Issue no 5
September 2017
Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park presents
Park life
What’s happening at Whitecliff Bay
Next year may well be interesting for the UK economy given our ambition to leave the European Union. I am of the belief that for UK tourism, “Brexit” is likely to be beneficial, however it is still important for us to be prepared. To that end, if you are on our managed letting scheme or are considering letting your holiday home, the earlier you can provide us with your desired dates the better off we are as a partnership to maximise our mutual success. In closing, I thank you for your continued custom and very much look forward to being able to share the exciting plans we have for 2018. With kind regards,
Carl Castledine
CEO of Away Resorts Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Park Life. I want to extend my personal thanks for your custom here at Whitecliff Bay. It is not lost on me or our team, that holiday home ownership is a very significant investment in your leisure time, and we are embarking on an ambitious plan to provide further improvements over the next 12 months. I look forward to being able to share some of these developments soon, along with our future investment programmes for enhancing Whitecliff Bay. Over the past six months we have been undertaking significant research to help us improve the facilities and services we offer you. Thank you to those of you who have contributed your feedback and insights so far. We may continue to call on you to share your ideas. You will already have seen some of the benefits of this research with the launch of our new Away Resorts smartphone app. There is a special section for owners and I do hope you’ll take the opportunity to download it. To help accelerate our plans I have recruited two new directors into our senior team. Dan Steadman has extensive industry experience and will help us ensure that you have the best possible service when purchasing and owning a holiday home. Andy Edge, formerly the Commercial Director for Odeon Cinemas, will help us evolve the ‘guest experience’ and will begin crafting exciting new products and activities that we are confident you will enjoy in the future.
Carl
We need your
holiday home October half term bookings are looking very strong, so if you’re not currently on sublet for this period or not using your holiday home and fancy earning a little bit of money towards your pitch fees, please get in touch with us via Guest Services on 01442 50 88 50
Our very own version of the Isle of Wight Festival, Rock the Bay, turned out to be the must-attend event of the season, I’m sure you will agree. And it was great to see so many of you at our exclusive owner’s events, which provide us with a great opportunity to hear your thoughts about your holiday home and the park, and also allows us to talk to you about the new developments and future plans.
What a summer it has been down here at Whitecliff Bay, perhaps one of our most memorable ones with all the events taking place on the park, which I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy. Our season of summer events kicked off with our first-ever Colour Festival. Inspired by the Indian Holi festival, Whitecliff Bay was transformed into a rainbow of bright colours as guests and owners got together with our entertainment team to decorate the park in bright powdered colours. The Foodstock Festival followed in August, bringing together a wide range of local food and drink suppliers with our chefs, who cooked up a right storm of tasty dishes.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter to find out about all the latest news about autumn at Whitecliff Bay. As always my door is always open, please feel free to drop by.
Richard Bicknell General Manager
old daughter, and I’m passing on my enthusiasm to the next generation by spending time outside with them as often as I can. Whitecliff Bay is such a fabulous location. It’s a huge treat to have the wide beach right on our doorstep. When I glance up and see the sea stretching out to the horizon I sometimes have to pinch myself!
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.
Finally, I am sure you will be thrilled that we have launched our owners app, which is compatible with all smart phones. You will be able to use the app for a whole host of things, which we are sure you will love. There is more of this covered in the newsletter, so I won’t uncover all!
Speaking Frankly... Introducing our new Guest Experience Manager at Whitecliff Bay, Frank Joubert.
Health and safety
Hello everyone. I’m new to the Isle of Wight – in fact I’d never set foot here until this summer – and I’m loving every minute here. What a special place this is.
Any Owners that require external contractors to visit them on park will need authorisation from Richard Bicknell, General Manager. Please call Guests Services to obtain the necessary paperwork and to find out more.
I’ve always enjoyed the great outdoors. Fishing and camping are two of my favourite pursuits – in fact any time I can grab out in the fresh air is time well spent. I’ve moved here with my wife and our seven-year-
I’ve been in Customer Service for my entire 16-year career and I take enormous satisfaction in making guests and owners feel wanted and welcome. I’m always aiming to give the perfect service, even though that’s not always possible. What is always possible is giving your best. That’s my motto really – I always aim to do my very best for our customers. A happy customer is a returning visitor! Do pop in to Guest Services and say hello when you’re next visiting. I would love to meet you in person – and if you need my help, that’s what I’m here for.
Frank Joubert
Guest Experience Manager
12:00
The new Away Resorts app has launched
Welcome to your park guide! Sign-in with your Away Resorts owner reference number to explore and discover your Whitecliff Bay. Whitecliff Bay makes the most of its unique and beautiful surroundings as well as being jampacked 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. Here are some of the helpful features:
What’s On Events, entertainment and activities for all Find out what’s on, when and where. Book and manage your activities using the app and set reminders so you never miss out on the fun!
