Holiday Snaps: Claire Jeavons, Beverley Holidays

Posted on February 9, 2015

Holiday Snaps: Claire Jeavons, Beverley Holidays

Claire Jeavons is the third generation of the Jeavons family who together run the award-winning Beverley Holidays and Whitehill Country Park, situated in the heart of the English Riviera. Claire is also chairman of the prestigious Best of British Holiday & Touring Parks Group, for which Beverley Holidays is a member, as well as being on the board of directors of the English Riviera Tourism Company.

How do you see the UK holiday industry at the moment?

The UK holiday industry is a hugely exciting area at the moment. We’re finding that more and more people are seeking a UK-based staycation over going abroad. Plus, here in the English Riviera, our famously mild micro-climate means visitors can still enjoy a sunny seaside holiday without the hassle of heading too far from home or flying overseas.

What are the main challenges facing the industry?

If the spate of storms we experienced last winter proved anything, it was how changeable the UK climate can be. However, the quick response we saw here in the South West to the damaged Dawlish railway line instilled a huge amount of confidence in the tourism community that we are more than capable to rising to any challenges that the weather might throw our way.

How have customer expectations changed during your time in the holiday business and how have you reacted to those demands?

Having welcomed visitors to the English Riviera for more than 56 years, our team has been given a fascinating insight into the increasing expectations of customers. As a business, we pride ourselves on constantly adapting and re-investing in our holiday parks to ensure we always stay at the forefront of the tourism scene.

If you had to identify one element, what is the most crucial aspect to the success of your business?

The secret to our long-standing success is undoubtedly down to the hard work and dedication of our teams, and also our ability to constantly adapt to changing customer needs. We have transformed ourselves from a small-scale site on farmland to a destination in its own right, offering a multitude of on-site facilities and modern holiday accommodation.

What has been your most interesting experience in the industry?

We have recently undergone a major re-branding initiative at Beverley Holidays, whereby we unified a number of our parks under the ‘Beverley Holidays’ banner. It was a fascinating experience as we have a passionate following of loyal customers who were understandably curious of the changes, but the end result has been hugely successful and well received by guests both old and new.

What does a typical day in the office for you entail?

My main role is running the marketing department and covering all areas from social media to advertising and public relations. There is always a marketing campaign on the go.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given and by whom?

It’s a cliché but ‘put yourself in your customer’s shoes’. I’m a big traveller and I love to visit new places and experience new things, and this certainly helps when it comes to gaining new ideas to improve our guests’ holiday experience. I’m also constantly visiting other holiday parks in the UK through by work as chairman of the Best of British Holiday and Touring Parks group, which gives me a rare insight through the eyes of a customer.

Where do you go on holiday?

I tend to stay in all sorts of different accommodation styles from camping huts to luxury villas. There’s so much to see and experience both in the UK and worldwide, and my aim is to see it all!

First Lady Takes The Reins

Posted on February 9, 2015

First Lady Takes The Reins

Anne Dearling has taken on the role of chairman of the Caravan and Camping Club,
after being a member for 31 years.

For the first time in its history the Camping and Caravanning Club’s National Council has both a female chairman and president at the same time, following the election of the new chairman, Anne Dearling.

Formerly vice-chairman, Anne joins club president Julia Bradbury who was chosen by members at the Club’s AGM in October 2013.

“Becoming the Club’s chairman means the world to me – it’s the ultimate accolade,” said Anne of her appointment.

Anne lives in Cornwall with her husband and they have both been Club members for 31 years. She has fulfilled various administrative positions within the Club, at District Association, Regional and National Council level, which Anne says has given her a solid understanding of the Club. Anne will now be responsible for overseeing the Club’s executive, management and main committees, and her role is the pinnacle of the Club’s democratic committee structure.

Robert Louden MBE, director general of the Camping and Caravanning Club said: “I’m delighted to welcome Anne as the new chairman. Her energy and enthusiasm for the club, and for all things camping, shine through in everything she says and does.

