[SEL] Geoff Challinor & Anson engine museum win awards.

[Dave Croft]

Hi, I am passing on some terrific news about Geoff Challinor (but he doesn't
know I am doing it - he would be far too modest to tell you this himself).

Everyone at the museum is bursting with pride and we want to share our news
so I have written and sent out a press release (below).

Do pass on the news to anyone I may have missed as Geoff deserves his few
minutes in the limelight for a change.
Margaret :-))))))


Chairman of the Anson Engine Museum Receives Prestigious Accolade

Geoff Challinor received a massive accolade at the Cheshire Awards for
Tourism Skills at The Mere Gold and Country Club on Thursday 11th November.
He was awarded the "Commitment To Industry", prize.

At a glittering award ceremony for the Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills
(CATS) 2004, a packed room of over 300 managers, professionals and employees
from the North West's Tourism Industry, were spellbound listening as the
shortlist and then winners for each category were read out.

In the "Tourism Team of the Year" category, the Anson Engine Museum's
"Gardner Exhibition Team" was among the 12 nominees. The team was rewarded
for all their hard work and dedication by picking up a Bronze certificate.
Fantastic achievement for a group of volunteers who were pitched against
some of the major tourism and hospitality sites in the county.

An even more hotly contested category was for the individual who had shown
loyalty, commitment and whose contribution to the industry has been
exceptional. Geoff Challinor, chairman of the Museum, was the winner of the
"Commitment To Industry" award. He picked up the Gold certificate, an
engraved trophy and a map showing where in the constellation of Perseus the
star bought to remember the event "CATS 2004" will be shining.

The judges were particularly impressed with Geoff's ability to inspire,
coach and energise everyone he meets by his enthusiasm and willingness to
share knowledge.  His efforts have seen the museum grow from a private
collection in a basic shed to a respected museum attracting visitors from
across the world.  All this on a shoestring budget and a workforce made up
entirely of volunteers with no government subsidies or grants.

The judges stated that "Geoff was an example to everyone" and paid tribute
to his loyalty and dedication.
The Museum has benefited from having such a friendly, welcoming host.  Geoff
spends hours talking to visitors, answering their many queries and starting
the engines for them to view.  His quiet, self-effacing, good-natured ways
endear him to visitors and volunteers alike.

As well as his own museum Geoff is often contacted for advice, and practical
help, to strip or move engines for companies across the UK (eg Drainage
Boards, Technical help for Manchester Science & Industry Museum, The
National Trust).  He was also the inspiration and key support to a friend of
his to open a Stationary Engine Museum in Ceredigion, Wales last year.

Geoff described the moment as one of the proudest in his life "I am honoured
and humbled to receive this award.  I am proud to accept it, not just on my
behalf, but as an acknowledgement of the wonderful team I have working with
me at the museum."

He says he intends to have the two Award certificates on prominent display
at the museum when it reopens for the 2005 season on Easter Sunday.
---
Dave Croft
Warrington
England
http://community.webshots.com/user/crftdv