holiday
Obituary: Broadcast legend Allan Riddell leaves a legacy of success – The Herald
By Stan Higgins
With the passing away of Allan Riddell on Friday a half-century career in broadcasting and entertainment came to an end, but the legacy of this influential man is one that will hold fast for many years to come.
He was best known for his work on television and radio and it is perhaps in the area of television game shows that he will be best remembered by millions of Zimbabwean viewers and listeners. From the 1960s to the 1990s he conceived and hosted a series of such shows, one of the best-known being the televised Pick-a-Box Show, in which contestants had to choose between taking cash or selecting a box prize, in which could be found either a magnificent and valuable gift or, literally, a toothpick.
Live audiences for the show were encouraged to egg on the contestants by shouting ‘money or the box’ to advise them on what choice to make, and for decades members of the public would greet Allan in the street or at functions with the phrase ‘money or the box’ and eagerly embrace the man who had brought them such viewing pleasure.
He was born in Durban just before the Second World War and educated there to university level, with his tertiary education focused on music. Although he did not play instruments or sing, his knowledge of music in all its form was formidable and his love of music endured through his whole life. By the mid-60s he was in the world of advertising and he was sent to what is now Harare to join the Lintas advertising agency, wholly owned by the Lever Brothers organisation, now Unilever.
Many of the initiatives he started were linked to work for clients of the agency, and his natural flair for broadcast work brought him onto television and radio as a freelance broadcaster. His talent brought him into a range of presentation situations, from news to interviewing, but it was his special interest in game shows that gave him the most airtime.
As Surf was a leading Lever Brothers brand, many of these shows were branded accordingly. But he led a wide range of sponsored shows, among them the successful radio-based word game on a Sunday afternoon called the Goodwood Letter Game, in which leading celebrities handled a quiz related to words, phrases and expressions, often with hilarious results. Also on television was a Dream House show that ended with the winner being presented with a home in the suburbs of Harare, along with the Surf 21 show, based on a variant of the blackjack card game.
He also worked in other fields of televised and radio entertainment, among them a series of cooking shows that linked to competitions for recipes and publication of recipes in daily and Sunday newspapers. Occasionally he was a newsreader, but he preferred the less formal atmosphere of talk shows and focus programmes.
He was arguably this country’s best-known and most professional MC, not only on television and radio, but in countless live events across Zimbabwe. From modelling school graduations to awards ceremonies and from major launches to top social occasions his mastery of the role of MC as event controller brought his unique brand of class, humour and sharpness to each of these events. His mastery included the understanding that he was not the focus of the event but a link between organisers, content and audiences, something many of today’s MCs forget as they project themselves into the limelight, often at the expense of the product or activity on show.
He left Lintas at the time of Zimbabwe’s Independence, moving to the Michael Hogg agency, and soon found himself running the agency’s new operation in Kenya. But he was brought back to Zimbabwe in 1983 by Peter Kirschner, a brilliant hotelier who had been appointed to oversee the construction and opening of Holiday Inn Harare. As a Holiday Inn manager, Allan masterminded the entire opening publicity and awareness programme and helped create something innovative for Harare, a night spot in which new talent could be platformed in an atmosphere of great social enjoyment.
This was the Inn Place, which for the best part of a decade was a mixing pot for people from all walks of life and where – in the days of the 80s and 90s, when top international films and visiting stars came calling to Harare – one could end up, as the writer did, chatting to the likes of singer John Denver, Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon or Daniel Craig, whose first film, The Power of One, was made in Harare, and who enjoyed the ambience of the Inn Place. At the Inn Place, the entertainment ranged from song to dance, with occasional comedy added to the menu. From Rozalla Miller to Noreen Welch, the 80s stars were showcased here.
In 1988, when the Holiday Inn operation in Zimbabwe was taken over by the then Zimbabwe sun hospitality group, he became entertainments director of the sun group, and spent the next 17 years running a series of activities and events that showcased all the hotels and their destinations, and brought a series of local and international shows onto a circuit that included Nyanga, Victoria Falls, Kariba and Bulawayo, and not only Harare. He also masterminded a school holiday entertainment directors programme, in which teachers on leave hosted activities for younger guests at resort hotels, freeing up parents for time to relax. It was hugely successful and was a particular hit at hotels such as Troutbeck Inn and Hwange Safari Lodge.
