Drayton Manor Park CEO receives OBE
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After more than 52 years’ involvement in the leisure industry, Colin Bryan, chief executive at Drayton Manor Park and son of the original founders, has received an OBE. He received it in recognition of his charity work and his ongoing contribution to tourism.
“My parents opened the park in 1950 and I have been working there since I was a young boy, when my first job was helping them clear the rubble with my miniature wheelbarrow,” said Bryan. “I have worked in nearly every department over the years and qualified as a chef to really understand what makes the park and catering companies what they are today. It is in my blood so I feel very honoured to receive this OBE. I still love watching our guests have fun, enjoying themselves, knowing I have played a part in that.”
In 1949, George and Vera Bryan OBE purchased a derelict property together with 80 acres of land near Tamworth, Staffordshire. Not long after, they set about transforming the site, which had once been the home of Sir Robert Peel, into a leisure park that would be affordable and open to all. Today, in its 66th year, Drayton Manor is one of the top five theme parks in the UK.
Over the years, Colin has been an inspiration to those around him for his support with numerous local charities and community initiatives, including his involvement with the park’s main charity, of which he is a Patron, KidsOut.
Other charities include the RNLI, for which his late mother was involved, as well as the Midlands Air Ambulance, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), St Giles Hospice, National Autistic Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Tamworth Round Table and Tamworth Rotary to name a few.
“This park truly is a family affair. It began with my parent’s passion to create somewhere magical for people to visit after the war. It is our whole family’s life works and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Bryan.
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