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Two New Directors Reflect Continued Growth
29th Apr 2013
Lunar Caravans has appoints two new directors
Lunar Caravans has appointed two new directors to the management board. They are proud to announce the promotion of Philip Ward to Operations Director and Darryl Mellor as Design and Development Director. This move reflects the company’s strong market position and evolving growth strategy.
Philip joined the company in January 2012 and has brought significant advances in Caravan Manufacturing Management and this has been very evident during his time there at Lunar.
Darryl has a First Class Honours Degree in Design Engineering and has worked on the shop floor at Lunar as well as within the Design department during his ten year service.
Brian Mellor, Lunar CEO and Chairman, says, “Philip and Darryl have played a fundamental role in Lunar’s growth strategy and with an expanded management board I am sure we will continue to step up to the new challenges while revealing some exciting new developments.”
The new Visit Norfolk launched itself to the public at an event at the John Innes Centre, Norwich on March 19th.
More than 200 guests took the opportunity to network with the county's tourism leaders before listening to presentations in the theatre and taking part in a Q&A session.
A number of the county's destination marketing organisations and tourism-related businesses had stands in the foyer, many also bringing along breakfast items from their area.
Visit Norfolk chairman Mark Durrant spoke of positive results for the East from the 2012 third quarter GB Tourism Survey and of the importance of the visitor economy to Norfolk – at £2.6bn a year it is the largest industry sector in the county and employs more than 50,000 people directly. Last year there were more than 31 million trips made to Norfolk and more than 14 million staying nights.
Visit Norfolk brand manager Pete Waters revealed the organisation's key objectives:
· Working in partnership, to create an umbrella brand that represents the whole county;
· Create an impression that excites people about Norfolk;
· Create an impression that Norfolk has something for everyone, 12 months a year;
· Make Norfolk more 'top of mind';
· Become self-sustaining as the public sector tap is turned off.
Plans include a refresh of the website, increased social media activity, sending monthly consumer e-newsletters to the 90,000+ database, consumer questionnaires, more networking events for the industry, collation and communication of market intelligence and data, PR activity and the development of marketing campaigns.
"Norfolk has the best overall tourism offering of any county in the country, but we need to work collaboratively to develop it further. The sum of the parts is greater than the individuals and if we pull together it will be for the benefit of all," said Pete.
"If you could panhandle Norfolk into something irreducible, what would it be? We all have an emotional investment in the county, and we're all passionate about Norfolk tourism. But geographically, what do we have in common? Whether you're in Great Yarmouth, the Brecks, Fens or north Norfolk… it's BIG SKIES! You've heard of Blue Sky Thinking – thinking outside the box. We need to have Big Sky Thinking – the art of the possible. Whatever kind of holiday someone wants, we can supply it"
fireing-up a record fundraising year for local and national charities.
Staff at a top Lakeland holiday park, Skelwith Fold, hope that empty gas cylinders will help them fire-up a record fundraising year for local and national charities.
The Ambleside park will be inviting its tens of thousands of guests in 2013 to hand in unwanted cylinders in exchange for a donation by Calor to the Make-A-Wish children's appeal.
The money raised by the cylinders will help the charity to create happy memories for terminally ill youngsters.
But gas is just one way in which the park intends to soar above last year's £5000 fundraising total.
Walking guides to the area, written by guests and published by Skelwith Fold, will be sold in its shop with the proceeds going, as in previous years, to the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
Money for the air ambulance will also be raised at the park's summer arts show which attracts hundreds of entries for its paintings, sketches, photography, pottery and poetry categories.
Another good cause annually supported by Skelwith, and set to benefit from its record fundraising bid, will be the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.
The mountain emergency crew receives hundreds of pounds annually from events held at the park, ranging from coffee mornings to Easter egg hunts and quiz nights.
Skelwith director Henry Wild said that charity support was very much part of the business culture at the park, and holiday guests were always happy to play their part:
"Organising the various fundraising activities often involves a lot of preparation and planning, but staff always throw themselves into the different projects with gusto," he said.
"Their efforts, and the generosity of holidaymakers plus contributions from Skelwith, helps to make a real difference to the lives of many people both in Cumbria and at a national level.
"This year we are determined to create a new milestone for giving, and we're hoping that the gas appeal will give us just the lift we need to get up and away!" added Henry.
The park's website can be found at www.Skelwithfold.co.uk
Caravans and tents are the new hideaways for honeymoon bliss
Caravans and tents are the new hideaways for honeymoon bliss on a budget, according to the Best of British holiday parks group.
Following a recent poll of its 50-plus members, many parks reported an escalation in bookings from young couples checking-in straight from their wedding reception.
Best of British says that caravan holiday homes are now a popular choice for newly-weds who want space, comfort and privacy without the crippling cost of a luxury hotel.
But also loved by the newly-hitched is a rented motorhome in which to spend their honeymoon - whilst others opt to cuddle up under the canvas and spend their nuptial nights in a tent.
According to Best of British - a consortium of independent holiday parks with top quality gradings - many of its members now pitch themselves directly at the newly-wed market.