Also under the Inn Place and Zimbabwe Sun umbrellas came a series of promotional events that included international entertainers, arts and culture exchanges and other initiatives linked to the United States, Britain and many other countries, including Russia, China and others in Africa. One of the most successful, created as a fundraiser for a children’s charity, was the visit to Zimbabwe by Hollywood fashion giant Bill Travilla, who was Marilyn Monroe’s favoured designer and who brought a selection of her outfits for an exhibition show – including the iconic white dress that famously blew up over the star’s face in the film The Seven Year Itch.
The writer also remembers Riddell-arranged visits by other international personalities, among them the first female in space, Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, as well as sporting and business leaders, fundraising experts and cultural stars. From the mid-80s onwards, Allan was host of several breakfast radio spots and many of the visitors were interviewed in these commercially-sponsored slots, giving the Zimbabwean public access to them, their histories and their thinking.
Allan also created the huge Supermodel extravaganza during the 1990s, providing a platform for Zimbabwe’s growing number of male and female models to showcase their talents for local and international guests at the Supermodel awards events. This unique programme gave major exposure to top models and led to international contracts for many of them.
His talents in advertising and publicity, broadcasting and entertainment were matched by an interest in and flair for fundraising, among the most notable achievements being his reinvention of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund in 1985 after a dormant period of almost 10 years. As chairman of the Fund from 1985 to 1992 he created a series of events each year, culminating in the live Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Show, which fundraised for Harare and then for the then four cities of Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare. He also conceived and ran many other fundraising events for a wide range of charities, with funds raised always at enviably high levels.
Allan Riddell was active in various organisations and was chairman of the Advertising and Publicity Club of Harare for a number of years, introducing a concept in which visiting personalities would be invited to be guest speaker at an APC lunch, with names ranging from singer Eartha Kitt to UK comedy star Tommy Trinder on this list.
He was a dedicated fan of radio and television, but found time to enjoy a range of other social activities, from playing squash to going for a daily lengthy walk from his apartment in Harare’s Avenues area, and from seeing everything on stage at Reps Theatre to reading, following international and local news, hosting and attending social events. He was a longstanding member of Celebrity Subscription Concerts, which has for decades brought classical musicians to Harare.
In 2005 he relocated to Thailand, which he had started visiting as a holiday-maker in the 1990s. Here he ran an organisation that linked South African and Thai businesses and which helped launch a great many Southern African products to south-east Asia. He travelled between Thailand and his second home in South Africa, and it was in Johannesburg that he found himself when Covid hit in early 2020. While there he was diagnosed with cancer and from then until this past week he engaged in a battle against the disease, to which he finally succumbed on St Patrick’s Day, just four weeks short of his 86th birthday.
His legacy is large, extending to all the beneficiaries of his help, mentoring, counselling and professional support, and including anyone who has been exposed to any of his work activities. In the hospitality industry he helped promote programmes of training for incoming professionals, especially linked to sales and marketing, while in the world of entertainment he opened doors for a great many artistes and promoters.
The writer will always remember Allan’s determination to make things happen – and to happen well. Never one to be deterred, he always demanded that a ‘minus be turned into a plus.’ Allan’s favourite expression in describing the colleagues with whom he worked was ‘the team’ and it was his sense of team spirit and co-operative collaboration that helped drive his endeavours, 99 percent of which were successes. Across the world tributes have been pouring in since Friday from members of that extended team and from the many people who have found enjoyment, education, information and satisfaction from all or some of his ventures.

holiday
VisitBritain Releases Online Accent Game with AI Voice Technology – eTurboNews | eTN
National tourism agency VisitBritain has today launched an online game as part of its new multi-million-pound international campaign in Canada for 2023 to drive tourism to Britain.
The campaign, called Fake (Br)it Till You Make It, highlights the richness of Britain’s regional diversity. A new online game on VisitBritain’s consumer website uses machine learning, testing players as they have a go at mastering a variety of accents from across Britain, and then sharing links with destination information to drive bookings. Participants in the game are encouraged to share their results on social media and challenge their friends using the hashtag #FakeBritChallenge.
