Luke’s story – employee of the month!

My name is Luke Bates and I’m the Buxton Visitor Centre Manager. I thought you might be missing me by now so here I am Employee Of The Month without working a single day in the month!

Why am in not at my job at the busiest time of the year? This must be the first Buxton Festival, Fringe, Well Dressing and Carnival that I have missed for many, many years, so it’s very strange to be at home with Patch my very loud rascal dog who loves to appear on zooms and take over my phone calls. I’m sure many of the staff are happy for the extra hours (so you are welcome) and apologies to those who had to work even harder over the busiest time of the year (I owe you a cup of Buxton Roastery the next time I’m a Barista).

Why am I at home instead watching all these great sporting events: Wimbledon, Test Cricket, British Open Golf and Tour De France highlights? And did I do it deliberately? On 30th June I was attempting to play cricket for the Chapel-en-le-Frith Thirds, and I ended up tearing my Achilles tendon without even running or chasing down the cricket ball. I was just walking in minding my own business while the bowler was bowling, and I went down like a sack of potatoes. The next day I was sent to Stepping Hill A&E. Here I am now at home getting use to my crutches and my Robocop leg. My nickname now at cricket is Pegleg. I will never live it down.

I was born in 1973 so have just recently celebrated a Big Birthday. What is that I hear you say? I can’t be that age with my young looks and mop of hair. I wish!!! Believe it or not I used to have a mop of curly hair at school, I will get my Mum to send a photo for proof!
I am very lucky to be working in the Tourism Industry, I ‘ve done that for over 25 years now and it’s a great industry to work in. I obtained a BA in International Travel and Tourism whilst living in the Big Smoke. When I was studying, I worked on the Big Bus London as a tour guide and met many tourists especially South Africans. They get everywhere you know even small towns like Buxton.

So, what is it like when I actually do manage to get to work?

I really enjoy working at the Buxton Visitor Centre in the elegant Victorian Pump Room, looking across at the Grade 1 listed Crescent, what a lovely changing view through the seasons! Every day is different. There are a few returning questions though – where are closest toilets? and where do you pay for parking? We sometimes answer these before they are asked. If only I got a pound for every time this has been asked, I would be a millionaire.

The Pump Room is many visitors first port of call in Buxton, and I enjoy answering a wide range of questions and helping visitors plan their day, their holiday or their walks, whatever they need really. It is so good making visitors feel welcome and relaxed as well as using your knowledge and expertise to help them make the most of their visit to Buxton, the Peak District and beyond.

We are a template for how a Visitor Centre needs to survive and flourish by offering visitors an experience, information and gift shopping whilst having a lovely cuppa of Buxton Roastery and slice of Jake’s Bakes in the elegant surroundings or sitting outside sipping a glass of vino or beer taking in the masterpiece that is the Crescent. We are one of the cheapest bars in Buxton for those that don’t already know this!

Dear other staff, enjoy the rest of the busy season, look after those visitors, and especially the Coffee machine (my baby) and we’ll catch up when I return.