“We look forward to the Club growing and continuing to deliver great experiences for its members during Anne’s term of office.”

Trethem Mill Celebrates A Golden Year

Posted on January 6, 2015

Trethem Mill Celebrates A Golden Year

The 2015 bar has been set high for Trethem Mill Touring Park after winning three separate gold awards last year.

Trethem Mill Touring Park is celebrating a highly successful year after completing a hat-trick of gold accolades.

Most recently, the Cornish park received the overall Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year title at the Cornwall Tourism Awards in November – the eighth occasion in the 13 years of the event that Trethem Mill has taken a gold award.

Last spring, the park was one of just a handful of caravan and camping parks in the UK chosen to receive the prestigious gold award given out by VisitEngland to its highest rated parks. Then, in autumn, botanist David Bellamy announced Trethem Mill as a winner of his Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Park owner Jane Akeroyd said that 2014 had been a whirlwind of a year for the park, both in terms of visitor numbers and the awards it has received: “By far the majority of our guests are now either repeat visitors, or people coming as a result of a recommendation, which helps create a lovely atmosphere on the park.

“Our latest Cornwall Tourism award is especially pleasing as it judges not just the quality of the park, but also the welcome and hospitality which is shown to holidaymakers.”

Jane added: “The bar has now been set pretty high for 2015, but we are determined to carry on simply making Trethem Mill the type of park to which everyone wants to return”.

Exhibition Season Gets Underway

Posted on January 6, 2015

Exhibition Season Gets Underway

Tickets are on sale now for the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, taking place from 17th – 22nd February 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Thousands will be heading to the NEC in Birmingham in February, as the 2015 exhibition season gets underway with the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show.

Taking place from 17th – 22nd February, the show welcomes over 350 exhibitors offering the latest in caravans, motorhomes, campervans, tents, holiday homes and lodges, campsites, awnings and porches, all under one roof.

Organised by NCC Events, a wholly owned subsidiary of industry trade body the National Caravan Council, and supported by The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club the show is the best place to see what is in store for the 2015 holiday season.

This year’s show will also feature a host of well-known personalities with a love of the great outdoors, including TV’s wilderness bushcraft expert Ray Mears and Olympic champion Sally Gunnell. Both will speak about their passions and undertake audience Q&A’s in the Experts’ Theatre.

NCC Events managing director Andrew Whalley said: “If anyone wants to find out more about holidaying in the great outdoors with their family they need to come to the NEC in February.

“Not only do we have a huge array of products on show that facilitate adventure, we’ve got features and speakers that will also inspire visitors to go camping and caravanning in 2015.”

Advanced tickets start from £7, kids go free, and free parking is available.

Red Letter Year For Landmark Trust

Posted on January 6, 2015

Red Letter Year For Landmark Trust

2015 is a special year for the Landmark Trust, marking 50 years since it was founded.

The Landmark Trust is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, with a full programme of new projects and activities planned to mark the occasion.

Founded in 1965 with the simple aim of saving extraordinary buildings for future generations and allowing people to stay in them for holidays, the Landmark Trust is now a national heritage charity.

This year the Trust will complete the rescue of two more historic buildings; Belmont, a Grade II listed seaside villa in Lyme Regis, which will open for breaks for groups of eight people and St Edward’s Presbytery, a Grade I listed piece of Gothic revival landscape in Ramsgate. The Presbytery was on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk register but will be carefully restored by Landmark for self-catering holidays for up to four people. The Trust will also be running its ‘50 for Free’ scheme, offering 50 mid-week and weekend breaks free to charities and organisations in March.

Anna Keay, Landmark Trust’s director, said: “We are incredibly proud that over the last half century the Landmark Trust has been able to save some of Britain’s most precious places and given so many people so much joy.

“In fifty years, the Landmark Trust has rescued almost 200 buildings that would have otherwise been lost including castles, cottages, forts and temples.

