January 2019
Issue no 1
Mersea Island Holiday Park presents
Park Life
What’s happening at
MerseaIsland r
Mark Brightman General Manager
We’ve seen lots of smiles on faces, wagging tails and memories being made at Mersea Island this year and we’re looking forward to seeing more happy faces again in the new year.
The winters are getting colder and colder so in preparation for this cold weather, please make sure you drain down your holiday home and not get caught out like last year!
We saw the park filled with colour during our Colour Festival Weekend which was a huge success and also our annual Cream Pie Fight gathered lots of people from all over just to get pied!
I’d also like to take this moment to thank you for all your continued support this year, let’s make next year an even better one!
Follow us on social media
@MerseaIslandHolidays
@AwayResortsUK
@AwayResortsHolidays
On park
Colour Festival Weekend 19th – 21st July A lively colourful weekend inspired by India’s famous Holi Festival of Colours. Get your cameras ready to see the park flood with colour, you won’t want to miss this one!
events
Foodstock Festival 10th August Bring the family down to sample some delicious local cuisine. Great food and a great mood – a match made in heaven!
s r e n w O
Events 2019
School Holidays: Six Weeks of Summer 21 July - 31 August Set the dial to maximum and let the kid’s run wild. It’s the school holidays & their time to play, swim, laugh, dance and spend some quality time with mum and dad. Outdoor Cinema Wednesdays & Sundays throughout peak school holidays Grab the popcorn, grab a blanket and cosy down for a cracking good film under the stars.
25th August Our annual Cream Pie Fight is returning. Not only is it one of our largest gatherings, but it’s also one of the messiest too. Bring the family, all armed with cream pie plates ready to dive head first into this crazy family event.
Cream Pie Fight
s t n e v e w e N ! n oo s g n comi
Download our app to or visit owners.awayresorts.co.uk to find out more!
es Ima&gSocial Media A gentle reminder that use of any Away Resorts images or text from the website, social media or any other marketing source is prohibited without permission. We kindly ask that no information
belonging to Away Resorts is used without written agreement. We also ask that inappropriate language is not used on social media, any inappropriate posts will be removed.
Drivers
10
To keep the park safe for everybody, please don’t forget that the speed on park is 10mph, and of course all the usual rules still apply!
ut ck oblog! Cheour Full of lifestyle, travel tips and holiday guides, our Good Times blog is the perfect place to plan your trip with us. There’s lots of events showcased, which means that there is something for the whole family to enjoy!
Get social
Want to keep up to date with our news, developments and promos? Our social pages are filled with info and imagery from the parks so you can see the lovely views all the time. @MerseaIslandHolidays
Maintenance Team No job too small…sounds like an advert, however it’s true! If you would like us to quote on any maintenance issues or one of those ‘I’ll do that job later’ scenarios, we’ll be only too pleased to help. Pop into Guest Services to find out more.
Health & Safety Any owner that requires contractors to visit them on park will been to be authorised by Mark Brightman. Please call Guest Services to obtain the necessary paperwork and to find out more.
Housekeeping Team Just so you are aware, we do offer a spring clean, external and or decking wash to all our owners… just pop into the office and book your spot with Guest Services.
Doggies For your dogs, yours and everyone else on parks safety, we do kindly ask you to keep your dogs on leads at all time apart from using the dog exercise area. If your dog poops, please pick it up and help keep the park tidy and clean!
@AwayResortsUK
@AwayResortsHolidays
Private Sublets
If you already sublet your holiday home privately, please remember that the key handling and responsibilities lie with you, the owner, to look after. Please ensure your guests are aware they are required to have passes to use the central facilities – these can be purchased from Guest Services. Any complaints need to be dealt
Gentle Reminder
with by you and it is your responsibility to advise your guests accordingly. In the case of a private sublet, we unfortunately have no knowledge or record of the booking or what has been communicated/agreed with each guest. In all instances, a private sublet guest who contacts us will be directed back to you, the owner.
You're able to have 8 passes per holiday home for you and your family to enjoy the facilities that we have to offer here on park. Forms are now available to collect from the Holiday Home Sales Office, so pop in when you're next on park and get your details filled in!
How would you like to earn
th ousands
of pounds simply by letting out your holiday home?
Contact
Last year some of our owners earned up to £6,500 from their holiday homes – without having to do any hard work. We took care of it all for them, from marketing to handing over the keys and even the cleaning.
Details
Please pop into Guest Services next time you are on park with a recent utility bill to help us check your contact details and make sure they match up with what we have. It might be that you have moved address, changed your telephone number or e-mail address and we need to know. Sometimes we need to get messages or updates
out to you quickly either by a text message or e-mail, so it’s important that we’ve got the right details on file so you don’t miss out on relevant park information. If you haven’t done so already, please can you pop into Guest Services with your current council tax bill, a utility bill dated in the last three months and a copy of your current insurance certificate.
