Group Organiser profile - David Rockett

Name: David Rockett

Group Name: Fran Wilson-Copp’s Art History Groups

Size of Group: Fran has several classes of approximately 30/35 members per class. The classes are held in Cheltenham, Stroud and Redcomb. (All within a 20 miles radius from Cheltenham.)

Number of Tours per Year: I am not sure how many tours have been run per year in the past. I have only been going to Fran’s lectures for a little over a year. I was volunteered by a friend when the last organiser was unable to continue because of ill health. In 2013 I organised two tours, one to Florence and one to Den Haag. We are off to Paris in April and we are hoping to go to Vienna soon. I am awaiting a decision from the classes as to when.

Favourite Destination: Difficult to say. Florence was great early in the year before the crowds arrived, but it was a cold February. Den Haag was outstanding with the glorious weather, fantastic museums, art galleries and hotel. (Several ladies commented that the Park Hotel Den Haag was the best they had stayed in on one of Fran’s visits.) However, I am looking forward to Paris this April – my favourite city. Thanks to Tailored Travel we have an outstanding tour planned with alternative venues on some days plus a visit to Monet’s Garden on the return journey.

The Highlights: The smoothness of the travel arrangements and visits, including the whispers audio headsets so we could all hear Fran’s lectures. The contents of the Rijksmuseum. (It has the best restaurant/café in a museum to-date.) The Panorama Mesdag at den Haag was outstanding.

Most Enjoyable thing about the visits: The pleasure and enjoyment of the participants.

Least Enjoyable: Having to say sorry to people when all the places are full, followed by the very few petty moans from the odd person.

Top Tip: Be positive, cheerful and tolerant of the less mobile members of the party.

Tailored Travel: When I took on the job of tour organiser I really was in the dark! I found an advertisement in a magazine for Tailored Travel and rang the company. I believe it was Michael to whom I talked. His response was positive and helpful with his advice re numbers mode of travel etc. What was promised was given. Arrangements work like clockwork. The guides (the cost of which were built into the tour) are excellent. Both the coach driver and guide on our last tour have been requested again both by Fran and numerous members of the party.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Tailored Travel to anyone. All the staff I have talked to have gone out of their way to be helpful and constructive. Tailored Travel’s back-up is excellent with a 24 hour emergency telephone number once the tour is underway.