Nestled in the heart of the Arts Centre, it is easy to walk past Stamford’s Tourist Information Centre on your way to a show or an activity, believing it is simply there for visitors to the town. However, as Hannah Warner discovered, it can prove just as useful for locals
Tourist Information Centres are becoming something of an endangered species. As local councils cut services across the country, tourism is often one of the first casualties (despite the revenue it brings to a town), with Melton Mowbray and Huntingdon’s offices just two that have recently been closed. Luckily, Stamford’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is open and thriving, thanks to the team of hardworking and enthusiastic staff led by supervisor Mary Davies, under the watchful eye of Cultural Services Marketing Manager Graham Burley.
On the day I visit, Mary and colleague Carolyn Bland are on duty. “Our objective is to welcome every visitor – and there were 93,000 through the door last year - whether they are a tourist, a local, a business or a school child,” Carolyn tells me, “And we aim to answer all questions – however unusual they may be!” Whilst I am there, several local people enquire about bus services. “We have had lots of people asking about them recently, with the change in the rules for bus passes for the over 60s,” says Mary, “We always keep a full range of timetables for the area”.
My eye wanders to the wall, where I spy a huge list. “That’s our What’s On guide,” I am told, “It is constantly updated by our fellow team member Janet, and features all local events in the area. Quite often people come in on a Friday and ask what is going on that weekend, and we can quickly tell them”. What a great idea, I think, why have I not known about this before!
For the first time this year, the Stamford TIC produced its own South West Lincolnshire Visitor Guide, which includes all types of accommodation, along with local maps and places of interest. They always like to visit new accommodation to ensure the particular needs of any visitors are catered for. Mary is proud of the good relationship they have with local B&B owners, who phone in to inform the team of vacancies, so tired visitors who arrive late can book directly through the TIC without having to ring round themselves. The Centre also offers a national ‘Book-A-Bed-Ahead’ service, in which accommodation can be reserved at visitors’ next planned destination, wherever it may be. The TIC is also the place to go if you want to rent out a room or your whole house during the Burghley Horse Trials. For a £10 administration fee, your name and phone number will be passed on to visitors – and with lots of enquiries already, rooms are filling up fast.
Along with loads of information on visitor attractions, trails and walks, Mary shows me the vast array of contact numbers and details they hold for a great assortment of clubs and institutions. From churches and church services, to local halls for hire, a full range of activities for children, clubs and societies, coach and taxi hire and more - if you are searching for any service, you need look no further.
The team are eager to spread the word about everything the region has to offer, and are not just limited to the confines of the office. For the first time last year they took the TIC to the John Clare Festival in Helpston, and met lots of people from the area and beyond, who wanted to know about other local events. They are keen to get out more, and would welcome requests to appear at future events in the area.
Finally, as well as being the font of all local knowledge, the TIC sells lots of local goodies, which make great presents, especially for those who used to live in the area and love a reminder of home. “We like to support local people and local producers, and are always willing to consider any new products when contacted,” says Mary, as the phone rings and she goes off to deal with another enquiry.
Stamford Tourist Information Centre, Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DL
Open: Mon-Sat 9.30-5.00 Sun
(April-October) 10.30-3.30 Tel: 01780 755611
www.southwestlincs.com