NHS group finds gems in Richmond after visiting the GLT Show

Richmond wasn’t on the radar when organiser Andrew headed to the GLT Show in Milton Keynes last October but it turned out to be a winner for his group.

He said: “What sold the trip to us was the enthusiasm of the people we met on the VisitRichmond stand who encouraged us to try it. We visited Eel Pie Island Museum, the Eel Pie Pub and Marble Hill which all delivered.”

Andrew was attracted to the Eel Pie Island Museum from a brochure he was given at the show. The fact that Marble Hill was so close, and had free entry, made it work as a superb day out. The museum also recommended the Eel Pie Pub for lunch. He continued: “We had not planned to speak to the VisitRichmond stand - it was just a casual stop on the day as we’re always keen to find new things.

“The unusual – which is sometimes what you encounter at the GLT show – are what GTOs remember most.” 

Andrew Moss, GTO for the Oxford branch of the NHS Retirement Fellowship 

“It’s not easy for a group travel organiser to co-ordinate three venues and keep the group together and stick to time, but we managed it thanks to excellent support from Michele Whitby, the inspirational founder of Eel Pie Island Museum, plus prompt service from Eel Pie Pub and the flexibility of Oxford-based Plastow’s Travel.”

The Eel Pie Island Museum is a fascinating snapshot of a momentous period in music history, according to Andrew, when the ballroom at the island’s now demolished hotel was the go-to place for young dance enthusiasts and the emerging talents of music greats like Mick Jagger, Acker Bilk and Chris Barber.

Marble Hill House and Park awaited the group in the afternoon and offered a “tranquil contrast of parkland with the elegant 18th century house sitting comfortably in its surroundings.”

Angela Ivey, tourism, investment and marketing manager for VisitRichmond, and the person who inspired Andrew to visit at the 2022 GLT Show, said: “We’re thrilled to have met Andrew at the GLT Show and are delighted that he had such a wonderful time in Richmond. It’s great that we were able to turn that initial meeting into a wonderful trip for the whole group.

“Of course, we’re well-known for our big attractions like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Hampton Court Palace, but by exhibiting at the GLT Show last year, we were able to share details about the area’s hidden gems like Strawberry Hill House, Turner’s House, and of course Eel Pie Museum which Andrew enjoyed.

“It’s great to introduce people to the history and heritage on offer throughout Richmond, and be able to give group organisers that we meet that personal touch.”

Andrew added: “Group travel organisers need a bit of help to add variety to their programme. The big beasts of group travel are often the easiest. But the unusual – which is sometimes what you encounter at the GLT show – are what we remember most.”