Gas Bottles
When you feel like your gas is running out, just pop over to Guest Services and one of the lovely team there will be able to help you purchase another one for your holiday home.
Documents
Please remember that we need up-to-date copies on file of your…
Caravan insurance Annual gas safety test Electrical test (3 years) If you are unsure if we have yours, please pop into the Holiday Home Sales Office at your earliest convenience.
We can do the same for you too. Just imagine what you could do with that money – help towards the annual running costs for your holiday home, treat yourself to something nice, maybe build up some savings for later on.
HOW OUR MANAGED LETTING SERVICE WORKS:
1. 2. 3.
You decide the dates you wish to let your holiday home out. Upon request we deposit your managed letting service money into your account 8 times per year You sit back, relax and let us do all the hard work!
See 2019 sublet pack for more info
A complete service from the people who know your holiday park Some holiday owners manage the lettings themselves, and that’s certainly an option. The down side is that you have the stress of being responsible for everything, from start to finish. We’ve deliberately designed our service so it takes care of everything. It means no worries for our owners and a perfect stay for your holiday guests.
Visit Guest Services to find out more and to help you decide if letting your holiday home with us is right for you
In 1989, Ray Oldenburg published a book about civil society, democracy and civil engagement. Oldenburg suggests that for a healthy existence, citizens must live in a balance of three realms: home life which is the first place, the workplace which is the second, and the inclusively sociable places which are the third. You’re probably wondering what has this got to do with Away Resorts? Well, we have an exciting new brand coming soon for all our lovely owners, The Third Place Social, showcasing never before seen owners events plus much more!
We believe that The Third Place are the anchors of the community and facilitate more creative interaction between each other. A neutral ground where you are free to come and go as you please, no importance of status in society, witty conversation and frivolous banter are not only common, but highly valued but also having the same feelings of warmth, possession and belonging as they would in their own homes. We want to make Away Resorts be the ‘third place’ in your life – A place to relax, a place with familiar faces & a place for new friends.
Look out for more information coming later this month!
s t f a r C & s Art Competition
Have we got any kids on park who like arts and crafts? We want YOU! You’re invited to enter our art competition for a chance to win £50 worth of arts and crafts goodies! We want to see your version of the park through your eyes, no matter how out there or crazy they end up, it’s all part of the magic of owning a holiday home with us! Get your drawings into us by Thursday 28th February, and the winners will be announced in the next newsletter. Take a snap of your drawing and email your entries to holidayhomes@awayresorts.co.uk, along with a brief description, your name, address, telephone number or pop your artwork into the Holiday Home Sales Office when you’re next on park before the deadline. By sending us your drawings, you agree for Away Resorts to use them on social media and for marketing purposes. Good luck! We’re looking forward to seeing all of your colourful creations!
Events
Local
New Years Day Walk High Woods The traditional New Year’s Day 3 mile long rangerled walk through the park followed by a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie. Delicious! Make sure you wrap up warm too! https://bit.ly/2DRnrHu The Magic of Valentines Colchester Castle Museum Come along after hours and meet our curators as they explore the magic of Valentine’s. Celebrate the history of love with a complimentary glass of prosecco. Booking essential. cimuseums.org.uk/event/__ trashed-5 Creature Encounters Colchester Natural History Museum - 22nd February Meet some extraordinary animals and discover more about the animal kingdom. Which mammals, birds or reptiles will you meet? cimuseums.org.uk/event/ encounters/
Mersea Island Fresh Catch Tues & Thurs - 2.45-4.30 (2.45-3.45 in Winter) Freshly caught fish from your local fishermen. We only sell fish caught locally by local fishermen in waters around Mersea. Often our fish is so fresh, we don’t know what we are going to have until a couple of hours before we open! merseaislandfreshcatch.co.uk/ West Mersea Town Regatta Saturday 17th August Volunteer run regatta which has been running since 1838. This is the main event, and you’ll be able to attend the Cobmarsh Marathon to lead you to the regatta two weeks later. Cobmarsh Marathon Saturday 3rd August Pair-oared rowing race with several classes for different types of boats.
Double
be... ard could Your rew ount credit! cc £2,000 A
Recommend a friend who becomes a Holiday Home Owner between 4th January and 15th February we will double your reward!
referral reward
How about £2,000 in Pitch Fee Credits?
A great many of the Holiday Home Owners here at Mersea Island have joined us because they were recommended to the park by their friends or family. You can’t keep a good thing secret for long!
