Lynda Searancke

Current position:  Board member of Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism (Director).

Brief experience: After the spin of a pin on a map over 30 years ago my two sons and I arrived in the Forest of Dean. We knew no one.  What a fortuitous pin that was as the Forest of Dean people turned out to be both friendly and supportive. Since then three local businesses have been created and all still employing and thriving today. One of which is Forest Barn Holidays which began with a single self-catering barn growing over the last 18 years to 11 units over two sites. Hence, with each year gaining further knowledge of the self-catering industry and customer aspirations.

Key skills: Day to day management, marketing, administration/accounting, business computer systems. Data analysis and business development.

Reasons for being a board member: Hopefully I can repay some of the generosity and kindness which has been shown to me by helping to increase the volume of tourism business throughout the Forest of Dean. A Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism member for many years it might be now that I could have the relevant business experience to contribute to the team of Directors in increasing visitor numbers and enhancing the length of their stay FROM A DAY to A STAY benefitting accommodation providers et al.