“We want to celebrate our birthday by sharing these incredible buildings with everyone, and, we hope, to infect a new generation with the Landmark bug.”

In May, 25 Landmarks will open to the public as part of a special golden weekend. It is estimated that 95 per cent of the British population will be within 50 miles of free open days, when everybody will be able to see inside the properties and learn more about the history of the buildings and restorations.

Impact Of Scottish Parks Revealed

Posted on December 19, 2014

Impact Of Scottish Parks Revealed

The Scottish Caravan and Camping Forum (SCCF) undertook an assessment of the economic impact of the holiday park sector in Scotland.

Holiday parks in Scotland are worth an estimated £700 million to the Scottish economy, according to new figures from the Scottish Caravan and Camping Forum (SCCF).

For the first time ever, the SCCF has successfully gained an accurate picture of the economic value of the holiday park industry in Scotland, following a major survey across the country.

The research has identified the significant contribution which holiday parks make to the Scottish economy, as a result of visitors’ spend and expenditure by park owners in operating their parks. Results of the survey also reveal that over 5,680 full-time jobs are created by the holiday park sector alone.

David Key, a representative of the National Caravan Council and chair of the SCCF commented: “The Committee is delighted with the results, because we have, for the first time, established the value of this sector to the economy. £700 million is a significant contribution, as are the 5,688 FTE jobs.

“Caravan parks are important to the rural economy because of the jobs they provide and the money spent by their visitors. This report enables the SCCF and the sector as a whole to present robust data to the Scottish Government, to local authorities and to tourism organisations.”

The findings confirm that the holiday park sector attracts a large number of non-Scottish tourists, with 57 per cent of all holidaymakers to Scottish parks visiting from outside of the country. Visitors tend to take a holiday or short break on a holiday park several times over the course of a year, with renters and tourers taking, on average, 4.1 holidays per year, and owner-occupiers taking, on average, 9.1 trips per year.

Forty-five caravan park operators took part in the survey - some of whom operate more than one park - who, together, provided information on 89 parks. An online survey was undertaken of 7,034 people who had taken a holiday on a holiday park in Scotland in either 2013 or 2014.

A Hidden Gem

Posted on November 28, 2014

Situated in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, guests use Bluestone as a base to explore the surrounding countryside and coast.

A Hidden Gem

One of Wales’ best-kept secrets, Bluestone National Park Resort lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, next to the Preseli mountains.

Accredited with a five star rating by Visit Wales, Bluestone is an all year, all weather short break holiday destination offering freerange fun and relaxation for its guests.

Bluestone opened in July 2008 and has nearly 300 luxury lodges, cottages and studio apartments, designed in the traditional Welsh style and set in 500 acres of countryside. The park has plans to expand with a further 60 luxury lodges in the near future, as part of a third phase expansion.

“Our ultimate goal is to be the UK’s most loved short break destination,” says Bluestone’s CEO William McNamara. “At the moment we’re one of Wales’ best-kept secrets so one of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that we are consistently spreading the word about Bluestone and all it has to offer.”

With over 100 activities for guests to choose from, Bluestone has got every angle covered - from 4x4 adventures and beast hunts for the adventurous holidaymaker, to relaxing spa treatments and live music sessions for those that prefer a more chilled-out break. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Blue Lagoon waterpark, which features an indoor wave machine, a rapids river ride and two enclosed flume rides. The lazy river exits the building to an outdoor bubble pool, with two interactive wet play areas.

Earlier this year the park also introduced a range of new activities and facilities to further enhance the guest experience, including a sky wire zip course, rock climbing and a new village treehouse and play area.

William explains: “There’s no typical break at Bluestone. It’s all about giving the guests choices, while urging them to find their ‘wild thing’. Whether its families wanting to get together, couples wanting a romantic escape, or guests just simply wanting to get away and do something different - we cater for all.”

