A GUIDE at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has been shortlisted for a national tourism award.
Katie Neville, who works as a period interpreter at Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Henley Street, is one of ten nominees for Tourism Superstar 2015 – tourist board VisitEngland’s initiative to find the country’s unsung holiday heroes.
The award recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is awarded to individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have a priceless experience.
Katie is one of a small team of guides in period costume at Shakespeare’s Birthplace who bring the historic house and the works, life and times of its most famous occupant to life for visitors.
The job entails presenting and interpreting historic objects and the fabric of the house, and explaining the world young Shakespeare would have known.
Katie said: “It feels amazing to be shortlisted for such a prestigious accolade, representing the team of period guides here at Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
“It’s a privilege to bring Shakespeare to life for our visitors, many of whom travel from all over the world to fulfil a lifelong ambition to visit Stratford-, and set foot inside the home where William Shakespeare was born.
“It gives me enormous satisfaction to be part of this experience and seeing their enjoyment makes my job so worthwhile. I’d like to thank everyone for their lovely feedback and support over the years – it would be fantastic to win.”
Robin Tjolle, Destination Manager for Shakespeare’s England, congratulated Katie on being shortlisted.
He added: “She epitomises the hard work and dedication many of our tourism business, and their employees, put in every day to make sure that visitors have a wonderful experience when they visit our area. She is a great ambassador for Shakespeare’s England and we urge everyone to vote for Katie.”
It is the second year running a representative from Stratford has been shortlisted for this prestigious award, with last year John and Helen Hogg from Stratford Town Walk making it into the final ten.
The initiative is supported by the Daily Mirror which will host an online public vote from January 31 along with a short film of all nominees. Readers will be able to vote for their favourite on www.mirror.co.uk. The winner will be announced on March 14, the first day of English Tourism Week.
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust guide Katie Neville has been shortlisted for a national tourism award. (s)
