THE ORIGINAL MAGAZINE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND HOLIDAY PARK LIVING
& HOLIDAY
www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
CARAVAN
APRIL 2016 £2.95
3 glamorous English parks PARK OF THE YEAR!
We visit Cornwall, Lancashire and Sussex
GET THE LOWDOWN…
…on the Midlands and North London Holiday Home Show!
“WE LOVE OUR INCREDIBLE HOLIDAY HOME!” Find out why inside
APRIL 2016
£2.95
Our top park inside!
WIN A 4-NIGHT LUXURY LODGE BREAK! Turn to page 101 for details
ROLLING BACK THE YEARS With Box Hill Caravans
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IMPROVE YOUR BANK BALANCE & YOUR LIFESTYLE...
f e ve n i y a s I ft e n “… I o t h e lott e ry re ss ed I won be h a rd p re wou l d n k o f a m o dly t o t hi e a n d f ri e n s e cu r t o live.” ark p l a ce t, Pavenham P Jackie
et
Benn
For many of our residents, such a move has provided financial security and the means to enjoy the perfect retirement lifestyle they have always dreamt of and with over 20 superb rural and coastal locations to choose from.
tingdene-parks.net 01933 779 098
A new look & HOLIDAY
welcome
park home charter
CARAVAN
Community Charter
Our promise to you…
Moving to a park home can be a lifechanging experience. For thousands, it proves to be the best decision they’ve ever made. In our Charter, we’ve outlined the key ingredients to park living:
1
Community spirit: All the best parks foster a fantastic community spirit. Everybody stops to say ‘hello’ so there’s no need to ever feel lonely! Residents regularly meet for get-togethers from coffee mornings and bingo nights to day trips, summer barbeques...
2
Security: Violent crime, anti-social behaviour, burglary and theft... Sadly all too common problems today. But not in the park home world where crime is virtually non-existent! As well as being ‘gated communities’, often protected by gates and CCTV, most parks are also populated by retirees so there’s always somebody to keep an eye on things!
3
Value for money: Downsize to a park home and you’ll almost certainly free up equity. That’s not all: the cost of living is also lower. Council tax usually falls under Band A (the lowest one), while fuel bills often drop too.
4
Peace and quiet: Most sites occupy private, attractive and green locations. Even parks that are in busy towns and cities are often discreetly tucked away. This tranquillity gives retirees a feeling of calm which can have tangible health benefits. Because of the tight security, residents are not bothered by other modern-day irritants like door-step salesmen or junk mail either. Bliss!
5
Stress-free living: By downsizing to a park home, you’ll be moving into a lowmaintenance, hassle-free home. New homes are fully fitted out so you can move straight in.
6
Superb quality: All new park homes are built to exacting standards. Expect state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings and superb afer-care service. The industry also boasts a wealth of specialist service providers too.
7 8
Park of the year revealed There are so many fantastic parks dotted around the UK. It’s nothing but a pleasure to enjoy the opportunity to visit so many and get a window into the world of those who have opted into this wonderful way of life. It makes it doubly special, then, to be able to announce this magazine’s annual Park of the Year, an award that’s been running for more than 15 years now with the assistance and generous sponsorship of insurance experts, Towergate. Our 2015 champion is Swiss Farm, a lovely site next to a wide expanse of the River Thames in the quaint Oxfordshire town of Henley (see page 10). We received a tonne of entries for 2015’s competition so, as ever, it was almost impossible to pick a clear winner. When you’re judging the crème de la crème of parks, it’s subjective and open to debate. Our panel of judges was helped no end though by the purple prose of Keith and Linda Knight, whose nomination really caught our eye. They love the perfect location of their park, as well as the kind and warm-hearted residents and park management. After moving to the park from London a few years back, the couple have settled into a relaxing and fun-filled lifestyle that would be the envy of any retiree. The Knights scooped a whopping £500 prize for their nomination from sponsors Towergate. Our 2016 competition is already up and running so don’t forget to send us your nominations (see page 17). You never know, you could be as fortunate as Keith and Linda and end up celebrating a tidy windfall! As well as our Park of the Year competition, we’ve also got reviews of some fantastic parks from Cornwall, Lancashire, Sussex and Shropshire to pore over (see page 18). On top of all this, we’ve got home reviews on models by Wessex and Tingdene and a profile of newcomers Sovereign (from page 42). The cream on the jam in your bumper April issue has to be news of an exciting new show, the Midlands and North London Caravan Show, which is taking place in Northampton as you read this (see page 100). As well as news of the show, the event organiser, Pure Leisure, is also giving you the chance to win a fantastic four-night luxury lodge break (see page 101). Enjoy the issue!
Great gardens: Many park home residents are green-fingered experts.
Give and take: The unique dynamic on the best parks exists with the mutual co-operation of residents and park owners. Good park owners realise they have a duty of care towards often older and vulnerable sections of society and behave accordingly. By promoting ‘best practice’, it’s our goal to raise standards even further.
9
‘We’re in this together!’: On the best parks, residents and park owners help each other in many ways – just leaf through the pages of Park Home and you’ll see how!
10
Having fun: Above all, parks should be fun places for residents to live a happy and prosperous retirement!
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Alex Melvin, Editor Email: phhc.ed@kelsey.co.uk
PS: Don’t miss our reader offer of 9 FREE Hardy Fuchsias worth £30.96 plus a magazine subscription offer if you subscribe PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 3
contents
april 2016 | www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
42
THE ORIGINAL MAGAZINE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND HOLIDAY PARK LIVING
& HOLIDAY
www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Live the dream with Wessex’s stunning new Harbour lodge
CARAVAN
APRIL 2016 £2.95
3 glamorous English parks We visit Cornwall, Lancashire and Sussex
p18
Our top park inside!
p100
GET THE LOWDOWN…
…on the Midlands and North London Holiday Home Show!
p101
“WE LOVE OUR INCREDIBLE HOLIDAY HOME!” Find out why inside
APRIL 2016
£2.95
p10
PARK OF THE YEAR!
WIN A 4-NIGHT LUXURY LODGE BREAK! Turn to page 101 for details
ROLLING BACK THE YEARS With Box Hill Caravans
FREE*
9 HARDY FUCHSIAS WORTH £31 FOR EVERY READER
p101 p64
*PAY JUST £5.65 P&P
p110 Noticeboard
Welcome ................................................. 3 Editor Alex Melvin introduces an April issue full of regular treats and springtime surprises
Buying a park home.............................. 6 Everything you need to know
Andrew’s anecdotes .............................. 8 Andrew Jenkinson looks back on the history of caravan-based events
Parks
Park of the Year 2015... revealed! .........10 It’s time to announce our Park of the Year! 2015’s winner is Swiss Park, in Henley-onThames. Editor Alex Melvin visited to present the award
Help choose our 2016 champion! ................17 Vote in our 2016 Park of the Year competition!
Lion House Park, Sussex ..................... 18
Steve Rowe visits an established park which enjoys a rural setting on the edge of Hailsham
Penwortham Park, Lancashire .....................24 Andrew Jenkinson ventures into the ‘Penwortham Triangle’ to review a special park
Glenleigh Park, Cornwall.............................28 Philip Pond visits a beautiful park close to gorgeous sandy beaches and the natural wonder of The Eden Project
Flying visit: Hollins Park, Shropshire ....... 34 A flying visit of a top Shropshire park!
101
Win a four night break at Billing Aquadrome, in Northants
Park Home Resident of the Year 2016.....37
Enter our great new competition, sponsored by Paul Baker Insurance Services, and win a very special prize
Park people: Downsland Park, Norfolk ...38
We meet Philip Eaton, of Downsland Park, Norfolk
Recognising excellence ..............................40 New competition to reward the nation’s best park owners, managers and wardens
Homes
The Wessex Harbour........................... 42 Bella Brodie reports on another big-hitting lodge model from the Wessex stable
The Tingdene Hayden Classic ............ 48 Bella Brodie finds out why Tingdene’s Hayden Classic is both chic and stylish
In a nutshell: Sovereign Haywood.... 54 Our taster of this fabulous new home!
In a nutshell: Country Homes ............ 56 Find out more about this quality manufacturer
NEC Show review ................................ 58 Bella Brodie runs the rule over all the exciting new homes at the recent Birmingham show
Lifestyle
9 FREE fuchsias for every reader! ............64 Claim your free hardy fuchsias and DVD!
News and advice
News..................................................... 74 Two pages of park home news
Letters .................................................. 78 Views and testimonials from readers
Money Matters .................................... 84 Steve Rowe brings you cash saving tips
LEASE: training and outreach events ..88 More on the training programmes LEASE offers
Help! .........................................................90 We visit Parliament Square for the launch of the new Park-HELP-Line
Holiday
Buying a holiday home ..................... 96 The buying process explained
Holiday news ....................................... 98 Two pages of news from around the UK
Win a lodge holiday! ........................ 101
Enter for your chance to win a four-night stay at Billing Aquadrome, in Northamptonshire
Scottish Show review ....................... 102 Andrew Jenkinson’s analysis of this top event
Holiday Park of the Year 2016 ......... 109 Enter our brand new, competition!
Getting yourself fit! ...................................69
Rolling back the years: Box Hill Caravans..110
Your home essentials .................................72
Lynne’s life .......................................... 112
Our top tips on getting in shape!
A range of top products for your park home
4 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
A nostalgic look at this transportation outfit More from lodge owner Lynne Pedley
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
EVEN BIGGER & BETTER THAN LAST YEAR!
OUR PARK LOCATIONS INCLUDING: Church Minshull Isle Of Wight Nottingham Knottingley Reading Cheadle Skipton Norfolk Surrey
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For more information: 0800 690 60 60 info@countrywideparkhomes.com
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parks
buying advice
Buying a park home Practical advice on buying a park home and the best places to buy one from IN THE BEGINNING Q: Where do I start? A: See parks in PH&HC and order the Residential Parks Guide- 01959 541 444.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT Q: What will it cost? A: Prices vary depending on size, fixtures and fittings and location. The park owner can also charge for park and plot development, transportation, siting and connection to mains services. The Government strongly recommends that buyers and sellers use a solicitor.
FINANCING THE MOVE Q: How can I raise the cash? A: Zebra Finance (tel, 01332 680 400) specializes in providing loans for park home purchases. Quick Move Properties can also help with part-exchange (tel, 01793 840917).
THE LEGALITIES Q: Do I sign a contract? A: Under the Mobile Homes Act 1983, the park owner must give the proposed occupier under the Agreement a Written Statement. This Statement will set out the terms of your agreement to live in a park home on the site owner’s site. If you buy your home from the site owner, this must be given to you 28 days before you sign the Agreement, or if there is no such Agreement, at least 28 days before occupation. Certain terms will be implied in the Agreement by the Act. These Implied Terms can include: pitch fee increases; an occupier’s duty to keep his home in a sound state of repair; and the site owner’s duty to keep the communal parts in a clean and tidy condition. The Written Statement also has Express Terms, agreed between the site owner and resident.
INSURANCE ADVICE Q: Are they easy to insure?
8 things to ask
Is the park site owner a 1 member of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association or the National Caravan Council?
Ask about current 2 pitch fees and the history of increases.
Ask if you need to buy 3 electricity and
gas through the park, or if each plot deals directly with the suppliers.
4
Are pets allowed on the park?
Are children allowed to 5 live on site? Are
there any age restrictions - e.g. over 50s only?
Is the site licence 6 from the local
authority on display? The licence covers matters like homes spacing, the condition of roads, etc.
Ensure the park 7 has planning
permission as a permanent residential park, open all year.
When does the site 8 owner’s interest
in the land come to an end?
A: Park homes are best insured by specialists such as Towergate, Parksure, Mobile Home Insurance or Paul Baker Insurance Services. Typically, the policy will insure the home and contents on a new-for-old basis, so the sums should reflect the cost of replacement as new to include an allowance for site clearance, re-siting and delivery. Some include legal expenses cover, too.
SURVEYING THE SCENE Q: Should I get a survey? A: For second-hand homes it is important to get a survey report from a specialist. Subject II Survey and Blue Chip Park Homes will provide independent surveys and do checks. These UK-wide companies also provide detailed written reports describing any problems and how to resolve them. See the adverts in PH&HC.
SELLING UP Q: What if I want to sell? A: There are some important changes to the selling or gifting of your park home, under the Mobile Homes Act 2013. As a park home owner, you can sell your home on the open market without having the new home buyer approved by the park site operator if you have acquired your park home after 26 May 2013. If you acquired your park home prior to 26 May 2013, there is some site owner involvement. See: www.parkhomes.lease-advice.org There is also an Implied Term under the Mobile Homes Act (1983) that the park site owner is entitled to receive a commission on the sale of a park home at a rate not exceeding 10 per cent of the sale price. The buyer must retain 10 per cent of the purchase price to pay the park site owner.
EXTRA OUTGOINGS Q: Are there any extra costs? A: Monthly pitch fees and council tax.
Insuring your home can vary but normally costs around £250 per year.
FINAL THOUGHTS... Q: Is there anything else to do? A: It is advisable to seek specialist legal representation. This guide is not meant to describe or give a full interpretation of the law. Nor does it cover every case. If you are in any doubt about your rights and duties then seek specific advice. For preliminary advice on buying or selling, contact the Park Home Advice team at LEASE on 020 7832 2525 (Ibraheem Dulmeer, legal advisor) or email parkhomes@lease-advice.org Please be advised that LEASE currently provides advice on park home legislation within English jurisdiction only. ✿
Contacts
n CAMBRIAN HOMES Tel: 01766 515287 n COUNTRY HOMES Tel: 01379 871041 n HOMESEEKER Tel: 0845 070 2345 n LISSETT HOMES Tel: 01759 302801 n MANOR PARK HOMES Tel: 01536 726009 n OMAR PARK HOMES Tel: 01842 810673 n PATHFINDER PARK HOMES Tel: 01626 833799 n PRESTIGE Tel: 0845 070 2345 n RED ROSE Tel: 01524 68438 n REIVER Tel: 01228 672227 n SOVEREIGN PARK & LEISURE HOMES Tel: 01676 542000 n STATELY-ALBION Tel: 01495 244472 n TINGDENE HOMES Tel: 01933 225157 n WESSEX HOMES Tel: 01258 860455
Subject II Survey SPECIALIST INDEPENDENT CHARTERED SURVEYORS OF PARK HOMES
The qualified professionals for surveys of Park Homes Static Holiday Caravans Lodges Inside Outside Beneath Any location Pre-renovation surveys Pre Purchase surveys Annual roof surveys Health check surveys Chassis surveys
Tel: 07979 771166 or 01869 346973 www.subject2survey.com subject2survey@hotmail.com 6 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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noticeboard
Andrew’s anecdotes
& HOLIDAY
Those were the days!
H
aving just come back from the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) in Scotland, checking out the latest in park homes and holiday homes, I reflected how far removed it was from the original show then held at Kelvin Hall, in Glasgow. Then seen as a large venue in the early days it was a dealer-backed show with both tourers and holiday homes being displayed. Back then, it was a case of tourers and holiday homes mixed on each other’s stands! Wandering through the halls in 2016, where all the units are kept separated, I can see how the visitor then must have got a little confused at what lifestyle may or may not have suited them. The Scottish show has been around since the late 1930s, growing to become Scotland’s shop window for would-be buyers of holiday homes, or as we knew them back then, static caravans. Two main shows dominated:
Fresh from a visit to the SECC Show in Glasgow, Andrew Jenkinson looks back on the history of caravan-based events An image from 1972 from the forerunner to the SECC Show at Kelvin Hall, in Glasgow
Kelvin Hall and the biggie, Earls Court. It wasn’t until the mid1960s that the Birmingham show began at Bingley Hall before going onto the NEC. I remember going to Earls Court in 1978 and being bowled over by the sheer amount of visitors crowding into holiday homes and tourers.There were reports of up to 150,000 visitors descending onto Earls Court, all waiting to see all the latest innovations and new models for the following year. The event was
open until 10pm, too. Many years ago one dealer told me how folk lined up to place an order for a new holiday home or tourer. He told me it was non-stop and how smoking was then allowed and it wasn’t unusual to go into a holiday home with cigarette burns on the carpet! When the electricians’ strike was on in the mid 1970s, manufacturers and dealers rigged up their own lighting with cables running across the floor. Health and safety? Those were the days! ✿
The big question You told us...
36% Yes, life wouldn’t be
the same without my beloved moggy
33% I’m fine with people
bringing their cats when they come to live on a park but they shouldn’t be allowed to replace them messy and noisy and that’s not what park life’s about
VOTE IN NEXT MONTH’S POLL... What plant, flower or vegetable do you most enjoy growing in your park home garden? Vote at: parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Kelsey Media, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berrys Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG EDITORIAL Editor Alex Melvin phhc.ed@kelsey.co.uk Art Editor Darren Peachey darrenpeachey@gmail.com ADVERTISEMENT SALES Advertisement Manager Sue Perry Tel: 01959 543618 / 01625 617071 Email: sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk PRODUCTION: Production Supervisor: Melanie Cooper 01733 362701 kelseycopy@atgraphicsuk.com MANAGEMENT Managing Director: Phil Weeden Chief Executive: Steve Wright Chairman: Steve Annetts Finance Director: Joyce Parker-Sarioglu Creative Directors: Vicky Ophield & Emma Dublin Retail Distribution Manager: Eleanor Brown Audience Development Manager: Andy Cotton Subs Marketing Manager: Dan Webb Brand Marketing Manager: Rebecca Gibson Events Manager: Kat Chappell Events Marketing Manager: Sarah Jackson Publishing Operations Manager Charlotte Whittaker SUBSCRIPTIONS 12 issues of Park Home & Holiday Caravan are published per annum UK annual subscription price: £35.40 Europe annual subscription price: £58.99 USA annual subscription price: £58.99 Rest of World annual subscription price: £64.49 UK subscription and back issue orderline: 0333 043 9848 Overseas subscription orderline: 0044 (0) 1959 543 747 Toll free USA subscription orderline: 1-888-777-0275 UK customer service team: 01959 543 747 Customer service email address: subs@kelsey.co.uk Customer service and subscription postal address: Park Home & Holiday Caravan Customer Service Team Kelsey Publishing Ltd, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG. Find current subscription offers on our website: shop.kelsey.co.uk/PKH Already a subscriber? Manage your subscription online at shop.kelsey.co.uk/ myaccount CLASSIFIEDS Tel: 0906 802 0279 (premium rate line, operated by Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Calls cost 61p per minute from a BT landline; other networks and mobiles may vary. Lines open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) Email address: ads@kelseyclassifieds.co.uk Kelsey Classifieds, c/o Classified Central Media, Central House 4th Floor, 142 Central Street, London EC1V 8AR Fax: 020 7216 8557 DISTRIBUTION Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. www.seymour.co.uk Tel: 020 7429 4000
Should cats be permitted on park home estates?
31% No, all pets make life
CARAVAN
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Stunning setting, great new show! Where: Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northants
As we went to press, the industry was gearing up for a brand new event: the Midlands and North London Holiday Home Show, scheduled to take place at Billing Aquadrome from 18 to 27 March. With views like this you wouldn’t want to miss it!
8 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
PRINTING William Gibbons & Sons Ltd Kelsey Media 2016 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the publishers. Note to contributors: articles submitted for consideration by the editor must be the original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included, which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher. Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products and services offered by third parties. Kelsey Publishing Ltd uses a multi-layered privacy notice, giving you brief details about how we would like to use your personal information. For full details, visit www.kelsey.co.uk, or call 01959 543524. If you have any questions, please ask as submitting your details indicates your consent, until you choose otherwise, that we and our partners may contact you about products and services that will be of relevance to you via direct mail, phone, email or SMS. You can opt out at ANY time via email: data. controller@kelsey.co.uk or 01959 543524. Park Home and Holiday Caravan is available for licensing worldwide. For more information, contact bruce@ bruceawfordlicensing.com ISSN 1354-5949
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parks
champion site
TOP 2015
UK’s best park... revealed!
PARK!
After much anticipation, it’s time to announce our Park of the Year! For 2015, the winner is Swiss Farm Park, in Henley-onThames. Editor Alex Melvin presented the award to the park owners and residents at a packed ceremony at the Oxfordshire site
1
2 1 A large and tastefully decorated park home at Swiss Farm 2 The awards cheque and trophy being presented by PH&HC and sponsor, Towergate Insurance 3 Another elegant home at this Oxfordshire site 4 A delighted Morrison family: Mark, Henry Sr and Henry Jr with their trophy
3
N
whopping £1,000. This is split into two sums of ow running for over 15 years, our annual £500, one of which goes to the nominating Park of the Year competition has become residents to spend as they wish. The other £500 an eagerly anticipated event within the goes to the park’s owners, to be spent on the park park home sector. What makes the award itself, often on small so special is the fact that improvements collectively the parks are nominated by “People here are very suggested by the park’s their own residents. We ask residents. those residents who are friendly, but without really happy with their being overbearing, park to nominate it and What makes a with everyone explain why it deserves the winning park? award. are a multitude of respecting each other’s There This year, we had entries factors that can make one space.” from all over the country, park stand out from the but, after careful others. In the case of Swiss consideration of all of the entries by our panel of Farm Park, nominating residents Keith and Linda, judges, the winning park for 2015 was chosen as who previously lived in a maisonette in north-west Swiss Farm Park, on the outskirts of Henley-onLondon, commented, ‘It’s a lovely park in a great Thames, famous for its annual regatta. The park was location, convenient for the centre of Henley, which nominated by residents Linda and Keith Knight, is just a short walk away, plus there’s a bus stop at the whom we actually featured in this magazine a park’s entrance for those who want to go further couple of years ago, when one of our writers Steve afield.’ Rowe visited the park to write a profile for the Linda added, ‘People here are very friendly, but magazine. without being overbearing, with everyone respecting each other’s space. The lifestyle is also very relaxing and the park feels very secure, so you have no A £1,000 prize! worries if you go away for a few days. I also love our It’s certainly worth being the resident that nominates home itself, and it’s great to be detached and to have the winning park, because the prize money, supplied lots of interior space. Compared to the small by the competition’s sponsors Towergate Insurance, maisonette we owned before, I also love having which specialises in the park home sector, is a
10 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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parks
champion site
SPONSORED BY TOWERGATE FOR 17 YEARS
4 Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 11
parks
champion site Right A really beautifully maintained garden plot at Swiss Farm Park
Below Sponsors Towergate’s Adam Summersby and Lauren Mason and PH&HC’s Alex Melvin with Linda park, the ed inat Keith Knight, who nom sby mer Sum m Ada te’s and Towerga
Below: Editor Alex Melvin hands over the trophy to Henry Morrison Sr
two bedrooms, with the spare bedroom handy for doing the ironing or drying clothes.’ The couple also praised the park’s manager, Don Hilton, who has lived at the park for 52 years, managing the park for the last 25 years. They explained, ‘Don is a great manager, really hands on in his approach and always willing to help people out. His enthusiasm helps to make the park such a nice place to live.’ What do the couple plan to spend their £500 winnings on? Keith enthused, ‘When we moved to the park a couple of years ago, we set about refurbishing our pre-owned home here, concentrating on the exterior and then moving on to the interior. However, we now want to give the interior a more thorough renovation, including new carpets throughout and a new real-wood floor in the lounge. Our £500 prize money will be going towards this renovation work, so it’s a great bonus for us!’
