking part in the Winter Challenge can be arranged by contacting Mark Faulkner, centre manager who is organising the challenge in February.
“We have a very successful core service that is delivering high quality activities for young people but as with any business or organisation, we need to keep developing new ideas and options and the new ‘Winter Challenge’ will be our own next big challenge,” added David Sharp chief executive.
Groundwork and big society at Carlton Lodge Activity Centre
North Yorkshire Youth, (NYY) based at Carlton Lodge Activity Centre near Thirsk, North Yorkshire is demonstrating the ‘big society’ in action with its on-going relationship with the Groundwork charity by providing activity events that support the charity’s aims.
Groundwork’s initiatives aim at bringing out the best in young people by helping them to improve their local area, getting people back into work by creating green jobs and building strong communities by improving green space. Groundwork help people into work through training and practical experience and also support young people to help them to reach their potential.
“We are delighted that Groundwork has entrusted North Yorkshire Youth and Carlton Lodge Activity Centre to deliver the activity courses for the first week of the National Citizenship service”. comments David Sharp chief executive.
Volunteers recruited by Groundwork have been using the Carlton Lodge Activity Centre dry stone walling activity as one of the team organising activities that engages the students. It helps them to continue building and to complete the wall under the instruction of a master dry stone waller.
For further information please contact:
David Sharp, chief executive
North Yorkshire Youth, Carlton Lodge, Carlton Miniott, Thirsk, YO7 4NJ
Tel: 01845 522 145 ?e-mail: david@nyy.org.uk North Yorkshire Youth: www.nyy.org.uk Carlton Lodge Activity Centre: www.carltonlodge.org.uk
Notes for Editors: North Yorkshire Youth provides opportunities for children and young people to learn and grow by:
• Supporting youth work in North Yorkshire communities
• Providing adventurous activities from Carlton Lodge Activity Centre
• Providing training opportunities for young people and those who work with them
Beat Blue Monday at Cober Hill, North Yorkshire Moors and Coast Hotel.
Cober Hill Hotel and Conference Centre near Scarborough is opening its doors for a week of FREE special events that will help to combat the alleged ‘most depressing day or week’ of the year that in 2016 will be on 18th January.
The week of events starts on 18th January in 2016 until Friday 22nd January 2016 and the initiative includes a theme every day in the week, each with an uplifting topic, interactive workshops which guests can take part, learn new skills and enjoy new experiences with the hotels’ compliments.
Topics include ‘what’s your purpose’ by an intuitive life coach; ‘reptiles and raptors’, birds of prey and reptiles; ‘wheely good’ cycling fun; ‘Jurassic jollys’ and unlocking secrets of team work and problem solving. All days begin at 10am with tea and coffee on arrival, session one is from 10.30am, a buffet lunch is included and afternoon session 1.00pm to 2.30pm with coffee or tea on departure.
“Our ‘beat blue Monday’ week is an excellent way to banish the ‘blues’, learn a new skill that can provide self-improvement, see Cober Hill’s facilities close up and talk to us about their future plans or even experience a life-changing moment!” comments general manager, Lyndsay Chamberlain.
The hotel operates a year-round programme of activities that help individuals and teams to develop their skills using the hotel grounds, the surrounding countryside and onsite conference, meetings and event facilities.
For further information please contact: Lyndsay Chamberlain, general manager
Tel: 01723 870310
Email: enquiries@coberhill.co.uk
Cober Hill Hotel, Cloughton Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Y013 OAR
Cober Hill’s accommodation includes 64 rooms of various sizes, all with en-suite facilities and stunning views of the beautiful grounds and coast.
In addition well-appointed, versatile and dedicated conference facilities.
It is perfect for midweek breaks, holidays, conferences, educational visits and social interest groups.