The multi-media marketing campaign uses a mix of on- and-offline channels including content across social media, influencers, custom content partners, digital display and audio advertising, driving online traffic to
a landing page on VisitBritain.com with ideas and links to activities, attractions and experiences. Branded content features a variety of local phrases alongside destination images, and a series of short films sees Brits sharing a warm welcome in local accents and dialects promoting their destinations, encouraging visitors to come and explore for themselves.
VisitBritain Executive Vice President, The Americas, Australia and New Zealand Paul Gauger said:
“Our priority is to harness the strong recovery and growth we have seen from Canada, and we are delighted to be running this dedicated and playful campaign, tapping into motivations to travel right now.
“This innovative game puts Britain’s diversity front and centre, using modern technology to engage players, tell the story of our dynamic destinations and inspire Canadian visitors to discover more, stay longer and explore year-round.”
The international GREAT Britain marketing campaign invites visitors to ‘See Things Differently’, showcasing Britain as a dynamic, diverse and exciting destination, packed full of activities to come and enjoy now, with a warm British welcome at its heart.The campaign will also capture major events in 2023 including the Coronation of King Charles III and Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, on behalf of Ukraine, both taking place in May, valuable opportunities to show Britain’s welcome, creativity and ability to host events of the highest caliber.
The ‘Fake (Br)it Till You Make It’ campaign has been developed to play on the idea of shared language between Canada and Britain. VisitBritain’s research shows that feelings of welcome and connection are top motivators for Canadian travelers in choosing a holiday destination, and the campaign builds on existing cultural ties by inviting visitors to learn more about the accents they have heard through British film and TV and by highlighting the personal connections and fun, unexpected experiences to be found on their next trip to Britain.
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holiday
5 Holiday Destinations for a Well-Deserved Break – We Heart
There are few things as enjoyable as travelling since you get to discover new locations, enjoy different cuisines and try things you haven’t tried before. Seeing new places is a great way to become more open-minded and improve your knowledge of the world. However, since you can visit so many different places, it’s pretty challenging to decide where to go first. After all, there are beautiful things to see everywhere.
If you have trouble deciding where you should go, here’s a list of five of the best and most exciting holiday destinations in the world.
Greece
When you think about Greece, you’ve probably already got a definitive picture in your mind which includes quaint houses painted in white and deep blue seas.
This isn’t very far from the truth. However, there’s far more to this Mediterranean paradise than meets the eye. Greece is home to one of the oldest cultures in the world, and, therefore, there are many cultural landmarks that you can visit. Spending your holiday in Greek island villas will allow you to explore the country and enjoy all it has to offer.
Mykonos is one of the most popular islands for tourists, with iconic landmarks including centuries-old windmills and traditional houses perched atop hills situated above the town.
The Cycladic architecture of whitewashed buildings and alleyways doesn’t hamper the cosmopolitan vibe of Mykonos. The island is known as a party hub and is home to luxury accommodations and services so you can feel pampered throughout your trip.
Japan
Japan is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. Boasting an ancient history and a diverse culture, you’ll experience breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind experiences that’ll convince you to return to the country again and again.
The natural environment of Japan is incredibly well-preserved, with rugged mountains and cliffs, endless spans of coastline and bamboo forests to be enjoyed all year round. The cuisine is also incredible, and you can try foods from a wide array of locales, from mobile stalls to one of the many Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo.
There are over 80,000 shrines, temples and zen gardens in Japan. Many of them are over 1,000 years old, and if you visit the country, you must also experience their peace and tranquillity.
South Africa
The South African landscape is an eclectic mix of deserts, canyons, wide plains and forests. Cape Town, the country’s oldest city, is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world. South Africa has a very forgiving climate, with sunshine being an almost year-round occurrence. It is one of the most popular destinations for observing wildlife. The Kruger National Park, for instance, is universally loved by tourists.
There are plenty of five-star establishments and luxury locations, as well as more cost-effective options. And, of course, South Africa has some of the best beaches in the world. From Port Elizabeth to Durban, there are many remote locations if you want to spend a few quiet moments alone.
Peru
There are few destinations as multicultural and outstanding as Peru. The country is geographically diverse, including the Andes Mountain Range and the Peruvian Amazon. It boasts incredible biodiversity, with thousands of plants and animals unique to the area.
