Hoburne Cotswold Spring Life Magazine

Hoburne life

Welcome back to Hoburne, and I hope like us, you are looking forward to a fantastic 2023 season.

It certainly feels like it’s been a long, cold, and dark winter, but spring is in the air, and we have been spoilt with glorious sunshine this February half term. This is our first issue of the owner’s magazine for 2023, and there is plenty to update you on what’s been happening on the park over winter and what’s to come later this year.

This winter has been wet and cold, and our grounds team has been working tremendously in all conditions to keep on top of the park, which hasn’t been an easy task.

Despite that, longer days are coming, trees are blossoming, and Easter eggs are already in the supermarkets!

This magazine is very much for our owners, and we want to hear from you. If you have something you wish to share with the magazine, then let us know. Grab a coffee and enjoy reading!

MEDAL Feefo’s Gold Trusted Service Award

We are delighted to have been awarded Feefo’s Gold Trusted Service Award in recognition of online reviews from holidaymakers recognising our excellence in customer service. Feefo established the Awards in 2014 to recognise brands that truly reflect a business's dedication to providing outstanding customer service by analysing feedback from real customers. The Gold Trusted Service Award is an accolade based purely on verified and genuine customer reviews, and therefore a true reflection of our commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

user-circle Owners’ portal

It has been just over a year since we launched our owner’s portal. We hope you have found it easy to use and navigate. If you have not yet signed up to the portal, please speak to the reception team on park.

VECTOR-SQUARE Vinyl Solutions

We are delighted to be partnering with Vinyl Solutions for all our decking services moving forward. This strategic partnership will see Vinyl Solutions become the sole supplier for all decking services. Vinyl Solutions will service, supply, and install its range of premium quality decking products across all our holiday parks. It makes perfect sense for us to be working with Vinyl Solutions, geographically they sit in a good location to service our business efficiently and effectively, they have a proven track record of delivering great products and excellent customer service, but above all their business values align perfectly with ours with professionalism and integrity at the forefront of their operation.

SMILE-BEAM 2023 owner events

We have an exciting programme of exclusive owner events and functions for 2023. The calendar of dates for your diaries is available from the Sales and Ownership Office, pop in and pick up your copy. We look forward to welcoming you all at the first event of the season.

wrench Maintenance price list

We have a new maintenance price list available for 2023. To collect a copy, please pop into the ownership office.

CHECK Hoburne Managed Letting Scheme

Did you know your holiday home could be earning you money when you are not there? Simply letting your holiday home for the times you are not there could give you an income that goes towards your site fees.

A hassle-free service. We have a wealth of experience when it comes to letting holiday homes and our experienced teams are there every step of the way, looking after both your holiday home and your letting income. To take advantage of this service please contact the park and ask for more information.

Shapes New private letting agreement

All owners that privately let their holiday homes will need to sign and return the new agreement, along with copies of all safety documents to reception before any passes can be issued. The new prices for entertainment passes are as follows:

Up to 7 Nights £50 up to 6 guests / £60 7–8 guests

1 Night £25 up to 6 guests / £30 7–8 guests

Serves 4 people

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Moroccan Harira

This is a healthy vegetarian version of the classic Moroccan soup with plenty of cumin, turmeric and cinnamon, each offering different health benefits, plus it’s low in fat and calories too.

Ingredients

Angle-Right 1-2 tbsp rapeseed oil

Angle-Right 2 large onions , finely chopped

Angle-Right 4 garlic cloves , chopped

Angle-Right 2 tsp turmeric

Angle-Right 2 tsp cumin

Angle-Right 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Angle-Right 2 red chillies , deseeded and sliced

Angle-Right 500g tin chopped tomatoes

Method for the Moroccan Harira:

Angle-Right 1.7 litre reduced-salt vegetable bouillon

Angle-Right 175g dried green lentils

Angle-Right 2 carrots , chopped into small pieces

Angle-Right 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

Angle-Right 5 celery sticks , chopped into small pieces

Angle-Right 2 /3 small pack coriander, few sprigs reserved, the rest chopped

Angle-Right 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges, to serve

1. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over a medium heat.

2. Fry the onions and garlic until starting to soften.

3. Add in the turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and chillies.

4. Pour in the passata and stock and stir together.

5. Add the lentils, chopped carrots, diced sweet potato and celery, and bring to the boil.

6. Cover the pan and leave to simmer for 30 minutes.

7. Cook uncovered for a further 5-10 minutes until the vegetables and lentils are tender.

8. Stir in the chopped coriander and serve in bowls with lemon wedges for squeezing over, sprinkle over the reserved coriander.

park updates

�� AE Fisheries

AE Fisheries will be back on park on the 9th and 10th March 2023 to undertake a fish stock take across all our lakes, and then they will return in April for a third year to undertake 26 weeks of lake works. Any owners interested in more information, please speak with the AE Fisheries team, along with our own team, who will assist.