‘I enjoy managing the park!’
At the awards ceremony, we also took time to chat
to the park’s manager, Don Hilton, who lives on the park with his wife Jerry. She helps Don to run the park, but was unfortunately too ill to attend the awards ceremony. Don was cited by Linda and Keith as one of the reasons why they nominated the park, so we wanted to get his views on the place. He enthused, ‘I really enjoy managing the park, which is probably why I have done it for so long now! A lot of my time is spent helping residents out with any small problems they may be having, offering advice when necessary. If the problem is bigger, I will often contact the park’s owner Henry, to get things sorted out. My wife Jerry is also a great help, taking phone calls and helping with paperwork.’ What did Don think about the park getting this award? He added, ‘We were surprized to win but very delighted to have done so. We try to maintain the park to a very high standard so this, combined with the friendly community here, makes it a great place to live.’
‘We take great pride in our parks’ Also delighted that Swiss Farm Park won the award were the park’s owners, the Morrison family, consisting of father Henry and sons Mark and Henry, all of whom play their individual parts in running the 13 parks they own, including Swiss Farm Park, which Henry Senior bought some 20 years ago. Previously working in the motor industry, Henry 12 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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Love where you live with Turners Parks Group
38 parks nationwide Plots available across the UK to design and build your brand new home
Call: 0800 8 20 20 70 Email: info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
parks
champion site
All you need to know
Swiss Farm Park info at your fingertips...
LIVING COSTS PLOT FEES
£172.68 per calendar month for new homes.
ELECTRICITY
Mains electricity supplied and billed direct by the utility.
WATER & SEWERAGE
Mains water and sewerage supplied and billed direct by the utility.
VISIT THE PARKS
Swiss Farm, Marlow Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2HX Tel: 01491 576783 Website: www.morrisonparkhomes.co.uk
GAS
LPG gas bottles.
COUNCIL TAX
Homes fall into Council Tax Band A.
FOR SALE AVAILAIBILITY
Two empty plots are due to be filled by brand new homes this year, so now may be a good time to have a look round and perhaps secure one of the new homes if you like the park. As we went to press, park owners the Morrison family told us that there was a 44ft x 18 Omar Regency coming to Swiss Farm, due to be sited on a nice, sunny plot overlooking the park green. Features include: a vaulted ceiling; two double bedrooms; a master bedroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe; a utility room; a luxury kitchen; integrated appliances; living room with feature fireplace and large flatscreen TV; canexcel lodgestyle exterior; landscaped garden; and brick-built shed. This home will be available for £285,000.
OTHER
“All the credit should really go to park manager Don, who does a great job running the park and is well respected by the residents and by ourselves.” Senior bought his first park back in 1982, which was Meriden Hall Park in Warwickshire. He explained, ‘I thought the park home sector would be a good place to invest in, so took the plunge back in 1982. We now have 13 parks, achieved through organic growth rather than through any great planning. All our parks are for retired people and all are in exclusive locations around the UK. We always treat residents with the utmost respect, treating them how we would like to be treated ourselves.’ Were the family surprized to win this award for Swiss Farm Park? Henry concluded, ‘Yes, it was very unexpected, and we are, of course, delighted to win. I must say though, that all the credit should really go to park manager Don, who does a great job running the park and is well respected by the residents and by ourselves.’
‘Keen to play our part’
Finally, we had a quick word with Adam Summersby and Lauren Mason from Towergate Insurance, which sponsors the competition and provides the £1000 prize fund. Why does the company continue to sponsor the competition? Adam enthused, ‘As specialists in park home insurance, we are keen to play our part in the park home sector, supporting good sites that are great places for residents to live. On a personal level, it’s also great for us to get out from behind our desks in the office and meet park home owners in person, to get a feel for the communities they live in and see how we can better support them. This can then feed back into our park home policies, making them even better suited to the particular needs of park home residents.’
Like to see for yourself?
If you would like to see the park for yourself, just call manager Don on the number alongside and he will have happy to arrange a visit for you. A couple of brand new homes are due to be sited here later in the year, filling empty plots, so you may even find yourself buying a home and enjoying a relaxing retirement in a great community! ✿
PARK RULES
The park is for residents over 55 years of age. No resident children are allowed (visiting children are fine). Pets are allowed.
PARK OF THE YEAR 2016
Voting is already underway for the 2016 award. Turn to page 17 to find out how to nominate your park! 14 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Above: Long-serving park resident and manager Don Hilton at the awards do Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
MADE FOR
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16 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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parks
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
competition
2016 Park of the Year Once again, we’ve teamed up with insurance specialists Towergate to launch our latest quest to find the UK’s best run park home estate. Enter your park today!
P
residing over the annual Park of the Year competition is always fantastic fun. Whenever we visit these blue riband parks, we always end up discovering something new and exciting. And that’s no mean feat when you factor in the age and experience of most of the magazine’s writers! Whether it’s a park’s enviable location, top infrastructure, great gardens, community spirit or helpful management team, there’s always something unique to look forward to. So could your park be our new champion? Contact us, explaining what makes your site
special and you could be handsomely rewarded. Once again we have teamed up with sponsor, specialist insurance firm Towergate Insurance, to offer the lucky reader who sends in the winning nomination £500! The champion park will also scoop a further £500 to be spent on the residents. As the icing on the cake, PH&HC will visit the winning park to present the trophy. We’ve had a sackful of entries for 2015’s competition - which is now closed - and will be revealing our winner very shortly so watch this space! So don’t delay, tell us why you
Above: One of our champion parks, Pant Mawr, in Harlech, Wales. Pant Mawr deservedly scooped the title back in 2014
think your park is a worthy winner! Simply fill in the coupon below and send your completed entry back to: Park of the Year, Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazine, Kelsey Media, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Kent TN16 3AG. ✿ CLOSING DATE: 29 APRIL 2016
Park of the Year Competition NAME (MR/MRS/MS)
■ I / we love our park because:
ADDRESS ■ I / we love the social life because:
■ I / we love the park’s location because:
■ More about your park: what facilities does your park have? (E.g. shop/ clubhouse/ sports/ visiting services)
■ Is it close to any towns, cities, villages/ places of interest? (E.g. shops/ walks/ pubs and restaurants)
POSTCODE DAYTIME TEL NUMBER E-MAIL
■ About yourself: I / we have lived on the park for ........................... years ■ What make/ model/ age/ size is your park home?
■ Park home insurance renewal date: KELSEY STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY – TURN TO BACK OF MAGAZINE FOR DETAILS
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
■ Present park home insurer:
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 17
parks
2
park profile
Lion House Park, Hailsham Quick chat over a cuppa
Steve Rowe visits an established park which enjoys a rural setting on the edge of the Sussex town of Hailsham
Open Weekend 9-11 Sept
LESLIE AND WINIFRED HALLAM bought their
home on the park in 1998, the same year they married. The couple have taken to park life and love Lion House.
ANN SIMMONS
and her partner Robin Lewer have a similar story to Leslie and Winifred, with Robin selling his old home on the park so that he could jointly buy with Ann, who sold her brick-built home.
FRANCES HARRIS sold her bricks-andmortar home in nearby Hailsham, so that she could move onto the park, where her sister Jenny already lived. She loves park life.
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N
ot far from the popular south coast town of Eastbourne, which is in itself a thriving retirement spot, Lion House Park is an over-50s park located on the outskirts of Hailsham, which boasts a wide range of shops, supermarkets and eateries, as well as doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries. Occupying a gently sloping site, the park has an interesting variety of homes, both new and older, plus it even boasts its own clubhouse, which is used by residents for regular social events. The centre of Hailsham is about a mile from the park entrance, making it walking distance for fitter residents, or a short drive, plus there’s also a courtesy bus service that runs to and from the site several days each week. The nearest rail station is in Polegate, and Eastbourne has the closest hospital. With 166 homes, this is a medium-sized residential park, owned by the UK’s biggest park
18 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
home operator Berkeleyparks, but one which actually feels quite small and intimate. Other advantages include a mains gas supply to homes here, so residents don’t have to buy LP gas. Apparently, the site used to be a holiday park back in the 1960s, but has since been developed as a residential-only park, with Berkeleyparks taking over the site in the late 1980s. Newer homes here have on-plot parking but there are plenty of additional places to park in large car parks, plus there are garages that can be rented. After a chat with enthusiastic park manager Jackie and her husband Barry, I wandered off to chat with a few residents, to see what they thought of life here. This is what some of them had to say.
‘We married and moved here in 1998’
Leslie and Winifred Hallam married in 1998, buying their current Tingdene home here at the same time. Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
parks
park profile
All you need to know Lion House Park info at your fingertips...
LIVING COSTS PITCH FEES
£185 pcm for new homes.
WATER & SEWERAGE
Mains water billed via the park owner, with sewerage billed direct by the utility.
ELECTRICITY
Mains electricity supplied and billed via park owner.
GAS
Mains gas, billed direct by the utility.
COUNCIL TAX
Homes fall into Council Tax Band A, currently £1,150 per annum.
3
VISIT THE PARK 1 A row of pretty homes at the park 2 Lion House Park is a quiet, leafy park in a desirable South Downs setting 3 Another pretty aspect of Lion House Park
However, this park wasn’t new to them since Winifred was already living here, in her own home. To buy their new park home together, she sold her home and Leslie sold his brick-built home in nearby Hailsham. I asked Winifred why she originally moved to the park and she explained, ‘My ex-husband and I came to stay here for a holiday, back in the days when it was partly a holiday site, renting a caravan for the week. We loved the location and ended up buying a park home back in the 1980s. I was a widow when I met Leslie in the 1990s, when we were both members of a local bowls club, and we decided that buying a new home here would be a great new start for both of us together.’ What does Leslie think of park life? He enthused, ‘It’s a great park, we have a lovely home and it’s such a quiet and safe place to live. The people here are very friendly Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Lion House Park, Mill Road, Hailsham, Sussex BN27 2SE Tel: 01323 840059 Web: www.berkeleyparks.co.uk All prices correct as of 09/03/16
FOR SALE AVAILABILITY
At the time of visiting, one new show home was just being sited, with another due fairly soon. The newly sited show home is a Stately Berkeley Tredegar, measuring 50ft x 20ft, with two bedrooms and priced at £189,500. The home due to arrive shortly will be a 50ft x 20ft Homeseeker Acclaim, also with two bedrooms and priced at £218,000. Also available is a previously occupied 45ft x 10ft Homeseeker Mendip priced at £99,950.
OTHER PARK RULES
The park is for residents over 50 years of age. No resident children are allowed (visiting children are fine). No pets are allowed.
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 19
parks
park profile
4 4 Wide roads and generously spaced homes are a feature of the park 5 Lion House on a sunny afternoon: a great place to be!
“It’s a great park, we have a lovely home and it’s such a quiet and safe place to live.”
and, with the clubhouse, there’s always something going on for those who like socialising, including keep-fit classes. ‘I’d thoroughly recommend park home living to anyone who is currently thinking about it.’
‘I moved here 11 years ago’
With a similar story to Leslie and Winifred, Ann Simmons and her partner Robin Lewer met each other, then bought a home together at the park, with Robin already living on the park, like Winifred, and selling his home so that they could buy their new home together. Ann takes up the story, ‘I lived in south London and knew nothing about park homes, but Robin was already living here and it looked like a great lifestyle. The new home we bought together here was actually a pre-owned home, from 1985, so we set about renovating it from top to bottom, even including new jacks for the underside! Our home has a great position on the site, and the park itself is very convenient. We often walk from here into the centre of Hailsham, which is good exercise.’ What about life on the park, how does that compare to her previous life? Ann continued, ‘People are very friendly here and it’s a great little community. I am on the committee at the on-park clubhouse and there’s a great social scene here. I never go back to London anymore!’
‘My sister already lived here’
Great friends with Ann Simmons, Frances Harris lives
just over the road from Ann and we all met for a chat in her lounge. She explained, ‘I have been here for two years now, buying a pre-owned Omar home. My sister has lived on the park for 17 years, so I knew all about the place, and wanted to move here to be near her. In fact, it was while visiting her one afternoon that I saw this home for sale and decided to go for it. The home had been renovated inside, but I have since improved it further, adding new windows and doors.’ What does Frances think of life on the park? She enthused, ‘People are really friendly here and it has been great to make new friends, like Ann. ‘I enjoy socialising and this is a great park for that, with the benefit of the club house. It’s also nice to have your own detached home, with your own parking spot right next to the front door. I’d really recommend park home living to anyone who hasn’t yet discovered it!’
See for yourself
If you like the look of this park, now is a great time to have a look round, since several brand new homes are in the process of being sited here, on vacant plots. To give you an idea of the costs, a new StatelyAlbion Tredegar, measuring 50ft x 20ft and with two bedrooms is available now with a price of £189,500. There’s also a previously occupied 45ft x 10ft Homeseeker Mendip with two bedrooms priced at £99,950. In addition, there’s a luxurious 50ft x 20 Homeseeker Acclaim, again with two bedrooms and priced at £218,000 due to be sited this summer.
5
20 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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Set within 24 acres of the finest countryside in Mid Wales, this retirement park is located off the A470, about three miles north of the attractive small market town of Builth Wells, home of the Royal Welsh Show. To the south it enjoys panoramic views of the Wye Valley and is bordered to the north by the Cambrian Mountains. Six miles to the north is the spa town of Llandrindod Wells, with its lake and park. Some twelve miles north east are the Elan Valley reservoirs known as ‘The Welsh Lake District’ with its abundance of mountains, lakes, forests and unspoilt beauty. Pets are considered.
Berkeleyparks are Britain’s largest Park Home Operator with parks in Beds, Cambs, Cornwall, Cumbria, Devon, Dorset, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Gwent, Hants, Herts, Kent, Lincs, Oxon, Powys, Somerset, Suffolk, Surrey and Yorkshire Sussex.
With everything under one roof, Red Rose also offers a bespoke service designing and building outbuildings and glamping pods to suit all needs and budgets. Units are manufactured at their works and transported to the destination site ready to go, making installation quick and easy. Each unit can be designed for the purpose required, such as a hot-tub room, garden room or extra bedroom – the choice is yours!
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Telephone 01935 862079 Fax 01935 863554 www.berkeleyparks.co.uk email: sales@berkeleyparks.co.uk BERKELEYPARKS, WEST COKER HOUSE, WEST COKER, YEOVIL, SOMERSET, BA22 9BW
parks
park profile
Days out 3 easy-to-reach attractions close to Lion House Park EASTBOURNE This charming seaside town has become more fashionable over the past few years, but still retains its genteel, old-world charm, especially compared to brash coastal competitors like Brighton.
Personally, I thought this was a great park, enjoying a lovely rural spot with views over the South Downs and with the promise of a great social life for those who want to throw themselves fully into the lifestyle on offer here. ✿
“It’s also nice to have your own detached home, with your own parking spot right next to the front door.” A mature and immaculately presented park home plot
BLUEBELL RAILWAY A charming preserved steam railway that runs through the heart of Sussex, with regular special events.
PEVENSEY CASTLE With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, this castle chronicles the story of Britain’s south coast defences.
Homes are generously spaced and extremely well maintained
22 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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parks
2
park profile
Penwortham Park, near Preston Andrew Jenkinson visits Penwortham Park, which sits in the ‘Penwortham Triangle’ and finds out how its history is inextricably linked to the railways
TOP
LANCASHIRE
PARK!
1
C
ampbells Park Homes had become involved with parks after the success of its caravan dealership at Lostock Hall in 1969. The family business thrived and founder, Barney Campbell, bought its first residential park at Cuerden (reported on in PH&HC’s January 2016 issue) in 1972. The plan was for just one park and the existing touring caravan sales centre but, in 1997, the Campbells had the chance to purchase another park - this time nearer the dealership. Penwortham Park had been established in the late 1960s, a park which is something of a hidden gem.
4
Close to Preston
Penwortham sits close to Preston so residents can hop onto one of the local bus routes into the city
24 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
centre in less than half an hour. The park though wasn’t in the best of health when the Campbell family acquired it, with a lot of old units and areas that needed modernising. But the park had potential and, over the years, progress has been made to improve things, upgrading plots for new homes to be sited. This is an unusual park in its setting though, because it’s best described as being walled in! By that we don’t mean a brick wall but by two disused railway embankments.
The ‘Penwortham Triangle’
The park is in a triangular shape and with the old railway banking the park is very sheltered. In fact, it was known as the ‘Penwortham Triangle’ – don’t worry though, park homes don’t go missing! Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
parks
park profile
All you need to know
Penwortham Park info at your fingertips...
LIVING COSTS PITCH FEES
£134.48 per calendar month.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is billed by the park office each month.
GAS
LPG delivered to home owners.
3
VISIT THE PARK 1 Entering the park is like finding an oasis! 2 The park entrance is part of Lancashire’s railway heritage - once a bridge for part of the Penwortham triangle lines 3 The park has only 80 homes but this could be increased to 90 with careful re-planning 4 David Holden likes park life and enjoys the village atmosphere
Nice communal green
There are trees surrounding the park and also a nice communal green in the middle so the park homes aren’t hemmed in. With just 80 homes on the park, it has got a very small village ambience about it. It was a late autumn afternoon on the day of our visit but the park still felt colourful with its surrounding foliage, which attracts wildlife, giving the park the David Bellamy Conservation Award and also an award from the National Parks Homes Council. In fact, both Campbells’ parks have these awards bestowed upon them. Going back to the park’s beginnings, we discover that the site was established when the three railway lines beside the park closed in 1964. The railway ran from Preston to Southport and was opened in the Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Penwortham Park, Off Strickland’s Lane, Penwortham, Lancashire PR1 9YD Tel: 01772 624491 (Cuerden Park sales office) Website: www. campbellsparkhomes.co.uk All prices correct as of 09/03/16
WATER & SEWERAGE
Water/sewerage is payable direct to United Utilities.
COUNCIL TAX
Council Tax - Band A at £1,050 a year.
FOR SALE AVAILABILITY
New Homeseeker Langdale show home from £115,000 (twin unit). 2002 Homeseeker Langdale 40ft x 10 for £75,000. 1980 Tingdene Villa for £75,000. For more information, please contact Cuerden sales office on 01772 624491.
OTHER PARK RULES
• One pet cat/dog per home. • Caravans by permission and at the site owner’s discretion. • Motorhomes by permission and at the site owner’s discretion. • Over 50s only.
“Penwortham Park provides a pleasant oasis in an area where housing surrounds the park so it’s easy to get to the local shops and Preston itself.” PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 25
parks
park profile
Days out 3 easy-to-reach attractions close to Penwortham Park BLACKPOOL This famous seaside resort has been the home of the famous including the late Les Dawson and George Formby!
Mature hedging adds to the park’s privacy, while gardens are well kept
1880s by the West Lancashire Railway Company. The park lay between two railway lines - the other being the goods line to Preston. But the two lines were to be axed and the track taken up by 1965. The embankments were left though, and on the south side of the park, which is the entrance, the bridge has long gone, making the entry to the site quite an attractive one. As already mentioned, this was known as the Penwortham Triangle - formed by the rail network at the time of the Industrial Revolution. Little did anyone know then that this would become an ideal setting for a residential park!
Lovely gardens SOUTHPORT A less commercial seaside place is Southport from Blackpool, with Lord Street a big crowd puller and there is even a lawn mower museum here too! Plus in the summer the famous Southport Flower Show, which draws large crowds, too.
Interestingly the banking has become part of some of the park homes’ gardens, as we discovered when we called for a cuppa to a home owner who was, in fact, on the move. So were David and Jenny Holden leaving their Homeseeker twin unit and the park? Definitely not David Holden told us! David said, ‘The park is a refuge and a place also where I am allowed to have my touring caravan on my drive.’ David is moving, but only about 500 metres away! At present, David and Jenny have a Homeseeker twin unit but both have decided they can now downsize to a single Homeseeker and move to a new plot on the park.