For example, at the top-rated Woodovis Park in Devon's Tamar Valley, couples are offered a range of heavenly honeymoon options including cosy "glamping" pods and luxury spa treatments.
And at Stroud Hill Park in Pidley, Cambridgeshire, there is even a stunning timber-built barn for wedding receptions, and a shepherd's hut on the side of the adjacent lake for use by honeymooners.
"We think that this spring could see more couples than ever making a romantic start to their married lives on our members' holiday parks," said Best of British chairman Claire Jeavons.
"Many people are now looking to cut the traditional high cost of a wedding, and staying on a park is an excellent way to save the pennies for more practical needs.
"But young lovers can also enjoy some other great benefits - such as a much more intimate and peaceful environment than a busy hotel, and no danger of being overheard in adjoining rooms.
"There's also more space in a caravan holiday home than even a large hotel suite, and of course you don't have to hang a "do not disturb" sign outside the door," said Claire.
She points out that parks in membership of the Best of British are largely family-owned, and are well accustomed to helping guests plan their perfect stay.
"What every couple wants to bring back from their honeymoon is happy memories, and high quality surroundings go a long way to setting the scene for creating these," commented Claire.
"That's why many of our members now find that they are appearing on the top of wedding wish-lists, and providing amazing experiences to fondly look back on!" she added.
More information, and an interactive map of holiday park locations and facilities, can be found on-line at www.Bob.org.uk. A free brochure can also be requested from the website.
Join it in supporting a new national accreditation scheme
Park Holidays UK is urging other operators to join it in supporting a new national accreditation scheme for parks which sell caravan holiday homes and lodges.
Under the scheme, an official National Caravan Council (NCC) kitemark is awarded to parks which adopt a stringent new code of practice for treating customers fairly.
The 23-strong group was among the first in Britain to qualify for NCC Approved Holiday Park status when the new official standard was announced this February.
Now the park's director, Tony Clish, says he hopes that all UK parks selling caravan holiday homes will strive to gain similar recognition for their commitment to customer care.
Park Holidays UK has been one of the principal champions of the accreditation scheme since it was first put forward as a way of providing extra assurances and safeguards to customers.
The company also played an active part in drawing up its workings as a charter for fair play.
To receive Approved Holidays Parks recognition, park businesses must agree to adopt a Consumer Code of Practice which is modelled on code guidelines from the Office of Fair Trading.
The code spells out the ways in which parks will adhere to the principles of best practice both during the sale of a holiday home, and throughout the lifetime of a customer's ownership.
One of its chief aims is to ensure that buyers of caravan holiday homes are able to make fully informed decisions with which they will continue for be satisfied for years to come.
The code also builds in additional safeguards for customers which go beyond the levels of consumer protection set out in law, and lays down new dispute resolution procedures.
Administering the scheme is the NCC, the representative body of caravan manufacturers, which will also ensure parks' compliance with the code through an independent inspection process.
Tony Clish says he hopes that the adoption of the scheme by major groups such as his will act as a clarion call for all members of the holiday home parks industry:
"For the first time, this accreditation allows holiday home buyers to tell at a glance if a park has committed itself to the highest standards for dealing fairly with customers." he said.
"We are delighted to be founder-members of the scheme, and have been working with the NCC to ensure that it offers an attractive set of undertakings for our customers.
"Potential holiday home buyers will have the assurance that an approved park has been independently audited to a high level, and works to rigorous standards of customer service.
"I am sure customers will welcome this development which we see as a very positive step to further strengthen the future of Britain's successful holiday home industry.
"I am personally pleased to see this scheme being adopted as I have long been an advocate for a code of practice which all professional operators would be keen to embrace," added Tony.
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Media enquiries to Geoff Barnes on 01424 751185
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
holiday park which has just splashed out on a sophisticated private weather station.
Visitors to the Ambleside area will no longer have to gamble on bringing gumboots, thanks to a holiday park which has just splashed out on a sophisticated private weather station.
Skelwith Fold caravan park has put on-line over 40 live weather readings which are being continually generated by scientific meteorological equipment installed on its reception roof.
Park director Henry Wild says the weather station will present a true picture of conditions in the area which, due to its micro-climate, may well differ from the rest of the county.
He hopes the live weather feed will encourage visitors who might otherwise be deterred by weather maps which often place a rain blob over all of Cumbria.
As well as conditions such as temperature, wind speed and rainfall, the station also shows the height of the cloud base, intensity of UV radiation, humidity, windchill, and a host of other data.
The information, says Henry, will be invaluable to all types of holidaymakers - and especially walkers - who are considering a visit to the region.
"Areas such as Cumbria have many different micro-climates - but if it's likely to be wet in just one of these, the weather map will sometimes show rain covering the entire county," said Henry.
"This can be off-putting to visitors, despite the fact that our area frequently remains dry and sunny whilst the surrounding mountains have a covering of cloud.
"The Met Office can't be expected to isolate every regional variation in the summary of a forecast, so we thought we would go on-line with our own version of events!" he added.
During last year's wet summer, Skelwith Fold advertised that it would give guests an extra night at no cost for every day when the rainfall exceeded the monthly average.
