5 June 2015

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

TOWN Promotions manager Simon Kerr, is to retire next month.

Simon, who took on the role of putting East Grinstead on the tourist trail 20 years ago, is a very well known figure in the town, and one with an encyclopaedic not only of its present – where to go, where to stay, what to do – but also of its past history.

In the two decades since he took on the role, a new one for the town, Simon has made many TV and radio appearances to promote East Grinstead, worked with journalists from the national press and magazines on articles and projects, and met a great many prominent figures.

And a real bonus was the arrival into the town station of the Bluebell Railway.

“How often,” Simon said at the time, “does a town get a major new tourist attraction delivered to its doorstep?”

Renowned as a snappy dresser, thanks largely to his penchant for beautiful silk ties, Simon has never been shy if the occasion demanded – and demanded the occasion often has – to don fancy dress which is why he appeared as President Chester Alan Arthur to mark the 125th anniversary of the Meridian Line at East Court.

He also conducted several hugely popular High Street ghost tours for Hallowe’en dressed as his alter ego Professor Skull.

But the good news is that although he is stepping down from town promotion, Simon will be stepping up his involvement with both Sackville College and the Town Museum.

A man with an encyclopaedic knowledge of town history, he will also be working on a new book, The Invention of East Grinstead.

“I have tried to take all the opportunities which have come my way to raise the town’s profile,” he said, “and I believe I have done that – one person can make a difference.

“It has been a fantastic job – and a complete pleasure.”

Photos courtesy of East Grinstead Online