2019 Referrals Offer
Normal Referrals
Find out more
mersea.holidayhomes@awayresorts.co.uk or call us on 01206 383252
Terms and conditions; Any friends you recommend must purchase a holiday home between 4th January & 15th February 2019 and the sale must be complete by 28th February. Any sales that complete after this date will revert back to the standard recommend a friend offer of £500 for the first recommended, £750 for the second referral and £1000 for the third referral in a 12 month period. Sorry there is no cash alternative, credit applied to your owners account to be used for pitch fees, gas, electric or water. This offer can not be used in conjunction with any other offer.
y a d i l o h a y c n Fa at one of our other beautiful locations?
Manchester Lincoln
Barmouth Bay
As an Away Resorts owner you’ll receive a 10% discount at any of our six locations. There are just a few rules; all discounts are subject to availability, holidays need to be booked by calling 01442 50 88 50 and selecting your park.
Tattershall Lakes
Birmingham
Mersea Island Cardiff
You, our lovely owner, must be present on holiday. Your owners account number must be given at time of booking and ownership photo ID passes must be shown at check in.
Bristol London
Sandy Balls Mill Rythe
Visit awayresorts.co.uk and see what takes your fancy! Plymouth
Whitecliff Bay
Download our app today! View your bills | Make payments | Sublet your holiday home
lling all Caphotographers Photographers of all ages, backgrounds and experience. You are invited to enter our photography competition for your chance to win a £50 LOVE2SHOP voucher. This months subject is how you relax in your holiday home. Send your picture (at least 1MB), along with a brief description, your name, address, telephone number, the date and location of the photo to holidayhomes@awayresorts.co.uk. Competition closes Thursday 28th February, and winners will be announced in our next newsletter.
Our perfect companion whilst on park with us. Sign in with your Away Resorts booking or owner reference number to explore and discover Your World Away. Mersea Island is jam-packed with fantastic activities and great entertainment to keep every member of the family grinning from ear to ear. Think of this app as your ‘park buddy’ helping you make the most of your stay.
Good luck!
By sending us your pictures, you agree for Away Resorts to use them on social media and for marketing purposes.
ties Act&iviEntertainment Don’t forget to pick up the weekly entertainments guide from Guest Services – available every Monday or download from our website at: awayresorts.co.uk/mersea-island/entertainment/ Join us for a swim every weekday from 8am – 9am in our adult swim sessions.
ot tub Hhousekeeping If you have a hot tub, we want you and your family and friends to use and enjoy it safely. It is important to be aware of the potential risks that can arise. Hot tubs are a recognised source of diseases and there have been a number of recorded outbreaks of Legionnaires which have included fatalities linked to poorly designed and/or managed hot tubs. Legionnaires is usually caught
by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water. This means that other park guests may be exposed to it even if they are not using your hot tub. We expect you to maintain your hot tubs to ensure the safety for all. The Health & Safety Executive guidance document is available to be downloaded for free from hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/ spa-pools We also advise you to follow any other
recommendations from the hot tub manufacturer and/ or the supplier. Please note that if you are subletting your holiday home, you will be deemed to be undertaking a commercial operation and your legal responsibilities with regards to the management of hot tubs will be more stringent. For more information on your responsibilities or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our Investments Every year we’ve invested in our parks to give you the ultimate in holiday bliss!
Winter 2015 £0.5 Million
Winter 2016 £0.7 Million
Winter 2017 £0.2 Million
Winter 2018 £0.1 Million
Holiday homes for sale
Total Invested £1.5 Million
part e
on 0120
6 38325 2 and ask for you r part ex change quote to day!
You could even have a new location on the park when you upgrade.
Willerby Rio
£22,995
Willerby Salisbury 2011 36ft x 12ft - 3 Bedroom
New Year, New Offers... Purchase a holiday home between 2nd January & 3rd March 2019 and take your pick on one of these fantastic offers...
£24,995
Atlas Diamond Super 2003 36ft x 12ft - 2 Bedroom
Willerby Rio 2010 35ft x 12ft - 2 Bedroom
Willerby Salisbury
Atlas Diamond Super
Was £34,995
£29,995
Willerby Salsa Eco
Was £34,995
£31,995
Willerby Salsa Eco 2015 35ft x 12ft - 3 Bedroom
20% off any decking **
1 year’s free insurance & an inventory pack^
£1000 high street vouchers†
Pop into the Holiday Home Sales Office to find out more | Open 7 days a week All offers only available on holiday homes purchased from Away Resorts between 2nd January – 3rd March 2019, purchase must be complete by 15th March 2019. *Finance subject to status written details available on request. Away Resorts Ltd is a licensed credit broker authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information please ask. **Decking supplied by Away Resorts recommended supplier, subject to pitch alteration form being signed off . ^1 Years FREE Insurance with Leisure days, inventory pack supplied as per grade of your holiday home. †1000 high street vouchers paid on completion. Offers can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer.