Newark's Mis-Guided tour business looks to get on right track

Help is needed to help a business owner start up a quirky new venture.

Wendy Baird, owner of Carriages Café, Newark, has teamed up with writer Robbie Taylor and actor Steve Cawte to launch Mis-Guided Tours, a walking tour taking in the sights of Newark — but with a twist.

Mis-Guided Tours offers an hour-long tour of the town that visits all Newark’s attractions, including the castle, historic Market Place and town hall, Trent Locks and the National Civil War Centre.

However their guide, Professor Bryan, played by Steve, is prone to telling fibs so participants need to guess which facts about the town are made up.

Wendy said: “We are all used to the town coming alive when the Sealed Knot stage battle re-enactments. However, independent businesses like Carriages would welcome even more reasons for tourists to come to the town, week in, week out.

“I believe that the unique and quirky nature of a Mis-Guided Tour could really put Newark on the map.”

The first tour takes place on Saturday, October 19, and tickets cost £15, which includes a breakfast roll and hot drink at Carriages Café.

The initiative has support from NatWest Bank’s Crowdfunding Back Her Business initiative, which allows start-up businesses to turn the first sales of a project into funding to help the business become a reality.

People and businesses are encouraged to make a donation towards the project in exchange for rewards, which range from a place on one of the tours to becoming part of the tour.

Steve Cawte said: “Everyone will be provided with a map that highlights all the important landmarks, such as the castle, Trent Locks, the Civil War Centre and The Royal Market.

“However, for a small donation, businesses can also have a prominent marker on the map and, where practical, their business will be pointed out to participants along the way.”

Crowdfunding for Mis-Guided Tours ends on Monday.

For more information, go to https://natwestbackherbusiness.co.uk/mis-guided-tours/backers#start or visit Carriages Café, near Newark Castle Station.

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