| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 03/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
The travel club
Chandlers keep it in the family with memories of last 50 years
The Chandler family, which owns The Travel Club of Upminster, has been heavily involved in ABTA throughout its 50-year history.Harry and Irene Chandler were founders of ABTA. Harry was chairman of the Tour Operators’ Council and Irene was on the Convention Committee. Their son Paul is currently serving on the ABTAboard of directors.
Paul even celebrated his 21st birthday at the 1971 ABTA convention in Rotterdam.
“One of the main differences between today and 50 years ago is that ABTAis financially stable and one of the most successful industry organisations. In the early days, it was all done on goodwill but it served its function.”
His mother Irene said: “At the beginning we were all small people with our own businesses – except Thomas Cook which gave us the credibility ABTAneeded in the early days. We got together for the strength.”
President’s quotes
“I recall the coming of age for ABTA – its 21st anniversary. The thought that was uppermost in everyone’s mind was the new structure I introduced which gave operators and retailers their own council. At the time it was necessary, now it’s time to consolidate.”
Bob Waller, now 80,
was the last chairman
of ABTA
from 1971-72