Sublet Choose the dates you want to sublet for 2018 and submit them via our APP All the information about how it works can be found here. So, you can sit back, relax and let us take care of your bookings.
Facilities Find out what’s on site From Launderettes to crazy golf, Whitecliff Bay is jam packed with facilities. Find everything need to know to ensure you are getting the most from your stay.
Notifications Set activity reminders
Discover, explore and never get lost Our handy park map will help you navigate around Whitecliff Bay. And, if you want to get away from it all, we’ll help you find your way back again!
Guest Services Maintenance, orders and home owner services So you can concentrate on having a good time, we’ve made it quick and easy to order holiday home owner essentials or let us know how to help.
By Scott Giles – Marketing Director When Max, our Creative & Entertainment Director suggested running a colour festival at Away Resorts, we wondered if he had gone a bit bonkers! Sure, we’ve done a few crazy things in the past like the giant cream pie fight, but sending 150 kg of colour powder into the air and dyeing the swimming pool pink was taking bonkers to a whole new level! Thankfully the colour festival turned out to be more fun than we could ever have imagined. We had hundreds of people across all our parks queuing up to join in. Taking inspiration from the Indian ‘Holi’ festival, everyone grabbed cups full of vibrant colour powder (biodegradable corn starch) and doused their friends and family. Young, old and in between, everybody got covered in colour and at the end there were some absolutely epic selfies! The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and we’re planning to run the event again in 2018 so if you missed out this year, don’t worry you’ll have chance to take part next time. Keep the date of 21st July 2018 free in your diary.
So much to do, so much to remember! Worry not, our useful reminders will ensure you never miss a beat.
Weather Five day forecast
Park Map
Colour Festival
Come rain or shine we have activities galore. Our five-day forecast lets you plan for all eventualities.
2017
events so far...
And this is just version 1.0 – we have lots of exciting updates to come…
Owner’s
The adventures start here!
Colour festival
It’s time to get your owner reference number ready, download and go! If you need help, please pop into Guest Services. Our team will be happy to show you the ropes!
Colour festival Foodstock
Owner’s pool
Cream pie fight
Local
events
There are some amazing off-park events happening around The Isle of Wight over the next few months.
International Classic Car Show
Blackgang Chine Illuminations
Starts: 16 September Ends: 18 September
Starts: 6 October Ends: 4 November (Friday and Saturday night's only)
ewport Quay N and Ryde Esplanade A charity event that brings together classic vehicles from all over the UK and mainland Europe. There are some truly amazing vehicles coming this year, and the event promises to be the biggest and best yet! Both shows are free to attend. www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/ international-classic-car-show-2017ryde-esplanade-p947201
Blackgang Chine Blackgang Chine’s famous illuminations will once again light up during the Autumn 2017 half term! Enjoy the park by day, and then as the light begins to fade, enjoy the magical experience of the famous evening illuminations. Plus, don't miss the additional half-term shows! www.blackgangchine.com
Isle of Wight Cycling Festival
Isle of Wight Literary Festival
Starts: 23 September Ends: 1 October
Starts: 12 October Ends: 15 October
Islandwide With rides to suit all ages, abilities, and bicycle styles, the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival provides a wonderful opportunity for cyclists to get together and really enjoy what this Island has to offer. There are races for those who feel competitive, but others can simply take the rides at their own pace. Children’s events help the whole family to get involved. www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/ festivals/cycling-festival
Robin Hill Festival of Light Starts: 30 September 6 – 10pm Ends: 4 November Robin Hill
Northwood House, Cowes Featuring a range of award winning literary stars, including Chloe Inkpen, Robert Fraser, Sarah Dunant, and SJ Parris (among many others!), the Isle of Wight Literary Festival is a great event in the literary calendar. With talks, workshops, and entertainments, any literary buff will find something to engage and inspire them. www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com
owners events Sat 16th sept
Hawaiian Beach Party and BBQ | 1pm - 5pm Wear a grass skirt if you dare or a crazy shirt we don’t care! It’s always sunny on the Isle of Wight and what better way to let your hair down than with a Hawaiian themed beach party? There will be a fully-stacked BBQ, some fruity thirst quenchers and music to get you up and dancing the night away. Aloha! Location: The beach!
Dates for your diary
Sun 15th oct
Owners Breakfast | 8am - 10am They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we agree. Pop along for some fuel to start your day in the right way and enjoy a natter with other owners. All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. Good Morning!
Sun 4th nov
Starts: 14 October Ends: 15 October
Join us at our fabulous outdoor cinema, Midsummer’s Night Screen. Settle back on a hay bale, get comfy in a giant deck chair, grab a blanket. Wait for the marshmallows to toast, wrap your hands around a hot chocolate and nibble some popcorn as the screen lights up and we entertain you with a great film in a truly stunning outdoor setting.