“Penwortham is close to Preston so residents can hop onto one of the local buses into the city centre in less than half an hour.” Oasis of calm
Penwortham Park provides a pleasant oasis in an area where housing surrounds the park so it’s easy to get to the local shops and Preston itself. The park has a regular team maintaining it. It also has small cul-de-sacs and it’s all very laid back. New homes are slowly being added, but Mike Campbell told us he knows the park will not get planning permission to expand and is quite happy that it’s small and very friendly. All homes have mains supplies, except gas. LPG is supplied and delivered directly to the homes on the park. It’s hard to imagine that years ago this park would have been in the middle of a busy railway. But the remains of the two embankments add to the park’s pleasant feel and of times past. It’s a quiet place for those aged over 50. Penwortham Park is secluded yet still is within easy distance of shops and pubs, an oasis of calm near Preston! ✿
LIVERPOOL ONE Liverpool is full of history and culture, the Beatles, the famous Mersey Ferry and the big shopping area Liverpool One with all the main stores within walking distance of the City centre.
Penwortham Park is like a village in the way it is laid out 26 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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TOP CORNWALL PARK!
park profile
GLENLEIGH PARK, ST AUSTELL Philip Pond ventures to Cornwall to visit a beautiful park close to gorgeous sandy beaches and the natural wonder of The Eden Project
1 A colourful pastelcoloured park home on a pretty plot 2 An eye-catching park home on a spacious plot 3 The park’s office boasts an attractive exterior 4 A gorgeous display of colour outside this park home
1
Y
our starter for ten. What do Cornwall, the Alps and a fine porcelain tea service have in common? The answer is china clay, also known as kaolin and moorstone. As its name suggests, the clay was first mined in China. That was no less than 10,000 years ago and it was used to make fine white porcelain. The English gentry of the 18th century were great devotees. But in 1745 supplies of china clay were discovered in Cornwall, with deposits around St Austell emerging as the largest in the world. A thriving industry developed which transformed the Cornish economy, with the clay being used in the production of paper, paint and rubber goods as well as pottery.
The Cornish Alps
3 28 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Today, more than 250 years later, the mines have been abandoned. But the most visible part of this saga, known as the Cornish Alps, still remains. What appear at a distance to be small ranges of mountains are in fact mounds made up of waste materials from the mines. Because every ton of usable china clay that was mined brought with it five tonnes of waste. The legacy of this once-thriving industry still defines the area around St Austell, with even the iconic Eden Project owing its existence to the Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
parks
park profile 2
Days out
3 easy to reach attractions close to Glenleigh Park THE EDEN PROJECT Nestling in a crater are massive biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity including gardens containing plants from many climates.
stuff, sitting as it does in a former china clay quarry. The story as a whole really comes to life if you visit the Wheal Martyn Heritage Museum just north of the town. Less than four miles to the west of St Austell in the village of Sticker is a residential park home estate by the name of Glenleigh. Established several decades ago as a touring caravan site, it was redeveloped for purely park home use in the early nineties. In 2015 Wyldecrest, one of the largest residential estate groups in the country, purchased Glenleigh. The park, located just to the south of the A390 Truro road, is roughly rectangular in shape. It sits amid gently rising farmland a quarter of a mile from the village centre with extensive views across the surrounding Cornish countryside. On the horizon in the far distance you can just make out the shape of some disused china clay mine buildings. The park itself is more or less on level ground with a Tarmac ring road plus a few cul-de-sac giving access to the 65 plots.
WHEAL MARTYN HERITAGE CENTRE This is the UK’s only china clay museum and it’s combined with a country park, 26 acres of woodland walks, nature trails and much more.
TRERICE Now under the care of the National Trust, Trerice is an Elizabethan manor unchanged by building fashions over the centuries.
Car parking
Nearly all incorporate car parking space, with 50 freestanding garages being available on payment of a monthly rent of £16. Three-quarters of the plots are taken up Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
4 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 29
parks
5
park profile 5 This palm-tree fronted park home plot must be one of the UK’s prettiest
Quick chat over a cuppa
MARY PALMER and her husband John have been living at Glenleigh – ‘a fabulous place’ – for more than 30 years and have extensively modified and modernized their 1976 Stately Balmoral.
DON SOMERVILLE
had never heard of park homes before coming across Glenleigh but when he and his wife saw the view and the location, they quickly became hooked on the idea.
JANET COLLETT
had spent ten years living in Spain before coming to Glenleigh Park. Initially, she purchased a park home as a ‘temporary measure’ but hasn’t looked back since!
with twin-unit homes, the oldest dating back to the 1970s. All have been maintained to a high standard and obviously been the subject of much TLC. The owners of what is probably the oldest park home at Glenleigh are Mary and John Palmer. Now living, with their Italian greyhound Rocco, in a 1979 40ft x 20 Stately Balmoral which cost them £34,000, they bought their first home here for £12,000 in 1985. A 40ft x 10 Wonderland, that was sold for £16,000, giving them a healthy profit, just a year later. The Balmoral which followed – it had previously been used as the park’s reception office and shop – has been extensively refurbished and modernized since. Changes have included a pitched roof, double glazing, external cladding, an extension and remodeling of the interior. Now, instead of the original three bedrooms, the Stately features one extra-large bedroom plus a dressing room and shower room. ‘When we first came here in 1985, there were touring caravans as well as park homes,’ Mary told me. ‘A few years later the A390 bypass was built, cutting through a corner of the park. ‘Then, in 1990, all of the touring caravan pitches were removed and it became fully residential.’ She recalled how they came to be at Glenleigh. ‘At the time we were living on the Isle of Wight, in a detached house with three acres of land. ‘We came across this park by chance while on our travels and were attracted by the location and the peace and harmony; also the value for money offered by the park homes. ‘It was fabulous, just right. ‘We have two sons and six grandchildren and are both officially retired now but we still like to keep active, buying and selling antiques as a sideline.’
Keen gardeners
The Palmers are also keen gardeners, with their extra large plot on the edge of Glenleigh providing them with plenty of opportunity to exercise their green fingers. It is ideally placed, with its unimpeded views southwards across the surrounding farmland. A view to die for. A short distance away, neighbour Don Somerville has also benefitted from this park’s vantage point
although his failing eyesight is now causing him some problems. His wife, Elsie, sadly died in 2010 just after they had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. At 93, Don is one of the oldest residents on this park, though not the oldest. When the Somervilles bought their then brandnew Stately 46ft x 20 for £46,000 in 1998, there were only a couple of other park homes on site. Don, a retired engineer, told me about his early recollections of the park. ‘When we came, the developers were hard at work – Glenleigh was basically a field at that time – and we had to use our imagination to visualize what it would be like when complete. ‘Previously we had been living in a threebedroom semi in North Devon. ‘I had never heard of park homes before we came here. ‘But we were attracted by the value for money they represented and the location and views did the rest. ‘The neighbours are really nice,’ he added.
Newest arrivals
If Don is one of the oldest residents at Glenleigh, Lesley and Pony Moor are among the newest arrivals (together with their two rescue dogs, Henry and Bella). They bought their 40-year-old 20ft x 20 home – its make is unknown – for £50,000 just two years ago and gutted it so as to provide themselves with a completely refurbished and modernized home. ‘After retiring – I was a mental health carer and Pony, a health-and-safety adviser – we went travelling across Europe in a motorhome for nine years,’ Lesley told me. ‘Then we decided that we wanted to settle down again in the West Country. ‘Previously we lived in Tavistock, Devon, for 22 years and our two children and three grandchildren all live down this way. ‘We found Glenleigh and the rest is history.’ A neighbour who also lived abroad before coming to Glenleigh 12 years ago is Janet Collett. Previously she had spent ten years in Spain. Widowed some years ago, Janet has two sons and three grand-daughters living in Cornwall which was one of the main reasons for choosing Glenleigh. ‘I decided to buy a park home here as a temporary measure because it was quickly and easily available.
“I had never heard of park homes before we came here. But we were attracted by the value for money they represented and the location and views did the rest.” 30 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
parks
park profile
All you need to know
‘I had intended moving on but liked it here so much that I decided to stay. ‘It’s a lovely, quiet park.’
Glenleigh Park info at your fingertips
Lovely Omar
LIVING COSTS PLOT FEES
From £165 per calendar month.
WATER
Metered and payable to the local utility.
SEWERAGE
Payable quarterly to Wyldecrest, typically £224 per annum.
VISIT THE PARK
Glenleigh Park, A390, Sticker, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 7JB Wyldecrest head office: Wyldecrest House, 857 London Rd, West Thurrock, Essex RM20 3AT Tel: 0844 567 7300 E: enquiry@wyldecrestparks.com Web: www.wyldecrestparks.co.uk All prices correct as of 09/03/16
ELECTRICITY
Half billed by one’s chosen utility, half by the park (quarterly).
GAS
Individual LPG cylinders.
COUNCIL TAX
Band A, £1,080 per annum.
FOR SALE AVAILABILITY
At the time of our visit there was a 1998 42ft x 20 Stately Cardigan Cottage for sale, price £95,000. Several vacant plots have now been snapped up although there may be a couple more coming on stream in the not-too-distant future – prices and availability on application.
OTHER PARK RULES
Minimum age is 50. New occupiers may bring pets (cats or dogs) but they cannot be replaced.
Janet’s home is a 48ft x 20 Omar Colorado which she bought new for £85,000 in 2003. Six months before I met her, she had been appointed park manager at Glenleigh. ‘There used to be a residents’ association here,’ she told me, ‘but it’s not active any longer – there’s no demand.’ Janet told me about the park residents. ‘Around 80 per cent are couples and it’s quite an elderly clientele,’ she explained. ‘Most are in their mid seventies, with the eldest being 97 years young. ‘That’s George – there are other members of his family also living on site. ‘They have a total of four park homes between them.’ What about local amenities? ‘The nearest shops are in Sticker, about a quarter of a mile away. ‘There is a mini supermarket – a branch of Londis with a post office; plus a hairdressers and a garage. ‘The local is the Hewas Inn with a restaurant, Griggs, and farm shop nearby. ‘Everything else you can find in St Austell including branches of Asda, Lidl, Tesco and Aldi. ‘You can catch a bus near the park entrance, although it only runs from Monday to Saturday and not, any longer, in the evenings.’
Nearest station
St Austell is also where you will find the nearest station. The journey to London Paddington takes four hours without any changes. For even more shops and services plus all the other delights of city life, there is always Truro, 11 miles to the south west along the A390. Janet also told me about Wyldecrest’s plans for Glenleigh ‘They are adding new plots, all for twin units,’ she explained. ‘The drains are being upgraded to be followed by work on the electrics. ‘A lot of money is being spent on the park to improve it.’ Looking at the attractions of this area, there are extensive sandy beaches just a few miles away at Pentewan and Carlyon Bay – Par Sands is a particular magnet if you are one of those people for whom life is a beach. All are linked by the South West Peninsula Coast Path which provides endless opportunities for those who enjoy walking.
Hit series
Devotees of Poldark will naturally be attracted to nearby Charlestown which has been the location of filming for the TV series. And of course there is always Cornwall’s rich heritage to explore, not least the Cornish Alps. After which you could retire to the nearest tea room in St Austell for a nice cup of Rosie Lea. Although whether it will be served in a gleaming white porcelain tea service is another matter… • Sadly, as we went to press, we heard that Pony Moor had died. ✿ 32 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
THE UK’S NO.1 PARK HOME OPERATOR COVERING 23 COUNTIES
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Wyldecrest Parks
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*Terms and Conditions: 12 month warranty available on brand new Caravan Holiday Homes only. 10 year warranty available on brand new Park Homes & Lodges only. Owner seasons vary by Park. Bespoke part-exchange scheme is available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Guaranteed finance is subject to status. Site and pitch fees will apply. Prices vary between parks and is subject to availability.
parks
flying visit
A warm welcome awaits at Shropshire’s Hollins Park Surrounded by 400 acres of National Trust woodland, next to Dudmaston Hall, Hollins Park occupies a stunning location near Bridgnorth with views over the Severn Valley and the Clee Hills
H
ollins Park sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the area is rich in history and heritage with the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge close by. This is a residential park with a lively community of like-minded people who give it a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. The business is owned by the Hollinshead family. Ken Hollinshead originally started it, and the business is now run by his sons Darren and Lyndon, who help retain the family run ethos and feel with the help of their mother Jean and park managers Hazel and Vic Weaver.
Hollins Park provides residents with an unbeatable countryside panorama
New development
More plots are due for release here in April, and there are plenty of open days throughout
Visit At picturesque
Woodhall Spa
A private park home estate offering both security and peace of mind. Developed to the highest standards with homes at affordable prices. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Visit our website on
www.oaklandsgrangeparkhomes.com Or for further details ring Heather Shepherd on
01526 352312
Oaklands Park, Horncastle Rd Woodhall Spa, Lincs. LN10 6UU or email: oaklandsgrange@live.co.uk
34 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
the year giving you a great chance to look round and meet other residents. There’s a very friendly approach at these events and at a recent open day the Hollins Park reception area was transformed into a pretty vintage tea room with fine bone china, music of the 1940s and delicious cakes. That sounds like a great way for potential residents to find out more and meet those already at the park in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. We understand they have similar initiatives planned for the future.
Find out more
Hollins Park is at: Kidderminster Road, Quatford, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV15 6QJ. The park will host three open day events on 7 May, 16 July and 10 September (all Saturdays). For more information, please call 01746 765025,
email hazel@hollinspark.co.uk or visit www. hollinspark.co.uk. ✿
Above: There is a wonderful community atmosphere on the park
Info point Current availability • Tingdene Hayden Classic 40ft x 20 • Tingdene Barnwell 40ft x 20 • Tingdene Dolben Lodge 40ft x 20 (arriving this month) • A new 46ft x 20 Tingdene Addington for Hollins Park will be on display at the World of Park & Leisure Homes show at Stoneleigh Park, in Warwickshire, from 10 to 12 June. • There are further generous sized plots available, too. Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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SPONSORED BY
Park home resident of the year 2016
Do you know a worthy park home resident whose unsung endeavours light up the community they are a central part of? Is there somebody on your park who loves helping others and deserves a reward of their own? Nominate your park home ‘hero’ in our brand new competition, sponsored by Paul Baker Insurance Services, and they could win a very special prize
Above: Our inaugural Park Resident of the Year will win a fantastic prize which includes a mini-break to historic Cheltenham
W
e want to recognise and thank all those park home residents who do so much to support and help their fellow residents and their local park home community. We know it will be a tough job to choose one winner because there will be so many worthy nominees, but we’ll do our best! A selection of the best nominees will be featured in the 2017 issue of sister publication, Park Home News, as well as being featured in Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazine and on the sponsor’s website.
The prize
Because the winner will be a very special person we wanted to come up with a very special prize. Of course, cash is always useful and flowers are very nice but cash gets spent very quickly and flowers never last very long. We would like to take you away for a very special weekend… Where better than Cheltenham - the centre of the beautiful Cotswolds and the home of our sponsors Paul Baker Insurance Services? So we’ll arrange return rail tickets for you and your partner and transfers, two nights in one of Cheltenham’s best hotels with breakfast, dinner with wine on your first Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
evening in your hotel and up to £100 for a lovely dinner on your second night. We’ll help you choose the restaurant and join you too if you would like some friendly company. And we will help you plan your itinerary because there is so much to choose from: the wonderful Everyman Theatre, National Hunt racing, football at Cheltenham Town, rugby at Gloucester, The Wilson Gallery, a tour of Cheltenham’s beautiful parks and iconic Regency buildings, a trip around The Cotswolds with afternoon tea at Sudeley Castle or Broadway… The list goes on and on, but we want to make this weekend special - a weekend to remember - so we want you to help us plan your weekend. In addition, the person making the winning nomination will win a cash prize of £100.
How to enter
We are inviting nominations from anyone who lives in a park home on a residential park in England, Wales or Scotland. Your nominee must live in a park home and, ideally, should be aware that you are nominating them as there will be publicity and photographs arising from the weekend. The winner will be someone who has made a difference to the lives of a park home
resident or their park home community. To enter please write to Paul Baker at: Paul Baker Insurance Services, 16 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham GL52 5AA, or email Paul at paul.baker@pbinsurance.co.uk. Please provide your name, address, phone number and email address and your park home insurance renewal date, the name and address of your nomination and your reasons for nominating them. The more detail you can provide, the better chance your nominee has of success. If you can send some photographs for us to scan and return that would be even better!
The winner
The winner will be chosen by Alex Melvin, editor of Park Home News and Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazines, Paul Baker and Jenny Stagg, from sponsors Paul Baker Insurance Services. The closing date for nominations is 30 October 2016; the winner and their nominator will be notified by phone and or by email by 6 November 2016. No cash or alternative prizes are available, the decision of the judges is final, the winner and nominator must be agreeable to publicity including photographs. ✿
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 37
parks
SPONSORED BY
park people
Trucking good fun! We meet Philip Eaton, of Downsland Park, in Norfolk, and find out what the retired trucker loves about the park lifestyle
Above: The first truck Philip ever drove (the last one was a Mercedes Walk Through). How trucks have changed over the years!
‘Y
ou will never be alone in this world as long as you have a tongue in your head.’ These were the wise words spoken by Philip Eaton’s father and have stayed with him throughout his life.
Philip was one of nine siblings who benefitted from living an outdoor farm life in Wingfield, Norfolk, where his father was head horseman. While a strict man, Philip’s father was full of wisdom and taught his children all he knew. He ploughed the fields with the
horses and worked hard. Their mother taught all the children to cook and they were a united family who are still close today. By his own admission, Philip was not great at school, often missing lessons to escape to the farm. However, he swore he would never work on the farm after his school years. Why? Because the work was far too hard! Besides, Philip had the desire to travel. As a young child Philip had aspirations to become a truck driver. However, on leaving school he became a builder’s labourer for six years, which he loved. During this time he got married and became a father to a daughter and a son.
Start trucking
Above: Philip outside his park home at Downsland Park, in Great Moulton, Norfolk. Park Home Chassis Services provided him with excellent under floor insulation 38 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
The opportunity to become an HGV driver came when a local family transport business advertised for a trainee. Philip will always remember the man who trained him. The initial three weeks’ training was on the mechanics of the truck – in those days there was no ‘road rescue’, just driver and tool box. Philip talks of the times that diesel would freeze (no additives), the need to clean filters and ensure loads were water tight. Philip worked there for 15 years and enjoys a wealth of happy memories. There were two sides of the business: driving flatbed trailers distributing books such Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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parks
park people as Pan, Mills and Boon, Collins’ Atlases and more to distribution centres (these were wasted on Philip as he was never a great reader!); plus bulk freight haulage where malt was carried to the brewers (they didn’t let him near the finished products!). By this stage the children were leaving home, an 80 to 90 hour week had been challenging and Philip decided on a change. He worked at a box factory operating machines, roping and sheeting, where he could take pride in his work. He did this for five years but, sadly, divorce followed, coinciding with a closure of his role. However, this followed a chance within the same company to rekindle his love of trucking throughout the UK. Philip sold his bungalow and although meant to temporarily move in with his sister for four weeks it lasted for four-and-a-half years! He worked as a self-employed haulage driver for the same company for the next ten years. The industry has changed and, disappointingly, everything has become more controlled with health and safety enforcing Above: Philip with son Wayne, daughter-in-law Lyndsay, and grandson Shane, in greater restrictions. As an example, Philip Dunbar, Scotland on a family holiday a few years back explains that one day he had sat for hours on the A14, snow bound, on the way from Return to roots started at 8.30am and finished at 5.00pm. Felixstowe to one of the main retail Only then did I realise I was hungry as I Philip’s contract came to a close in 2014 and distribution centres in Loughborough. he is now based in the UK. The appeal of park hadn’t had breakfast yet! That’s the freedom Although he had called to say he was delayed, home living and the need to be near his family I now have.’ he was told to forge on only to be turned Philip spends time with his family. He encouraged Philip to research sites and homes away on destination as he had missed his regularly sees his daughter and in the Norfolk area. He found Downsland time slot! grandchildren. He is visiting his son in Park, in Great Moulton, Norfolk, a small ‘old Scotland shortly – for as long they’ll put up English’ rustic country site with a friendly with him! community of 36 well-maintained homes. Europe beckons Another imminent plan is to get his But a whole new dimension and motorbike (Honda Sports tourer) on the experience came to Philip’s life in 2004. He No cold floors thank you! applied to be a montage driver for a Philip’s home had originally been bought as road again to go on runs with his three brothers and niece who are proud owners company best known for Euro Camp, with an investment home so he purchased it in opportunities involving European travel for good condition with everything he needed. of Harley Davidsons. A good friend has also just purchased a holiday home in France so the next ten years. However he was driven to research under he is planning a six week stint helping to do Initially, Philip was posted to Levant, in floor insulation. that up! I think Philip is a prime example France, responsible for 15 different sites, ‘I have lived in mobile homes in Holland of the benefits of letting life take its course. putting up tents and cleaning the exterior in up to -23C temperatures,’ explained I just wonder what is coming next? ✿ of mobile homes ready for the holiday Philip. ‘So I decided I was not going to risk season. insulating fleece blankets on the floor ever Philip mixed his work between the again. temporary three-month assignments ‘I was really impressed with Park Home overseas and haulage work with his previous Chassis Services (PHCS) and employed the employer each year. He explains his work company to install the PHCS under floor • Philip was clear on his park home abroad as phenomenal - driving and insulation system for which I am very requirements and spent time enjoying France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, pleased. The surveyor was very thorough researching location, size and style of Corsica and Sardinia. and although I had personally been site to find the right home. Philip happily says he takes life as it comes. underneath the home he was able to point • T he PHCS under floor insulation out much more. In 2006 he applied to be a montage driver immediately reaps benefits, creating ‘I also believe that having the PHCS in Beziers, in France, which consequently a cosy home which retains the heat. lasted three years! This took him throughout under floor insulation system and the new • P HCS carries out thorough under PHCS HD supports is a great selling tool all of Europe and he proudly claims there is floor inspection surveys to give should I ever want to sell my home on.’ no road he hasn’t passed! provide comprehensive information Philip wasn’t in it for the money so much and recommendations about the as the experience and freedom, and the Easy come, easy go condition of the underside fantastic comradeship among his work Philip is now fully retired. He thought he colleagues. It’s not long ago that they all got might get bored but that has not been the • F or further information on Park together for a four-day reunion break! case! ‘I wake up early and say: “This is my Home Chassis Services Ltd, please call Latterly, Philip bought himself a camper van life so what shall I do today?”. 0118 984 3107 or 0333 456 3056, in which he stayed for winter shifts in both ‘The other day I found a site on email info@parkhomechassis.co.uk or eastern and northern France (he says he was Facebook about long-lost haulage visit www.parkhomechassis.co.uk. too old to be camping!). memories. I caught up with old friends – I
In a nutshell
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 39
Supported SPONSORED BYby
CASH priZeS
in our new competition to find UK’s best Park owner, Manager or Warden!