The offer could have cost the park tens of thousands of pounds, said Henry, but in fact he was required to honour his pledge on just eight days throughout July and August.
"The impression given on news broadcasts was one of constant downpours, but our collector revealed that the actual rainfall was often below the average for the month," commented Henry.
"We're now going to use our meteorological equipment to keep a very close weather eye on our micro-climate, and we'll be very happy for anyone to take a peek on-line," he said.
The live report can be found by clicking on "Live Weather Feed" at www.Skelwithfold.co.uk
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More press information from Henry Wild on 01539 432277
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
Nottinghamshire caravan park which is becoming famous for the off-beat excursions
A North Nottinghamshire caravan park which is becoming famous for the off-beat excursions laid on for guests has just announced its 2013 line-up of attractions.
They include a day out at a Victorian pumping station, a stroll around a plague village, and a visit to the home of a hard-drinking, debt-ridden and incestuous poet.
And according to the owners of Teversal Camping and Caravanning Club site, Chris Woods and his wife Jayne, bookings are already coming in for this year's eccentric outings.
The park, set in ten acres of quiet countryside on the edge of the Peak District, was bought seven years ago by the couple after quitting their successful careers to take a business gamble.
Since then, former electronics company director Chris and occupational therapist Jayne have invested much time and energy into creating a perfect holiday environment for guests.
Their reward has been to see a huge growth in visitor numbers from across the UK and overseas, and the winning of the prestigious AA award as the Heart of England's top campsite.
Two years ago, however, Chris and Jayne decided to broaden the appeal of their park even further by offering four-night stays which included a day excursion on a luxury coach.
Many of these were based on winter visits to Christmas markets, but their great popularity quickly encouraged the couple to organise a series of outings throughout the year.
The aim, according to Chris, is to give guests a fascinating glimpse of some of the less obvious attractions of an area famed for its scenic beauty and walking and cycling opportunities.
He says that visitors opting for Papplewick Pumping Station, for example, will discover a glorious example of 1884 Victorian engineering by James Watt which is both beautiful and inspirational.
Or in the Derbyshire "plague village" of Eyam, they can learn about the community that isolated itself when the plague was discovered there in August 1665, rather than let the infection spread.
The day also includes visits to Bakewell and to Castleton where Blue John stone is mined.
For those with a literary bent, there is a day out at picturesque Newstead Abbey, once home to Lord Byron, regarded as one of Britain's greatest poets and a leading figure in the Romantic movement.
Byron, who died in 1824, was celebrated not just for his literary work, but also for his excesses including huge debts, numerous love affairs, and a rumoured incestuous affair with his half-sister.
"We do have more conventional outings, such as to the Royal Crown Derby Visitor Centre and Chatsworth House, but our guests also enjoy something a little less predictable," said Chris.
"Even people who have been coming here for years have said that these tours have helped them to discover aspects of the region they had never dreamt about!" he added.
In addition to pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, Teversal Camping and Caravanning Club site also offers "glamping" breaks in luxurious fully-equipped safari tents.
For more information call 01623 551838 - or visit (website address).
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More press information from Chris or Jayne Woods on 01623 551838
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
A family-run holiday park in St Just-in-Roseland, Cornwall
A family-run holiday park in St Just-in-Roseland, Cornwall, where the natural attractions include a pick-your-own herb garden, has just scooped a major tourism accolade.
At the South West Tourism Awards, Trethem Mill Touring Park took the overall "winner of winners" title after taking Gold in the "holiday park of the year" category.
In doing so, the park beat over 300 entries from tourism businesses having, according to judges, "excelled in meeting the dual tests of continual excellence and continuous improvement".
The overall award, they said, recognises the "fantastic work" carried out by the Akeroyd family in their 20 years of ownership of the touring caravan, motorhome and camping park.
Occupying 12 acres of peaceful Cornish countryside, Trethem Mill today draws visitors from across the UK and mainland Europe.
As well as the help-yourself herb garden, there is a park shop focussing on locally sourced produce, including artisan bread, Cornish sausages and bacon, plus beers and ciders brewed in the county.
Announcing Trethem Mill as the "winner of winners" at the South West Tourism Awards, held at the Eden Project in February, the judges praised the park's continuing excellence:
"This business stood out to the judging panel as a beacon amongst the region's best - a past national award winner that has simply carried on getting better and better!
"It is entirely family run, and guests are assured of a genuine warm welcome from people who care passionately about the park as a home and a business, and about customer service.
"Trethem Mill offers a relaxed atmosphere while retaining a carefully managed environment that is friendly and approachable - this award is very well deserved," judges concluded.
Last year Trethem Mill topped hundreds of other parks across the UK to take the AA Campsite of the Year award in the "most improved park" category.
The family also heard recently that their park had once again become a winner of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.
Jane and Ian Akeroyd and their family first moved to the park just over two decades years ago, and it is today run by three generations of the family.
A raft of improvements made over the years included the recent unveiling of new luxury shower rooms, including a new disabled facility, all with underfloor heating.
