DURHAM TOURISM SUPERSTAR 2016 Wednesday, 29 June 2016
We’re delighted that our park ranger Alan Anderson is shortlisted for the third annual Durham Tourism Superstar Award. Now we need your support to help him win!
Alan is one of just five nominees shortlisted for the prestigious title. We need as many people as possible to vote for Alan before midnight on Sunday, July 24th.
Alan has worked at Auckland Castle for more than 17 years and has vast experience of the deer park and gardens, sharing his immense knowledge and passion for Auckland Park with everyone.
The most popular school holiday activity at Auckland Castle is Wild Wednesdays, where “Uncle Alan” shares his knowledge of the outdoors with young people. The activity has built up a strong following of regular return visitors who enjoy pond dipping, den building and more.
Alan also works with a group of boys from a local school. These young people were at risk of being expelled from school but now come to the castle weekly for work experience. Alan has taken them under his wing and is mentoring them.
He is often found in the park chatting with visitors and occasionally provides rides in his ranger vehicle for elderly visitors who need a lift back to the castle; most of whom are so overjoyed with the experience they even offer Alan money for it!
On top of his park ranger role, Alan volunteers for additional tasks including castle “meeter and greeter” and bar manager. This allows him to indulge his passion for talking to visitors, because as Alan says, “That’s what it’s all about. People.”
With a truly warm and engaging personality, Alan is one of the many treasures of Auckland Castle – full of knowledge, passion, enthusiasm and dedication.
The prestigious Durham Tourism Superstar award showcases the best in customer service and recognises the dedication and passion of those working in Durham’s tourism industry. The past two award winners have gone on to win VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar award.