LEAF Flora and fauna

This year our grounds team will look to further improve the ecological and sustainability of our grounds as part the David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge For Nature! We have already created a new biodiversity area on Otters Walk to support the local wildlife, including badgers, bats and insects. We will create a “let it grow” area on the far side of Heron View Lake, which will be allowed to naturally grow to allow pollinators an area to enjoy. We are adding Tree Hive, working with an eco-company based in Cornwall who have visited the park. They will select a location and will install once the hive is built. We plan to extend our Garden h area and have already removed the second showground, which will be replaced with a new grass area. Once the grass has grown, we will look to locate some picnic benches in the area, plus create a picnic area in the hag’s playground alongside the climbing frame and swing.

�� Hoburne Company Conference

Hoburne recently held its annual company conference and the one-day conference finished with a glitzy gala awards dinner at Hoburne Park. Our Operations Manager, Rachel and our Admin Manager, Tina, were both shortlisted for an award, and our F&B Assistant, Tammy, won the award for Going Above and Beyond. Tammy has stepped up on numerous occasions, working extra hours as the complex cleaner, jumping on pot wash, helping in housekeeping and will pretty much turn her hand to anything to help support others within the team. Please make sure when you next see the team to congratulate them on being recognised for their hard work and contribution to Hoburne.

Hand-holding-heart Charity

Last year, we raised £7,245 for James Hopkins Trust, along with a donation from Hoburne Group Support. We wish to thank everyone who supported us with our charity efforts throughout the year.

This year we have decided to support The Lakes Care Centre in South Cerney, a dementia and respite care home for up to 64 residents. They aim to provide a quality of life for their residents by creating a loving, comfortable, and homely environment centered around the needs of their residents. It is a fantastic cause, right on our doorstep, and we will be holding some charity events throughout the year to help us reach our pledge of £5,000!

�� Laundrette

The launderette has been closed from now until Easter for essential maintenance. We will be installing two new washing machines and two new dryers.

TACHOMETER-ALT-FAST Speed limit

This a polite reminder that the speed limit across the park is 10mph at all times. Please pass this on to your friends, family, and private hirers.

�� 2023 entertainment team

We’re excited to welcome our entertainment team for 2023 - Amie-Louise returns as Entertainment Manager, with Paul returning as Assistant Entertainment Manager. Molly returns for her fourth season, and Bradley completes the team after working at Hoburne Naish in 2022. We’re sure you’ll all give them a warm Hoburne Welcome.

Otters Walk

Our stunning new development, Otters Walk, is on schedule and looks splendid in its layout, and we are excited to see it complete over the next few months. Otters Walk will be a tranquil retreat set away from the main park but perfect for those holiday homeowners who want to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while still having the added benefit of using the main facilities on the park. Working with sought-after manufacturers, we have selected some of the finest high-end holiday homes the market has to offer, with the option of decking included and a hot tub. Complete by Friday 26th May 2023 and pay no pitch fees until December 2024!* For more information, pop in and meet with the ownership team.

2023 Dates for the Diary

Please be aware all dates/acts are subject to change and subject to roadmap dates being confirmed by government review.

Saturday 11th February Live Act

Sean Johnson

Sean Johnson is a versatile and wellestablished male vocalist with over a decade of experience in performing in front of all types of audiences. His show is a mixture of swing, soul rock, and pop from the 50s to modern day.

Saturday 18th February Live Act

Jack Draper

Jack is a professional vocalist covering songs from Lewis Capaldi to Josh Groban.

Saturday 25th February Live Act

Paul Fordham

Paul Fordham is an experienced vocalist, having performed in the West End, on cruise ships and across the UK.

Saturday 4th March Hoburne Live

Boulevadier

Talented Jazz duo who will be performing a sophisticated cocktail of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin, incorporating jazz, swing, Latin and blues.

Saturday 11th March Hoburne Live

Jen Merchant

Indulge in an evening of jazz, swing and soul music performed by Jen Merchant. A mustsee for those with a love for vintage and retro styles of which Jen is so well-known for.

Saturday 25th March Live Act

Adam Okin

Adam Okin is a versatile singer with a fantastic range of musical styles to suit any occasion, including jazz, rock and roll and ballads.

Saturday 1st April Live Act

Sam Wrey

Sam is a very talented an experienced vocalist. He will ensure you have a great evening.

Saturday 8th April Live Act

Firefly

Live band guaranteed to get you up on to the dance floor.

Saturday 15th April Hoburne Live

Becky Bennett

Becky has experience performing internationally, including principal vocalist at the prestigious Grand Sirenis Theatre in Cancun, Mexico.

Monday 17th April Hoburne Live

Ryan Inglis

Ryan is a professional vocalist and guitarist who has recently been playing in Germany. His style is described as acoustic indie pop with guitar percussion.