Michael and Julie Ward, owners of Gawthorpe Lancashire, areHome previous park award winners. Our new Foale,Above: of PHCS, Paul Baker, of PBIS, and Alex Melvin, editor ofEdge ParkPark, HomeinNews and Park & Holiday Caravan magazines competition will be judged by Cathi Foale, of PHCS, Paul Baker, of PBIS, and this magazine’s editor, Alex Melvin
Recognising excellence Park owners, park managers and park wardens can play a huge role in the quality of lifepark enjoyed by park home residents. This can brand new competition Park owners, managers and park wardens seeks to recognise and reward the top three owners, managers or wardens. play huge role in quality of nominations life enjoyed by park Wealook forward tothe receiving your home residents. Park Home News’s new competition
engraved gift; the two runners up will each THE SPONSORS – THE JUDGES – an engravedowners, gift. THE QUALITIES will recognise and reward receive the£100 topandthree
charge currently paid by home owners to site owners on the sale of their homes. This competition seeks to restore some No alternative prizes are available and the positivity and much-needed to the decision of the judges is final. The prizes will the sale of good theirnews homes. sector. There are many excellent park owners, be formally presented, with a photographer many superb park managers, many friendly present, and the pictures and prize winners and lovely park wardens out there so let’s will be featured in both Park Home News and shout about them, recognise them and reward Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazines and them! may nomination be used by the joint ✿ willsponsors receivefora cheque for £100; marketing purposes.
Jointly sponsored by Park Home Chassis Services (PHCS) and Paul Baker Insurance Services (PBIS), the competition will be judged by Cathi Foale of PHCS, Paul Baker of PBIS, and the editor of sister publication Park Home News and Park Home & Holiday magazines, Alex Melvin. tHeCaravan joint SponSorS: The judges will be looking for nominations the winner will receive a cheque for £250 tHefrom judGeS – tHe park home residents for QuALiteS people who HOW TO NOMINATE! havesponsored made a real difference the quality of THEand REPUTATION OF THE an engraved gift; thePARK two runners Jointly by ParktoHome Enter up your park owner, manager or warden and you their lives and those of their fellow residents. HOME INDUSTRY could win one of our special prizes! Remember to will each receive £100 and an engraved Chassis Services (PHCS) and Paul Baker People who do more than the absolute At a time when the country desperately needs provide as much information as possible, explaining Insurance Services (PBIS), the competition minimum, people who give up their time to new gift. homes it is sad indeed that the park why your site owner or manager is so great. If you alternative prizes available and will help be judged of events PHCS, homeNo residents, by whoCathi perhapsFoale organise sector is not playing a moreare active part can, send us a photo or two, too! activities, who keep park lookingofinPark in thethe solution. decision of the judges is final. The Pauland Baker of PBIS, andthethe editor HoW to noMinA tip top condition, who maintain the park and Park homeswill provide perfect solution for Nominations prizes be the formally presented, with a close on 30e September 2016. The winners will Home News and Park Home & Holiday its facilities to very high standards, who work people looking to downsize and release some be announced by 12 October 2016 and presentations will be photographer present, and the Caravan magazines, Alex Melvin. with residents and residents’ associations and, equity. Sadly, the reputation of the industry haspictures made in October or November. To enter please write to: Alex MANAGER OF THE YEAR above all, who treatbe residents withfor courtesy suffered recent years. Conversely though, andin prize winners will be featured Melvin in at: PARK OWNER/ The judges will looking special prizes! r 2016 COMPETITION, Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazine, and respect and smile a lot!home residents the quality the Home productNews has never been both of Park and Park Home & nominations from park Kelsey Media, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, better. The new legislation has been well Holiday Caravan magazines for people who have made a real Kentbe TN16 3AG. Alternatively, email alex.melvin@kelsey. received and further changes may well beand on may THE PRIZES co.uk with your name, manager address and contact details, the i is so great. by the thepossible joint sponsors difference to the quality of their lives theirused way with introductionfor of amarketing The person making the winning nomination name and position of the person you are nominating and fit and proper person test for site owners and receive a cheque for £100; the winner a photo purposes. and will those of their fellow residents. your reasons for nominating them. or two as well! a review of the ten per cent commission will receive a cheque for £250 and an
managers or wardens ...and reward the resident who makes the winning nomination as well”
People who do more than the absolute minimum, people who give of their time tHe reputAtion oF tHe to help residents, whoHOME perhaps organise pArK HoMe induStry 40 APRIL 2016 PARK & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE events and activities, who keep the At a time when the country desperately
Nominations close on Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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homes
new model review
The Wessex Harbour Bringing all the feel of the water’s edge to the luxury lodge lifestyle, the Harbour is packed full of character and old world charm, mixed brilliantly with modern chic. Bella Brodie reports on another bighitting lodge model from the Wessex stable
L
aunched at February’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC, the Harbour is a sophisticated and stylish lodge with individuality and character that takes luxury lodge living to a whole new level. This lodge isn’t just about the impressive structure, stunning interior design or the beautiful, carefully chosen furnishings though; it’s the little details that make it even more special. Victorian style radiators, brushed steel sockets and switches, and lined curtains and blinds in gorgeous fabrics add those all-important finishing touches.
External features
The show model was clad in Canexel but the standard cladding for this lodge is A-grade cedar wood, giving it a truly stunning finish as shown on the photo here. The angular striking monopitch roof with extended soffit and extensive feature glazing is the first thing you notice. Two sets of folding doors to either side of the front of the lodge and a further to the lounge on the
Above The large entrance hall in this home also doubles as a stylish office space
Below Clad in A-grade cedar, the Wessex Harbour cuts a sleek, sophisticated and simply stunning figure when sited
42 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
homes
new model review
An exceptionally well equipped kitchen in the Harbour
side elevation expand the living space, opening it up to bring the outside in. Further glazing frames the feature double front door, and tall slender glazed panels finish off the look. This is a lodge perfectly designed for a view, and even at this point it has a slightly nautical feel, all just setting the scene perfectly for the interior design and furnishing.
Internal layout
The spacious accommodation within comprises an entrance hall, large living space with lounge, dining and kitchen areas, an opulent master bedroom with large walk-in
dressing room and indulgent en suite, one or two further bedrooms (depending on the floor plan chosen) and a luxury shower room. Throughout there are white panelled ceilings and walls, brushed steel sockets and switches, giving a modern yet authentic look. The sumptuous lined curtains are in a gorgeous design, dropped into a ‘puddled’ arrangement. How truly fitting that even the way the curtains are hung has a watery theme! In the lounge on the large bi-fold doors and also in the bedroom (as an extra in this instance), there’s a remote control system for the curtains, a really great touch. Another is the in-built sound system piping music
throughout to all rooms too. Although the props don’t usually come with the lodges, we couldn’t help but love these, as together with the Victorian style feature radiators, the rustic seafaring feel was present throughout, and that would be easily replicated by future owners, and indeed great fun to recreate too. This is a lodge with real atmosphere and appeal - you can almost hear the seagulls and waves lapping on the shore nearby as you walk round it, so the name is pretty perfect.
Large entrance hall
‘On board’ and in the entrance hall you’re
There is a full length mirror in the spacious dressing room Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 43
homes
“As a concept, the Harbour thoroughly delivers on its promise, full of character and ‘wow’ factor.”
new model review Elegant Trafalgar-style furniture in the lounge mark this home out as rather special
met by a super stylish revival Holborn bureau chest providing plenty of practical storage and desk space, and an elegant Loughton chair. It looks as though it could be waiting for the captain to take a seat and check out the co-ordinates ahead, which most certainly wouldn’t be a disappointment. From this room you get all the sense of excitement of an interesting journey ahead as your start to take a tour around the lodge. That starts in earnest with double doors in light oak with glass panels opening up into the panorama of the living space, making you feel instantly uplifted yet wonderfully
anchored and grounded safely within this beautiful holiday home.
Open plan living area
The first thing you notice here is the space and light of the living area which is accentuated by the monopitch roof, light panelled ceilings and the vast expanse of windows and glazed folding doors. This area encompasses the living space, dining area and kitchen, so it lends itself well to socialising. The lounge has two large, sumptuous Trafalgar-style sofas and a coffee table, an armchair sitting to the front of the lodge
where the roof reaches its highest point. Folding doors open up the space to the great outdoors. There are two TVs as standard in this lodge, and both offer something a bit special. The TV here is ceiling hung in the style of a reverse periscope, and that works really well practically, keeping the lines on the wall and floor space clean and fresh. You almost wouldn’t notice it’s there until you go to watch it, so it’s quite a subtle fixture, yet clever too. Over to the right is a wonderful Willis & Gambier extending dining table with six chairs providing the perfect blend of elegance
The gorgeous bathroom is fully tiled and boasts a large whirlpool bath and inset TV
44 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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Otter Valley Park Residential Park Homes enjoy a qu ality lifestyle... Spacious plots with alongside parking now available - picturesque views - less than a mile from the historic town of Honiton
New & Pre-Owned Homes for Sale
Book your viewing now! www.oaktreeparks.co.uk info@oaktreeparks.co.uk 01934 823288 Honiton, Devon, EX14 4PA
Luxury Park Home living for the over fifties
We are a family run business with two parks situated in the beautiful North Wiltshire countryside. The above photo is a 37ft x 14ft Homeseeker Affinity located on Church Park.
Available now for £124,750 This home is equipped with: ● Extensive eco features including: Extra insulation in the floor, walls & ceiling. SIP flooring, triple glazing, LED lights throughout, air source heat pump
● Fully integrated Bosch kitchen appliances. ● Walk in rainwater shower. ● High quality Astro turf lawn. ● Large parking bay on plot. Please contact us for further details of homes available.
Lawrence & Philip Burchell, Lillybrook Estate Ltd Park office, Lyneham, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 4AA
01249 890250 www.lillybrook.co.uk
homes
new model review and contemporary style. The stylish kitchen then wraps around the back of the lodge.
Kitchen and dining area
The fully fitted kitchen hosts an impressive array of designer Smeg integrated appliances including a range cooker with extractor hood, wine cooler, microwave, washer / dryer, dishwasher, coffee machine and not to forget the super cool American-style, freestanding Smeg fridge-freezer which even has an ice and water dispenser. This kitchen has been designed to impress the most discerning buyer, and has been created to be really enjoyed. A hallway then draws you though to the bedrooms and bathrooms.
The master bedroom’s decor is absolutely stunning
Master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en suite
look. This really is a very special room and it’s been delivered beautifully. At the show this was a real talking point, a room with feel-good factor that no one wanted to leave, it was so inviting! The master bedroom leads on into a spacious dressing area with a stool and a full height mirror, fitted wardrobes and drawers. There really is more than ample storage, and
The opulent master bedroom sits to the front of the lodge and the folding doors add more than a touch of luxury… just imagine waking up and opening up the doors to take in the view from the decking over a morning coffee! A beautiful French-style bed, bedside cabinets and a wall-mounted feature fire with driftwood complete the
“Throughout there are white panelled ceilings and walls, brushed steel sockets and switches, giving a modern yet authentic look.”
this space then leads full steam ahead into a luxurious and truly indulgent en suite bathroom. The en-suite is fully tiled and includes a Jacuzzi Sharp double bath and a 19-inch magic mirror/waterproof TV with ceiling speakers. The design team has had real fun with this, yet it’s luxuriously functional, too. This is a well proportioned space and feels very hotel chic - quite a romantic bathroom.
Second bedroom
The second bedroom includes a double bed with stylish wall-mounted headboard, a beautiful French styled wardrobe and bedside cabinets.
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homes
new model review Bedroom three
The third bedroom has a simple yet stylish ivory bunk bed and freestanding wardrobe, and a full length window letting plenty of light stream in. Tucked in quietly beside each level of the bunk beds is a square recessed lit shelf with power points and additional USB chargers, perfect for keeping all members of the family happy.
Shower room
So no family member is left out on the luxury front, a fully tiled shower room opposite the third bedroom includes a large walk-in shower with overhead soaker and stylish countertop basin. For impact, two of the tiled backdrops are in charcoal black, giving it a modern clean feel which will be easy to keep shipshape.
Our verdict
This really is a stunning lodge, both from the outside and inside. Light and airy and equipped to a high standard, the superb specification really takes a while to absorb in terms of the potential impact and enjoyment it could add for the owner. As a concept, the Harbour thoroughly delivers on its promise, full of character and ‘wow’ factor. In terms of relaxation there are plenty of chill-out zones built in too, so it would be a real treat to spend time in. Another first-class offering from Wessex, which is well and truly flying the flag for excellence from this Harbour. ✿
Checklist Luxurious accommodation comprises: lobby/study; open plan lounge/diner and kitchen; three bedrooms; a family shower room; and a dressing room and bathroom to the master bedroom. Remote blinds and Sono sound system are not included in the standard specification. SIZE: The model shown is 55ft x 22, but other sizes are available. KEY FEATURES: • Large and welcoming entrance lobby/ study space • Extensive feature windows and folding doors to lounge • Drop-TV point in lounge • Luxuriously equipped kitchen • Three well-sized bedrooms • Large walk-in shower • Feature wall-hung fire in master bedroom • Folding doors to open out to views from master • Large dressing room • Large en suite bathroom with romantic Jacuzzi double bath • TV / magic mirror to en suite
Info point
The show model has been sold to Plas Coch Holiday Homes and is available for sale – POA. For more information please call 01248 711 920 or visit www.parkleisure.co.uk. For further information about Wessex Unique Lodges & Park Homes visit: Wessex Unique Lodges & Park Homes, Head Office and Manufacturing Centre, London Road, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 ONE (For sat nav use IP27 OLX) Tel: 0845 257 0400 Email: sales@wessexparkhomes.co.uk Web: www.wessexparkhomes.co.uk The beautifully appointed third bedroom
Call any day to view the leading name in Park Home living 01785 256 798 www.hartleyparkhomes.com Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016
47
homes
new model review
The Hayden Classic Bella Brodie finds out why Tingdene’s Hayden Classic is both chic and stylish and proof that size isn’t everything
I
f you’re looking for a single unit park home then there’s no need to feel any less excited than if you were buying a twin unit; you’ll find the proof of that particular pudding in the Tingdene range, in the form of the Hayden Classic. The Hayden and Hayden Classic residential park homes are superb entry level homes from Tingdene’s portfolio. Two models are available, the Hayden, and for those who want the style but more luxury, the Hayden Classic. Either can be built in larger twin units or the more compact single unit arrangement; both represent astonishing value for money for a home which feels pretty special.
Overview
The Hayden Classic single has an open plan arrangement which makes the most of available floor space and allows the home owner to move very naturally from one space to another. The lounge/kitchen/dining area flows into one with a vaulted ceiling making it feel relatively spacious. There’s a contemporary kitchen, two bedrooms, a family bathroom and master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe. Fully furnished in a modern style throughout, this is a home which is bound to have mass appeal, pitched at a careful price point. It is accessible yet exciting enough to fall in love with.
Above The Tingdene Hayden Classic boasts a beautifully designed interior Below The master bedroom has a large walk-in wardrobe, adding to its luxurious feel
External features
The Hayden Classic has been created with a view to being easy on the eye, with a few characterful twists which will make it clearly identifiable in any park home setting. The exterior is mainly rendered but with Canexel features to the front elevation and bordering side windows. That picks up beautifully with the charcoal grey roof, and making it look extra special is a feature side gable and glazed apex – unusual but creating quite a feature from the inside too. Access is through a front door straight into the living area, or to the side into a hallway opposite a handy cloaks cupboard, the bathroom and second bedroom. A quick turn left will be fairly practical bringing groceries into the kitchen so both work well whatever the occasion.
Open plan living/dining area
As you enter via the front door you’ll see that there’s plenty of natural light in this area, via uPVC double glazed windows with a full 48 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
homes
new model review
There’s no denying that the Tingdene Hayden Classic is a stylish looking home
“The bay window also allows a little extra room for the armchair, creating a sociable space with two natural focal points towards the fireplace and TV point.” length walk-in bay window to the front. That bay is a lovely feature, and bordered with full length curtains matching those on the door the overall effect is very pleasing on the eye. The bay window also allows a little extra room for the armchair, creating a sociable space with two natural focal points towards the fireplace and TV point. Look up and you’ll spot the white tongue and groove panelling throughout, adding a modern and uplifting feel, and the plush carpet
underfoot balances that out with a truly cosy feel. A solid black fire surround and hearth is really striking, and in the interior design there are lots of black touches providing continuation as a base colour – a thoroughly modern twist! Even within the surround framing the natural flame-effect fire there is black panelling, just another example of the many clever touches adding texture, context and interest visually.
A dining table perfect for two sits in front of the half-height feature window, which is exceptionally pretty if you look up to the glazed peak into the apex above. Two inset spotlights above either side of that apex create soft mood lighting.
Kitchen
The lounge and kitchen areas are separated by a half width dividing wall, which creates the perfect back drop and corner for the TV, and
We love the light and bright kitchen inside the Hayden Classic Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 49
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new model review
Checklist
Twin beds in the second bedroom but this is a home that benefits from being adaptable in its layout
Three floorplans are available in the Hayden Classic single range although Tingdene is happy to adapt these for specific requirements: •3 8ft x 12, with a double bedroom and a single bedroom •4 2ft x 12 with a double bedroom and twin bedroom •4 6ft x 12 another, slightly larger model with a double bedroom and a twin bedroom. KEY FEATURES: •D istinctive exterior finish with Canexel features • F eature side gable with glazed apex feature •V aulted ceiling to lounge and kitchen/ diner •C ontemporary kitchen with eye-level oven, hob, cooker hood and integrated microwave •O ne double, one twin bedroom, master offering LED lit walk-in wardrobe • Fully furnished in a contemporary style
on the kitchen side creates a U-shaped room with plenty of space for storage and white goods. Strip lighting above illuminates this space and the contemporary styling makes it feel clean and unfussy. It’s well equipped too, with an integrated fridge freezer, eye level
oven, hob and cooker hood/extractor fan with brushed stainless steel splash back panel on the wall behind making it ultra easy to keep clean. To the left there’s a large worktop space and below the window is space for a washing machine.
Master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe
The master bedroom is not only pretty but it’s also very practical. Downsizing to a smaller home is probably most likely to be challenging from a storage perspective but that’s really been taken care of here as it has a large walk in wardrobe which is even LED lit to make sure you can see in all the corners without any difficulty. There’s plenty of shelving and hanging space, and the walkin aspect makes the bedroom feel larger. The oversized feature headboard looks lovely here and the very pretty soft furnishings shown here show what a very pretty space it can be.
Second bedroom
The tongue and groove ceiling continues through to the second bedroom, which is an adaptable space and could be used in a variety of configurations. Here it’s shown with single twin beds, both with black oversized headboard adding bags of impact.
The bathroom is light and plush, as well as being well equipped 50 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Family bathroom The bathroom is a fairly standard layout, but what’s immediately noticeable is that it isn’t tight for space. The modern WC has a window letting light in above, and extractor fan to remove the steam from bath/shower use. The hand basin has a large mirror bouncing the light back into the room. The bath is fully tiled with a pretty mosaic strip at half-height and fixed with an adjustable shower and panel at one end, so everything you need is packed Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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new model review in soundly here, yet without it feeling cluttered. Charcoal black carpet tiles finish the room off boldly to great effect.
Our verdict
As park homes go the Hayden Classic single unit packs a real punch. Well planned and considered, it uses space and light exceptionally well. The colour scheme here is a really good option, bound to appeal to most buyers compact and cosy, it’s a home which is a real pleasure to spend time in. The second bedroom is adaptable for a variety of uses so you are spoilt for choice too. Tingdene’s experience in interior design shows throughout this lovely home, ensuring that there is plenty to catch the eye and lots of practical touches too. Externally this really is a fine looking home which would look great on any park, and internally it delivers just as beautifully. ✿
With the kitchen next to the dining area, this home flows nicely from room to room
Info point
Tingdene Homes Ltd Bradfield Road, Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 4HD T: 01933 230 130 E: sales@tingdene.co.uk W: www.tingdene.co.uk
The homely and cosy living space works really well 52 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visitor centre opening times Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm Friday to Saturday: 9am to 4pm Bank holidays: 9am to 4pm Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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new home in a nutshell
Making Hey
Sovereign Park and Leisure Homes goes from strength to strength with new model launch….the Heywood
S
overeign Park and Leisure Homes - the ones to watch in mobile home design has started to expand its range of homes. Its latest model to be launched into the park home market is the Heywood - a home suitable for residential use or in a lodge park setting. The model offers great variety and good, solid build quality, too. The launch model is currently for sale at Broadwell Woods Park, in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, but another will be on display at The World of Park and Leisure Homes, at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from 10 to 12 June, so there will be plenty of opportunities to take a tour. Meanwhile, we got a sneak peek at what you can expect from this stunning new model...
