A Denbighshire mother and her children got to enjoy a fun-filled day after Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies won the ‘Parliamentary Seaside Selfie’, a social media promotion organised by 'bacta', the trade body which represents the interests of Britain’s amusements and high street gaming manufacturers and operators.
James took his selfie last year on Rhyl seafront, outside Harkers Amusements and Bingo and he was delighted to hear earlier this year that he was a winner.
His photo encapsulated the year-round appeal of the amusements sector and he tweeted: ‘It may be November but there’s always time to visit Rhyl seafront for a #SeasideSelfie with the Harkers!’
His selfie earned an all expenses family day out at Thorpe Park, courtesy of bacta, which he donated to a constituent.
James said:
“I was extremely pleased to take part in this promotion in support of the coastal amusements sector, but never for a moment thought I would win!
“There are many constituents who would have been worthy of the day out, but after much careful consideration, and with the help of my office team, I decided to donate the prize to a resident in Denbigh whom I have previously helped and who has faced a number of struggles in their life.”
He added:
“Rhyl has always been known for its amusement arcades and no trip to the town is complete without a visit to the infamous Harkers Amusements.
“It was a real pleasure to catch up with Craig, and a rather large cuddly toy, last November to take the selfie and to support this family business, which is a huge asset to the town.”
Commenting on the promotion, bacta CEO John White said: “First of all huge congratulations to Dr Davies for his winning selfie and tweet which captured the attraction of the seaside amusements sector and the role that it plays in providing value for money, safe, family entertainment to the British population.
“We know from independent research commissioned by bacta that a third of the population has visited a seaside amusements attraction at some time in the previous 12-months, which explains why so many of us have such wonderful memories either as a child or a parent of days spent at the seaside. The seaside holiday is part of British culture and the amusements sector provides a central touchpoint of the experience as well as generating employment opportunities and contributing to local economies.
“In the summer, I spent two days on the south coast and whilst the season was literally dampened by bad weather, Brighton seafront was absolutely packed with families enjoying the experience of being at the coast and all that entails. Without the amusements sector and without a fully-functioning Pier there’s no doubt that Brighton and its economy would be significantly diminished.”
He added: “By running the bacta Parliamentary Seaside Selfie we want MPs in coastal constituencies to champion the family amusements sector and for those who are inland to recognise the appeal of the Great British Seaside Holiday.”
Craig Harker said:
"Well done to James, great to see that he won the competition and that a local family got to enjoy a great day out at Thorpe Park.
"I am very pleased that Harkers Amusement were able to help and thank James for his support of our business."