Sunday 22nd October
Christmas Party | 7pm - Late With tinsel, glitter, glamour and some fabulous food and dancing you won’t be disappointed with our end of year bash. Slip into your party shoes and join us for what will be an exclusive and memorable evening. We are busy working on the 2018 events diary. If you have any ideas you would love us to consider, please get in touch via email to:
holidayhomes@awayresorts.co.uk
Isle of Wight Classic Buses, Beer and Walks Weekend
Outdoor cinema
Paranorman Wednesday 25th October
Hotel transylvania 2
Like us on Facebook
To make a booking: For bookings please call Guest Services. All events are ticketed and on a strict first come first served basis so please book early.
cancellations and locations: Please visit Guest Services for more details.
facebook.com/ familyholidays
I sland-wide, but based in Newport Quay
This autumn, Robin Hill’s popular electric woods event, Festival of Light inspired by Diwali, will be celebrating the 70th Anniversary of India’s independence with stunning, creatively themed light, colour, sound and entertainment that captures the many aspects of Indian culture: wild India, modern India, decorative India, historical India, urban India and spiritual India.
As the name suggests, this is a weekend of walks, beer, and buses. Vintage buses take sightseers and drinkers on tours of the Island, with plenty of opportunities to stop off at pubs on the way. A good range of specially brought in beers are available to quench the thirst of participants! There are also walking routes for those who prefer to build up a thirst with a little exercise first.
www.electricwoods.co.uk
www.iwbeerandbuses.co.uk
Visit www.visitisleofwight.co.uk for more information on attractions, events and lots more from the official Isle of Wight tourist info site
Wow who remembers Whitecliff Bay like this?
A trip down
memory lane
What a transformation! We love to hear your old stories and get a glimpse of what the park used to look like. So if you have anything that you would like to share with us, please do get in touch. Send them to holidayhomes@awayresorts.co.uk as we would love to see and share them!
so you can start planning...
On park
events 2018
Dinosaur Easter
Rock The Bay Friday 10th August
Colour Festival Saturday 21 July st
Holiday homes for sale only
£29,746
Summer Stage School
Friday 30th March
30th July - 2nd August & 6th August - 9th August
Football Coaching
Cream Pie Fight
Tuesday 29th May
Sunday 26th August
Foodstock Festival
Halloween
Friday 3rd August
Thursday 27th October
only
£36,509
£44,995
Owner’s Passes • The owners of the holiday home are the only people allowed to fill out the membership application form. • The membership application form must be signed by the owners and them only. If it’s not signed, we cannot provide the passes. • Photo ID is required; without it no pass will be provided. • Temporary passes can be provided to the 8 people on the application form. This will only be offered once, after that photos must be provided – you cannot get temporary passes every time you visit. • You cannot change the 8 people submitted on the membership application form. You can however make changes the following season/year. • You can add more than 8 people to the form at a charge of £50 pounds per adult or £25 per child. This will enable them to use the facilities for the year.
• Temporary passes can also be purchased for friends/family who will only be visiting on the odd occasion. Please pop into Guest Services for latest pass prices and a form.
only
£50,703
Contact details Once again, as we do every year, can we please remind our owners to pop into Guest Services when you are next on park to check your contact details with us. It might be that you have moved address, changed your telephone number or e-mail address over the winter and we need to know.
Don’t keep it
a secret
-
3 Bedroom | 36ft x 12ft Sleeps up to eight Modern and fresh Fantastic condition throughout
2016 ABI Resort 3 Bedroom | 36ft x 12ft Beautiful comfy L shape sofa Excellent condition Integrated fridge freezer
2015 ABI Oakley -
3 Bedroom | 38ft x 12ft Includes stunning decking Situated on a superb pitch One not to be missed
2017 ABI Sunningdale
Brand new
- 2 Bedroom | 38ft x 12ft - Front opening doors - Includes Bath
only
£79,995
2016 ABI Westwood
Brand new
- 2 Bedroom | 43ft x 13ft - Includes huge decking - Free standing furniture
Sometimes we need to get messages or updates out to you quickly either by a text message or e-mail, so it is important we have the right details on file so you don’t miss out on relevant park information.
How about £500, £750 or £1000 off your pitch fees?
2010 ABI Vista Platinum
-
only
Call us now on 019 83 8743 65 and ask fo part ex r your ch quote ange today
only
£132,164
2017 Willerby Portland
Ultimate luxury
- 2 Bedroom | 42ft x 20ft - Finished to the highest standard - Be the envy of all your friends!
A great many of the Holiday Home Owners here at Whitecliff Bay have joined us because they were recommended to the park by their friends or family members. You can’t keep a good thing secret for long!
Give our Holiday Home Advisors a call on 01983 872671 to find out more
Pop into the sales office to find out more | Open 7 days a week