More details about the park can be found on its website at www.trethem.com
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More press information from Ian or Jane Akeroyd on 01872 580504
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
The perfect pitch for coast-loving campers has just won a top tourism award.
A former Dorset farm which 50 years ago became known as the perfect pitch for coast-loving campers has just won a top tourism award.
Freshwater Beach Holiday Park in Bridport beat hundreds of competitors to take the prestigious overall title of the AA Holiday Centre of the Year 2013.
The family-run business, which is situated in 90 acres of quiet West Dorset countryside with its own beach frontage, provides both holiday lets and pitches for touring guests.
Freshwater first began welcoming campers nearly half a century ago when it operated as a farm - and its idyllic location soon started attracting visitors from far and wide.
The park's popularity continued to grow as sporting and leisure attractions were introduced, and today Freshwater often plays host to over 3000 people each night in high season.
In addition to its 800 pitches and fleet of luxury holiday homes for hire, the park provides leisure homes for sale - with all accommodation just a short stroll from the Jurassic coast.
The coast also gave its name to Freshwater's recently opened Jurassic Fun Centre where facilities include a "wet and wild" pool, sauna and steam rooms, fully equipped gym, and bowling alley.
Professional shows are also staged each night in the main season in the entertainment centre.
But despite the park's many family-focussed activities, the AA says that its award is based on much more than the number of attractions on offer.
Before being granted its AA accolade, Freshwater was made subject to anonymous inspection visits from the organisation during last year.
Being judged was the overall quality of the environment, standards of upkeep, the welcome and hospitality shown to guests, and the service extended to guests by staff.
In all respects, said the AA, Freshwater made the ideal holiday destination for families.
Freshwater's general manager Scott Condliffe, whose great uncles and aunts first started the enterprise, said that the award has provided a fantastic start to the holiday year:
"Everyone here is very excited at scooping the AA accolade, and we've also been congratulated by many of our customers, some of whom have been regular visitors for decades," said Scott.
"We are especially proud that a major factor in the award is the excellence of service which is provided to holidaymakers - something on which we have always put a great deal of emphasis.
"For this reason, our loyal and hard-working staff team also deserve a big share of the credit for this fantastic achievement," he added.
More information about the park is available at www.freshwaterbeach.co.uk
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More press information from Scott Condliffe on 01308 897317
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
Holiday parks have succeeded more than any other tourism sector
Holiday parks have succeeded more than any other tourism sector in anticipating the changing expectations of holidaymakers, and delivering consistently on quality, service and value.
That's the view of Wales park group owner Huw Pendleton who has just become the new chairman of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association.
The association, to which almost 3000 parks belong, represents a £4 billion industry; members also include residential parks providing a semi-sheltered living environment for mainly retired folk.
Stepping into his new role, Mr Pendleton said that one of the greatest strengths of the holiday parks sector has been its ability to constantly innovate, evolve, and to drive up standards.
Speaking from a former background in the hotel and hospitality industry, he said he believed that parks provided a beacon for sustaining world-class status for UK tourism.
Mr Pendleton is the founder of the Celtic Holiday Parks group, which owns three top-rated parks in Pembrokeshire, and is also a board member of the Wales Tourism Alliance.
As association chairman, Mr Pendleton (aged 41) will take on a range of responsibilities, including talks with regional, national and European governments on issues affecting the parks industry.
It's a task for which he is well qualified having last year, as the association's vice chairman, helped lead the successful campaign against UK government plans to impose 20% VAT on static caravans.
Mr Pendleton's career in hospitality first took off when, as a schoolboy, he launched a catering service for members of the gliding club based on his family's farm in Rhuallt, Denbighshire.
After finishing education, his potential as a high-flyer was quickly spotted by international hotel chain Trust House Forte which Mr Pendleton had joined as a management trainee.
His bosses singled him out for fast-track for promotion and, at just 17 years old, he became one of the group's youngest ever restaurant supervisors.
After an 11-year career in catering, largely with THF but latterly with an independent hotel and restaurant in North Wales, Mr Pendleton felt ready for the challenge of becoming his own boss.
Happy memories of childhood caravan holidays in Wales convinced him that the holiday parks business would make an ideal launching pad for his new venture, and his search began.
It led eventually to Croft Holiday Park in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, which had just come on the market, and with help from his family, Mr Pendleton acquired the business 14 years ago.
Past experience had proved to him that high quality standards were what holiday guests most valued, and he set about ensuring that Croft's facilities and services delivered on both counts.
His reward was to see a steady increase in visitor numbers, and a raft of awards which included tourist board accolades and a top honour for environmental care from botanist David Bellamy.
Croft's success persuaded Mr Pendleton to apply his successful formula to two more Pembrokeshire holiday parks he then went on to acquire in Narberth and Amroth - with the same results.
Early involvement with his industry's trade body, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, led to his becoming director of its West Wales branch in 2004.
He has since dedicated much time and energy to the organisation, and has taken a special interest in the park industry's grading scheme which encourages high quality standards among members.
Mr Pendleton also became one of the first students to read for the industry's recently introduced foundation degree course in park management, graduating from Bournemouth University last year.
