One of travel agent Sarah Bennett’s customers got a special delivery when a Roman citizen turned up in Chelmsford to deliver surprise tickets for a holiday in the Italian capital.
Sarah persuaded her ‘local legend’ dad, Bob Bennett, to dress up in a toga to deliver the news that Jamie Bodenham was going to Rome to celebrate his 40th birthday. The three-day Classic Collection trip was booked as a surprise by Jamie’s wife, Gemma.
Sarah, an Independent Travel Expert homeworker with The Travel Network Group, posted a photo on Travel Gossip’s Facebook page saying: “When your dad refers a client to you for a booking to Rome as a surprise for her husband, and client asks for an extra special ticket delivery.
“There was only one thing to do. Get Dad to hand deliver the tickets dressed in a toga, with a Roman scroll.”
Bob read from the scroll, congratulating Jamie on reaching ‘a milestone of heroic proportion’. He said: “You, Jamie, are hereby summoned to the eternal city of Roma, walk in the footsteps of Caesars, dine like the gods, and experience Rome as a legend.”
Sarah, from Tonbridge, Kent, said: “My dad is such a good sport, I knew he’d be up for it. He’s a bit of a local legend in Chelmsford, where we grew up and where he used to own a pub. He’s never done anything like this before but he’s always up for a giggle and a bit of fun.
“He’s known for being a funny, kind man who is up for a laugh. He’s the master of quizzes and can always be found in the pub with a crossword and a pint.
“Gemma and Jamie are going for three nights for his 40th birthday and this is a bucket-list trip. They absolutely loved the ticket delivery. Gemma said Jamie was pretty emotional and welled up a little.
“Dad needed a bit of persuading at first to wear the toga, but he found the whole thing hilarious and says we should set up a side business, and he’d be open to requests!”
The gesture was extra special because Bob and Gemma’s late dad were best friends.
Agents commented on Sarah’s post, praising the idea. One said: “That is above and beyond! Kudos to you and your dad.”
Another said: “Love it! A travel agent who goes the extra mile and wants her clients to have an amazing experience. Great travel agents always shine through the competition.”
Main picture, from left: Jamie, Bob and Gemma. Inset picture: Sarah and Bob
