Postie’s future is sealed
It may not be spring but it seems there’s definitely love in the air! Yes, love is all around us from Southend-on-Sea to rural Gillingham.
Regular readers may recall the sorry saga of the Essex postie whose dreams (and holiday plans) were shattered when he discovered his partner in a compromising position with his best friend.
Upon reading of his plight, many compassionate travel staff wrote in with offers of short breaks and weekends away in various destinations both here and abroad to help ease the postman’s pain.
Those kind souls will therefore be very happy to hear that the gentleman in question has found a new companion with whom to share life’s round and will be getting married next year.
I received this information on the same day that our colleague Sal returned from a Tapestry educational to Kefalonia, to be greeted on her arrival by a proposal of marriage and a three-stone diamond ring from her boyfriend, a former client.
She told us he had tested the waters with a phone call to Kefalonia before popping the question on her return. The intimation of a proposal meant Sal enjoyed something of a hen night in the Agostelli bar, Kefalonia, along with other participants of the educational, making her time there even more memorable.
Back in the office we cracked open a bottle and in our best Portuguese (Sal hails from Brazil), wished the happy couple “Muitas Felicidades!”
Plans for the wedding are now underway and include an invitation to John Barker, the producer and presenter of the cabaret Sal so much enjoyed on an educational on board the Marco Polo.
John, known as the little pianist, will play at the reception. Sal tells me this will remind her of the musical fun she enjoyed on the educational in August, where she sang Amazing Grace. It’s quite clear now that she’ll Never Walk Alone!
Hubby’s happy birthday
What’s the best birthday present a wife could bestow upon her husband? For one lucky fellow, it’s a week’s holiday on his own, away from her!
Our lady client popped in to leave a list of her husband’s holiday requirements with Jules who duly got on the case and came up with a single in Majorca with Bonaventure.
Some days later, the birthday boy rolled up to collect his tickets, more than happy with his treat. So ladies, for the man who has everything and the wife who’d like a little time to herself, think about packing the chap off on his own to ensure many happy returns!
Talking of lists of holiday requirements, industry colleague Aileen Tawse of Tawse Travel in Aberdeenshire, certainly had her work cut out by the family who sent her a wish list for their holiday.
The letter informed Aileen and her staff they were invited to quote for a trip to the Canary Islands for three adults and two children.
The invitation was then qualified by a list of stringent requirements including accommodation must-haves such as ‘golf course within 15-mile radius, quiet area and kids’ club’. There were also points referring to flights and departure times.
As a shopping list for a cheap and cheerful fun-in the-sun holiday it was breathtaking. As a challenge to the travel agent it was a recipe for stress.
They’re clearly made of sterner stuff up in Aberdeenshire as Tawse Travel actually came up with something which was booked by the family.
At the time of booking, Aileen asked how many such letters the family had sent to various agencies. Her jaw nearly hit the floor when she heard the father reply that he’d mailed 60.
Even with today’s bargain-mad consumers, such comprehensive coverage must be a rarity. Aileen would like the other 59 agents who received the same request to know that the letter did come from a genuine client and not a weirdo, journalist or mystery shopper!
Best wishes to helpful Mike
If you remember the days when senior industry staff were actually prepared to get their hands dirty, you will remember Mike Prior, sales director of Intasun, who was ready and willing to help out and did so with a smile.
Mike is now chairman of Westway Travel in Wickford, Essex, and non-executive director of Jetlife. Two weeks ago, he popped in to see us on his way back from Cornwall, looking the picture of health.
Imagine our shock when we heard that, instead of jetting off to Florida with his wife Nina who has been very ill this year, Mike found himself in hospital undergoing quadruple heart bypass surgery.
I am pleased to be able to report that he is now making a good recovery and says a huge thank you to all who sent cards, telephoned and enquired after him. We wish him and Nina all the best for the future.
A little bit of horseplay
A friend of mine decided last year to leave the multiple she was working for and go it alone as a travel consultant working from home. The two of us have been weighing up the pros and cons of the move.
For me, the company of my office colleagues is too important to give up. I admit I talk a lot, but, as I’ve said to our boss Nigel, I’m more than happy to supply the paracetamol should the need arise.
My friend explained that she has more than enough company at home with her horse, two dogs and three cats and she prefers the flexibility homeworking offers.
Fewer hours seem to be the best compensation although it is clear that deriving an income in this way takes a great deal of motivation and hard work.
“But,” she said. “I was the laughing stock of the stables turning up to bed down my horse after work in my agency uniform and high heels!” In the end, we agreed it was horses for courses, or, as in this case, horses for homeworkers!