He takes over his new office from retiring chairman and Northern Ireland holiday parks owner James Kennedy; stepping into the role of vice chairman is North West parks owner Henry Wild.
But although his term as chairman will mean an even busier agenda in the future, Mr Pendleton - who lives near Narberth - says his career to date has equipped him well for multi-tasking.
Among the new business projects he is currently steering is a new near-million pound development of additional leisure and catering facilities at Croft Holiday Park.
Mr Pendleton - who won his wings as a private pilot when he was aged 18 - also hopes also to find time for a list of passions ranging from skiing and travel to cars and enjoying fine Welsh cuisine.
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More press information from Huw Pendleton on 07767 221495
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
Budleigh Salterton holiday park top Tourism Honours
Honours just keep coming for park picked as best
There were double celebrations this week for staff and the family owners of a Budleigh Salterton holiday park after the business was handed two top tourism honours.
Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Otterton was named both as the park voted for by visitors as the best in the West Country, and as one of Britain's most environmentally friendly holiday parks.
The poll which in which Ladram Bay came first was carried out by major holiday bookings agency Hoseasons, based on parks which produce the highest customer satisfaction rating.
In the category for Devon Dorset and Somerset, customers of Hoseasons voted Ladram Bay as the park which provides the best holiday experiences for families.
The award was presented at Hoseasons' recent annual conference near Birmingham, and marked the seventh year in succession that the Carter family has been celebrated in the finals of the event.
Ladram Bay first began welcoming holiday guests in the 1940s when Frank Carter, now aged 94 and still involved in the business, allowed campers to pitch on his farm.
Today it is one of the region's most popular holiday parks with facilities including direct beach access, a swimming pool, entertainment centre, restaurant and plenty of children's activities.
The park's historic associations with the countryside were marked in the second of the accolades it received this month: the David Bellamy Conservation Award.
Given to parks making exceptional efforts to protect and enhance the natural world, the award was made to Ladram Bay at the top gold level for the second year running.
The park, said Professor Bellamy, gave VIP treatment both to its guests and to its indigenous flora and fauna which include many different plant, animal and bird species.
Initiatives include the planting of many native trees, and the sowing of flowers with high pollen-bearing blooms which draw a wide range of common and less familiar butterflies.
David Bellamy said he was also extremely impressed with other green measures on the park, such as the erecting of nesting boxes for bats and owls, and the installation of bird-feeding stations.
According to general manager Claire Williams, both honours have brought to a conclusion one of the busiest and most successful years in Ladram Bay's history:
"As well as welcoming a record number of guests, we have seen a fantastic take-up on our new five-star development of luxury holiday homes for private owners.
"As well as providing an extra boost to region's tourism economy, the success of this project helps us to continue investing in the park, and to safeguard the jobs we provide," said Claire.
Ladram Bay's new holiday home development is sited in a special enclosed area of the park with panoramic sea views.
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More press information from Claire Williams on 01395 568398
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
Address : Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Otterton, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7BX.
A Cumbrian caravan park says its efforts to operate an eco-friendly business are being blocked by fa
A Cumbrian caravan park says its efforts to operate an eco-friendly business are being blocked by families using wet wipes in place of loo paper.
The fast-growing trend, says Skelwith Fold caravan park in Ambleside, is putting a strain on the way it processes sewerage naturally through a specially planted reed bed.
According to park director Henry Wild, wet wipes - unlike ordinary toilet paper - don't degrade in time to pass through the roots of the reed bed where waste water is treated organically.
Instead, the wipes absorb pollutants such as fat, and go on to clog up pipes and damage pumps.
Now in a bid to bottom-out the threat, the park is offering to give a premium brand toilet roll to newly arrived guests in exchange for their wet wipes which will then be composted.
Although Skelwith Fold plays host to more than 400 families at its busiest times, says Henry, the park's biological purification system normally copes very well with demand.
Its reed bed was one of the environmentally-friendly features which this year resulted in the park being presented with the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.
But the pampered posteriors of luxury-loving Britons, claims Henry, are now threatening the park's hard-won green credentials:
"We don't blame our holidaymakers because the packaging on many of these products claims that they are biodegradable or flushable - but this simply isn't the case," he said.
"Ordinary toilet paper disintegrates within seconds of being in contact with water, but wet wipes do not break down and can cause unspeakable problems once they enter the system.
"In high season, we estimate that a lavatory is being flushed every thirty seconds at Skelwith Fold, and we designed our reed bed to handle comfortably this volume of effluent.
"However, in the past year we have seen a surge in the use of wet wipes which are putting a block, quite literally, on our aim of putting nature in place of industrialised treatment," added Henry.
But the writing will soon be on the wall for Britain's latest loo accessory if, as Henry hopes, guests take up his park's offer to recycle their wet wipes as compost.
"Reeds do a fantastic job of filtering and cleaning sewerage without using machinery or requiring the addition of chemicals which could harm other plants or wildlife," said Henry.
"But even mother nature can't cope with wet wipes, so those we exchange for loo rolls will be composted and used as a mulch for our new plantings.
"Hopefully, we'll then be putting this matter to bed in every sense," he added.