Home features
The accommodation in the Heywood comprises an entrance hall, kitchen/diner, living room, family bathroom, master bedroom with en suite shower room and a further second, double bedroom. Externally, the Heywood cuts a dash with long picture windows and options for render and cedar cladding or a mix of the two. In the lounge there’s a pretty picture wall, two sets of French doors, a tasteful blend of contemporary and rustic furniture and inset spotlights. The kitchen is modern and bright in a high gloss finish and well equipped with a wide range of appliances. There’s an island unit/ breakfast bar and a wine fridge that adds a special touch. The dining room is just across
Above Sovereign’s eye-catching new Heywood home has the feel of luxury about it
from the kitchen, with double doors opening onto the lounge. Both bedrooms have plenty of storage space, and the shower room and bathrooms are finished to a high standard.
Great layout
Overall, the Heywood offers a great layout that is bound to appeal to the marketplace as an adaptable option with bags of appeal. We think this home is one of Sovereign’s best yet. But don’t just take our word for it – see it for yourself at the earliest opportunity! ✿
Info point • Sovereign Park and Leisure Homes Ltd is at: Units 1 - 3 Arley Industrial Estate, Colliers Way, Warwickshire CV7 8HN. For more information, call 01676 542000, email info@sovplc. co.uk or visit www.sovplc.co.uk. • Sovereign offers a ten- to 12-week delivery timeframe from point of specification sign off. • Located in the Midlands, Sovereign is centrally based and welcomes customers to visit the site and be truly involved in the design and build process. • All new homes are covered by Gold Shield’s ten-year warranty scheme. • All homes are built to BS 3632.
Above Cook up a storm inside the Sovereign Heywood’s state-of-the-art kitchen space 54 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
• The Sovereign Heywood is now for sale at Broadwell Woods, in Kenilworth, for Stratford Caravans. To find out more call 01789 299492, email suzanne@stratfordcaravans. co.uk or visit www.stratfordcaravans.co.uk Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Whichever way you look at it... ...Zebra Finance is today‘s fastest growing name for park home, caravan holiday home, lodge and annual site fee finance!
To find out more, call Tony Snape: 01332 680 400
anthony.snape@zebrafinance.com
www.zebrafinance.com Zebra Finance Ltd trading as Zebra Leisure Finance is a credit intermediary able to introduce appropriate borrowers to lenders. Lincoln House, Stephensons Way, Wyvern Business Park, Derby DE21 6LY. www.zebrafinance.com. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company No. 06960530.
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For sales enquiries please telephone: 01789 293438 or visit us on park every Wednesday 10am - 4pm Email: suzanne@stratfordcaravans.co.uk
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Family owned and run parks. For that personal touch.
Part exchange / finance available - let us take stress out of your move
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homes
in a nutshell
Setting the standard Country Homes is well established as a high quality manufacturer of park and leisure homes, with decades of experience in building to an exceptionally high standard
Above Country Homes’ beautifully crafted lodge, The View, looks stunning
C
ountry Homes is a manufacturer that takes great pride in its customer service. We take a quick mini tour of its lodge and residential home models to get a flavour of what the company has to offer...
Residential homes
Country Homes is well known for building bespoke homes and lodges, but there are some stunning existing home models to choose from too, with one popular favourite being the Queensland Colonial twin unit, with its characterful curved feature wall and plenty of space in a great layout. The Portland is the epitome of single unit spaciousness, available in a one- or twobedroom layout, which really is very pretty. Topping the range for those wanting to push the boat out for a home with real individuality is the Cavendish - a superb model that demonstrates how innovative Country Homes’ designs can be. That has a room which is adaptable for a variety of purposes so offers something a little different from the norm.
Above With its light, bright and uplifting interior, The View brings the outside in
The View is also a popular choice, clad in Waney Edge Larch and distinctive for fitting in perfectly in a woodland park environment. A lodge which really ‘brings the outside in’, it’s the perfect holiday retreat and suitable for either couples or a family, so this is an adaptable model for those who want to spend a lot of time there or investors looking to see a solid return on their lodge.✿
Info point
For further information about Country Homes, please contact: Tel: 01379 871 041 Email: sales@ch-ph.co.uk W: www.countryhomes-parkhomes.co.uk
Luxury lodges
On the lodge side, Country Homes has some cracking options, starting with the single unit Loft, perfect for couples, and the Tranquility, which is ideal for a beachside location.
Above The Country Homes Cavendish is a substantial home, in every sense of the word
56 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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THE FAMILY BUSINESS THAT CARES OUR RESIDENTIAL PARK HOMES ESTATES IN RURAL NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
FAIRFIELD PARK
Fairfield Park is an exclusive new development for just twenty nine luxury park homes. The park is situated close to the historic market town of Newark on Trent in a superb rural location with wonderful views of the peaceful rolling countryside. All homes are fully furnished & designed to your requirements. The park has the advantage of electronic entrance gates and comprehensive CCTV coverage for added security and peace of mind.
info@hibbsparkhomes.com
FAIRHOLME PARK
Fairholme Park is a sympathic redevelopment of an exsisting park for up to fifty luxury park homes. The park has been redeveloped for a mixture of both single and double park homes. The park will have the advantage of electronic entrance barriers, comprehensive CCTV coverage. Single park homes offer excellent value for money whilst not compromising on the style and luxury of the home.
www.hibbsparkhomes.com
Tel: 01623 860 040
Wellow Road, Ollerton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9AP
New Homes from the very realistic price of £94,995
Call free on 0800 862 0081 12 Rowley Avenue Stafford ST17 9AA
Transform your park home with peace of mind from leading specialists
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homes
show review
A RECORD BREAKING YEAR!
More than 87,000 visitors flocked to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in February at Birmingham’s NEC. Showgoers enjoyed viewing products and displays from 350 exhibitors across five halls, including many brand new park homes and luxury lodges. Bella Brodie reports
T
he NEC itself is celebrating 40 years of events this year, and this was certainly a show to love, packed full of brilliant ideas and great innovations. Visitors were welcomed on the opening day by celebrities Chris Packham, Matt Baker and Julia Bradbury, but the star-studded programme didn’t stop there, with sessions from Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte
Hawkins, Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey, Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell, celebrity chef Aldo Zilli, extreme adventurer Sean Conway, and many more throughout the week. A guest at Camping in the Forest, leading wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham introduced the show to visitors in the Discovery Theatre alongside TV star and Caravan Club guest Matt Baker, who together
More than 87,000 visitors attended the NEC event and were not disappointed
58 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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homes
show review
Outdoorsy royalty in the shape of TV celebs Chris Packham, Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker
gave an inspiring talk about their love of the great outdoors. Julia Bradbury, TV presenter and president of the Camping and Caravanning Club, also joined them and spoke of her passion for the British countryside and the camping and caravanning industry. ‘The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show really encapsulates the love we all have for the great outdoors, and it’s brilliant to be at a show like this,’ said Julia. ‘It’s great to be chatting to people about what they love and their favourite camping and caravanning experiences. When we are all in it together like this, it’s great!’ It’s an event you can’t fail to be inspired by and, from a park home and holiday caravan perspective, there was plenty at this show to explore.
Eye-catching displays
Before we started looking at the park and holiday homes in earnest, we couldn’t help but nip by to enjoy the awe-inspiring displays in the new Glamping Holiday Village, where Visit Pembrokeshire had pulled out all the stops to capture visitors’ imaginations. Here two new VW Campervans were pulling in the crowds in a beachside setting, a Welsh dragon blew smoke from an eye-catching teepee, and a bubble tent presented stargazers with an unusual camping option for parks with no Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
light pollution.You could also step into a fictional world of adventure that had been brought to life in the form of a twobedroomed ‘halfing’ yurt from Trellyn Woodland Camping. Described as a Hobbit’s home reminiscent of JRR Tolkien’s fictional creations, the yurt was incredibly cosy and inviting inside, and would be brilliant fun to stay in!
whatever the price, you can find something really tempting. As an example, ABI had a fleet of six fine models out on show including the new Clarendon, which had quite a quirky, modern yet rustic kitchen. That was quite unusual, but just added a huge amount of ‘wow’ factor to this lovely unit. The Willerby Granada made a very welcome return to its range with two new models on display, the 38ft x 12 and a 35ft x Stepping it up a gear! This year, there’s some fresh excitement in this 12; both very different from each other. The 38ft x 12 was a fantastic model that really sector, and the interiors of some of the exemplified great holiday caravans are value for money in a getting more and holiday home with more innovative from “For Omar, the capacity. We think it’s show to show, adding Accent took pride bound to be another elements that you of place with a best seller, just like its would usually expect predecessor. from larger, more fairly traditional Another that expensive lodges and caught our eye was integrating them into semi-open planned the Pemberton their smaller models layout.” Riverton, which was very cleverly. From a very striking with an holiday maker’s ingenious design, making the most of available perspective, that’s quite exciting. We can space in a way that left it looking clean and imagine guests really enjoying some of the uncluttered. quirkier new arrangements. The interior design and soft furnishings and Even models that may have been created with hire-fleet use in mind really have a lot of fittings were top notch too, giving it a very stylish and modern feel. modern ‘bells and whistles’ added now so, PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 59
homes
The Wessex Harbour is a fine looking lodge - see our review on page 42
show review
specification. The bedroom was very pretty too, and the shower room larger than most. BK Bluebird’s Linear Lodge was very eyecatching with its angular roof and side dormer. Inside, it was equally striking too both well planned and executed with clean lines, beautifully integrated storage spaces and a lovely design theme.
Outstanding larger lodges
This was a show with a couple of obvious big-hitters with a nautical feel - the Wessex Harbour and the Willerby Portland. The Harbour really was a show-stopper, both inside and out; a fine-looking luxury lodge with sumptuous furnishings and fittings such as the Jacuzzi bath, lounge-style bedroom and walk in wardrobe. Nathalie Montague, sales manager for Wessex said, ‘Visitors loved the lodge! There
The Atlas Laburnum was launched at the show; a striking, bold and innovative lodge
was a lot of interest from those with their own land and exclusive developments looking for something unique and special, but it also drew interest from visitors looking to buy their own holiday lodge. The Harbour, as a high–end model, is a wonderful showcase for what Wessex can create.’ The Willerby Portland also delivered a nautical theme exceptionally well, with a beautiful colour scheme and some intriguing touches such as the hidden larder tucked behind double doors in the kitchen, which was a big talking point. There was also a hidden utility room just inside the entrance hall that was so tucked away out of sight that we missed it first time clever stuff! The Prestige Bowmoor is an old favourite and a best-selling lodge for good reason. It boasts a practical layout but the model shown
The Granada was a real crowd pleaser with its spacious lounge
Single unit lodges
There was a good mix of lodges this year. In the single unit section there were great options pitched at very different markets and budgets. For those unsure what the difference between a single unit and twin is - other than the obvious size difference - basically, the single travels in one piece whereas the twin comes in two halves, which are then put together on site. Swift had two S-Pods at the show; one a self-contained unit; the other more of a flexible garden room or office space. The Prestige Glasshouse was one not to miss either. Launched last year as a twin unit, this is the first time we’ve seen the single unit version at a show. It didn’t disappoint, boasting lots of character and detail and a very high 60 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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Wessex PRESENT the
HARBOUR LUXURY LODGE
Unique lodges and park homes with a 50 year heritage, built upon industry leading design, quality and excellent customer service Built to BS 3632, suitable for use throughout the year • 10-year Gold Shield structural warranty • Superior build quality • Bespoke design solutions • Industry leading customer care
For more information contact our friendly sales team today T: 0845 257 0400 E: sales@wessexparkhomes.co.uk W: wessexparkhomes.co.uk Head Office & Manufacturing Centre, London Road, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0NE
Exterior image courtesy of the Waterside Holiday Group www.osmingtonsales.co.uk
Imagine owning your own luxury lodge... Breaks away on a beautiful park in the countryside.. . Imagine if your luxury lodge looked like this...
OR DER YOUR BROCHUR E TODAY!
homes
show review Park homes
There was plenty to see and do at the event including watching talented dogs perform tricks
While many lodges are built to a residential standard (BS 3632) nowadays, there were also park homes at the show built with residential parks in mind. For Omar the Accent took pride of place, with a fairly traditional semi-open planned layout, well dressed and complete with a good study off the entrance hall. Prestige had two residential models out on display. A 44ft x 14 Nuance was on show with two bedrooms, a large walk-in wardrobe and separate large bathroom with overhead shower set for Orchard Park, part of the well respected and long established John Romans group. A good solid offering, it had a very pretty bedroom area, and the lounge was unusual too with the focal fire point backing on to the entrance hall. Prestige’s big residential hitter for this show was undoubtedly the Anthem; one of its most popular ever models in a 46ft x 20 size heading for Takeley Park for the Turners Group. A spacious two bedroom home with bathroom and separate en suite, large open plan kitchen diner and separate study, the Anthem really continues to hit an extremely high note.
All manor of outdoor activities were catered for
Our verdict
Prestige put on an impressive display at the show
in Birmingham was one of our favourite versions with a new twist on the interior keeping it right up to date. Atlas also launched a model, the Laburnum lodge, which would fit nicely onto a green park environment. Inside, it was striking, bold and innovative. It might be a bit of a love-itor-hate lodge, but then many of the most exciting new models are until their new concept is absorbed and appreciated. On balance, it was exciting to see, and would appeal to many looking for something extra special. A dividing wall in the living area, creating a study with extensive shelving, looked incredibly modern and stylish and was far larger than most study or hobby areas. 62 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
All in all, this show seems to get better and better, and some of the innovations were a delight to the eye, and in potential practical terms, too. Andy Vaughan, managing director of NCC Events summed it up by saying: ‘We are delighted with the success of the show this year. ‘We have had fantastic feedback from both exhibitors and visitors alike. ‘With the increase of 10.3 per cent in sales, and dispatches of new touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes in the UK during 2015, the success of the show further reinforces that the industry is going from strength-to-strength. ‘We are really looking forward to the rest of 2016 and the Motorhome and Caravan Show which will be taking place back at the NEC in Birmingham from 11 to 16 October 2016.’ ✿ The single unit homes on display were impressive this year, including the Prestige Glasshouse
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Organford Manor Country Park Organford Road, Poole, Dorset
Organford Manor Country Park is a residential park in a peaceful and secure environment set amidst private forest land Organford Manor features: ● Very exclusive park for the over 45’s ● Gated community ● Private landscape garden ● Fully furnished throughout
NEW DEVELOPMENT - FOR SALE
Prestige Grand Symphony - £368,950
• Make: Prestige • Model: Grand Symphony • Size: 60’ x 22’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Stately Windsor £299.950
• Make: Stately • Model: Windsor • Size: 50’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Omar Anniversary £309,950
• Make: Omar • Model: Anniversary • Size: 50’ x 22’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Omar Accent £269,950
• Make: Omar • Model: Accent • Size: 46’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Omar Ikon £299,950
• Make: Omar • Model: Ikon • Size: 50’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Prestige Anthem £269,950
• Make: Prestige • Model: Anthem • Size: 46’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2
Omar Heritage £299,950
• Make: Omar • Model: Heritage • Size: 50’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Wessex Dorset £214,950
• Make: Omar • Model: Middleton • Size: 40’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2
Stately Wentwood £299,950
• Make: Stately • Model: Wentwood • Size: 50’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Omar Middleton £179,950
• Make: Omar • Model: Middleton • Size: 36’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2
Stately Woburn £299,950
• Make: Stately • Model: Woburn • Size: 50’ x 20’ • Bedrooms: 2 + Study
Stately Crystal £149.950
• Make: Stately • Model: Crystal • Size: 40’ x 12’ • Bedrooms: 2
For more information call 08000 30 20 10 (lines open 7 days a week) Mobile: 07957 398403 or 01202 770736 Email: sales@omcph.com www.organfordmanorcountryparkhomes.com
lifestyle
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keep fit
Get fit for the future! We explore how a bit of gentle exercise and eating the right things can help you get in shape for the coming summer months and beyond It’s important to take extra care over your exercise regime when you’re advancing in years
M
aking a few simple changes to your diet and exercise regime can help you to overcome many agerelated diseases and can increase your life expectancy. So why not use the warmer weather to start getting active so that you are fit for the future? We have a few suggestions to get you started...
Losing weight, not losing out
If you are finding it more difficult to lose excess weight than you could when you were in your 30s and 40s, this is because the metabolic rate begins to slow later in life. As we age, the rate in which our bodies burn through calories decreases, and extra calories can turn into surplus body fat. To lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than you burn up while being active. Reducing your calorie intake doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It’s all about being balanced while Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
still allowing yourself to enjoy the odd treat from time to time. Fad diets get a lot of press attention, but the most tried and tested way to sustain a healthy lifestyle is to manage your weight over a long period while eating a balanced and varied diet. One third of every meal should be made up of fruit and vegetables to maintain a nutritious dietary balance. Don’t be tempted to fill up on foods that are labelled as ‘low fat’. Often, these are packed with sugary substitutes that will eventually stunt any weight loss progress. Sugar is often hidden under a variety of names, such as molasses, hydrolysed starch and in the form of honey and corn syrup. Experts believe that hidden sugars, such as those found in fruit drinks and bananas are the root cause of obesity in the UK. Consuming sugar causes a spike of insulin in the body, and this immediately promotes fat storage. When looking at packaging,
remember that five grams of sugar is the equivalent to one level teaspoon!
Getting started
If you feel out of shape, or have been inactive for many years, we recommend that you speak to your GP before starting a new exercise programme. If you are attending a new local fitness class,
please speak to a qualified instructor before you take part. Make sure you have supportive footwear and suitable clothing before starting. There are many types of trainers out there to suit all foot types. Don’t be afraid to ask a member of staff at your local sports clothing shop to recommend a suitable pair of trainers within your budget.
GREENACRES PARK Cotswo ld countrysi de living for the over 45’s
Prices from £159,950 for a twin home.
T: 01531 635299 | enquiries@countryparks.com |
www.countryparks.com
Meysey Hampton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5JH PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 69
lifestyle
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keep fit
Golf can improve flexibility and keep you fit
achievable if you make a few simple changes to habits that have built up over many years. Getting off the bus one stop earlier or taking a flight of stairs instead of a lift can burn extra calories and will become much easier as they become habitual.
‘Park life got me fit!’
Clothing should be closely fitted to the body to avoid you tripping up or getting tangled up in gym equipment. You should always begin with a gentle warm-up to prepare your body for exercise, and you should always perform gentle stretches, post-workout.
Building strength
Bone density begins to decrease later in life so it’s important to undertake regular light weightlifting exercises to promote healthy bone and muscle mass. Strength training can calm and even cure osteoporosis and other bone problems that tend to arise as we age! Small weights such as light kettlebells and dumbbells provide exercise flexibility as they can be used in and around the house with ease. They store well and come in sets so you can increase the weight as your fitness levels increase. Many women are concerned that lifting weights will make them look bulky - this is a myth! Women do not have the testosterone in their bodies to create large and bulky muscles, so don’t be afraid to give weightlifting a go. Just make sure that you start light and work your way up – exercise should always be comfortable and enjoyable.
balance and flexibility. If you find that you are not as mobile as you used to be, Pilates is a gentle way to get back into shape again
The grounds at Barton Parks’ Willowgrove Park, in Lancashire, are mostly flat, which is ideal for residents with mobility problems. After releasing herself of the burden of a large bricks-andmortar home, Willowgrove resident, Mrs Price, decided that moving to the park would provide her with an opportunity to start getting active again. At first, Mrs Price spent time slowly walking up and down her
The plan is designed to gradually build up fitness and stamina and starts with minutelong runs mixed with walking. To find out more about Couch to 5K, please visit the NHS’s Livewell website – www.nhs.uk/ livewell.You’ll also find some useful tools such as calorie checkers and weight charts on the website!
Competitive sports
Not all over 50s are looking for gentle exercise. If you want to take a sporting hobby to the next level, it’s more than acceptable at any age to take up competitive sports! Golf is one of the most popular competitive sports for the over 50s, as it promotes flexibility in the muscles and joints. Those
“Willowgrove resident, Mrs Price, decided that moving to the park would provide her with an opportunity to start getting active.” while improving your posture and decreasing joint pain. Exercise is known for making us feel good, but not many people realise that Pilates is also great for the mind. Pilates, in particular, focuses on six main principles to strengthen your mind, body and soul. These include centring, control, flow, breathing, precision and concentration.
Getting around
Taking regular gentle strolls can be beneficial for those of all ages. It is recommended that everybody takes at least 10,000 steps a day, which is easily
plot, but soon found she was walking longer distances without any pain. Twelve months on, she ‘hasn’t looked back’. Her GP has even commented on her remarkably rapid recovery, and so have her new friends.
Couch to 5K
The NHS devised its ‘Couch to 5K’ running initiative with the aim of helping reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart diseases, Type-2 diabetes and strokes across the nation. Its plan is for beginners to gradually work their way up to running five kilometres, or for half an hour, in just nine weeks.
playing golf two or three times a week will be walking an impressive four to eight miles a week! Tennis and badminton are also very popular for over 50s, as both can be played at any pace or intensity. Competitive sports clubs and societies are usually made up of very social community members, so taking on a new sport is also a great way to meet like-minded people while keeping fit and healthy. One not of caution: if you experience shortness of breath, dizziness or loss of balance while exercising, stop immediately and contact your GP for advice. ✿
The flat grounds at Willowgrove Park, in Lancashire, are ideal for the over 50s
Mind, body and soul
Strength training doesn’t always mean using weights or using bulky gym machinery. Many people find gentle classes such as Pilates and yoga will strengthen the core, which helps to straighten the posture and provides body toning. Pilates is a safe and effective exercise for improving your 70 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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Come home to a ...
