TR6

For immediate release

1 September 2006

George Bennett from Stamford first came to Great Yarmouth in 1946 with his parents and stayed at the Windsor Hotel. Next week he returns with his wife celebrating their Ruby Wedding Anniversary and his 60th anniversary of holidaying in Great Yarmouth.

George has been holidaying in Great Yarmouth every year since 1946, sometimes visiting up to three times a year. He has stayed at many hotels, but now prefers Vauxhall Holiday Park, because of the night entertainment and friendly atmosphere.

George has many fond memories of his holidays in Great Yarmouth and in particular Billy the Seal on Britannia Pier, Uncle Neville at the Marina, the island boats to Scroby Sands – which he, his brother and sister sailed on so regularly that the boats used to take them back to the harbour and then by car back to the sea front.

George reminisces about the pleasure boats in Great Yarmouth: the Norwich Belle; Eastern Princess; Golden Galleon and the Tottenham Hotspur.  As a youngster he spent many hours on the snails in Joyland, in which his son followed suit.

His son has now been visiting Great Yarmouth with George and his wife for the past 33 years.

The mayor of Great Yarmouth, Councillor Sue Robinson and Councillor Bert Collins (Chairman of Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority) have invited George and his wife Sheila for elevenses in the Mayor’s Parlour on Thursday 7th September, as a tribute to his loyalty of holidaying in Great Yarmouth.

Her Worship the Mayor, Sue Robinson said ‘George’s loyalty to Great Yarmouth is overwhelming and I am glad that he has so many found memories of his holidays and I am very much looking forward to meeting him and welcoming back to Great Yarmouth for his 60th time.’

Councillor Collins said ‘I am looking forward to talking to him in the Mayor’s Parlour and seeing what his views are on the recent Integreat developments in Great Yarmouth, in particular on Regent Road, in front of Britannia Pier and along the seafront.’

Vauxhall Holiday Park have also delightedly presented George and his wife a one week complimentary stay at the park in recognition of his long standing support to the park and Great Yarmouth.

Notes to Editor: Rob Coleman will be taking photos of George and Sheila Bennett on Thursday 7th September, in the Mayor’s Parlour - contact 07905 093569.

George and Sheila have agreed to interviews on and before their arrival in Gt Yarmouth on Tuesday 5th September.

Press are invited to elevenses in the Mayor’s Parlour and to meet and interview the Bennetts on Thursday 7th September at 11am. But please advise before, so that reception and I are aware of your attendance.

For more information, please contact Nicola Gibson on 01493 846340, or email nmg@great-yarmouth.gov.uk