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More press information from Henry Wild on 01539 432277 or 07831 394533
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
Dorset-loving guests of a Bridport-based parks group
Dorset-loving guests of a Bridport-based parks group have helped swell a fundraising appeal by the Jurassic Coast Trust by more than £30,000.
West Dorset Leisure Holidays announced this week that five years after it began raising cash for the cause, just over £31,000 had now been handed over to the trust.
The family-owned business, whose top-rated parks include Highlands End in Bridport and Golden Cap in Chideock, said the response by holidaymakers had been "outstandingly generous".
According to Martin Cox, Managing Director of the group, the main source of donations has been a small levy applied to bookings by guests for caravan pitches and holiday home rentals.
However, he added, the extra charge was voluntary - and his company's five parks made it clear that the donation could be easily removed by the holidaymaker if wished.
In fact, said Martin, only a tiny fraction of guests choose not to pay the donation, and many more comment on how pleased they are to be playing a part in preserving the coastline.
Now West Dorset Leisure Holidays says it intends to carry on raising money for the charitable trust which was established just over ten years ago.
Donated funds help the body to operate an education and conservation programme aimed both at local people and visitors to the 95 miles of Jurassic Coastline.
The family owners of a St Just-in-Roseland holiday park are celebrating after being judged as Cornwa
The family owners of a St Just-in-Roseland holiday park are celebrating after being judged as Cornwall's top destination for touring caravans, motorhomes and campers.
Trethem Mill Touring Park was named as the winner in the holiday park category at the annual Cornwall Tourism Awards held earlier this month in Newquay.
The awards are designed to highlight excellence across the county's tourism providers, and showcase those offering outstanding quality to visitors.
Judges described Trethem Mill as "an absolute gem which just keeps getting better and better!"
The park will now go on to represent Cornwall in the South West Excellence Awards next year, and could then proceed to the National Excellence Awards.
For the Akeroyd family, which is this year marking its twentieth anniversary since acquiring the park, the gold award marks a high watermark in a much decorated year.
Earlier in the season, Trethem Mill beat hundreds of other parks across the UK to take the 2012 AA Campsite of the Year award in the "most improved park" category.
Then, this autumn, the family heard that their park had once again become a winner of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.
The honour is given to parks making exceptional efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment, and Trethem Mill was described by Professor Bellamy as "a very worthy winner".
He said that the 12-acre grounds supported a wonderful range of flora and fauna, thanks to the Akeroyds' policy of encouraging wildlife to flourish through habitat creation and protection.
David Bellamy praised too the wildflower areas sown in the park which attract a wide range of butterfly species as well as insects which provide a feeding resource for birds..
Also commended was the park's shop with its emphasis on locally sourced produce, ranging from artisan bread to Cornish sausages and bacon plus beers and ciders brewed in the county.
Jane and Ian Akeroyd and their family first moved to the park 20 years ago, and have since invested much time and energy into making it one of the region's top destinations for holidaymakers. It is today run by three generations of the family.
This year the park unveiled three new luxury shower rooms, including a new disabled facility, all with underfloor heating.
"Despite the weather and the state of the economy, we have enjoyed a very successful year - thanks in many ways, I think, to Cornwall's enduring popularity with families," said Jane Akeroyd.
"Gaining these awards is a fantastic way to finish with a florish, and it's made us all the more determined to raise the bar even higher next year," she added.
More details about the park can be found on its website at www.trethem.com
ends
More press information from Ian or Jane Akeroyd on 01872 580504
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
Address: Trethem Mill Touring Park, St Just-In-Roseland, Cornwall TR2 5JF
A top-rated holiday park near Redruth, which offers its guests wigwam-style luxury camping cabins, h
A top-rated holiday park near Redruth, which offers its guests wigwam-style luxury camping cabins, has reached new heights of national recognition.
Richard and Julia Barnes, owners of Tehidy Holiday Park in Illogan, were recently on the receiving end of three different honours for their business.
This month, the couple learned that their five-acre environmentally-friendly park has won a David Bellamy Conservation Award for the fourth year in succession at its top gold level.
On top of that, Tehidy was also voted by the readers of Practical Motorhome magazine as the 2012 best small site in the UK, thanks to the excellence of its surroundings and warmth of welcome.
In addition, the business was chosen from over 3000 holiday parks in Britain to appear in the prestigious Top 100 list of parks surveyed by Practical Caravan magazine.
Richard and Julia took the park on seven years ago, and decided from the outset to put sustainability and the preservation of wildlife on the top of their agenda.
Since then, the husband and wife team has undertaken a raft of environmental initiatives which has led to Tehidy being highlighted by Professor Bellamy as a "green champion".
Measures taken include establishing the park's hedgerows as food and breeding habitats for native wildlife, and the planting of hundreds of indigenous trees as well as a wildflower meadow.
The couple's careful management of the stream which runs through Tehidy also ensures that it continues to act as a magnet for a wide variety of animal and bird life.
Solar panels and "sun tubes" to provide natural indoor illumination have helped the park to minimise its energy usage, and guests are encouraged to recycle all waste.