STATELY
For a free colour brochure of the Stately range please contact: STATELY-ALBION LTD Unit 20, Darren Drive, Prince Of Wales Ind Est, Abercarn, Newport, South Wales NP11 5AR Tel: (01495) 244472 Fax: (01495) 248939 Email: sales@stately-albion.co.uk Or visit us on our website: www.stately-albion.co.uk Now you can visit our showground at The Kirklees Light Railway Nr Huddersfield Showground direct line: 01484 862741 Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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YOUR HOME
ESSENTIALS
Steve Rowe looks at some of the latest products for your park home, garden or garage 3-in-1 Smartphone lens set
What is it? This novel gadget clips onto a smart phone, to give three extra lenses for a wider variety of photos. Featuring a wide-angle, macro and fish-eye lens, this could be the ultimate essential for summer snaps. It is encased in a carrying pouch, which includes a lens cap and smartphone attachment clip, which is designed to be compatible with any camera phone. Price: £12.95 W: www.prezzybox.com
Equafleece dog fleece
What is it? Worried that your four-legged best friend might get cold and wet when out walking? Well, this colourful new fleece could be the answer. Equafleece’s new ‘Soft Fuschia’ pink fleece is a hundred per cent rain-proof, is British designed and made from Polartec™ fleece. Lightweight and super soft, it’s ideal for a walk in the park, a run in the fields or simply to pop on post swim. Perfect for elderly or arthritic dogs whose condition worsens in damp weather, Equafleece also gives an extra layer to single coated breeds, often reluctant to walk in the rain. Fleeces are available in over 32 sizes, in 12 stylish colour ways. Price: £24.95 W: www.equafleece.co.uk
Lyons Coffee Bags
What is it? With increasing demand for fresh coffee, Lyons has just introduced a newly refreshed coffee bag range. The individuallywrapped coffee bags contain lovingly roasted coffee and are brewed by simply adding freshly boiled water. They give you the chance to enjoy 100 per cent fresh coffee anytime, anywhere. Specially created to suit every taste and coffee occasion, the separate blends are labelled according to strength. Price: £2.59 W: www.lyonscoffeeuk.com
72 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Double-ended glass What is it? This novel gift could be perfect for the tea/coffee and wine lover in your life! The double ended drinking glass features a mug for your morning coffee or tea, plus a wine glass ready to relax with after 5pm… what’s not to like? Price: £15.95 W: www. prezzybox.com
Snugpak Insulated Jungle Travel Blanket
What is it? New from Snugpak, the Insulated Jungle Travel Blanket is a warm, lightweight, less bulky alternative to your quilt at home, but with all the warmth you need for camping or even just to wrap around you on a chilly night sitting on your park home’s terrace. Snugpak has engineered the blanket using Travelsoft Insulation, designed for exceptional performance, plus it is also antibacterial, anti-microbial, windproof and water resistant. Price: £24.99 W: www.snugpak.com
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Red Rose
Park Home Refurbishment Specialist
Beauty That’s Built To Last
We offer a 25 year warranty against peeling, separating and chipping, 15 year warranty on the finish and 5 year, 100% labour and replacement warranty, so you’re in safe hands for your refurbishment with Red Rose.
REFURBISHMENT
Red Rose carries out a wide range of refurbishment services for lodges including recladding in Canexel, extensions, decking, fascia and guttering work, replacement windows and doors and our team has decades of refurbishment experience. We also have a great emphasis on customer service, so will help make the process as stress free and enjoyable all round.
Contact Details:
+44 (0) 1524 68438 +44 (0) 7769 948199 james@redroseparkhomes.co.uk Head Office: Lancashire Parks, Westgate, Morecambe LA3 3BA
www.redroseservices.co.uk
Parkhomenews All the latest developments from the world of mobile homes Tingdene Homes
New homes set to grace open day event Excitement builds as two new Tingdene models announced for open day
T
wo new show homes will be launched at Tingdene’s Visitor Centre, just in time for Tingdene’s spring open day on Saturday 23 April, from 10am to 4pm. Tingdene’s open day is a dedicated event to allow customers to explore their interest in buying a residential park home or investing in a holiday lodge. Two totally separate lifestyles, however the event will leave you with plenty of food for thought on both options. In readiness for this spring event, Tingdene is bringing two new show homes into its Visitor Centre. Firstly, a 40ft x 20 holiday lodge, The Country Lodge, with a stunning interior design that will leave you dreaming of long weekends away in your very own holiday retreat. The Country Lodge features two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a stunning lounge/diner/kitchen. This home will be available to view from the beginning of April. The second home is the 46ft x 20 New Addington 2017 model park home. The Addington has been so popular in the Visitor Centre that Tingdene does not want to
replace it with anything other than a newer version! The Addington has received a face lift with a new interior package for 2017. This superb new model will be available to view in time for Tingdene’s open day. The event is free to visitors, with many other popular activities available during the day.Visitors can also enjoy guided factory tours giving a valuable insight into the build process; meet park exhibitors who will be Above Many visitors are expected at available throughout the day; use Tingdene’s Locate-a-park service to help them find their Tingdene’s Visitor Centre for the open day ideal park; and meet and question the Tingdene team. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, with a light buffet lunch also provided. Parking is free at Tingdene Homes’Visitor Centre at: Bradfield Road, Findeon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4HB. To register your interest in attending, or find out more, call Tingdene on 01933 Above Open day attendees can expect to 230130, email sales@tingdene.co.uk or visit see models like this stunning Addington www.tingdene.co.uk.
LEGAL POSTBAG
Park Home Legal Services’ Neil Miller answers your question of the month
Q
I wonder if you are able to help us resolve a quite unusual problem we are experiencing on our park? Our residents’ association has received some money to be used for ‘for the benefit of residents and to enhance the park’. However, every suggestion we come up with, our site owner refuses to allow. We have asked for more seats around the park, planting of trees, shrubs and bulbs and the like. His answer is always: ‘No, because once anything is put on my land it becomes mine and makes extra maintenance work.’ Do you have any idea of how we can put this money to the use it was intended?
A
Our reader’s problem is an unusual one. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the park owner’s attitude, it does go to show just what a close and friendly community many
parks enjoy to the extent that bequests in wills and other gifts get made for the benefit of all! It is a shame that this warmth is not shared by the park owner, but, that being said, he is entitled to consider the repair, maintenance and replacement angles. As we know a park owner must ‘maintain in a clean and tidy condition those parts of the protected site ...which are not the responsibility of any occupier...’. If, for example, benches were installed or a rose bed dug and planted, it will ever-after be the park owner’s responsibility to look after them. If they failed to do so, the residents would be entitled to withhold their annual pitch fee increase! Park home residents are not in a position to insist that improvements to the amenity of a park are made even if they are prepared to fund them.
Our reader may well have considered what follows, which is not legal advice as such, but proposing maintenance-free improvements could be less of an issue for the park owner. Stone benches for example or fancy street lighting, (to replace the originals). Likewise, if the money were used, for example, to improve the boundaries between the park and adjoining land or where individual homes adjoin the park roads would this not benefit the residents and enhance the park? It may not be a problem most of us suffer from very often but sometimes money can be quite hard to spend and the residents may need to be quite imaginative in this case! Good luck and I hope that you and your fellow residents can get this tricky situation resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.
GOT A QUESTION FOR NEIL? Email PHLS via this magazine at: alex.melvin@kelsey.co.uk 74 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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Your Personal Invitation to.....
Tingdene’s Open Day
Don’t Miss this Event
Saturday 23rd April 10am to 4pm 0 View two stunning new show homes for 2017. The Addington 46’ x 20’ park home and Country Lodge 40’ x 20 holiday lodge. Activities during the day include:• View the Addington park home, with superb new interior for 2017 • View the new Country Lodge for an insight into the holiday range • Further show homes to view • Guided Factory Tours • Discuss park locations with park exhibitors • Buffet Lunch around 12.30pm (with our compliments) • Tea/coffee throughout the day • Free Event and Parking
Tingdene Visitor Centre, Tingdene Homes Ltd, Bradfield Road, Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 4HB
W IN An Overnigh
t Break with Dinner fo r Two En
ter our Free Prize Draw , when attending. Choose from many loca tions throughout the UK .
R.S.V.P. Go online for further details and to reserve your place now or call
& 01933 778 121 www.tingdene.co.uk
parkhome news
all the latest developments from the park home world
insurance
Brewing up some excellent insurance advice!
Paul Baker, managing director of brand new specialist park home insurer Paul Baker Insurance Services (PBIS), joins residents for coffee morning
P
BIS’s Paul Baker was delighted to join residents at Hutton Park, in Weston-super-Mare, at their weekly coffee morning to talk about the new business, park home insurance and other topical issues of interest to park home residents, including the recent legislation, pitch fees and football! A number of residents have already insured their homes with Paul Baker Insurance Services attracted by the 15 per cent residents’ association discount and the choice of policies designed to suit their requirements and pockets. Indeed one resident discovered his previous insurance had lapsed in 2013 - needless to say that was quickly resolved !
Following Paul’s presentation there was a lively question and answer session covering pitch fee reviews, licensing fees which should not be included with the pitch fee and index linked and what happens in the event of a total loss. Paul explained the intention of the policy is to replace the home as new to include the costs of site clearance, re-siting and delivery fees as well as skirtings, steps and outbuildings but that the replacement had to be arranged via the park owner. At the end of the Q&A Paul presented a cheque to the association chairman, John Terry, to sponsor their regular newsletters and gave residents branded pens and mugs as well as copies of Park Home News
Paul Baker (far left) with the residents at Hutton Park, in Weston-super-Mare
magazine. If you would like Paul to attend one of your park events please call Paul on 01242 505848. Alternatively, write to: Paul Baker
Insurance Services, 16 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham GL52 5AA, or email Paul at paul.baker@ pbinsurance.co.uk
trade news
New venture more than just pie in the sky for Alfie Colourful park owner, Alfie Best, expands business interests in unusual fashion The successful entrepreneur Alfie Best has just invested into Eat Square, a local pie company based in Wiltshire. The owner of Wyldecrest Parks, one of the largest park home operators in the UK, valued at around £200 million, has acquired 40 per cent of this food business founded by Alex Joll in
October 2014. Alfie Best explained: ‘I’ve invested once again into a business close to my heart. Nowadays, Wyldecrest Parks is about to become the biggest park home operator in the UK and we’re already planning an overseas expansion. That’s why I’ve invested into Eat Square. ‘I believe that when you love what you do and when you know what you’re doing, you have some of the most important keys to succeed in your hands – and Alex does know exactly what he’s doing and he loves it!’ What about the pies? ‘The pies are really, really amazing,’ Alfie continued. ‘They have that nostalgic Wyldecrest Parks’ owner Alfie Best has purchased a feeling of childhood big portion of pie company Eat Square in each single bite, that
rustic and traditional taste.’ Since Alfie’s investment, the company has already employed two new staff members, bought new equipment and has also invested in its production facility. Now they both intend to grow their output and increase the team even more, by hiring at least ten new local employees. By the end of this year, their biggest aim is to take production from 500 pies a week to 500 a day. ‘I am really excited to be working with Alfie,’ said Alex Joll, Alfie’s new business partner. ‘He has repeatedly built successful businesses in the past and leads from the front with a truly inspiring enthusiasm.’ Eat Square founder got his passion (and his recipes!) from his grandmother. From the company’s kitchen at Woolley Grange Farm, just outside Bradford-on-Avon, they source products and ingredients locally for their traditional and tasty fillings and they’re able to make many thousands of pies all by hand. All the varieties can be found locally, in shops, markets and pubs, and a new online ordering service is now in place too.
GOT A STORY OR IMPORTANT EVENT PLANNED? Email us at: alex.melvin@kelsey.co.uk 76 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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Nestled within the most prestigious area of Ferndown, Dorset.
IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE... RETIREMENT LIVING AT ITS VERY BEST! EXQUISITE LOCATION
GATED & SECURE ENVIROMENT
Open Weekend
EXCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE
Saturday & Sunday 26th & 27th March 10am - 4pm CLOSE TO LOCAL AMENITIES
Prices range between £249,950 - £500,000
DETACHED BESPOKE HOMES
A truly enchanting 14.5 acre sylvan setting development, with its unique prestigious location adjacent to a members only Championship Golf Course and beautiful heathland, ideal for leisurely walks. We love designing new homes for our customers and going the extra mile in providing a professional and caring service combined with excellent aftersale services. A fully assisted Home Exchange Scheme is also available to ensure a smooth transition and secure an idyllic lifestyle within the beautiful surroundings of Lone Pine Residential Park.
NEW COMPLIMENTARY BUS SERVICE FROM SPRING 2016
For further information on this exclusive development, please contact us on: 01202 894438 to arrange a viewing by appointment only.
Lone Pine Drive, Ferndown, Dorset. BH22 8NN info@premierparkhomes.co.uk ! www.premierparkhomes.co.uk
Yourletters
Park home issues that matter to you and your community
Share your views and opinions by writing to: Alex Melvin, Editor, PH&HC, Kelsey Media, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG. E: alex.melvin@kelsey.co.uk NOTHING BUT PRAISE
Whelpley Hill Park Limited, as a park, and also as individual residents, have purchased homes through Country Homes (Anglia) Limited. We have nothing but high praise for the professionalism, courtesy, speed and high quality of service, the build and after care from start to finish, and would highly recommend the company, and especially Helen Chapman, sales co-ordinator, for all her help and support – amazing. Lyn Carol Bigwood, park manager, Whelpley Hill Park, Chesham, Buckinghamshire
n Ed – That’s great to hear! If you would like more information about Country Homes’ selection of models, please visit the website at www. countryhomes-parkhomes.co.uk, call 01379 871041, or email sales@ch-ph.co.uk
A BIG THANK YOU!
Just a thank you from my wife Linda and me for selecting our park site, Swiss Farm, in Henleyon-Thames, Oxfordshire, as your 2015 Park of the Year.
I would also like to thank park manager Don Hilton for the splendid job he did in arranging the gathering and buffet. Everyone had a lovely time.
A final thank you should go to the park’s excellent owners the Morrison family (Henry Sr, Henry Jr and Mark) who, along with the residents, make the park the special place it is.
Inspirational Omar
Keith Knight, Swiss Farm Park, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire n Ed – To read more about this award-winning park, please see our Park of the Year award on page 10.
NEWS EXTRA
Park and lodge manufacturer named as one of UK’s stand-out companies by London Stock Exchange Group’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain scheme
The Omar Group has been named as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain, an annual celebration of some of the fastestgrowing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK. The Omar Group has built up its brand portfolio over recent years, and the group now encompasses four distinct and respected brands: Omar Park & Leisure Homes, Wessex Unique Lodges & Park Homes, Omar Park Development Services (OPDS) and Boutique Lodges, Holidays by Omar. The team at Omar has worked tirelessly over the past six years to more than treble its sales, taking the group from a £10m business in 2010, to a business with turnover in excess of £30m in 2015. Over the last three years the company has created 220 new full time jobs, and last year ten apprentices were recruited, who will be trained in trades as diverse as information technology and computer aided design to carpentry and plumbing. Due to demand for the group’s luxury lodges and park homes, in 2015 Omar invested in its manufacturing capability by opening a new production plant in Hull. 2016 sees further significant investment with a 40,000 sq ft. factory extension to the group’s 13½-acre production facility at its headquarters in Brandon, Suffolk. 2015 also saw the launch of Boutique Lodges, Holidays by Omar (Omar Franchising Limited), a unique franchise opportunity for landowners to create their own holiday lodge park following tried and tested methodology. For further information visit www.omar.co.uk or call 01842 810 673. 78 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Above: The Omar Group’s Dean Westmoreland and Paul Pleszko proudly display the 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain initiative literature at their Suffolk offices
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AN MBE FOR BRIAN DOICK OF NAPHR
Brian Doick received an MBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours List and, on 19 February, he travelled with his wife, Sheila, to Buckingham Palace, along with Wendy Threlfall, chairman of NAPHR and her husband, Geoffrey, who is its vicechairman. The award, presented by HRH Prince Charles, was for services to the mobile homes industry. Prince Charles asked Brian about mobile homes and their role in the housing sector, and praised him for the work he did in helping residents. Brian and his wife first moved
into a park home in 1986. A year later he became aware of the problems that his elderly neighbour was experiencing in trying to sell his home. The park owner had offered that neighbour just £6,000 for a home that was valued at £30,000. Although Brian fought hard on this neighbour’s behalf, the matter was never fully resolved. This injustice made Brian aware of the pitfalls that could befall the unwary and he set about finding out more about park home law. It wasn’t long before he came across one of the national residents’ associations, NAPHR, and joined its ranks. Six months later he was on the
NEWS EXTRA
Above: Brian Doick, with his wife, Sheila, shows off his MBE outside Buckingham Palace
NAPHR committee and he and the organisation’s chairman, Jim Winchester, made contact with Lord Graham of Edmonton in the mid 1990s. Lord Graham was instrumental in setting up the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Welfare of Park Home Residents and also the Park Homes Working Group. Brian now represents NAPHR at DCLG meetings where legislation and regulation relating to park homes comes under scrutiny. Along with other national residents’ associations and industry bodies, Brian helped in drawing up the revisions to the Mobile Homes Act in 2013. Modestly, Brian says that his award is not just for him but for park home residents all over the country. He would also like to pay tribute to Jim Winchester, secretary of NAPHR who Brian says taught him so much right from the time he first joined NAPHR. He also wants to recognise the magnificent efforts and support of the NAPHR committee. Staff on this magazine would like to add their congratulations on this award to the huge number that Brian has received. He has asked us to thank all who have contacted him and to assure everyone that he will continue to work, through NAPHR, to ensure that park home residents enjoy the same rights and benefits as their counterparts in traditional accommodation.
Got a news story or event to promote? Please email: alex.melvin@ kelsey.co.uk or write to: Park Home & Holiday Caravan, News, Kelsey Media, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG. Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 79
th Wor 18k! to £
up
How to apply: 1) Go to: www.nuvexltd.co.uk 2) Then select ‘Click here to apply for a free nuvex exterior refurbishment’ 3) Finally select ‘Click this link to enter online and submit the form’ You can also apply by post. After steps 1 and 2 above follow the directions under the “By Post:” option.
Before Refurbishment
About NuVex: NuVex Ltd (Park Home Refurbishments) is based in Northamptonshire. We have been trading since 2011 and collectively we have over 25 years’ experience in maintenance and refurbishment of Park Homes. We are a young company that specialises in providing the highest quality work with up-to-date, economical and energy-efficient materials.
After Refurbishment
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Moneymatters
RETAIL PRICES INDEX
1.3
%
Steve Rowe keeps you updated with the latest financial facts and figures, plus has some tips for making money working from home
Make home work pay
As we went to press, the latest figure was 258.8 for January 2016, a year-on-year increase of 1.3%, and an increase of 0.1% on December 2015’s figure.
Most park home owners are retired or semi-retired, living on fixed pension incomes, but working from home can be a great way to boost that income. Here are a few ideas to consider
W
hen you stop to think about it, there are actually plenty of opportunities to make a little extra money, especially in the close communities that make up most park home estates, from pet-sitting while a neighbour is away on holiday, to running an informal taxi service for residents who don’t have their own car. Add to this the more professional opportunities for home working, provided by some companies and organisations, and you’ve plenty of chances to earn a little extra cash. Here are a few ideas to think about.
1Professional home working Companies or websites that conduct
research are often on the look-out for people who can work from home, helping to conduct or organise surveys. For instance, website www.aqa.63336.com operates a textbased service answering questions and employs a team of home workers to help answer these questions, paying a small amount for each answer. The website www.netmums.com also has advice on working from home and lists 184 companies that can help with this. With any home working ideas found on the internet or other sources, just make sure you avoid any scams, which usually ask you to send some money up front to set yourself up, this is usually a sure sign of a scam.
2Temporary house guests
If you park’s rules allow it, you could consider taking in temporary house guests, such as foreign language students, usually for a week or two at a time. You may have to provide a packed lunch, as well as a bed for the night, but you’ll normally receive reasonable daily payment from the agency organising the visit. To find out about agencies in your area that are looking for student accommodation and the like, check out the internet or local newspapers etc. Website www.saga.co.uk has some extremely useful advice on hosting foreign students.
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84 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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3Take in laundry or ironing
Okay, it’s not the easiest of work, but there are companies that run professional laundry and ironing services for professional people who don’t have time to do their own These companies use large-scale laundries to wash the clothes but often look for people to iron items like men’s shirts afterwards. There’s a useful ten-step guide to setting up a professional home ironing service on www.wikihow.com, but you may just want to just start a small-scale service for your park residents.
4Baby and pet sitting
Childcare is quite rightly a strictly regulated industry these days but there may still be opportunities to earn money from babysitting, or even pet sitting.
5Markets and car boot sales
If you want to take your home working outside your actual home, how about setting yourself up as some sort of trader, perhaps just at local craft markets or car boot sales? If you have a craft such as knitting, you could sell any items you have made. Car boot sales apparently account for about £1.5 billion of trading in the UK each year and website www.frugalfamily.co.uk has some tips for making money at these sales. Perhaps you could help other friends or family members by selling their junk at a car boot sale and just keeping a small share of the takings?
Website of the Month This month we look at a website that is packed with advice and can even help you to earn an extra bit of cash when needed
Website name: www.moneymagpie.com What is it? This website claims to be the UK’s leading website for safe and legitimate money making opportunities. It is an independent website, full of newsworthy and up-to-date information regarding money making opportunities, as well as advice on savings and investments. How does it work? Under the subheadings of ‘making money’ and ‘saving money’ the site is packed with information about both topics. For instance, under ‘saving money’ it has information on money-saving ideas specifically for the over50s, with many different articles to read on this topic. The site also has information about clearing your clutter and making money in the process. How can I get the best from it? This is one of those fairly general websites that will reward those with the time to sit down and explore it fully. If you can find the time, sit down with a cuppa and have a good look through the site. You might be inspired with money-making ideas, or with some tips to improve your income from savings.