To read more on Bluestone, please subscribe online.

All Eyes On The Farm Business Innovation Expo

Posted on November 4, 2014

The Farm Business Innovation Expo is free to attend and returns to London Olympia on 27th and 28th November.

All Eyes On The Farm Business Innovation Expo

The much anticipated Farm Business Innovation Expo returns to London Olympia in November, inspiring land owners to find new ways to use their land and ultimately maximise profit.

Don’t let the name fool you – you don’t need to be a farmer to benefit from a day at the show.

Now in its second year, the exhibition and conference is packed with inspiration, ideas and advice to help rural entrepreneurs to diversify out of agriculture. More than 3,000 people with an interest in rural business attended last year’s event, to take advantage of the exclusive seminar and workshop schedule, networking opportunities and 200 exhibitors.

“If you’re considering diversifying your farm or rural land, then you simply must attend Farm Business Innovation,” urges event director Gary Hall.

“We are expecting double the amount of visitors as last year and double the insight into the industry.”

The 2014 expo is free to attend and runs from 27th – 28th November. Seminar and workshop topics are set to include farm shops, tourism, glamping, renewable energy or storage, with expert advice on how to identify opportunities, as well as how to seek planning permission and attract investment. The expo conference will also highlight the latest trends that forward-thinking land owners will turn to next year, featuring business advice and diversification inspiration direct from the experts.

Book your free ticket online now at www.thefarmingshow.co.uk

Tributes For Holiday Stalwart

Posted on November 4, 2014

Holiday park magnate John Fowler
has passed away at the age of 86.

Tributes For Holiday Stalwart

The holiday park industry has bid a sad farewell to John Fowler, founder of the largest privately owned holiday group in the West Country – John Fowler Holidays.

From humble beginnings, the company was founded when John left his Merchant Navy ship in 1953 with aspirations of a business life ashore in Cornwall and with just his £300 pay-off in his pocket. Without a house, job or car to help him in his determination to start a business, John bought an old pre-war caravan for £100 and completely refurbished it. He had noticed visitor demand for the independence of a self-catering holiday as an alternative to traditional boarding houses or hotels.

After a round of phone calls from the village green phone kiosk he found a neighbouring farmer with permission to site the van. The agreed place was no more than a lonely grass field, without electricity or roads, but just a short scramble to a sandy beach, and a brief bus ride to Newquay. A single chemical lavatory, plus an outside tap for drinking or washing water, were the only two concessions to holiday facilities. John spent 6/6d (33p) on a small advert in a Midlands newspaper and when cash bookings started to arrive in the post ploughed all income straight into more caravans.

Within weeks he had the beginnings of a very small holiday business. Now a multimillion-pound chain of 14 holiday parks spread across the south west, John Fowler Holidays was recently ranked at number 32 in a list of the 150 biggest firms operating out of Devon and Cornwall.

The company has also been recognised in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 list of the UK’s 100 fastest firms for profit-growth. John, who passed away in September, leaves behind his wife Susan, five children and several grandchildren. There is no doubt that he has left a large gap in the industry, in many people’s lives and some very happy memories too.

New Forest Ranger Leads Campsite Activities

Posted on September 22, 2014

Campers in the New Forest are being given environmental information and advice from a new park ranger.

New Forest Ranger Leads Campsite Activities

A new seasonal ranger is helping campers have fun in the New Forest while helping them protect the National Park’s animals and landscapes.

Chris Marshall will lead bug hunts, forest games and craft activities exclusively for families at four Camping in the Forest campsites throughout the summer.

Campers at Roundhill, Ashurst, Holmsley and Hollands Wood are being treated to a wild time of adventure and discovery, with walks from the campsites to learn more about the flora and fauna, how the New Forest got its name and why ponies have played such an important role in shaping the landscape.

The new role is being supported as a joint partnership between the New Forest National Park Authority, Camping in the Forest and the Forestry Commission.