One of the Lake District’s most popular indoor attractions – the Lakeland Motor Museum – has a new Customer Service Manager at the steering wheel.
And Carol Phillpotts has exciting plans for the Backbarrow attraction which draws in more than 80,000 visitors every year.
“As soon as I walked into the museum, I could feel how special the place is,” says Carol.
“It’s already a fascinating attraction with so much to interest visitors of all ages. I can’t wait to get involved in shaping its future development.”
Working alongside Museum Curator Chris Lowe, Carol is keen to make visits even more memorable by adding to the many experiences available at the museum.
With her background in education, you can expect fresh developments to encourage new visitors and widen the museum’s already popular appeal to families.
“It goes without saying the collection of vehicles and automobilia here is second to none,” says Carol. “But I’m keen to build on the museum’s potential as a venue for gift shopping, for hosting events, or even just as a place for friends to gather and relax by the river with a nice drink and something to eat from the cafe.
“I’m keen to make it a location in its own right. I’ll work to improve the already wide range of wonderful gifts we sell in the shop – from jewellery to books to collectibles, toys and games.”
Carol says the museum is also a perfect venue for “An Evening With” style talks, music evenings, workshops and entertainment. “I’m looking forward to attracting more visitors here to experience events like that,” she says.
Carol started her working life as a hairdresser – going on to teach hairdressing and beauty therapy at Furness College. She developed her teaching skills further by working with young people – eventually establishing her own business working with schools to help youngster’s personal development and offering careers advice. She has also run her own florist and gift business.
”The Lakeland Motor Museum is full of wonderful nostalgia. But Carol’s favourite exhibit may surprise you!
“It’s the Citroen 2CV!” she says. “It may not be our most stunning vehicle but it’s all about nostalgia for me. A friend of mine had one when I was younger. It just reminds me of good times! I hope every visitor will spot something that sparks memories and brings a smile to their face – that is what the Museum is here for.”
Carol adds: “I urge people to come and see all that we have to offer. The journey over to Backbarrow is beautiful and scenic. There’s so much to see and do when you arrive – and the museum is the icing on the cake!”
Thoughts now are turning towards Christmas with the museum organising a Boxing Day gathering open to all interesting classic, vintage, retro and modern cars, motorcycles and trucks. You can come along between 10am and 2pm on Boxing Day and visit the museum, it’s gift shop and Café Ambio.
The attraction, at Backbarrow, has over 30,000 exhibits including over 140 classic cars and motorbikes. It also has an extensive Campbell Bluebird Exhibition, housed in its own building, paying tribute to the high-speedcareers of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell.
