Hoburne Devon Bay 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.

ATTENDANCE MUST BE CONFIRMED WITH RECEPTION FOR EVERY EVENT

Kick

29TH APRIL BRIXHAM PIRATE FESTIVAL WEEKEND

1ST JULY

GIN TASTING EXPERIENCE STARRING DEVON BAY GIN

Further details TBC

23RD-26TH AUGUST

6TH MAY PORT OF DARTMOUTH ROYAL REGATTA

Paid

£3-£5, complimentary drink on arrival. 7pm start. Tickets available at Reception

13TH MAY

HOBURNE CHARITY DAY

In support of Devon Bay’s charity this year. If you would like a stall please email dvreception@hoburne.com

22ND -30TH JULY

23RD APRIL HOT CROSS BUNS & HOT DRINK

2pm Cafe h

3RD - 4TH JUNE

TORBAY AIRSHOW

Devon’s largest outdoor event, Torbay Airshow has been renamed the English Riviera Airshow as part of a partnership with the English Riviera BID Company.

PAIGNTON CARNIVAL SPONSORED BY HOBURNE DEVON BAY!

6TH AUGUST

PARTY IN THE PARK

One not to be missed as always!

A swashbuckling mix of piratical fun and entertainment!

24TH JUNE

AFTERNOON BBQ WITH THE SALES AND OWNERSHIP TEAM

Including entertainment. Further details TBC

18TH - 21ST AUGUST

TORBAY ROYAL REGATTA

16TH SEPTEMBER CHEESE & WINE EVENING

9TH SEPTEMBER

Following last year’s huge success we wanted to host this one again! 6pm-8pm, entertainment, further details TBC

AUTUMN WALK

A beautiful time for an Autumn walk, bring your pooch along too if you wish and join our Entertainment Manager Aaron at reception @ 10am and enjoy a walk and a chat

park updates

Pastures new

We have said a fond farewell to our Entertainment Manager, Danni, who has moved to Hoburne Park in Christchurch to oversee the entertainment. We wish Danni all the best in Dorset.

Hand-holding-heart Charity

Last year, we raised £11,759 for Devon Mind, along with the 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 Meningitis Now, a charity which has been carefully and thoughtfully selected by the management team and is extremely close to one of the head of departments and we hope to raise a considerable amount for them this year.

�� Dog-friendly holiday park.

As a dog-friendly holiday park, we would like to remind you that there is new lino in the café so that you can sit inside as well as enjoy the sea views outside on the terrace. As always, we ask dog owners not to allow their pets on the furniture, thank you. The restaurant, lounge bar, and venue will remain pet-free areas.

�� 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. Some team members were finalists in lots of categories, but we also picked up lots of awards winning Team of the Year with our Housekeeping team, our Leisure Manager, Elsa, won the Most Thoughtful Award and we also walked away with the prestigious award of the evening, Business of the Year!

We will be holding some charity events throughout the year to help us reach our pledge of £10,000!

walking New pathway

The maintenance team has been busy over the winter months and laid a new beach path.

COMPASS-DRAFTING New development

The new Hill View development is coming on brilliantly and we are excited to see it unveil over the next few months.

CARAVAN New caravans

We have quite a few new caravans arriving, so please bear with us when we are moving caravans on and off pitches. There will be cranes on the park lifting accommodation, and we hope to make this a smooth process. Also, please bear in mind that we will need to allow access for the crane in certain car parks, so we may politely request in advance that if you get a sign on your car, please move it to a different location.

USER-PLUS New recruits

You may have spotted some new faces around the park. We have welcomed Molly as our new receptionist and John as our new head chef. Please make them feel extra welcome when you see them around the park.

�� 2023 entertainment team

We’re excited to welcome our new entertainment team for 2023 - Aaron joins Hoburne Devon Bay as Entertainment Manager for 2023, having worked at other holiday park companies as a live touring cabaret act. Josh is returning to Devon Bay, which we know will please our guests! Charlie joins Devon Bay, having worked for Hoburne at Naish and Cotswold, and we have also welcomed Cara as a new addition to the team. We’re sure you’ll all give them a warm Hoburne Welcome.

A message from…

Elsa Leisure Manager

The leisure team looks forward to welcoming you over 2023. We are pleased to say we now have a new air handling unit installed in our indoor pool, which helps to regulate the temperature of the hall. We are looking into some exciting new activities for our summer season and are excited to see many of your faces around the outdoor pool this summer. Don’t forget our owners’ exclusive swim is every Wednesday from 8am – 9am in our indoor pool.

Holly Customer Experience Manager

Happy New Year to you if I haven’t seen you around yet. I hope you are having a nice start to 2023. We are really excited to welcome all our owners back soon and can’t wait to show you how our new development is going. We have made some changes inside the building and around the park, which we hope will continue to improve our offerings. If you haven’t signed up for the 2023 Managed Letting Scheme yet, please pop in to see me or email, and I will be happy to discuss the scheme further with you - Holly.fath@ hoburne.com. Don’t forget our reception team are available daily between 9am to 7pm to assist you with anything, and if you haven’t already met our new Head Receptionist, Michela, feel free to pop in and say hello!

Debbie Housekeeping Manager

I am looking forward to a busy 2023 and very much look forward to meeting you all on park and at the owner’s exclusive event. My team and I enjoy looking after the holiday homes of the owners who join our Managed Letting Scheme, and we take pride in our high standards of accommodation cleaning. We are always on hand to help you if you need anything, and you can find me mainly up near the shop and around the park.

