Become A Guide In Colchester
Courses are run by the Colchester Tourist Guides Association in conjunction with one of the local higher or adult education establishments. The last course concluded in 2004 and there are no plans for another at the present time as there are over fifty qualified Guides on the books at the VisitColchester Information Centre in Queen Street. Consequently courses tend to take place roughly every 6 years or so, or whenever the number of Guides available for tours falls for whatever reason.
Traditionally training to be a Colchester Guide takes place over an academic year. In the first two terms candidates study and attend lectures first on local and then national history and culture.
If they pass the written exams set at the end of each term they progress in the third to develop their practical guiding skills with the help of experienced guides. This is followed by a final test of their knowledge and skills in the form of a practical assessment led by an independent assessor.
Once qualified, the Guides undertake a variety of work. There are the:
- Walking Tours of Colchester which take place throughout the Summer around the Town Centre
- Themed Tours, where Guides dress in character and escort groups, which take place in the evenings mainly during the Summer
- Colchester History Alive! Special historical events and sketches put together by a group of Guides
- Tours of the Town Hall
- Tours of the Castle
If you would like to be informed when a date is set for the next course please leave your details with the VisitColchester Information Centre at vic@colchester.gov.uk - tel: 01206 282980 and they will pass them onto the course provider at the relevant time. Please note this is for information only and does not commit you to attending any future course, or guarantee a place for you on any future course.
In the meantime for general information and advice about guiding in Colchester contact Dick Barton, the Chairman of the Colchester Tourist Guides Association at bab@bartonlex.fsnet.co.uk