Peru is also the perfect destination if you love history and folklore. Home to the enigmatic Machu Picchu citadel, which has captured people’s imaginations worldwide, Peru has many fortresses, ancient tombs and artefacts dating back to ancient times that you can see. Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, is only three hours away from Lima.
Tibet
If you prefer a more active holiday and would like to go trekking and hiking, there’s no better place to do it than Tibet. The landscape is one of the most remarkable in the world, and you can gaze upon the wonder that is the Himalayas.
This ancient land has strong Buddhist roots, and you’ll feel like you can enjoy a genuinely spiritual experience during your stay. There are several festivals throughout the year, including the Saga Dawa. You can visit the many monasteries and spend time in Lhasa, where you can experience the beauty of the traditional markets and local architecture.
There are many beautiful places in the world, and it is up to you to discover them.
holiday
5 Holiday Destinations for a Well-Deserved Break – We Heart
There are few things as enjoyable as travelling since you get to discover new locations, enjoy different cuisines and try things you haven’t tried before. Seeing new places is a great way to become more open-minded and improve your knowledge of the world. However, since you can visit so many different places, it’s pretty challenging to decide where to go first. After all, there are beautiful things to see everywhere.
If you have trouble deciding where you should go, here’s a list of five of the best and most exciting holiday destinations in the world.
Greece
When you think about Greece, you’ve probably already got a definitive picture in your mind which includes quaint houses painted in white and deep blue seas.
This isn’t very far from the truth. However, there’s far more to this Mediterranean paradise than meets the eye. Greece is home to one of the oldest cultures in the world, and, therefore, there are many cultural landmarks that you can visit. Spending your holiday in Greek island villas will allow you to explore the country and enjoy all it has to offer.
Mykonos is one of the most popular islands for tourists, with iconic landmarks including centuries-old windmills and traditional houses perched atop hills situated above the town.
The Cycladic architecture of whitewashed buildings and alleyways doesn’t hamper the cosmopolitan vibe of Mykonos. The island is known as a party hub and is home to luxury accommodations and services so you can feel pampered throughout your trip.
Japan
Japan is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. Boasting an ancient history and a diverse culture, you’ll experience breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind experiences that’ll convince you to return to the country again and again.
The natural environment of Japan is incredibly well-preserved, with rugged mountains and cliffs, endless spans of coastline and bamboo forests to be enjoyed all year round. The cuisine is also incredible, and you can try foods from a wide array of locales, from mobile stalls to one of the many Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo.
There are over 80,000 shrines, temples and zen gardens in Japan. Many of them are over 1,000 years old, and if you visit the country, you must also experience their peace and tranquillity.
South Africa
The South African landscape is an eclectic mix of deserts, canyons, wide plains and forests. Cape Town, the country’s oldest city, is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world. South Africa has a very forgiving climate, with sunshine being an almost year-round occurrence. It is one of the most popular destinations for observing wildlife. The Kruger National Park, for instance, is universally loved by tourists.
There are plenty of five-star establishments and luxury locations, as well as more cost-effective options. And, of course, South Africa has some of the best beaches in the world. From Port Elizabeth to Durban, there are many remote locations if you want to spend a few quiet moments alone.
Peru
There are few destinations as multicultural and outstanding as Peru. The country is geographically diverse, including the Andes Mountain Range and the Peruvian Amazon. It boasts incredible biodiversity, with thousands of plants and animals unique to the area.
Peru is also the perfect destination if you love history and folklore. Home to the enigmatic Machu Picchu citadel, which has captured people’s imaginations worldwide, Peru has many fortresses, ancient tombs and artefacts dating back to ancient times that you can see. Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, is only three hours away from Lima.
Tibet
If you prefer a more active holiday and would like to go trekking and hiking, there’s no better place to do it than Tibet. The landscape is one of the most remarkable in the world, and you can gaze upon the wonder that is the Himalayas.
This ancient land has strong Buddhist roots, and you’ll feel like you can enjoy a genuinely spiritual experience during your stay. There are several festivals throughout the year, including the Saga Dawa. You can visit the many monasteries and spend time in Lhasa, where you can experience the beauty of the traditional markets and local architecture.
There are many beautiful places in the world, and it is up to you to discover them.
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