Posts in Regent

The David Bellamy Awards and what they mean to us

Every year each of our parks are independently assessed by experts from the David Bellamy Conservation Award scheme on behalf of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association. It is one of the longest running green tourism awards in the UK and Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards are given out to recognise the work the parks do to protect the environment.

We’re delighted to report that now seven of our nine parks have managed to achieve Gold Award status, the top accolade awarded by the scheme and we will continue to invest in our parks to ensure that we maintain these high standards in future years. Protecting the environment and overall corporate social responsibility is an important part of our day to day business at South Lakeland Parks and is intrinsic in our values as a responsible company.

Our two parks with Bronze Awards, Regent and Ocean Edge have made great strides in recent years as has been highlighted by the positive acknowledgments of the scheme’s assessors. Ongoing investment in landscaping, tree planting and gardening as well as aesthetical improvements such as picnic benches and external decorating have taken place during the Winter.

But there is a lot more to the Conservation Award scheme than just looking after the greenery of the Parks. The assessors also review our progress on energy, water and use of other resources; reducing, reusing and recycling of waste and what we do to support our local communities.

As Mr Bellamy says: “The best holiday parks are mini nature reserves and are helping to drive Britain’s green tourism revolution.” So you can relax in your homes safe in the knowledge that South Lakeland Parks remain committed to being at the forefront of environmental and sustainability excellence.

Here is what our assessors said on their last inspections:
Fallbarrow Holiday Park
“The entrance area at Fallbarrow is particularly attractive and there always appears a great change when entering, between the hustle and bustle outside and the relative peace and calm inside. The working together of all concerned has evolved the park to the high standard that it is. This is a credit to all concerned.”
Result: Gold Award

Gatebeck Holiday Park
“Gatebeck is an extremely pleasant and environmentally friendly park. It is extremely well screened and there is much evidence of strong links with the local community. There is plenty of evidence of the activities of mammals, birds and insects within the area of the park together with a splendid array of wild flowers. Gatebeck residents over the years all say the same thing – the peace, the wildlife and the way the park is run contributes greatly to their wellbeing and enjoyment.”
Result: Gold Award

Hawthorne Holiday Park
“Tucked away down a sleepy lane in the Lancashire countryside Hawthorne Park is a little oasis for its customers. It is secluded, well hidden and has almost no impact on the local landscape. The park has benefitted from significant investment over the past 12 months with new sewage systems, a new play area and the surfacing of access roads. All of these have improved the park significantly.”
Result: Gold Award

Marina Holiday Park
“Marina is an attractive park located by the Lancaster canal close to the village of Galgate. It has the feel of a self contained community with strong familiarity amongst customers and staff. The park is extremely well screened and low level lighting ensures minimal light pollution. Traffic control is excellent and there is a general feel of peace and quiet on the park. Very attractive floral displays create an excellent first impression.”
Result: Gold Award

Limefitt Holiday Park
“Limefitt has changed quite dramatically over the years yet retained its character – a park set in superb Lakeland valley scenery, keeping its old buildings and of course its position alongside the fast flowing Troutbeck. The overhaul of waste and recycling arrangements has taken place and been so successful that the amount of unrecycled items has been significantly reduced. The park now recycles used printer cartridges and any old mobile phones – this to support the Roy Castle Cancer Foundation.”
Result: Gold Award

Todber Holiday Park
“Huge improvements have been made at Todber since the last assessment. The Park should be commended for their achievements. The development on the higher levels is stunning. Some great work has been undertaken since the last assessment with some valuable planting schemes of native species of hedges which have added great aesthetic and conservation value to park.”
Result: Gold Award

White Cross Bay Leisure Park
“It was encouraging to see the improvements that have taken place at White Cross Bay in recent years. The park has matured and there was and continues to be, an obvious desire to do everything possible to improve the place for the benefit of the environment and park users. From the park entrance to lakeside shore, thanks to the planning and work undertaken, much of White Cross Bay is green and inviting; a good deal of planting up has taken place.”
Result: Gold Award

Regent Leisure Park
“Regent Park is a popular holiday home park which has had a number of physical improvements since the last assessment. New landscaping has greatly enhanced the park and an excellent reception area with stunning floral displays makes visitors welcome on arrival.”
Result: Bronze Award

Ocean Edge Leisure Park
“Ocean Edge has seen some investment since the last assessment with touring caravans stopped in favour of holiday homes and with that change has come favourable improvements in landscaping. The park’s prime coastal views and the wildlife are a valuable asset and the park has really begun to improve physically.”
Result: Bronze Award

 

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South Lakeland Parks launch lowest ever priced holiday home.

