English Heritage's Award Winning Night

English Heritage scoops Customer Service Prize at North East England’s Tourism Awards. The awards show, now in its fourth year, honours and rewards the regional tourism industry’s leading individuals, businesses and attractions.

The winners were announced on the 21st October at a sparkling dinner and awards ceremony. Three hopefuls were shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Customer Service’ award with the gold award scooped up by a star English Heritage employee. John (left) with his award.

John Wilkinson is a visitor operations site supervisor at Chesters Roman Fort, Northumberland. He has worked for English Heritage for over 20 years.  John manages the Chesters site on a day to day basis and he covers all aspects of visitor operations including meeting and greeting groups visiting the site. 

John who described being nominated as a ‘great honour’ – was selected as the gold medallist by a panel of four judges.

The judges deemed John a winner for having made a significant commitment to outstanding service. John regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty, he frequently opens up the Northumberland site earlier than required and has stayed after hours to accommodate visitors, ensuring them an unhurried and memorable experience.

John commented: “Chesters Roman Fort is a lovely location to work in and to visit. I have met some lovely people, especially the ones that I work with. I’m still working here so I must like it!”
Furthermore John has independently supplied and planted new flowers to give the site some colourful cheer.

Chesters Roman Fort Museum Chesters Roman Fort is part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site and is situated in Chollerford and due to renewed interest in Hadrian’s Wall, the fort received over 60,000 visitors last year. The site achieved an outstanding 98% in the most recent mystery shopper survey.

The devoted employee was also nominated to represent English Heritage at Her Majesty’s prestigious garden party in July at Buckingham Palace.

John said: “I went to the garden party in July, which turned out to be one of the fewest of nice days we have in British summertime. It was a great honour to attend and represent English Heritage.

“It was a lovely day, and a lovely atmosphere, there was over 9,000 people in attendance, so it was an excellent experience.” 

Chesters Roman Fort