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• Unsung Hero Award 2023

Unsung Hero Award 2023

This category is unique as it recognises an individual, working for a tourism business, who excels in their role and deserves to be applauded for their work and commitment to the industry.

The winner of this category and all the Lancashire Tourism Awards category winners will be announced at the awards event in February.

The 2023 finalists are as follows:

Joanne Denton, Head of Weddings, Holland Hall

Joanne is a dedicated member of the Holland Hall venue team, who describe her as inspirational and ‘absolutely unstoppable’. Having excelled in events and weddings at the Hall, she was promoted to her current role just before the Covid pandemic. Despite the uncertainty of that period, she retained many bookings, while she supported and guided many anxious couples through this worrying time. During the recovery period she went on to double wedding bookings and revenue for the venue. The team at Holland Hall are convinced that this thriving venue would not have survived the challenges that have faced the industry without Joanne’s talent, resilience, and work ethic.

Joanne has created a unique venue that couples say feels like a second home, not just for them but for their families and visiting friends too. She strives to identify what factors would make a couples’ special day unique; making each couple feel like the only couple marrying at Holland Hall. As a humble character, Joanne is a highly valued colleague who finds time to be supportive and loyal to all, they have nominated her and declare her ‘one of a kind’.

Oli Martin, Chef Director/owner, Aven, Fell Urban Bistro & Foray Catering.

Oli has not only elevated the local food scene but has also positively impacted the community through his unwavering commitment to supporting local farmers, businesses, and employment opportunities.

An innovative approach and commitment to pushing boundaries have earned Oli a dedicated social media following, where he shares culinary creations, inspires aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. Oli’s emphasis on utilizing locally sourced or foraged ingredients ensures freshness and quality and fosters economic growth within the community.

As an influential figure in the industry, Oli has created over 30 jobs opportunities in Lancashire, providing a platform for talented individuals to pursue their passion in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Oli’s appearance on the popular BBC TV programme MasterChef: The Professionals in 2018 showcased his remarkable talent as well as bringing attention to Lancashire as a gastronomic destination.

Simon Entwistle, Tour Guide, Top Hat Tours

When leading his first ghost tour in 1996, Simon had found his calling. Since then, Simon’s business has grown, as has his audience. Simon’s passion, enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of Lancashire have captured the imagination of audiences, young and old, from across the world.

Simon’s tours bring Lancashire’s treasured historic houses, such as Samlesbury Hall, Browsholme Hall and Towneley Hall, and their fascinating history to life for visitors. When leading coach tours, he tells tales of the Lancashire countryside’s folklore and dark history, such as the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials of 1612.

Simon brings Lancashire history and folklore to vivid life, regularly escorting press visits of the county, to raise the profile of Lancashire as an intriguing destination to visit. It is not surprising then that Simon is a published author and has appeared on TV broadcasts throughout the years, including popular shows such as Most Haunted and BBC Countryfile.