Tourism Set To Boom In Oxfordshire As 'Hidden Britain' Is Revealed
Monday 22 August 2005 15:43
Department for The Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (South East)
Projects in Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire are among those hoping to benefit from a rural tourism boom now worth £2 billion a year to the South East. They are being developed by Project Development Officer for Hidden Britain South East, James Turner, who has been funded for two years by Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES). The project aims to help rural communities attract tourists and help local people build economic prosperity and encourage residents involvement in their communities.
The scheme, which is delivered by the Rural Development Service in partnership with the South East Rural Community Councils (SERCC), and Tourism South East, is part of a national drive to promote undiscovered rural gems. Since November 2004, James has been working closely with rural communities in the South East, helping them develop relationships with a range of agencies and undertaking project management responsibilities including advising on funding applications.
Dorchester-on-Thames is notable for a history stretching back to pre-Roman times.
In AD 635, Cynegils the King of the West Saxons was baptised in the River Thame by St Birinus and Dorchester became the episcopal centre for Wessex. In 1140 Dorchester's Augustinian monastery was founded and Dorchester Abbey was built on the old Saxon foundation. As Wallingford and Oxford grew, Dorchester's importance as a centre decreased. However, its location on the main roads from Gloucester and from Oxford to London ensured its role as a focal point for travellers, with several picturesque inns as well as two stagecoach inns.
Hidden Britain development projects include a Visitor Survey, Information Boards, the design and production of an interactive CD-ROM of the Dorchester Millennium Project book and a walking/cycling guide to the area. All these are aimed at enticing visitors to stay longer in the area. The CD-ROM will provide an innovative, accessible way of conveying the history and lifestyle of the village which can be displayed through a touch-screen facility at the museum and abbey. The double-sided Information Boards will carry maps of Dorchester and the surrounding area and give information about accommodation, food and drink, travel, walks and main attractions in the area.
James Turner said:
"Hidden Britain is all about recognizing what is special about a community or area, and showcasing this to a wider audience, but also ensuring this is a locally led initiative run by the people who know it best. Communities have the ideas, initiatives, and willingness to make things happen, but often cannot spare the time to dedicate to projects. Therefore, providing someone who can guide, support and advise often proves to be just the helping hand they need to deliver something really special, and that is where Hidden Britain's strength lies."
Barry Willett, Rural Development Service Advisor, said:
"RDS are happy to work with South East Rural Community Councils in funding
the development of the Hidden Britain concept in the South East. The
project contributes to wider aims in development of more sustainable,
diverse and enterprising rural economies and communities"
Roger Budden, Head of Development and Rural Regeneration at Tourism South East, said:
"The South East of England has some of the best landscapes in the country, but the public's perception of the region doesn't recognise that fact. The "Hidden Britain" programme will help to promote the real rural south east to a wider audience. We are very happy to be working alongside the Rural Community Councils on this important initiative".
For more information visit http://www.hiddenbritainse.com