Staff at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover celebrated in October being short listed for the finals of Tourism South East Tourism ExSellence Awards 2005 this week.

Regarded as the Tourism Oscars, this award presentation recognises tourism companies achieving the highest possible standards. This year a record number of entries were received, almost double that of last year, and judges selected finalists for each of the 14 award categories.

... and girls

At the beginning of the year the Trust, put in a detailed application for the award. Areas covered were: visitor numbers for the last three years, what facilities are provided for visitors, disability access and provisions, what new facilities have been provided over the last three years as well as future plans for growth. All the applications are then put before a team of judges ,who shortlist suitable candidates.

Is this what they call 'waiting at table'?

The Hawk Conservancy Trust were one of the four finalists in the small visitor attraction (for up to 100,000 visitors) section, the others being: Ashdown Llama Park , East Sussex, Explosion! Gosport , and the model village, Godshill isle of Wight. During the 2005 season all the shortlisted candidates are visited by the judges as mystery visitors, so that attractions can be judged from an ordinary visitors viewpoint.

Staff enjoying the free gifts for all guests at the presentation (or perhaps this is their staff bonus!)

The 2005 awards were presented by TV personality Angela Rippon, OBE, at a Gala Dinner in the elegant surroundings of Great Fosters, a 14th Century Tithe Barn in Egham Surrey. The Trust has always been keen that if we are nominated for any awards everyone that has been involved with its work should be included in the celebrations. It is not one person that wins an award but everyone working together as a team. So all the full time staff were asked if they would like to come to the presentation, and all made donations towards the cost of their tickets.

So with everyone dressed in their finery, a convey of three cars left the Trust, and with a couple of the cars taking a scenic route, eventually all made it to the presentation. A champagne drinks reception started the evening, and it gave everyone the chance to mix with other Tourism providers as well as representatives of Tourism South East.

Gary enjoying the free flowing wine

Everyone was then ushered into the Great Hall, to find their tables for the Gala dinner. The Trust had a table to themselves, which was probably a good idea, due to the liberal amount of wine that was flowing and the laughter that was coming from our table. Then the award ceremony started, and presentations were made for the various categories.

Finally it came to the small visitor attraction award and everyone was on tenterhooks, as the nominations were announced , and a deep sigh was heard when the Trust was placed as a runner up in their section. The winning attraction was Explosion, which now goes on to represent Tourism South East in the national awards.

Ashley receives the award from Angela Rippon

Ashley Smith our Chief Executive said, "This year we received the runners up award, and it is a great honour to be recognised for our achievements in the Tourism industry. When you consider the number of tourist attractions in the South East of England, we are thrilled to be selected in the top four, and it also gives us a higher goal to aim for next year. All of our staff work very hard to give every visitor a great day out, and being nominated for these awards for a third time proves that this effort is rewarded. So here’s to next year and hopefully being placed one place higher"