State of the market MARKET TAKES OFF The House Price Index (HPI) for the month of February, from property website www.rightmove.co.uk, shows a massive rise of 2.9% over the previous month. It means the average asking price of a home on the website is now £299,287. Home asking prices are now 7.3% up on the same time last year. Rightmove says that this price sets a new record for the site, with traffic to the website also at record levels, with visits up 20% year-on-year during January.
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Oxfordshire: 0118 984 3107 Northamptonshire: 0333 456 3056 info@parkhomechassis.co.uk
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LAND REGISTRY: DECEMBER PRICE INCREASES Retrospective figures from the Land Registry, for achieved home sale prices (rather than just estate agents’ ‘asking prices’), show that sale prices during December 2015 were 1.2% higher when compared to November 2015. This represents an annual increase of 6.4%, compared to the same time in 2014. ✿ Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 87
noticeboard legal advice
The Leasehold Advisory Service: Training and Outreach events We find out more about the kind of training programmes LEASE offers residents, professionals and organisations involved in the park home world
T
he Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) provides information and advice for owners of park homes, site owners, local authority officers or anyone else with a question about park homes law. On 26 May 2013, the Government introduced the Mobile Homes Act 2013, with the intention of giving greater protection to occupiers of residential mobile homes. Since the introduction of the Mobile Homes Act 2013, and supporting legislation, LEASE has established several links within the park home industry. Last year LEASE attended more than 70 events for local groups – park home residents, residents’ associations, surgeries, local authority events and site owner events. LEASE continues to reach out to more individuals, professionals and organisations who are interested in park home law to give people a good understanding of what the changes might mean for them, their parks and organisations.
Important information for residents and residents’ associations
From April 2015 to March 2016, LEASE
attended more than 30 outreach events at residential parks across England. An outreach event is one where a Park Homes Adviser from LEASE attends the site to meet with a group of residents or a residents’ association. LEASE can discuss issues and questions around park homes and the applicable law and to give residents an overview of the changes brought in by the Mobile Homes Act 2013. Here are some of the comments and feedback received about the outreach events: ‘We were very impressed with the delivery and found the outreach event useful.’ -Margaret Hamilton, Chairman of Ranksborough Residents’ Association
If you would like LEASE to advise a group of individual home owners on your site on issues about the law concerning mobile homes, you can contact LEASE on 020 7832 2525 or parkhomes@lease-advice.org.
Training options
LEASE also provides training for site managers, advisers, district and local council officials and other professionals on all aspects of the law affecting park homes.
‘On behalf of Bicester Park Homes Residents Association I would like to thank you most sincerely for coming and speaking to us at our AGM. As you saw we had 95% turn out which was very encouraging and makes it worthwhile.’ -Terence Carter, Bicester Park Residents’ Association ‘Just to say thank you for the excellent presentation, I have had lots of positive responses from residents saying they found it very informative.’ - Alan Baldwin, Penton Parks Residents’ Association
88 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Working together with LEASE will leave you better informed Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
noticeboard
LEASE offers a range of different courses on subjects like pitch fee reviews, site licensing and more
legal advice
Contact LEASE if you would like to hear about upcoming training or if you would like to enquire about bespoke training. LEASE can arrange training at the organisation’s London-based offices. Alternatively, LEASE can also travel to your offices for half a day or a day. These are just some of the range of different topics covered by LEASE’s classroom training sessions:
• Pitch fee and review; • Licensing; • Site rules; • Sales and gifts; • Applications to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Following successful and well attended training events, LEASE has arranged an upcoming classroom training event, please see the below boxout for details. ✿
CLASSROOM TRAINING - OVERVIEW OF THE MOBILE HOMES ACT 2013
Thursday 24 March 2016 This course covers the essential law for those working in the park homes sector. The course includes: • Licensing The licencing section will include the prescribed matters which need to be considered when applying or transferring a licence. These are included within Mobile Homes (Site Licensing) (England) Regulations 2014. An explanation in respect of relevant protected sites and local authority’s power to charge fees will also be provided. • Enforcement powers This will cover the local authority’s powers regarding service of compliance notices in the event of breach of licence conditions. • Site rules The consultation procedure that site owners have to adhere to if rules are introduced. It will cover the requirement for site owners to lodge rules at the local authority’s offices and describe the local authority’s role. • Pitch Fee Reviews The process regarding the service of a pitch fee review form and the procedure for service of the form upon each resident will be explained. Rights of appeal to tribunal will also be covered. • Sales and Gifts This will cover the required documents and procedure if a park home owner proposes to sell or gift their home. • Sale Blocking and Harassment The offence of sale blocking and the changes to the harassment laws will be explained. This will include the local authority powers to prosecute and the maximum penalties. There will be practical exercises on all topics and a comprehensive manual will be provided to each delegate. All course materials and sandwich lunch included in the price. Venue: Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London, EC4Y 8JX. To book your place, please call 0207 832 2525.
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
LEASE DIRECTORY
If you are proposing to buy or sell a park home or have a legal query, you can use the LEASE Directory to find lawyers, surveyors, and other professionals with Park Homes experience. Alternatively, if you are a professional looking to advertise your services, why not contact LEASE to advertise your services on the online directory. The directory can be found at www. lease-advice.org Please note that you can get personal advice by contacting us by email parkhomes@leaseadvice.org or by telephone on 020 7832 2525. Our lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Above Attend one of LEASE’s classroom training courses and learn more about the ramifications of the Mobile Homes Act 2013
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 89
noticeboard helpline launch
HELP!
Ever feel in need of support and advice but don’t know where to turn? If your problems are related to your park home lifestyle, there’s now a PARK-help-LINE telephone number to dial – 0203 846 6601 – and the volunteer who answers will listen to your concerns and put you in touch with organisations or individuals that can assist
‘H
elp’, sang The Beatles. ‘I need somebody, help!’ We all face times in our lives when we are grateful for the help of others, whether in a practical or advisory sense. Should that help prove beyond the means of family and friends, there are scores of professionals who can help out – medical, legal, and all sorts of trades people. However, where do those who are facing problems related to park home living turn to for advice? There are, of course, the national residents’ associations, the Governmentfunded LEASE advisory service, solicitors, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, surveyors, insurers. plus the ‘park owners’ associations’ – the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, and the National Caravan Council. However, research has shown that a large proportion of those either living in park homes or planning to do so in the future, have very little information about how to contact these organisations (especially if they do not have access to the internet). For them, the telephone is usually their lifeline – but how do they find out which numbers to call for support, help and advice?
Above The launch of Sonia McColl’s brainchild, PARK - help - LINE, at Westminster Below The MPs, residents’ associations, volunteers and organisations involved in the line
New help line
The answer has come in the form of a telephone help line set up by Sonia McColl, founder of the Justice Campaign for Park Home Residents. This remarkable lady (who was awarded an OBE last year for her work in seeking better terms and conditions for park home residents,) has recognised that there is a need for a telephone service which can give park home residents the contact information they need to help with their particular problems. PARK – help – LINE - 0203 846 6601 is described as a free, friendly and confidential service to get park home residents talking to those who can properly assist them with problems relating to park home living. The telephone line will be open from Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., the anonymity of callers will always be respected, and all conversations will remain confidential. The help line’s volunteer operators will offer help and support only: they will not give advice, and are not qualified to do so. 90 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
noticeboard helpline launch
Natascha Engel MP and Dame Annette Brooke cut the ribbon to launch the PARK–help-LINE, with Sonia McColl, Paul Baker and some of the telephone helpline volunteers
Where appropriate callers may be given the names of individuals, organisations or others who may be able to advise and assist them. The callers will then be able to make their own decisions as to what, if any, action to take.
Fully trained
The volunteer operators have all gone through a training programme. When a call comes through to the helpline, it will ring at all locations from which the operators work. The first volunteer to ‘pick up’ the phone will take the call and subsequent calls will then be directed to all the other homes to be picked up by other volunteer operators. This arrangement should ensure that there is
always someone at the end of the line to listen to, and help, what might well be a distressed resident. Before setting up this service (which ‘went live’ on11 February) Sonia had been taking calls herself but the volume became far too great for just one person to handle. She has been fortunate in securing sponsorship from Paul Baker of Paul Baker Insurance Services who has provided the telephones, their installation and ongoing costs for a period of six months while the PARK–help–LINE is being trialled. Sonia has also been fortunate in securing the services of solicitor, Neil Miller who specialises in park home law. He is waiving his consultation fee and will provide initial
free advice to those who are in need of his legal help.
High profile
Sonia had a high profile launch of her PARK–help-LINE on 10 February at the Palace of Westminster. Lord Best and several MPs were in attendance including Sonia’s former constituency MP, Dame Annette Brooke and a deputy speaker of the House of Commons, Natascha Engel MP (who is the new vice president of the Justice Campaign). Representatives from various organisations such as IPHAS (the Independent Park Home Advisory Service), NAPHR the National Association for Park Home Residents), LEASE (the Government-funded organisation
Sonia McColl, Natascha Engel MP and the helpline’s sponsor, Paul Baker
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 91
noticeboard helpline launch
which offers legal advice to park home residents) were also there. The two major ‘industry’ bodies - the BH&HPA (the British Holiday & Home Parks Association) and the NCC (National Caravan Council) were also represented. These organisations have strict codes of conduct to which their park-owning members must adhere. Age UK was also at the launch. This organisation has recently been campaigning on behalf of some park home residents (usually those living in older homes) who find that their homes are less energy efficient and more expensive to heat than other more traditional properties. Age UK is calling on the Government to roll out a specific energy efficiency scheme for park home residents that would enable them to reduce their heating costs and keep warm and well in winter. Age UK is on the list of organisations to which the helpline volunteers can direct callers for help – not just about problems with heating but also on a variety of other topics such as pensions, retirement, wills, etc.
Residents’ groups
Also at the Helpline launch was Tony Turner who heads up the JBS Residents Action Alliance and Gateway (a new organisation which is intended to support and offer practical advice to residents who believe they are being subjected to fraud or intimidations by site owners who undermine the industry by operating outside of the laws and regulations that apply. It was good to see that Tony Turner’s constituency MP – Sheryll Murray (south east Cornwall) was in attendance to support him, too. Speaking at the launch, Natascha Engel MP spoke about the amazing work that Sonia McColl had achieved through the Justice Campaign for Park Home Residents that she set up nine years ago, and welcomed the launch of the PARK–Help–LINE which she described as a ‘brilliant idea’. In response, Sonia thanked both Natascha and Dame Annette Brooke, commenting that without the support they had given her Justice Campaign, this new PARK–help– LINE would not have happened. She also paid tribute to those who had volunteered to man the telephone line – most were at the launch but several asked not to be identified. She also thanked Paul Baker for his sponsorship, mentioning how supportive he had been of park home residents with, among other things, his park home road shows. Solicitor Neil Millar was also thanked for his kind offer to waive his initial consultation fees. The helpline received an enthusiastic reception from everyone at the launch. Brian Doick of the National Association of Park Home Residents (who was himself awarded an MBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours for services to the mobile homes industry) thought it was a very good idea. His only reservation was that calls were confidential between the caller and the telephone operator.
Park resident Susan Mintram-Mason who is one of the volunteer telephone operators
He said that one of the biggest problems faced by the national residents’ associations was that, when reporting abuse by park operators to the Back Bench Working Party, or the DCLG, those organisations always asked for proof, and that was very difficult to obtain because park home residents were fearful of speaking out in case of ‘reprisals’ by their park owners. He was, of course, in favour of allowing residents their anonymity but hoped that park owners could be named (and this would be particularly important if the same names cropped up over and over again).
Data logged
Sonia responded by saying that data was indeed being logged by the volunteer operators. This information that would record the date of the call, the location, the key issue and to whom it was referred would be collated and given to the DCLG in the form of evidence. Tony Turner from the JBS Residents’ Action Alliance supported this view, adding that the police still did not appreciate that intimidation and threats to park home residents by park owners was not a civil matter but a criminal one. He described the current relationship between residents and park owners as feudalistic. Alice Woodhuysen from Age UK congratulated Sonia on her work, not only on the park home helpline but also with Age UK’s ‘warm park homes’ campaign. She welcomed the helpline and was delighted that Age UK was one of the organisations on the list that the volunteers can give out. Age UK’s own advice line gets about a quarter of
92 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
a million calls annually on such subjects as benefits, wills, pensions, care, care homes, welfare and pensioners’ rights. With regard to the ‘warm park homes’ campaign, she said that a petition containing 7,500 signatures, was handed over to Amber Rudd (Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change) that very morning. With more than 22 years of experience of the park home industry, Paul Baker of Paul Baker Park Home Insurance Services, said he was pleased to be involved with the new PARK–help–LINE and hoped he could bring ‘engagement’ to residents. He said that a large proportion of them were lacking in their knowledge about their rights and he hoped that the helpline would remedy that. Paul has a database of some 69,000 park home residents and he would be making each and every one of them aware of the PARK–help–LINE through his annual publication – Park Home News.
Good parks
Ros Pritchard, director-general of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, said that there are many good and caring park owners throughout the country who share the frustration of residents about the antics of the rogue park operators, especially as those ‘good guys’ are often tarred with the same brush as the ‘rogues’. She added that her members welcome anything that ensures that home owners understand the law. She stressed the need for local authorities to carry out regular inspections of parks and said that if any park owner in membership of the BH&HPA was found to be acting improperly, appropriate Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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noticeboard helpline launch
action would be taken. Jamie Hurst from the National Caravan Council said that this was ‘a very good initiative from Sonia in signposting the help that is available’. He added that the majority of park owners are doing a good job but their reputations are being tarnished by a minority. ‘It is heartening that they are engaging ahead of the formal review of the legislation in 2017,’ he said. ‘I think this will be a success.‘ Natascha Engle commented that she had been dealing with park home problems for the past ten years and her predecessor for 18 years prior to that. Unfortunately, she did not believe that it was ‘a minority’ of park owners who were not abiding by ‘the rules’. Of the nine park homes in her constituency she had only one good one. She believed that a number of residents feel isolated and fearful of the power of the park owners. ‘I think this helpline will be a great success,’ she said, ‘and will give people confidence and hope.’ She looked forward to further progress being made in this sector when the All Party Park Homes Group is re-formed under the chairmanship of Christopher Chope MP. Steve Brine, MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford, who is vice chairman of the All Party Park Homes Group, welcomed the helpline. ‘It is one of those things you cannot believe hasn’t been invented before but, like all good ideas, it just had to be done. I know many park home residents will find PARK– help-LINE really useful and many more will simply be reassured by its existence in case they need it in the future. In fact, Mr Brine asked a question about the energy efficiency of park homes during oral questions to Amber Rudd, MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. Mentioning the launch of the telephone helpline and Age UK’s petition about warm homes, he asked if the petition would be given active and proper consideration. Amber Rudd responded by saying that she had received the petition and her department ‘had already taken steps to help people in park homes by ensuring that they are eligible for the warm home discount of £140 and can apply for ECO* where appropriate.’ She added that she was always looking for opportunities to be more helpful and to give more support to people in need, so she would be looking carefully at the petition. Peter Aldous MP (who introduced the private member’s bill which resulted in the Mobile Homes Act 2013 coming about) agreed with the views of Ros Pritchard (BH&HPA) that local authorities were not stepping up to the mark with inspections and enforcement.
Providing help Sonia McColl said that her volunteers had local authorities and trading standards officers on their lists of organisations that could provide help to callers. She added that many people do not know the name of their constituency MP and the volunteer telephone operators have this information, too.
CLAD ALL OVER! CnC Park Home Services has chosen the winner of its inaugural exterior cladding competition. PH&HC will reveal the lucky recipient of a free installation from CnC and Royal Siding, provided by Residientiel Vinyl Cladding, very soon in an upcoming issue. We can’t wait to see just what this state-of-the-art product looks like on the winner’s home... and find out exactly what they think of it! CnC has been fitting this product for more than ten years and says it has not found a better product for exterior walls, claiming it makes homes feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, while cutting heating bills and home insurance costs. Look out for our special feature on the competition winners soon! CnC Park Home Services is at: 17 Wilkin Drive, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex CO5 0RS. For more information, please visit www.cncparkhomeservices.com Solicitor, Neil Miller, commented that there are a number of solicitors who are not experienced in park home legal disputes. He welcomed the helpline initiative but stressed that it was ‘only the start and the finish’. He said that although he might advise a client to take legal action, too many people (particularly the elderly and infirm) find going to court very challenging. There is the fear factor of reprisals, the uncertainty about procedures and the costs. Paul Baker mentioned that a number of insurers, including his own company, have their own legal-specific advice lines. On top of that, some have park home legal expenses cover. Antony Tregenna from LEASE said that in the two years since he joined the association he has been going out and about and engaging with residents on parks. LEASE has also delivered training to local authorities. ‘I think that by reaching out to people we have developed good relationships and also with Paul Baker and the national residents’ associations,’ he said..
Find out more
Sonia McColl said that the helpline would be advertised within the pages of this magazine and would also be on the Justice Campaign website. It would also feature in Paul Baker’s publication – Park Home News. Steve Brine MP and Eleanor Lang MP had already requested leaflets to deliver to their constituents and she hoped that MPs would have the information available in their surgeries. One of the ‘volunteer telephone operators’ is Susan Mintram-Mason and she was enthusiastic about the helpline because she was aware that a large number of park home residents do not have access to the internet. However, they are able to ‘pick up the
94 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
telephone and make a call’ and with the information which the helpline volunteers can give them they should be able to explain their concerns and find avenues where they can get help with problems. Susan explained that all the volunteers have manuals from which they work and they know that they are not allowed to give advice but only point callers in appropriate directions.
Remarkable woman
Sonia McColl is truly a remarkable woman. Her Justice Campaign, set up about eight years ago, mobilised park home residents to demand changes to park homes legislation which led to the Mobile Homes Act 2014. Never one to rest on her laurels, though, she has two projects under way. The first is her ongoing crusade to seek a review of the current 10% commission charge which is levied by park owners when a home is sold ‘on site’. The second is to highlight good parks and park owners. At the time of writing, just a week after the launch, the helpline had already handled many calls. So, make sure you have that all-important number by your telephone – you never know when you may need it – 0203 846 6601. * The Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) is a Government scheme that provides different groups of householders with access to subsidised energy saving measures.The scheme is funded by major energy companies which have been obligated to provide funding for heating and insulation improvements. Its primary aim is to cut the UK’s carbon footprint and to help vulnerable householders reduce their fuel bills. Home owners that either claim qualifying state benefits or live in properties with insufficient levels of insulation, can get ECO grants towards a range domestic energy saving upgrades. ✿ Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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THE GUILD OF PARK AND HOLIDAY HOME SERVICES
The Guild in its membership, monitoring and .16 /&'"8is')selective )6"6:('%6 '; '() >6><64)1'7* >9;'(94';2 ?;8improving '>749%';2 )(?;8?48) 95 )64%':6 95564680 the(16 standards of service offered. Call for3?"" 594 information ';594>?('9;on 9;our 9&4members. >6><64)0 .16)6 >6><64) These members have1?%6 a ? 749%6; (4?:$ 46:948 #'(1'; (16 ';8&)(4= ->';'>&> + proven=6?4), track record within the industry (minimum 5 years) #'(1 :&446;( ?;8 46"6%?;( 6!764(')60 with current and relevant expertise.
FredWood WoodPark Park Home Home Refurbishments Refurbishments Fred Tel: 01935 473625 or 07796 400370 Tel: 01935 473625 or 07796 400370 Chassis Doctor Ltd TowergateTel: Bakers Specialist 01234 300587 Insurers 01242 528844 Aspen -Tel: Refurbishments & Repairs ResitexorLtd Tel: 01604 813641 07791 446901 Tel: 01226 242322 Towergate Bakers Specialist Insurers Tel: 01242 Carl Bowles Park & Holiday528844 Home Services Protective Textured Tel: 07785Coatings 272933 (UK) Ltd Tel: 01217 495088 Superior Home Developments Resitex Ltd Tel: 0800 862 0081 Tel: 01226 242322 Subject 2 Survey Tel: 07979 771166 Residentiel Vinyl Cladding Kingstons Caravan Repairs Tel: 01280 700151 Tel: 07711 188566 The Guild of Park and Holiday Home Services Tel: 0800 6120 883 Website: www ww ww.parkhomeguild.co.uk w Email: enquiries@parkhomeguild.co.uk
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 95
HOLIDAY BUYING ADVICE
SPONSORED BY
Buying a holiday home Expert help on buying a home, where from, plus key questions to ask FINDING A PARK Q: How far should I travel? A: If you plan to go regularly, pick a
park you can get to within two hours.
Q: How can I judge a good park? A: Look for a park with quality
graded symbols (stars). Inspectors from tourist boards and trade associations grade parks on layout, landscape and atmosphere.
Q: Should I buy new or used? A: It depends on your budget, but
some parks reject older homes (10 years+).
THE BUYING PROCESS Q: What size home should I buy? A: If you will spend a lot of time
there, get a spacious well-equipped model. If you visit less often and like eating out, small is best.
Q: How much will it cost? A: Most parks quote an all-in figure
for caravan and plot. You will also pay an annual pitch fee, priced according to facilities. Nearly all parks have mains electricity, water, sewerage, plus LPG.
Q: When can I use my home? A: Many parks are licensed to open
from March 1 to October 31, but some open for 10, 11 or 12 months.
Q: Can I sub-let my home? A: Check with your park owner.
Some parks will even handle the business on your behalf, for a fee.
INSURANCE/FINANCE Q: Should I insure my home? A: Yes, it’s a significant investment. Q: Can I get a loan to buy it? A: Yes, try Zebra Finance (tel, 01332
680 400).
SECURITY Q: How do I know the park site owner is reputable? A: Check your park owner is a
member of the National Caravan Council or the British Holiday & Home Parks Association. Members must adhere to its Code of Practice.
51
THINGS YOU SHOULD ASK…
Not all holiday sites are the same. Is the site secluded and quiet or lively and family-friendly? Find out!
