Agent Diary: The Yorkshire Ball will always be a celebration of Sandy Murray

A couple of weeks ago, we were lucky enough to be invited to the Yorkshire Ball. Started by the fabulous Sandy Murray, the event celebrates Yorkshire agents and the suppliers who support them. 

 

Many of you will know how Sandy, who sadly passed away in September, poured her heart and soul into making the ball a highlight of the Yorkshire travel trade calendar. It would have made her very proud that her good friends Tony, Jodie and the rest of the team from Idle Travel have picked up the organising baton. 

 

More: Yorkshire Travel Trade Ball pays tribute to ‘warm and caring’ Sandy Murray

 

A Day With... Arundel Travel in Otley

 

For me, the Yorkshire Ball won’t be about the glitz, dancing or the wine in future – it will always be a celebration of Sandy; she was one of those people who made sure you never felt alone in a room, and that’s how I’ll always remember her.

 

It was wonderful to see so many agent and supplier friends together again, and a highlight for me was watching my team from Arundel Travel building and strengthening relationships within the industry. 

 

Taking up opportunities 

After 30 years in travel, I always tell students at the college I teach at what an incredible life this industry gives you: the chance to travel, make lifelong friendships and, of course, to genuinely love your job.

 

We really do value events and we’ll always support them, especially when they’re in our neck of the woods. The effort that goes into them is huge and, even when we’re not boarding a plane to reach them, they make us feel like we are. Recent highlights have included Las Vegas with Leeds Bradford airport, Abu Dhabi with Etihad Holidays, plus others hosted by JTA and Virgin Voyages. 

 

"Just look at what we have. What a world to work in"

 

I’ve always loved the saying, ‘You’ll never be a millionaire working in travel, but you’ll certainly get the opportunities to holiday like one!’

 

Fam trips are such a reward for the effort agents put in, and while I don’t take them up myself anymore, I’m so pleased to see my team experiencing them. Recent standout trips have included Mauritius with Beachcomber and Florida with Ocean Florida – I know my agents will do these partners proud by showcasing the destinations through blogs and by introducing them to our customers. Standing back and watching my team take part in all these opportunities makes me proud. 

 

Sharing knowledge

Nick, my husband, often teases me that I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to the shop – and I’ll admit he’s right. But I’ve realised it’s time to let the team step into my shoes. That’s not to say I’m handing in my passport (I love my shop too much for that!) but, just as I do at college every day, I need to share my knowledge and then let them make their own mistakes and successes. 

 

They need the space to shine, make a name for themselves and build upon our business. It wouldn’t feel right to keep hold of everything I’ve learnt when I can share it. I want to help our industry grow and support the next generation coming through the ranks – I’m excited to see what they achieve.

 

There’s always the option to focus on the negatives in any walk of life, but honestly, just look at what we have. What a world to work in.

 

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Making a difference

So many of us have had to navigate our way through cancer, whether personally or with loved ones, so the work of Macmillan really does touch every life. The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning raises thousands of pounds each year and we were proud to do our bit once again.

 

Our team put their baking skills to the test and the shop was filled with chocolate cake, fruit loaf, banana cake, cupcakes, iced buns and raspberry cheesecake. Customers and friends popped in to sample the treats and together we raised over £50. It may be a small slice of the total but every penny helps, and we’re delighted to have contributed. It was a lovely reminder that when we come together as colleagues, customers, friends or family, we can make a real difference.

 

More: Yorkshire Travel Trade Ball pays tribute to ‘warm and caring’ Sandy Murray

 

A Day With... Arundel Travel in Otley