This year also saw the building of an eye-catching roundhouse on the park using sustainable forestry products and which acts as a barbecue shelter for holidaymakers.
David Bellamy made mention as well of Tehidy's close links with the local community, including its involvement with fundraising for good causes and support of local wildlife groups.
Visitors to the park can bring their own touring caravans, motorhomes or tents - or rent a luxury caravan holiday home or cottage.
This year, there was also the option to go "glamping" in one of the park's luxury wigwams which come fully furnished and complete with heating, lighting and decked porches plus a barbecue.
The timber-built wigwams even include a microwave oven and flat-screen television - and Richard and Julia say they have been delighted at their popularity with guests.
However, Tehidy's award-laden year may not quite be over yet. This week, the couple heard that their park is now in the running for a major European tourism honour.
It has been nominated for the title of "Best Small Park in Europe" by the international Alan Rogers Guide - one of just three European parks in the running, and the only park chosen from Britain.
ends
More press information from Richard Barnes on 01209 216489
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
A top-rated holiday park near Redruth, which offers its guests wigwam-style luxury camping cabins, h
A top-rated holiday park near Redruth, which offers its guests wigwam-style luxury camping cabins, has reached new heights of national recognition.
Richard and Julia Barnes, owners of Tehidy Holiday Park in Illogan, were recently on the receiving end of three different honours for their business.
This month, the couple learned that their five-acre environmentally-friendly park has won a David Bellamy Conservation Award for the fourth year in succession at its top gold level.
On top of that, Tehidy was also voted by the readers of Practical Motorhome magazine as the 2012 best small site in the UK, thanks to the excellence of its surroundings and warmth of welcome.
In addition, the business was chosen from over 3000 holiday parks in Britain to appear in the prestigious Top 100 list of parks surveyed by Practical Caravan magazine.
Richard and Julia took the park on seven years ago, and decided from the outset to put sustainability and the preservation of wildlife on the top of their agenda.
Since then, the husband and wife team has undertaken a raft of environmental initiatives which has led to Tehidy being highlighted by Professor Bellamy as a "green champion".
Measures taken include establishing the park's hedgerows as food and breeding habitats for native wildlife, and the planting of hundreds of indigenous trees as well as a wildflower meadow.
The couple's careful management of the stream which runs through Tehidy also ensures that it continues to act as a magnet for a wide variety of animal and bird life.
Solar panels and "sun tubes" to provide natural indoor illumination have helped the park to minimise its energy usage, and guests are encouraged to recycle all waste.
This year also saw the building of an eye-catching roundhouse on the park using sustainable forestry products and which acts as a barbecue shelter for holidaymakers.
David Bellamy made mention as well of Tehidy's close links with the local community, including its involvement with fundraising for good causes and support of local wildlife groups.
Visitors to the park can bring their own touring caravans, motorhomes or tents - or rent a luxury caravan holiday home or cottage.
This year, there was also the option to go "glamping" in one of the park's luxury wigwams which come fully furnished and complete with heating, lighting and decked porches plus a barbecue.
The timber-built wigwams even include a microwave oven and flat-screen television - and Richard and Julia say they have been delighted at their popularity with guests.
However, Tehidy's award-laden year may not quite be over yet. This week, the couple heard that their park is now in the running for a major European tourism honour.
It has been nominated for the title of "Best Small Park in Europe" by the international Alan Rogers Guide - one of just three European parks in the running, and the only park chosen from Britain.
ends
More press information from Richard Barnes on 01209 216489
or PR consultant Jon Boston on 01768 895225
Are you looking for lodges for sale in a great location?
Waveney River Centre offers a great selection of lodges to choose from. This park offers tranquility and some exceptional wildlife.
Waveney River Centre has a David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award of excellence.
There are three lodge models to choose from starting at £149,950
The Kestrel Lodges For Sale
This lodge offers great accommodation situated close to the River Waveney.
The Kestrel Lodge offers the ideal combination of luxury, versatility and practicality. Vaulted ceilings add to the sense of space and thoughtful touches include a walk-in wardrobe, full length lounge windows and fully integrated kitchen appliances. Contemporary styling and an integral corner veranda create endless entertainment opportunities amongst family and friends – ideal for alfresco dining with a picture perfect backdrop.
The lodge measures 40 x 20 ft plus a 6ft extended balcony, has two bedrooms, double glazing and gas fired central heating.
The Kestrel Lodge has a starting price of £149,950 to £159,950 depending on plot location.
Our prices include VAT and everything required for immediate occupation including entrance ramp, carpets, furnishings, fitted kitchens & bathrooms, TV & DVD player, light fittings, crockery, cutlery & utensils.
Marsh Harrier Lodges For Sale
Positioned close to the banks of the River Waveney
On stepping into the Marsh Harrier Lodge, you will be bathed in pools of light from the fully vaulted ceiling and glass gable. Offering the ideal combination of indulgence, versatility and practicality, our lodge is furnished in a New England style; with deep shag-pile carpets, wooden blinds, natural muslin curtains and wooden floors creating a home filled with luxurious textures. A custom accent colour can be chosen for use throughout the living and kitchen areas to enable you to create a truly personal space. Thoughtful touches include walk-in wardrobes in both master and second bedrooms, full length lounge windows and fully integrated kitchen appliances.
