A team of learning facilitators based at Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, England have been awarded the prestigious White Badge qualification by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, becoming the first Bristol destination to receive this award and the first in the South West to do so for a qualified decade. After an intense program of lectures, hands-on sessions and hands-on training, the team then had to pass both a written and tour guide exam to receive the award.
Carole Hiley, President of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, stated: “The aim of the White Badge is for tour guides to demonstrate a high standard in providing interesting, clear, coherent and accurate commentary. The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust has used this program to train a new cohort of facilitators, giving them the skills and information needed to conduct professional and informative tours and presentations.”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Chris Booy said: “During this course, our learning team developed their site-specific knowledge, studying subjects such as Bristol’s maritime history and development as a city, and the geological and botanical importance of the Avon Gorge. We are proud of what the team has achieved and the high quality of the educational trips on offer. Our partnership with ITG shows that our tours have been externally accredited by experts for their knowledge and skills in customer support, confirming the bridge and Bristol as a quality destination.”
The training program was supported by Steps to Sustainability, a National Lottery Heritage Fund programme, run by the Social Enterprise Academy, which helps heritage organizations across the UK to strengthen their strategic leadership and income generating skills.
Bridge tours for schools and children’s groups, led by the Learning Guides, are available to book now, and ‘vault visits’ for families, offering the chance to explore the chambers beneath Leigh Woods Tower, begin Easter 2023. Free guided tours of the Bridges are guided by volunteer guides also take place at 2 p.m. on weekends and public holidays in winter. For more information on the available offers, see www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/schools-groups
