25 years in travel
Broads Travel reached its 25th anniversary in 2007 so it seems fitting at this point to relay how the company all started. Back in 1982 Robert Broad approached Michael Webb, a long standing friend, to form a partnership to create Robert Broad Travel in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. The company covered, as now, all aspects of leisure and business travel. A subsidiary company in Boley Park , run by Robert’s brother, left the group after a few years to work independently. When Robert retired, Michael took control of the Four Oaks company, keeping the name of Broads with Robert’s blessing. Robert felt that his father, Ray, would have been delighted to keep the family name going in a progressive business. In 2005, the company expanded with a new travel agency in Bird Street , Lichfield right next door to Michael’s hotel, The George. To avoid any confusion, Broads Travel Group still has no connection with the Boley Park unit.

Meet the team

Sue Guilfoyle has worked in the travel industry for 28 years, 21 years at Broads Travel Group. Sue has visited the Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, USA, Barbados, St Lucia, Grenada, Alaska, Vancouver, Hawaii (Oahu) and Bermuda. She has also cruised the Caribbean and Norwegian Fjords. Her favourite destinations are USA, Bermuda, Seychelles and Norwegian Fjords. Her dream destination would be NewZealand – if she could get there without flying!

Graham Barrett has worked for 40 years in the travel industry and 24 years for Broads Travel Group. Graham has visited the USA, Canada, Asia and Europe including Scandinavia. His favourite destination is Iceland as it is unpolluted and unspoilt. Graham’s dream destination would be New Zealand.

Isabelle Bending has worked in the travel industry for 40 years and has been with Broads Travel Group for 10 years. Isabelle has visited many places in Europe plus Canada, USA, Mauritius, South Africa, India, Bali and the Maldives. She has cruised parts of the Caribbean, the Norwegian Fjords and the Mediterranean plus Iceland, Greenland and Tahiti. She has skied in Canada and Europe (France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Scotland). Isabelle’s favourite destination is South Africa the she loves the diversity of the country and the animals.

Elaine Barnes has worked in the travel industry for 19 years. She has visited Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Poland, Canaries, Madeira, Sardinia, Netherlands, Turkey, Portugal, Tunisia, Cyprus Israel, India, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, California, Florida and New York. Her favourite destinations are Aruba for the beaches and Croatia for the clear crystal waters, locals and scenery. Her dream holiday would be a Silversea world cruise.

Kathy Vale has worked in the travel industry for 12 years and has been with Broads Travel Group for 6 years. Kathy has been to Spain, Greece, Croatia, France, Tenerife, Portugal, Malta, Lanzarote, Belgium, Majorca, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali, Thailand, Mexico, Bahamas, Florida, Maldives, Israel and Vietnam. Her favourite destination is the Far East as she loves the mixture of cultures, contrasting cities and gorgeous beaches. Her dream holiday destination would be Japan.

Sarah Yates has worked in the travel industry for 22 years. Sarah has visited France (including Disneyland Paris), Majorca, Spain, Gibraltar, Malta, Menorca, Ibiza, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy (Skiing), Gran Canaria, St Petersburg and Florida. Her favourite destination is Orlando as it has plenty to do, great accommodation and a pleasant climate. Australia would be Sarah’s dream destination.

Katherine Goodwin has worked in the travel industry for 23 years and now works in our Lichfield branch. Katherine has visited most of Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Holland, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Germany, Spain, Portugal – including beach resorts, Greece, Canaries, Balearics, Turkey, Tunisia and many cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Florence, Turin, Pisa, Dubrovnik, Madrid, Zurich and Istanbul). She has also visited Kenya, the Middle East including Dubai, Kuwait and Oman plus Florida, California and New York in the USA. Katherine’s favourite destination pre children was California as she loves San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Post children she enjoys Centre Parcs. Katherine’s dream holiday would be a South African safari.

Debbie Smith has worked in the travel industry for 30 years and now works in our Lichfield branch. She has visited Brazil, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Chicago, New York, Barbados, Dominican Republic and most of Europe. Her favourite destination is Zimbabwe as she loves its amazing scenery, wildlife, history and people. There are many places Debbie would like to visit but her top three are China, Russia and South Africa.

Sheila Fisher has worked in the travel industry for 38 years and has visited many worldwide destinations including Antigua, Barbuda, Balearics, coCanaries, Denmark, Egypt, Far East, France, Greece, Holland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, South Africa and USA. Her favourite destination is South Africa because of its beauty and wildlife. Sheila’s dream holiday would be a world cruise!