More new guides in Wales!
We’re really excited to add Newport alongside Cardiff to our Welsh Invisible Cities in partnership with homelessness charity The Wallich.
Here’s a quick update from Lotty and the team in Newport on how the training of new guides is going.
So far Newport training is going really well. The trainees have had a backstage tour of BBC Wales and watched Crimewatch being rehearsed with Steph McGovern and Rav Wilding (they waved at us!). We were also lucky enough to go in the newsroom and sit in the anchor’s chair.
Our brilliant guide Larysa from Cardiff delivered a Storytelling Session and then took the group on her new tour Myths, Power and Secrets – they all said how they had learnt so much about being a tour guide, all the different elements you have to think about.
Michelle, our steward, also gave advice on her role and explained this is also an opportunity for people if they decide they don’t want to be a tour guide.
We also went to Newport Wetlands and had a brilliant tour of the nature reserve and learnt about the different birds that inhabit it and how 7,000 year old footprints were found at the site. Cardiff tour guide Jon G was on hand to give advice on dealing with difficult situations on a tour, and how to weave your personal story into your tour narrative.
Carla said “Wonderful few weeks of training. Really enjoyed everything so far. Everything is well organised and informative. We have learnt the differences between how to give indoor tours and outside and I’m really looking forward to what’s to come in the following weeks! Made some nice friends with a wonderful group of people who I may not have met otherwise. Looking forward t continuing this journey together.”
So stay tuned as very soon you’ll be able to book a tour in Newport with our new guides for our 8th Invisible City!
It’s wonderful to see Newport join Cardiff in the Invisible Cities initiative! The backstage tour of BBC Wales sounds like an incredible experience for the trainees. How do you think these unique experiences enhance their guiding skills?
Thank you for your lovely words. These tours are so important as they expand everyone’s horizons and make everyone feel included as part of the excitment of what a city has too offer.