Russell Luckock: UK holiday celebration

Sep 3 2010 By Russell Luckock

British Prime Minister David Cameron has said that he wishes the public to increase the proportion of their holiday budget spent in this country, from 36 per cent up to 50 per cent.

Certainly, if the country complied, it would be a great boost to a host of small businesses serving the tourist industry. He set an example by spending a week in north Cornwall, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The British Isles has an amazing number of attractions, spread over a wide range of interests to see and experience, and although the weather can, at times, leave much to be desired, there is never a shortage of things to do.

Take, for instance, the Severn Valley Railway, a hobby operation, running between Kidderminster and Bewdley. It comprises 16 miles of track beside England’s longest waterway, with small country stations every few miles, each in an immaculate state of repair. They are celebrating their 40th year of operation, having started running trains in 197O, on a line axed in 1963 by the late Dr Beeching.

David Mee, the acting marketing manager, told me that it now has 80 full-time employees, is supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers, some of whom come from all over the country and many of whom spend a week or so there, staying in local B&Bs.

There is a boiler repair shop at Bridgnorth, with carriage repair and restoration facilities at Bewdley and Kidderminster. At Highley, there is a superb Engine House and Museum which is attracting large crowds and is fully equipped for the disabled.

With a restaurant attached, having splendid views of the Worcestershire countryside, this in itself is a splendid day out.

This year they are running a ‘‘kids for a quid’’ promotion. Providing they are with an adult, children can travel for a £1, including entrance to the museum.

Mr Mee said: “Since the school holidays began, business has been manic”.

David Cameron should want to hear news of this sort. It helps his big picture.