The lodge measures 40 x 20 ft, has two bedrooms, double glazing and gas fired central heating.
The Marsh Harrier Lodge has a starting price of £164,950 to £174,950 depending on plot location.
Our prices include VAT and everything required for immediate occupation including entrance ramp, carpets, furnishings, fitted kitchens & bathrooms, TV & DVD player, light fittings, crockery, cutlery & utensils.
The Barn Owl Lodges For Sale
Looking out to the marshes of the Waveney flatlands
Barn Owl Lodge has been designed exclusively for Waveney River centre and occupies an elevated location with a fantastic panoramic view across the marshes. Its wide glazed frontage features a vaulted lounge and two bedrooms, all opening directly on the decked balcony. Offering the ideal combination of indulgence, versatility and practicality, our lodge is furnished in a New England style; with deep shag-pile carpets, wooden blinds, natural muslin curtains and wooden floors creating a home filled with luxurious textures. A custom accent colour can be chosen for use throughout the living and kitchen areas to enable you to create a truly personal space. Thoughtful touches include walk-in wardrobes in both master and second bedrooms, full length lounge windows and fully integrated kitchen appliances.
The lodge measures 40 x 20 ft, has two bedrooms, double glazing and gas fired central heating.
The Barn Owl Lodge is priced at £184,950.
Our prices include VAT and everything required for immediate occupation including entrance ramp, carpets, furnishings, fitted kitchens & bathrooms, TV & DVD player, light fittings, crockery, cutlery & utensils.
Did you know that you can own your very own piece of the New Forest?
On a magnificent escarpment with spectacular views across the Avon Valley, our Vista Lodges present a unique opportunity to own a home away from home in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
Shared ownership makes the dream a reality. You can escape for four or eight weeks each year for 15 years and enjoy everything Sandy Balls Holiday Centre has to offer and so much more.
Due to popular demand, the show home has now been released for sale. And to make things even more enticing, prices have been held until the end of the year.
Vista Lodge Owners enjoy;
- Four or eight weeks each year in a beautifully designed lodge
- Sleeps 4-6 people
- Spacious lounge, dining and kitchen area
- Luxurious bathroom with roll top bath and free-standing shower cubicle
- Flat screen TV, DVD player, iPod docking station, Wi-Fi, wood-effect burner
- Full heating and instant hot water
- Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Sandy Balls Estate
- Wooden veranda with steel spiral staircase leading to a peaceful roof terrace
- Full use of all the facilities at Sandy Balls Holiday Village
- Concierge Service
Launching a summer campaign to woo single parents.
The Best of British holiday parks group is launching a summer campaign to woo single parents.
It says that for single mums and dads going away with children, holiday parks tick all the boxes which are left blank by hotels, guest houses and rented cottages.
The 50-strong group of independent holiday parks believes that for many singles, the biggest holiday headache is trying to keep youngsters amused without straining the budget.
"The dread question of "what can we do now?" is often the trigger for going out and spending more money," says BOB chairman Claire Jeavons.
"But on a holiday park, that issue just doesn't arise. Children are often straining at the leash each day to explore the grounds, enjoy the inclusive activities, and meet other youngsters.
"Children are naturally gregarious, much more so than most grown-ups, and will often strike up friendships with other children at the drop of a hat," added Ms Jeavons.
Many single parents, she says, accuse hotels and cottages of producing a sense of isolation which is met by getting in a car and heading off somewhere different each day.
But by keeping the holiday focussed on the park, Ms Jeavons comments, it's less stress for everyone - and single parents themselves sometimes form impromptu communities during their stay.
As well as saving on the cost of constantly seeking out entertainment, BOB points out, parks also provide much more affordable accommodation.
Rented holiday caravans and lodges offer excellent value, and don't impose any surcharges for under-occupancy. Or there is the option of taking a tent to keep costs to a real minimum.
Parks in membership of BOB, most of which are family owned and with top tourist board gradings, offer a variety of inclusive attractions depending on the preferred style of holiday.
Some have features such as swimming pools, children's clubs and nightly entertainment - all included in the price - with an on-park shop and cafe, bar or restaurant.
Others offer simply peaceful surroundings with attractive grounds to explore, sometimes in easy walking distance to a beach or countryside trails.
"Single parents often say that they feel most relaxed when they know that children are happy, engaged and safe, and a holiday park provides exactly the right setting," says Ms Jeavons.
"Almost all of our parks' single parent bookings are repeat visitors, or are made as a result of a recommendation from another mum or dad who has stayed there.
"Unlike hotels, parks are created purely for pleasure - and we've yet to hear anyone complain that they miss the mini-bar, trouser press or conference facilities!" she added.
More information, and an interactive map of park locations and facilities, can be found on-line at www.Bob.org.uk. A free brochure can also be requested from the website.
1st place CL of the year award 2011, out of 2500 camping parks Maria from Walnut Lakes said 'We had a smashing day in london at westminster palace for the award'.
