Tour guide champions ‘hidden gem’

Aug 7 2008 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

SUNDERLAND is the hidden tourism gem of the North East, according to the secretary of the region’s new tourist guide service.

Patricia Lowery yesterday started her job as one of 15 qualified Blue Badge guides. And she urged more tourists to visit her home town instead of simply visiting the North’s other attractions.

Ms Lowery, of Walkerdene, Newcastle, said Bamburgh, Durham City and the Cheviot Hills were her top three most idyllic and beautiful places to visit.

But she also highlighted Sunniside in Sunderland as a hidden high spot.

She said: “When I was growing up, it was a beautiful place, but then it went downhill. Now it is has been restored to its former glory. It’s a wonderful place – come and visit.”

Ms Lowery was one of 15 people who studied for the Blue Badge at Newcastle College. They did 30 hours of self-study a week for the year-long course, along with practical learning sessions on coach tours of the region, culminating in exams.

She and her colleagues will now show tourists around the highlights of the region, including the Angel of the North and Durham Cathedral.

Ms Lowery said she was excited about the opportunity she and her fellow badge holders now had to promote the area.

She said her main aim was to raise the profile of the guides.

The inaugural meeting of the guides’ association was on Monday at the Centre for Life in Newcastle. Plans for a website, offices and marketing are being made.