Holidaying at home is set to become even more affordable at four Lancashire holiday parks when their new, lowest ever priced holiday caravans are launched this weekend.

Ocean Edge, Regent and Hawthorne holiday parks on Morecambe Bay and Todber holiday park in the Ribble Valley, all part of the South Lakeland Parks group, will be unveiling the brand new caravan over this Easter weekend, 6th-9th April 2012.

The ABI Seashore, priced from just £19,995 is the group’s lowest ever priced new holiday home and is exclusively available only on these four seaside and countryside parks.

The two-bedroom caravan is fully equipped with everything needed to enjoy a break away from home including gas fire, 4- hob cooker and twin oven, shower, family dining table seating, and an extra pull out bed in the lounge.

The 36 by 12 foot model also comes with a separate en-suite to the master bedroom and uPVC double glazing and full central heating as standard.
With the average cost of a one-week family holiday to Europe being around £2000, a family of four could easily recoup the cost of this great value home within just five years. 

The seaside parks of Ocean Edge and Regent have a wide range of facilities for all the family to enjoy including indoor heated swimming pools and saunas, indoor and outdoor play areas and family cabaret lounges complete with entertainment and live shows.

For those looking for a more peaceful and laid back way of life, the smaller Hawthorne Park on the shores of Morecambe Bay is the perfect place to relax. Owners also have the added benefit of being able to use the leisure facilities at nearby Ocean Edge.

Todber holiday park in the picturesque rural setting of the Ribble Valley is ideally placed for exploring The Trough of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales whilst the park itself has all the charm of a private countryside hideaway.

Caroline Farrer, Group Marketing Manager at South Lakeland Parks, said: “Holidaying at home does not have to be an expensive option and with the introduction of these exciting new homes on four of our parks, we are making it more affordable than ever.

“So, if the idea of limitless holidays and short breaks appeals to you then come along to our unveiling events at the parks this weekend and be one of the first to take advantage of these brand new, great value homes.”

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Nurture Lakeland Riverside Walk - Official Opening

South Lakeland Parks are active supporters of Nurture Lakeland, an organization which aims to make the Cumbrian tourism industry more sustainable by creating ways for businesses and individuals to donate to conservation.

Nurture Lakeland makes sure that the money raised goes to the areas that need it the most, so that the Lake District remains a beautiful place to visit. They also deliver responsible tourism campaigns and advice to help businesses, residents and visitors understand how they can help.

As members of the Nurture Lakeland organisation, South Lakeland Parks has been able to raise money – through the
generosity of owners and visitors.

South Lakeland Parks has been helping visitors of all ages and levels of fitness to enjoy the countryside by supporting the ‘Miles without Stiles’ project. This raises money towards upgrading and developing footpaths to improve access for people with limited mobility throughout Cumbria and the Lake District.

Working in association with Nurture Lakeland, South Lakeland Parks has already raised over £50,000.

One of the main routes South Lakeland Parks has been supporting is the Staveley Riverside Walk. This walk was officially opened in July by Eric Robson, the writer, broadcaster and Chairman of Cumbria Tourism. Now  improvements to the footpath have been completed, making it safer for everyone to walk along.

The Staveley Riverside Walk route runs from the Duke William pub along the path to the footbridge and then turns left  along the riverside to the road.

The new wall next to the riverside walk was built over two weekends by the Friends of the Lake District Annual Walling Competition. Members of the Dry Stone Walling Association built a new field boundary wall alongside the path. Over 140 metres was built over three days. The money raised also went towards building a wheelchair accessible bridge and a link to Staveley Mill Yard where visitors can access local shops and cafes.

A 68 tonne crane was needed to lift the new seven tonne bridge into position. The new, bespoke footbridge now spans the River Kent directly behind Staveley Mill Yard and its design, reflects the yard’s unique history of wood turning. The flowing shape of the bridge resembles the form of a wood shaving.
www.nurturelakeland.org

If you want to try the walk  CLICK HERE for the walk route.