Aaron Entertainment Manager

The entertainment team and I look forward to welcoming you back for 2023! We have some familiar faces with the brilliant Josh, and some of you may have already met Charlie over the Winter. But we also welcome me and Cara to the team. Let’s make it a year to remember! We have brand new shows, party dances, daytime activities and have been updating Spotlights. We can’t wait to meet you all during half term or at the first owners’ event.

Jacki Administration Manager

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you again at this year’s owners and charity events. Our charity of the year for 2023 is Meningitis Now, and we hope you can all help us to support such a good cause. Thank you to those who have replied with your proof of address; it has kept me busy updating your records.

Dave Food and Beverage Manager

Hello! The F&B Team has been working hard getting ready to welcome you all back for the 2023 season. Lots of our team from 2022 have returned, and we can’t wait to see you spending quality time in our venues. I’m sure you’ll recognise some familiar faces. Our chefs are planning and training ready to launch our exciting new menu before spring. I am sure you are going to love it and enjoy the change in variety. I look forward to seeing you all at the welcome back owners party and throughout the season.

Ross Sales Manager

Just a short note from us, we are always here in the Sales and Ownership office to assist you with anything you may need relating to your holiday home. Our team has some great exclusive events for your 2023 season, and we have decided to send your Hoburne owners’ calendars in the post, so you should be receiving them over the coming weeks. And, if you are looking to upgrade your holiday home or have any queries relating to buying or selling pop in and we will help.

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

Becky Bennett

Becky has experience performing internationally, including principal vocalist at the prestigious Grand Sirenis Theatre in Cancun, Mexico. Now performing all over the UK, Becky is looking forward to entertaining.

Saturday 18th April Live Act

Cameron Mills

As a finalist of the RIBI South England Young Vocalist, as well as being nominated for a Best in Music and Classic Brit Award, Cameron is renowned for his strong vocal capability and vibrant personality. Singing several hits from the 1950s through to the present charts, Cameron is sure to please all tastes and audiences.

Saturday 25th April Live Act

Eloise

Eloise specialises in high energy, lively and fun performances covering songs from the 60’s pop party to the current day. She has gained 20 years’ experience performing in theatres, holiday parks and hotels across the UK and as far as the middle east.

Saturday 18th March Hoburne Live

Paul Black

Paul is a talented vocalist who covers songs from across the decades.

Saturday 25th March Hoburne Live

Ed Jones

Ed Jones will be performing for you this evening. With a huge repertoire of songs, Ed can take requests and will have you singing along to some classics as well as modern day hits.

Saturday 1st April Live Act

Rebecca Chew

Superb vocalist covering songs from across the decades. Join Rebecca for an evening of first-class entertainment.

Wednesday 5th April

Animal Encounters at

Hoburne Devon Bay

Come and see living reptiles, bugs, and lots more crazy creatures with this 45-minute session at 9.30 am / 11 am / 12.30 pm. £5.00 per child (under 16 years). 20 places available per session.

Saturday 8th April Live Act

Monotoniks

This dynamic covers band is made up of experienced musicians based in the south west. Each member of the Monotoniks has a wealth of experience, playing in the UK or overseas. Performing a range of genres of popular and well-known tracks, varying from funk, pop, disco, and R&B with flair and unique style.

Wednesday 12th April

Animal Encounters at Hoburne Devon Bay

Come and see living reptiles, bugs and lots more crazy creatures with this 45-minute session at 9.30 am / 11 am / 12.30 pm. £5.00 per child (under 16 years). 20 places available per session.

Saturday 15th April Live Act

Karma Delacy

Enjoy a range of music sung by talented singer, dancer and all-round performer, Karma Delacy.

Saturday 22nd April Hoburne Live

Sami-Jane Slater

Sami Jane is a popular vocalist who has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent! Sami has also regularly appeared at the Babbacombe theatre in Devon.

Saturday 29th April Hoburne Live

Max Hutton

Max is a versatile vocalist performing such shows from swing, the 70s, 80s and onwards. Max has performed as a singing waiter and singing photographer and has many years of experience as a performing cabaret.

Eloise

Karma Delacy

Five questions

Team member

Holly Ellul, F&B Assistant Manager

1. How long have you worked for Hoburne?

a. I joined Hoburne Devon Bay in 2015.

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

a. My promotion. When I started, I was on a part-time contract, and then I was offered a fulltime supervisor role.

3. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

a. I am a skateboarding coach.

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

a. Skateboarding, walking my dog Lola, exploring Dartmoor, and spending time with my son.

5. Who is your favourite Sammy Squad character?

a. Larry Lobster – he’s quite relatable.

questions with… Homeowner

Anna Alessi, B51

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

a. Five years and we recently part exchanged to our new caravan.

2. Why did you pick Hoburne Devon Bay?

a. We live locally in Torquay, and many years ago, when my son was at Primary School, we were invited to the park for a birthday party. Soon after, we became leisure members, and we loved the pool and using the facilities. All the staff were so friendly, so we decided to buy a holiday home as we loved spending time there as a family.

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

a. We like to go walking, and the children love the pool, especially the outdoor pool in the summer. My nephews join us, and we spend time in the soft play and arcade. When we’re there, we spend quality time together as a family.

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

a. We work every day, but when we finish work on a weekend, we go straight after work, and once we are there, we feel relaxed. It’s so quiet, and you’re in the countryside, surrounded by wildlife.

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

a. Just have a lovely time. It’s an amazing place, the staff are friendly, and you become part of a family, where you feel comfortable, and it feels like home.

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!

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.