Awards for the crème de la
crème of Wirral tourism
WIRRAL'S tourism heroes were celebrated
at the sector's annual awards ceremony that took place on Thursday, 14 April
2016.
More than 200 tourism professionals, including those from the Wirral Visitor
Economy Network (WVEN), gathered at New Brighton's Floral Pavilion Theatre and
Conference Centre for the prestigious Wirral Tourism Awards.
The Awards reflect the very best of Wirral's tourism sector, recognising the
quality, achievements and continuous hard work of the individuals and teams
behind the success.
Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Les Rowlands, was guest of honour at the ceremony and
said:- "I'd like to congratulate all of the businesses and staff, from
over 450 nominations this year, who were finalists for the awards. Just being
nominated shows how highly valued they are by their customers. The Wirral
Tourism Awards once again reinforced the great work businesses in this sector do
on behalf of the borough and the positive impression they make on local people
and visitors alike."
Big winners on the night included Shore Cottage Studio on Thurstaston beach and
a number of New Brighton businesses.
Indeed, the Outstanding Contribution to Wirral Tourism award was given to
Promenade Estates (Wirral), who were formerly known as Neptune Developments, who
played a major role in the regeneration of New Brighton over the last 10 years.
The full list of the
2016 Wirral Tourism Awards winners are as follows:-
Outstanding Young Person (sponsored by The
Contact Company)
Charlotte Reed, Benty Farm Tearooms
Sustainable Tourism Award (sponsored by Ness Botanic Gardens)
Shore Cottage Studio
Volunteer Team of the Year (sponsored by Wirral Council)
Floral Pavilion Ambassadors
Outstanding Customer Care (sponsored by Birkenhead Market)
Blackberry Grove
Independent Business of the Year (sponsored by Mills Media)
Shore Cottage Studio
Attraction of the Year (sponsored by the Wedding Collection)
Port Sunlight Museum
Bed & Breakfast of the Year (sponsored by Wirral Chamber)
Mere Brook House
Bar of the Year (sponsored by Woods Squared)
The Wro, West Kirby
Hotel of the Year (sponsored by Contessa Hotels)
New Brighton Hotel
Taste Wirral (sponsored by Wirral Satellite Cars)
Caffe Cream
Event of the Year (sponsored by Lets Go Publishing)
Fabulous Frost Fair
Young Chef of the Year (sponsored by Wirral Met College)
James Ryan, the Marsh Cat, Parkgate
Outstanding Contribution to Wirral Tourism (sponsored by Printfine Ltd)
Promenade Estates |
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Officer cadet from Ormskirk,
Lancashire graduates at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
ON Friday, 15 April 2016, Patrick Highet from
Ormskirk, joined hundreds of Officer Cadets in a prestigious graduation ceremony
at the Army's world renowned Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Passing out from Sandhurst marks the completion of 44 weeks of intensive
military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting
challenges. By the time Officer Cadets have graduated they enjoy immediate
leadership responsibilities, where they will be in charge of a platoon of 30
soldiers, managing their skills, workloads and welfare.
With friends and family in the audience, Patrick and all the graduating Officer
Cadets took part in the Sovereign's Parade in front of Her Majesty's
representatives. The parade is a key milestone for every Army Officer and has
been run at the end of each term for over 200 years.
Life as an Army Officer comes with challenge, responsibility and guaranteed
progression; preparing you for your future life inside and outside of the Army.
Officers could find themselves leading highly trained platoons, taking part in
peacekeeping missions or helping to deliver humanitarian aid around the world.
Patrick said:- "Being part of an elite group of people that have graduated
as British Army Officers from Sandhurst makes me extremely proud. It's one of
the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most
rewarding. The training and support I have received has been excellent and I
cannot wait to start putting it into practise and to be given the chance to make
my contribution on operations, adventure training, and missions overseas. I
would recommend an officer career to anyone looking for an exciting job away
from the mundane 9 to 5."
The parade ended in traditional fashion with the Academy Adjutant following the
Officer Cadets up the steps and through the grand entrance, mounted on his
horse.
Major General Paul Nanson, Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said:-
"Congratulations to all our Officer Cadets on their commissions. The
Cadets have come from a wide variety of backgrounds, many have come straight
from university, some from sixth form and some from within the Army's soldier
ranks, but they will now all embark on their Army careers with the same
outstanding training. Sandhurst is not easy, but it provides opportunities to
learn much more beyond military skills; it offers unrivalled leadership
training, preparation for life outside the Army and guaranteed career
progression. The Army is always looking for its next generation of leaders to
take up the challenge of an officer career and, over the past 44 weeks, the
cadets have demonstrated real dedication, determination and professionalism.
I look forward to seeing each of them realise their full potential as they
embark on their careers with the Army."
After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day
concluded in spectacular and celebratory style at the exclusive commissioning
ball. There, at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned Second
Lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.
To join the Regular Army as an officer, candidates must be 18 to 26 years of age,
attained at least 7 GCSEs (with a minimum grade C in English Language, Maths and
either a science or a foreign language) and also have 180 UCAS Tariff points
from a maximum of 3 A level subjects.
Applicants attend a 2 day Army Officer Selection Board briefing, where
leadership and teamwork skills are tested. Candidates then go to the selection
board, which consists of a 3 day assessment of physical and mental suitability
for the role. Those successful, embark on a 44 week course taking place at the
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Recruits earn a starting salary of £25,472 whilst they train. This rises to
£30,617 when they are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. After 5 years
officers can be earning at least £39,236 as a Captain.
For more information about the exciting career opportunities available in the
Army search "Army Officer" or visit the MOD's
website.
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