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Park Life the Magazine for Owners at South Lakeland Parks ...

It may have flown by but we at South Lakeland Parks have come a long way in 6 years. With the 3rd edition of 'Park Life'  now ready this is what can be found in our latest edition of Park Life;

- Owners' Inbox - Competition, letters, Owner feeback
- New Developments for 2012
- David Bellamy Awards - What they mean to us.
- Charity News
- Exclusive Owner Events
- Attraction Review - Blackpool Tower
- Manufacture's review - ABI Seashore
- Owners Discount Vouchers - with great savings on local attractions.
- What's On
- Plus much more

So to view the magazine CLICK HERE

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Winterisation is necessary to help protect your holiday home from frost damage. Water pipes, shower valves, taps, boilers, radiators can all freeze leading to expensive repairs/replacement costs. It is also important to note that many insurance policies require draining down as part of the conditions of your cover.

We unfortunately cannot guarantee the continuous supply of utilities to your holiday home, and respectfully remind you that boilers will not operate on frost stat setting when there is a break in supply of electricity, furthermore there is no guarantee that the boiler will re-set itself, which could lead to your holiday home exposed to frost damage.

Some parks offer this winterization service in-house, and all parks can provide a list of approved contractors/tradesmen upon request. Alternatively you can follow the procedure below, however please be aware that any small amount of water left in the system could freeze. When closing down for winter it is advisable to use a compressor (no more than 3 bar pressure) and blow through the pipe lines to ensure all water is removed.

Tip 1 Add the correct level of anti freeze to your central heating system
Tip 2 Shut off the main supply outside your holiday home
Tip 3 Leave open all taps including the shower and drain
Tip 4 Flush the toilet to empty the cistern
Tip 5 Put anti freeze also into all sinks and shower traps
Tip 6 Open the drain cock provided under the holiday home and leave open
Tip 7 Drain and set any water heaters or central heating systems to defrost setting
Tip 8 Ensure you home is left locked and secure. When you return simply reverse the procedure and turn on the mains supply slowly (with an assistant)
Tip 9 Speak to a park team member for advice if unsure

For more advice on draining down for the winter, speak to a member of your park staff.

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Subletting is a great way to earn additional income and offset some of the annual running costs of your Holiday Home when it would otherwise not be in use..

Why sublet through South Lakeland Parks?

Choosing to sublet through South Lakeland Parks holiday division South Lakeland Holidays allows you to relax while others take care of everything else. The Parks team will ensure that your Holiday Home is in safe hands. You will also have the support of our ‘Holiday Reservations’ and ‘Marketing Teams’.
South Lakeland Holidays will provide you with:

• A FULL CLEAN of your holiday home after each booking
• LINEN and LAUNDRY for all your holiday bookings
• ADVERTISING in newspapers and on the internet
• TARGETED MARKETING SUPPORT – brochures, letters, flyers
• ONLINE PROMOTION
• CUSTOMER CORRESPONDENCE including confirmations, invoices and collection of payments
• KEY HANDLING service via our reception teams
• GAS CHECKING SERVICE (for units on bottled gas) and invoicing direct to the holiday home owner (i.e. no need for holidaymaker to pay up front for a new bottle)
• EXTENDED MAINTENANCE SUPPORT through our maintenance staff who are available during office hours seven days per week throughout the season and after office hours a night warden will be available to assist holiday home users
• INVENTORY CHECKING of your holiday home
• HOLIDAY LETTINGS STATEMENT Quarterly statements of all of your bookings and weekly income breakdown

South Lakeland Holidays have a wealth of experience in holiday park marketing and a significant marketing budget is allocated for brochure production, mailings, internet development and advertising to support our subletting programme. This combined with an excellent booking system and experienced professional staff will ensure your property is effectively marketed.

How much income can I expect?

The income you can expect will depend on park location, category and size of your holiday home plus ever changing market conditions. South Lakeland Holidays does not guarantee any income levels from subletting your unit.

To request a sublet guide or for more information call 015395 69835 or email janette.vaughan@southlakelandparks.co.uk

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