Weather Does Not Deter Lincolnshire Show Goers

© Prima PR and Marketing

Regardless of the weather, over 60,000 visitors attended both days of the 128th Lincolnshire Show.

The first day of the show saw a six percent increase in visitors on last year, credited to the warm weather on Wednesday, and spirits were not dampened by the rain on Thursday.

Organisers reported a five percent increase on trade stand bookings from 2011 and the number of visitors from across the UK entering livestock and equine competitions also increased.

It is estimated by show organisers that for every £1 spent at the show, a further £20 has been generated in the local economy.

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts in the area experienced heightened demand for overnight stays from an extra 18,400 visitors. For many businesses in Lincolnshire, the show provides an opportunity to showcase local produce and services. Showground Director Jayne Southall said:

"We’ve had a fantastic show and it’s been wonderful to see everything come together.

"We had a big boost to visitor numbers with the wonderful sunshine on day one. 

"Although numbers were down on Thursday, the showers seemed to do little to dampen enthusiasm and we had a steady flow of visitors arriving throughout the morning. 

"The show has proved itself, once again, as a major visitor attraction which helps to bring Lincolnshire’s wider visitor and tourism story to a national audience."

© Malcolm Leaning

Edward Leigh MP, who represents the Gainsborough Constituency, within which the Lincolnshire Showground is located, visited the West Lindsey District Council tent and  met with local councillors and joined in with the keep fit dancers from the West Lindsey Leisure Centre, Gainsborough.

Local Coffee House Named In Top-5 In The World

A local coffee house, Coffee Aroma on Guildhall Street in Lincoln has been awarded the accolade of being one of the best coffee shops in the world by Cosy Coffee Shops - a website dedicated to independent coffee houses.

In the past five years the Cosy Coffee Shops team have visited over one hundred of the most highly regarded independent coffee shops in the world, looking for a combination of ‘nice places’ and ‘outstanding coffee.’ Cosy Coffee Shops’ opinion is well-valued in the speciality coffee industry, so Coffee Aroma are doubtlessly thrilled to be included in their list of ‘The Top 10 Coffee Shops in the World for 2011.’

The Top 10 includes independent coffee houses in Japan, New Zealand, Mexico and Vietnam amongst other countries, in a list of what Cosy Coffee Shops deems to be the top-performing independent coffee houses on the world stage. Of the Lincoln-based coffee house Cosy Coffee Shops' review said:

"It [Coffee Aroma] is a gorgeous, picturesque place, not to mention comfy and charming. I can’t think of a coffee shop with a nicer interior; just perfect for relaxing with a good mug of coffee. That would do me nicely, thanks very much, but I was delighted also to discover coffee of the highest order.

"As the owner (Richard Teasdale) prepared it [my coffee], he described his method… Richard – as you can tell – is a coffee geek, but in the nicest possible way. He has had some success at barista championships and has rubbed shoulders with the best in the world. He’s a friendly guy, driven to create the perfect coffee experience."

Tourism Goes On Red Alert

Lincolnshire's multi-million pound tourism industry is set to get a boost from a new group set up in West Lindsey.

The Tourism Development Forum brings together all aspects of the tourism business to promote the area as a destination for visitors.

Chairman of the district council's Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) said:

"Members of the group include hoteliers, garden centre owners, proprietors of bed and breakfast businesses and people who run food outlets. In fact there a members from a whole host of tourism-related businesses.

"The aim is to promote tourism in as many ways of possible and for the group to work together to promote West Lindsey as a great place to visit."

The last Forum meeting was held at RAF Scampton when members were treated to a guided tour of the Red Arrows - the world famous aerobatic display team.

Owner of the Black Swan guest house in Marton, Mr. John Patrick, said:

"The visit was arranged by the Council and we are very lucky to have their direct involvement in tourism; because not all local authorities do."

The group is currently planning two training courses - one on marketing at the Beckett Arms in Corringham on Tuesday, 2nd March 2010, and the other on bed and breakfast profit at the Welton Manor Golf Centre on Tuesday 23rd March 2010.

Cllr. Parish said:

"Both events cost £15 per person and represent fantastic value for money. The marketing course examines latest trends on how to capture new customers and retain existing ones, how to maximise returns and how to make best use of the internet and social media.

"The bed and breakfast session includes sessions on stock control, minimising waste and menu planning that are all aimed at increasing profits."

The group is also planning a tourism brochure to be paid for by advertisers. Cllr. Parish said:

"The idea is to produce 7,000 brochures and each advertiser would have to pay at least £30 for their space. The brochures would be available at Tourist Information Centres, from car hire companies and at attractions including Market Rasen Racecourse, Gainsborough Old Hall and the Hemswell Antique and Craft Centre.

"We hope to be able to follow this up with another publication designed to help visitors tour our district whether they be on a day trip, a weekend visit or staying for a few days. The routes would be supported by advertisers.

"Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner in the United Kingdom and in West Lindsey alone it provides hundreds of jobs. It is important that we support tourism providers and I am sure that this Forum can play an important role in bringing more visitors to our district."

On Course to Boost Tourism in West Lindsey

Two courses are planned to boost tourism which will take place in March this year West Lindsey District Council has announced.

The first is 'Focus on Marketing' on Tuesday, 2nd March 2010 at the Hume Arms in Torksey and the second is on Tuesday 23rd March 2010 when 'Bed and Breakfast Profits' come under the microscope at Welton Manor Golf Centre. Both events are being organised by West Lindsey District Council, and Chairman of the Economic and Regeneration Committee, Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) says they will contain practical tips to boost business.

"Marketing is key to any business plan and the first course will examine the latest marketing trends to capture new customers and retain existing ones.

"The second course focuses on bed and breakfast profits and practical knowledge to ensure that day-to-day operations are as cost effective as possible.

"Waste, menu planning, and stock control are included and the course is aimed at owners, chefs and operators of bed and breakfast businesses."

Both courses cost £15.00 per person. The marketing course starts at 10:00am and finishes at 1:30pm and the bed and breakfast course starts at 10:00am and finishes at 2:30pm. Lunch is included at both events.

For more information contact Marion Thomas on (01427) 676676, e-mail marion.thomas@west-lindsey.gov.uk.