Saturday 22nd April Live Act

Sarah Skeet

Sarah has been performing across the UK for many years. Formally a holiday park entertainer at Hoburne, Sarah has built up a huge repertoire of songs and knows how to engage with the audience.

Saturday 29th April Hoburne Live

Gemma Stone

Gemma is an accomplished vocalist and is looking forward to entertaining you this evening with her set.

Jack Draper

Jen Merchant

Sarah Skeet

Five questions

Team member

Paul Bantin, Assistant Entertainments Manager

1. How long have you worked for Hoburne?

a. I have just started my fourth season.

2. What has been your biggest achievement since working at Hoburne?

a. Raising the standard of entertainment on the park. We have put so much into the production and shows these last few years.

3. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

a. Prior to Hoburne, I was the voice double for Peter Dickson, the voice-over artist for X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

4. When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?

a. Spend time with my little boy, go to the theatre, and watch movies. I’m a big movie fan!

5. Who is your favourite Sammy Squad character?

a. Hands down, Captain Smuggles –everyone loves a cheeky pirate!

questions with… Homeowner

Karen Mahon, Mallard Lake 16

1. How long have you been a Hoburne holiday homeowner?

a. It will be five years this September.

2. Why did you pick Hoburne Cotswold?

a. To be honest, we didn’t even know it existed. We went to the park as we knew someone there and really enjoyed it. While we were there, a holiday home by the lakes came up for sale, and within three weeks, it was ours.

3. What’s your favourite thing to do whilst staying at your holiday home?

a. To sit on the decking and look out over the lake. We watch the world go by, the ducks and the geese, and relax.

4. What do you love most about being a holiday homeowner?

a. The peace and quiet. We come down every Friday and it’s a different way of life from the week. It’s our happy place.

5. What top tip would you give to a new Hoburne holiday homeowner?

a. Find the perfect location on the park and neighbours.

Cotswold

Wildlife Park

13th May 2023 Owners trip

Adults £12.00

Child (3 - 16) £8.00

Senior (65 and over) £8.00

Includes coach and pack lunch

55 maximum

Larry Lobster Larry’s Laughs

Larry found some great jokes in the Xmas crackers this year. Here are his favourite ones… what was your best cracker joke?

Q1. Why did the teddy bear skip out on dessert when she was on a date?

Q2. What do you call a noodle that is fake?

Q3. What’s an alligator in a vest called?

Q4. What is cheese that doesn’t belong to you called?

Q5. What’s a pirate’s favourite class to take in school?

A5. Arrrrrt

A4. Nacho cheese!

A3. An investi-gator.

A2. An im-pasta

A1. She was stuffed!

Answers

Tommy Turtle Tommy’s Teasers

Tommy has been given a book on teasers by Sammy for Christmas and he is trying to work out the answers. Can you solve the teaser and get all the answers correct?

Q1. What has a face and two hands but no arms or legs?

Q2. What five-letter word gets shorter when you add two letters to it?

Q3. I am always hungry and will die if not fed, but if you water me, I'll die. What am I?

Q4. What type of cheese is made backward?

Q5. What’s left when you take an ant out of a plantain?

A5. Something plain

A4. Edam

A3. A fire

A2. Short

A1. A clock

Answers

Repeat Repeat Quiz

One for the grownups a quiz to test the old grey matter! Each one word answer has the same letter sequence repeated twice, for a two word answer the same word is repeated

Q1. Which famous prison is located approximately 30 miles north of New York City on the banks of the Hudson River?

Q2. With an upbeat rhythm, which type of (Latin) dance is said to be a combination of the Mambo and the American Swing?

Q3. What breed of dog, originally from Northern China, is known there by a name which means ‘puffy-lion dog’ (Songshi Quan)?

Q4. What name was given to the rebellion that took place during the 1950’s in Kenya against British rule?

Q5. In the children’s TV series ‘Hector’s House’, which animal puppet shares its name with a chart topping singer?

Q6. Which insect is responsible for spreading sleeping sickness?

Q7. Which song title gave ‘The Mamas & The Papas’ their first UK top ten hit in 1966?

Q8. Which British cricketer had three children, each of whom went on to represent England in their chosen sport at the age of 19?

Q9. As played by Robin Williams, what words did Mork from Ork use as a greeting?

Q10. British singer, songwriter, actress and TV personality, born Marie Macdonald Mclaughlin Lawrie, is better known by which name?

and Phil football, Tracy Netball) Neville Neville

Each quarter we ask our owners to share their favourite photos with us. We'll pick our favourites to include in the next issue.

Good luck!

Ducks in the snow

Our family

We know our four-legged friends are very popular among our owners and this page is dedicated to them. As a pet-friendly park, we want to see more photos of your pooches. Email us your photos and we will pick the best ones to feature in our next issue.