Warwickshire Online Chat Forum - View Single Post - Why is "world-class Stratford-upon-Avon" such a dump?

Miss Annaphylactic · 05-09-2006, 06:19 PM

Hi everyone -

Well, Germaine's article was certainly heart felt, and I'd agree with Abbie that it's a little harsh. Yes, there are elements that need work (for example, the rent costs for retails outlets, the parking for local residents etc), but as a town it's really not that bad.

I am a Stratford convert. I grew up in the town and hated it! There was never anything to do and I spent my younger days counting down the years until I could leave. I spent a bit of time afterwards living in Oxford, Leamington Spa and even Mexico - but moved back to Stratford and bought a property in 2003. It really is a beautiful place and doesn't deserve some of the flack it gets.

On more official terms, since becoming Marketing Director of the new visitor attraction, Shakespearience, I have been invited to most of the strategy meetings concerning the World Class bids and proposals, and I have to say that most of the motions that have been put forward are going to benefit not only the visitors, but the residents as well.

Five-ten years ago it was the case that tourists outweighed locals in the height of the season, but that simply hasn't been the case in recent years. I used to find the words "damn tourists" rolling off my tongue constantly as a youth; you couldn't turn around without getting tripped up, or drive down a street without risking a manslaughter suit; but this has changed. The town is quiet and NEEDS more visitors - and to argue Ms Greer's point - we are not trying to push the tourists through quickly whilst grabbing as much money as we can - we are in fact focused on the complete opposite - trying to keep those that visit the town here for longer so they can enjoy more, and in turn benefit more businesses - retail, catering etc.

There is so much that Stratford has to offer beyond Shakespeare. There are the gardens, the restaurants/bars, the river, Butterfly Farm, Shakespearience (yes, I know we are a Shakespearian attraction, but also do much more in the evenings) etc etc, and Warwick and the Cotswolds are right on our doorstep.

South Warwickshire Tourism, while not perfect by any means, are certainly doing their best to promote Stratford beyond Shakespeare being all we have to offer and this is very important indeed.

Anyway - I could rabble on for hours about what we are trying to achieve - but just remember - we have only won the opportunity to be World Class, and the backing - we are not actually World Class until everything is put in place, so hold your horses before you criticise us Germaine!

Anna

(All views are MY OWN, not those of Shakespearience, or any of the committees I attend- SWT, SWATA, STMP, STMPSLCC etc)

05-09-2006, 06:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
Miss Annaphylactic New Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Stratford upon Avon Posts: 7	Hold your horses, everyone! Hi everyone - Well, Germaine's article was certainly heart felt, and I'd agree with Abbie that it's a little harsh. Yes, there are elements that need work (for example, the rent costs for retails outlets, the parking for local residents etc), but as a town it's really not that bad. I am a Stratford convert. I grew up in the town and hated it! There was never anything to do and I spent my younger days counting down the years until I could leave. I spent a bit of time afterwards living in Oxford, Leamington Spa and even Mexico - but moved back to Stratford and bought a property in 2003. It really is a beautiful place and doesn't deserve some of the flack it gets. On more official terms, since becoming Marketing Director of the new visitor attraction, Shakespearience, I have been invited to most of the strategy meetings concerning the World Class bids and proposals, and I have to say that most of the motions that have been put forward are going to benefit not only the visitors, but the residents as well. Five-ten years ago it was the case that tourists outweighed locals in the height of the season, but that simply hasn't been the case in recent years. I used to find the words "damn tourists" rolling off my tongue constantly as a youth; you couldn't turn around without getting tripped up, or drive down a street without risking a manslaughter suit; but this has changed. The town is quiet and NEEDS more visitors - and to argue Ms Greer's point - we are not trying to push the tourists through quickly whilst grabbing as much money as we can - we are in fact focused on the complete opposite - trying to keep those that visit the town here for longer so they can enjoy more, and in turn benefit more businesses - retail, catering etc. There is so much that Stratford has to offer beyond Shakespeare. There are the gardens, the restaurants/bars, the river, Butterfly Farm, Shakespearience (yes, I know we are a Shakespearian attraction, but also do much more in the evenings) etc etc, and Warwick and the Cotswolds are right on our doorstep. South Warwickshire Tourism, while not perfect by any means, are certainly doing their best to promote Stratford beyond Shakespeare being all we have to offer and this is very important indeed. Anyway - I could rabble on for hours about what we are trying to achieve - but just remember - we have only won the opportunity to be World Class, and the backing - we are not actually World Class until everything is put in place, so hold your horses before you criticise us Germaine! Anna (All views are MY OWN, not those of Shakespearience, or any of the committees I attend- SWT, SWATA, STMP, STMPSLCC etc)