Seven people are about to start their training to show off the best of Gravesham.

In May, Gravesham council asked for people who were interested in forming an accredited local Tourism Guiding Association, and delivering walks on behalf of the council, to come forward.

The group are now about to embark on their training and the first steps to becoming an official tour guide.

The 10-week course will start on Tuesday October, 3.

It will finish mid-December with one written and one walking exam, overseen and accredited by an ITG (Institute of Tourist Guiding) registered adjudicator.

The end result will see a number of guides qualified to represent the council on three themed walks:

• River Walk – from the Three Daws pub to the Canal Basin taking in all aspects of the river such as pirates, smuggling, ship building, shrimping, the Port of London Authority, missions, fortifications and the river itself.
• People and Places – running from St George’s Church to the Gordon statue talking about Pocahontas, Charles Dickens and General Gordon as well as other notable local personages such as Darnley, Beaufort and the Duke of York. This walk will also include the history of Gravesend including coaching inns, the Clock Tower, Gravesend Borough Market and the Old Town Hall.
• Politics and Religion – taking in the Mayor’s parlour, civic centre and regalia, then along to the Sikh temple to talk about Sikhism and other religions.

Cabinet member for tourism and youth, Cllr Jordan Meade, said: “The people that came forward are going to get a really great experience to offer these guided tours and will learn so much along the way about our borough.

“There will also be a great opportunity for them to meet a range of people from our wonderful communities.

“I’m pleased we’re able to start our own Tourism Guiding Association and see this as a great asset to Gravesham and its tourism offering.”

If you would like to take part in the training there is still time. Contact Virginie Whittaker virginie.whittaker@gravesham.gov.uk