2
If you buy a secondhand caravan, get a full history of its former owners and hire a specialist park home surveyor to check it out. Many advertise in this magazine.
3
Get a Written Statement from your park owner and go through it with a fine toothcomb. If you are unsure about anything, get further advice. Specialist solicitors advertise in this magazine.
4
Remember that unlike residential park home owners, you are not covered by the Mobile Homes Act (1983). That’s why your Written Statement or Agreement is so important.
5
Order a copy of our annuals the Ultimate Lodges Guide and the Holiday Parks Guide by calling 01959 541444 or visiting www. kelseyshop.co.uk
96 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Q: How can I prevent disputes? A: Get a Written Agreement from
your park owner before you buy your holiday home or lodge.
Q: If a park owner wants to remove my static caravan or lodge from the park, how much notice should he give? A: He must give you at least six
months, in writing.
Q: When will park site fees increase? A: The owner should give at least
three months’ notice of price rises for improvements to facilities.
STRUCTURAL WARRANTY Q: Will the leisure lodge home have a structural warranty protecting it? A: There are two holiday lodge
warranties: Platinum Seal and Gold Shield. New lodges start with a manufacturer’s statutory guarantee of 12 months, but some have an extended structural warranty such as Platinum Seal or Gold Shield for up to 10 years. Always check the conditions of these extended warranties as some schemes are only available from selected parks, regardless of any manufacturer’s extended warranty. Other schemes may cover all parks. If you automatically receive an extended warranty, check with the park site owner, not the manufacturer. Some schemes are underwritten by an insurance company and may also have ‘Liquidation Cover’, in case the manufacturer goes into administration. If a manufacturer offers its own extended guarantee this only applies while they remain in business. If you are buying a second-hand leisure lodge, ask if it has a warranty, and whether this can be transferred to you as the new leisure lodge owner.
HELP AND ADVICE Q: Where can I find independent help and advice once I’ve bought my holiday home? A: The National Association of
Caravan Owners (NACO) is an independent advisory service providing support to static caravan owners. Become a NACO member and you will have access to its
CONTACTS n ABI (UK) Tel: 01482 678000 n Arronbrook Homes Tel: 01482 210327 n Atlas Tel: 01482 562101 n BK Bluebird Homes Tel: 01202 740182 n Cambrian Park & Leisure Homes Tel: 01766 515287 n Carnaby Tel: 01262 679971 n Country Homes (Anglia) Tel: 01379 871041 W: www.countryhomes-parkhomes.co.uk n Homeseeker Tel: 0845 070 2345 W: www.homeseekerhomes.co.uk n Lindera Tel: 01697 352033 n Lissett Holiday Homes Tel: 01759 302801 n NJS Lodges Tel: 01482 887070 n Omar Leisure Homes Tel: 01842 810673 W: www.omar.co.uk n Pathfinder Park Homes Tel: 01626 833799 W: www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk n PEC Homes & Leisure Limited Tel: 0151 423 5833 n Pemberton Homes Tel: 01942 321221 W: www.pembertonlh.co.uk n Pinelog Tel: 01629 814481 n Prestige Park and Leisure Homes Tel: 0845 070 2345 n Red Rose Tel: 01524 68438 n Reiver Tel: 01228 672227 n Retreat Homes (Manufacturing) Tel: 016973 52033 n Shire Eco Lodges Tel: 01406 359 052 n Stately-Albion Tel: 01495 244472 n Swift Group Limited Tel: 01482 847332 n Tingdene Homes Tel: 01933 225157 W: www.tingdene.co.uk/leisurehomes n Victory Leisure Homes Tel: 01482 822822 n Willerby Holiday Homes Tel: 01482 707808
specialist team, who can advise on disputes between home and park owners and home owners and caravan manufacturers. If necessary, NACO also provides legal advice where a valid complaint is not being heard. Membership costs £24 per year: call 01255 820 321 or visit www.nacoservices.com for more details.
SELLING YOUR HOME Q: If I sell my static caravan, will my park site owner get a level of commission? A: When a caravan is resold on
site and the agreement assigned with the owner’s consent, a commission of up to 15 per cent (plus VAT) is payable to the park. Never buy a caravan unless you have a plot. Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
BEAUTIFUL LODGES AND STATIC HOMES FOR SALE AT THE AWARD-WINNING 5* LUXURY VILLAGE Located minutes from the glorious Fylde Coast and Lytham St Annes, our luxury holiday homes are the perfect retreat for an exclusive lifestyle. With family and adult only activities, a luxurious Orangery and the added comfort of 24 hour security, you’ll feel right at home at Ribby Hall Village.
01772 672 222 SalesEnquiries@ribbyhall.co.uk www.ribbyhall.co.uk/holiday-homes Ribby Hall Village | Wrea Green | Lancashire | PR4 2PR
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Call us free on 0800 731 9583 Or visit us at www.parksure.com PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 97
HOLIDAY UPDATES
Holiday
news
Catch up with the latest news in the holiday home world
Hexham’s holiday heaven
Causey Hill Holiday Park, in Hexham, Northumberland
‘It’s a holiday heaven for wildlife,’ said David Bellamy, speaking about Causey Hill Holiday Park in Hexham, Northumberland. The world-famous botanist has just presented this park with his prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level. The family-owned park, enjoying picturesque views over the historic market town, has created a wildlife haven for guests to enjoy, said Professor Bellamy. Covering just under 20 acres, Causey Hill has been owned for the past ten years by the Daly family, and provides pitches for touring caravans plus luxury caravan holiday homes to own. David Bellamy said that the park could congratulate itself on having created an environment which provided a VIP welcome for both wildlife and holiday guests. He praised the park’s planting of hundreds of native trees and shrubs which, along with its private woodland, provide habitats and food resources for many animal and bird species. Park manager Linda Grant said that everyone was thrilled to have had the park’s conservation efforts given the thumbs-up from David Bellamy.
Cornish charities celebrate Star of Staffordshire Serena Pettigrew-Jolly of Cornwall Wildlife Trust; Jacqui White of Wadebridge Foodbank; Patrick Langmaid, park director, and Simon Sexton, reception worker
Two Cornish charities each received a boost to their fundraising efforts in February, thanks to an enterprising Padstow holiday park’s visitor giving scheme. Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Wadebridge Foodbank have both been handed cheques for £1,700 from Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park at Trevose Head. The much-needed sums were raised by guests who donated £1 on top of their holiday costs when booking a stay at the park. The total amount was then doubled by Mother Ivey’s Bay owner Patrick Langmaid, to create the £3,400 windfall which was shared by the charities. On top of another £800 donation made to each cause last March from the scheme, it means that the park has raised £5,000 for the two organisations over the past 12 months. 98 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Oakland Holiday Park, near the village of Brewood, has been named as the overall winner in the holiday parks category at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism Awards, beating all other Staffordshire parks to the title. Stepping up to receive the honour was Adam Breakspeare, whose family has owned Oakland Holiday Park for more than 30 years. Their raft of initiatives over the years has included the installation of a luxury indoor pool and sauna which are designed to make the smallest splash possible on the environment. Heating for the pool water is provided by a highly efficient solar energy
system, and large sky lights on the building’s roof mean that the use of artificial lighting is greatly reduced. These and other conservation measures have led to the park once again being awarded the Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark (SEQM) this year following an in-depth sustainability audit. There is more information about the park on its website at: www. oaklandholidaypark. co.uk
INBRIEF A GOOD YEAR
Market analysis by Sanderson & Weatherall reports steady sales and good trading conditions for parks in 2015. Wet weather during the peak summer weeks failed to put a dampener on the holiday and caravan park markets last year, according to this leading market trends report. Despite the poor weather in the height of summer 2015, there were steady improvements in both sales of parks and trading conditions on parks.
£6 MILLION INVESTMENT
Hoburne, one of the UK’s longestestablished holiday groups, is investing £6 million into a programme of company-wide developments this year. All seven of Hoburne’s holiday parks across the south-west of England are set to be enhanced. The improvements will include new-look entertainment and leisure complexes at three parks, brand new holiday accommodation at three parks and free Wi-Fi across all of its seven parks.
Proudly displaying the park’s awards are (left to right) groundsman Anthony Clemmett and park managers Gill and Tony Hughes
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
e v i s u l c x E r You Escape
Static caravans and lodges available from Club Holiday Homes Owning your own holiday home means you can enjoy the locations you love, for longer. At the Camping and Caravanning Club, we have sites in prime locations throughout the UK with a range of different holiday homes and plots to suit all lifestyles and budgets. You will not be happier than when you are relaxing in your exclusive escape... donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take our word for it, come and see for yourself.
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HOLIDAY UPDATES
New show set to showcase scores of stunning homes! We preview the first ever Midlands and North London Holiday Home Show, set to take place at Billing Aquarome Holiday Park, in Northamptonshire, from 18 to 27 March
F
rom March 18-27, Billing Aquadrome, in Northamptonshire, will host a brand new show where manufacturers will unveil their latest models for 2016. The inaugural Midlands and North London Holiday Home Show will showcase models from Tingdene, Swift, Europa, Regal, Carabuild, Delta, and Lakeland Leisure Homes. Help and advice from the manufacturers will also be available, while a wealth of family entertainment will be laid on within the grounds of the 235acre park, from go-karting to swimming in the £5million leisure complex. Tingdene Homes is pleased to be supporting the show. A Tingdene representative will be present during the event, available to discuss the model range and assist customers in
their search for more information. Tingdene offers a superb range of holiday lodges, with some exciting new models being offered for 2017. These include the New Country Lodge, with stunning interior, will be on display at Tingdene’s Exhibition Centre in Wellingborough from April. Tingdene’s Exhibition Centre is just 20 minutes away from Billing Aquadrome. Other models in Tingdene’s range include the Warreners Lodge, which has been a favourite for many years, with the feeling of a ‘barn style conversion’. Be sure to seek out Tingdene at the event! John Morphet, the head of Pure Leisure Group, which owns Billing Aquadrome, said the show was not only an opportunity to look at the latest designs and developments from some of Europe’s most respected
manufacturers, but to open newcomers’ eyes to the world of caravan ownership. ‘The staycation industry is extremely buoyant at the moment,’ explained Mr Morphet. ‘More and more people are looking to spend their leisure time at home in the UK. It’s why we’re constantly investing in our existing parks and actively seeking new sites and the Midlands and North London Holiday Home Show is a great opportunity for people who are new to the idea of caravan or lodge ownership to see what’s on offer all in one place. ‘The fact the show is being held on a busy family park like Billing, also gives people the opportunity to see what life could be like as an owner. We’ll have representatives from across our portfolio of parks to talk through the different options.’
BREAKING NEWS! Pure Leisure Group, which was set up by Mr Morphet in 2004, owns a portfolio of 11 awardwinning parks, from the flagship South Lakeland Leisure Village at the gateway to the Lake District, to Tydd St Giles Golf and Country Club – a picturesque development of luxury lodges built around a golf course on the Cambridgeshire Fens. A short drive from junction 15 of the M1, Billing Aquadrome is the ideal getaway for families and couples, featuring everything from camping pods, to touring pitches, holiday caravans and spacious lodges with their own private fishing jetties and hot tubs. Billing Aquadrome is at: Crow Lane, Great Billing, Northampton NN3 9DA. For more about the show, which opens at 9am each day and is free to attend, call 01604 809353 or visit www. billingaquadrome.com. Showgoers will get to run the rule over an array of beautiful homes in Northamptonshire
Tingdene Homes will be on hand to talk to visitors
100 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
HOLIDAY COMPETITION
WIN! A fantastic four-day luxury lodge holiday break!
We have teamed up with top Northamptonshire holiday park, Billing Aquadrome, to offer one lucky reader and their family the chance to win a luxury lodge holiday!
T
o celebrate its inaugural Midlands and North London Holiday Show, at Billing Aquadrome, from March 18-27, Pure Leisure Group is offering a family of four a holiday in a luxury lakeside lodge at the award-winning Northamptonshire park.The exhibition will feature the latest designs and models from leading brands including Swift, Europa, Regal, Carabuild, Delta, Tingdene and Lakeland Leisure Homes.
A row of superb lodges enjoying prime waterside plots at Billing Aquadrome
Independent advice
Independent help and advice from manufacturer representatives will also be available for those considering their first caravan or lodge holiday home, while a host of family entertainment will be laid on within the grounds of the popular 235-acre holiday park, from go-karting to swimming in the £5million Venue leisure complex. Situated at the meeting point of numerous rivers and lakes, Billing Aquadrome plays host to a number of major events from Land Rover rallies and the huge Northampton Balloon Festival, to country fairs and fishing shows.
Together, they attract around one million visitors annually, yet the park – which has won a string of awards for conservation – remains a great option for those looking for peace and quiet.
Caravan owners
Alan and Mary Barker, from Northampton, bought their Pemberton Montreux caravan at
Billing Aquadrome 13 years ago, after deciding they wanted to spend more of their retirement surrounded by nature. ‘My wife suffers with a bad back after years of nursing so stairs are a bit of a problem for her. A caravan seemed the perfect solution and we love the time we spend at Billing Aquadrome because it’s so
peaceful and we’re surrounded by wildlife,’ explained Mr Barker, 81. ‘We have a dog (a Yorkshire Terrier called Toby) and it’s great not having to worry about walking him on busy roads. The facilities are great – especially the fishing as there are a number of lakes. ‘We bought the best caravan that was available at the time and it was a great move.’
WIN A LODGE HOLIDAY!
To win a four-night stay for up to four people in a two-bedroom lodge at Billing Aquadrome, complete with passes to use the leisure facilities, simply answer the question below and send your name, address, telephone number and email address to: Alex Melvin, Pure Leisure Competition, Park Home & Holiday Caravan, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent TN16 3AG. Alternatively, you can email your answer and personal details to: alex.melvin@kelsey.co.uk Q: When and where will the inaugural Midlands and North London Holiday Home Show take place? A:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Closing date: 31 May, 2016 Terms & Conditions
The prize is for four people to stay in a two bedroom luxury lodge at Billing Aquadrome for four nights, from Monday to Friday, before December 31, 2016. The prize includes passes to use the leisure facilities at the Venue, during the stay, and is subject to availability at the time of booking. Bank holidays are excluded. No cash alternative is available. Winners will be notified by email or telephone and will be given 14 days to accept the prize; if they haven’t done so by this time then it will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Entrants must be resident in the UK and over 18 years of age. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 101
HOLIDAY SHOW REVIEW
SCOTTISH SHOW A SUCCESS FOR 2016! Andrew Jenkinson visits the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) to run the rule over the season’s latest models at the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show
T
he Scottish Show, held at the SECC in early February, is ideal for those who want to check out the latest park and holiday homes, all the major manufacturers, tourers and motorhomes. With the Manchester Show just a few weeks beforehand, the Scottish event is the next most important for holiday and park home manufacturers to give their models a full public airing. The show’s success reflects the continued solid interest from Scottish dealers and public alike. The show changed last year, with a new area designated in one of the halls for park and holiday homes. The new arrangement worked well and the 2016 show kept to the same layout, allowing visitors to find the manufacturers easily with good spaces between stands, too.
The SECC is important venue for holiday and park home manufacturers ABI launched its aptly named Highlander at the Scottish Show. It was sold on the first day
Busy period
Good crowds at the weekend saw Saturday as a particularly busy period with plenty of visitors on the stands. One downside was that visitors who came by car had an £8 parking fee, plus the £12 entrance. Last year, free parking was available. However, the crowds still came and would not be disappointed with the manufacturers present. These included Pemberton, Atlas, ABI, Willerby, Carnaby, Swift, Victory, Pathfinder and StatelyAlbion. These manufacturers were also supported by various holiday and The Woburn’s boxed windows make it a distinctive park home
residential park owners. The event had several new models for Scottish showgoers to digest including a brand new model launch that hadn’t seen the light of day until it reached Scotland. This new model came from ABI Leisure Homes, designed with the Scottish market in mind. This new holiday home was aptly named the Highlander, and was sold not long after the show opened to Croft Head Holiday Park, near Ayr. The Highlander is a 36ft x 12 two-bedroom holiday home with open plan lounge and combined kitchen
102 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
area. The specification includes full central heating and double glazing, plus full guttering and fitted bathroom and kitchen. A full sized master bedroom includes an en suite bathroom as well as a separate toilet room, too. The price starts at just £28,779. The Highlander was also a favourite with visitors throughout the show with its modern interior design, which also appealed to younger families. ABI also had several other models on display including the Blenheim and Ashcroft. Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
A partnership built to last
We are one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading Park Home and Lodge Manufacturers. With almost 60 years experience we are rich in knowledge and generous with our expertise. We work with you to create the perfect home which not only beautifully compliments your landscape but also produces a special place your guests will be fiercely excited to holiday in. Innovation, Inspiration, Imagination www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk | 01626 833 799
HOLIDAY SHOW REVIEW
Stately-Albion also builds ‘specials’ like this one for Laird Estates, which was sold and allocated a park
Holiday homes galore!
Atlas was in a rather less prominent section of the hall but, none the less, the company experienced positive feedback for its two display models. The company showcased its Status Lodge - a stunning holiday home - plus its Sherwood lodge. Both attracted lots of interest. Carnaby has not only seen changes to its range, but also to its company structure. The founders retired a few months ago and the new owners are heavily investing in new machinery and production techniques that will keep this 40-year-old brand ahead in terms of design and quality finish. Carnaby has had a very good start to 2016 with production already nearly sold out. But it still brought two models to the show; one being the new Helmsley Lodge. The Helmsley proved to be a major attraction at the show with five being sold. The Helmsley displayed was a 39ft x 12 two bedroom model and it made its Scottish bow. Kitted out with most optional extras such as central heating, bedding, etc, the price of the display model was just £42,720. Carnaby also had a second model on display: the new Ashdale. This 35ft x 12 home sleeps four, plus an extra two if required.
Like the Helmsley, the Ashdale drew the crowds with several sales conducted. Willerby, a company currently enjoying its 70th anniversary, also had a good display of homes. These included the Manchester show launched Granada range - a range that had been around since the mid 1980s.After an absence of a few years, the Granada range is back and wooing the Scottish crowds, as it had done in Manchester. Willerby was pleased with the reception the Granada received in Scotland, making this classic range a welcome reintroduction to the Willerby stable. As you would expect from the largest manufacturer of holiday homes, Willerby gave the Scottish visitors plenty to see. Models such as the Winchester - another well-established Willerby range - were shown, along with the well-known and ever-popular luxury lodge, the Aspen. Visitors were impressed with the array of models including the contemporary Pinehurst lodge with its large bedrooms and modern kitchen area, plus walk-in wardrobes.The Pinehurst certainly was a crowd pleaser over the five days. Willerby again saw a good response to its model line up with sales being taken from a host of Scottish parks. The company also had several BK Bluebird
“The show’s success reflects a solid interest from Scottish dealers and public alike.” 104 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
New green steps and decking were used on the Swift stand
models on its stand, being given an airing in Scotland.
Improved versions
Pemberton also had a stand, which displayed two of its homes. These were the Arrondale - a 42ft x 16 unit - plus the Marlow at 37ft x 12. Since its launch, the Arrondale has been a good seller for Pemberton with its large open living areas and many other appealing features. The 42ft x 16 twin two bedroom unit was a big attraction among the Scottish crowds with its improved anthracite gloss kitchen with marble-effect, high class worktop. Intriguingly, the Arrondale can also be built to full residential specifications. The Marlow was also a popular holiday lodge with its new fresh interior finish of warm oak wood-effect. New lighting and new top lockers have also been added, enhancing this unit. Pemberton had been pleased with how the show had gone. For one of the oldest names in the industry, it still has a Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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loyal following and this is true in Scotland, too. The Swift Group was out in full force, showing off its latest S-Pod, a versatile and compact unit that allows park operators another option of letting for the holiday season. The S-Pod continues to be admired. The new Swift Alsace, launched back in September 2015, was also having its first real showing in Scotland with its 39ft x 12 dimensions and the options of two- or three- bedrooms. The Swift stand was always busy with visitors taking a look at this new contemporary-styled holiday home from Swift. Other models included the Biarritz and Burgundy. Swift reported sales had been encouraging with interest particularly strong for the new Alsace range.
Victory has been a loyal exhibitor at the Glasgow show since it began and had its top Provence model on display
The spacious interior of the Carnaby Ashdale
V for Victory
Victory Homes was doing well when we dropped in on the stand, which had its range-topping lodge, the Provence, on central display. This flagship lodge was a big attraction with its up-to-the-minute interior styling. The Provence can be ordered with a residential specification (BS 3632) for all-yearround living, too. The Capri was also on display, which boasts two layouts in its range with the choice of two- or three-bedrooms.
Victory also had the Monaco Lodge with its 41ft x 12 size available in two- or threebedroom layout design. Victory has found the Scottish market particularly good and its stand also had the Sandhurst, one of four layouts in this range, again popular with Scottish parks.
Park home presence
Only two park home manufacturers were present at the show: Pathfinder and
Pathfinder’s stand was always busy with the new Sunrise being a real crowd puller
Stately- Albion. Both had two new models that were being shown in Scotland for the first time, giving Scottish visitors a chance to see what’s being produced for 2016. Pathfinder has been turning heads with its state-of-the-art lodge designs and, after being seen at the Manchester Show, the company launched its new lodge the Sunrise to the Glasgow crowds. Luxury and eco- friendly in many ways, the new Sunrise was always full of visitors with times when people had to wait to gain entry. Pathfinder also had its Tuscany lodge on show and this lodge again attracted lots of attention with its cedar clad walls (Canexcel) and Georgian windows. The interior sports a smart mock-wood burner stove powered by electricity. Pathfinder’s reputation for building distinctive lodges and homes means shows such as Glasgow’s always ensure a great spotlight for those serious buyers and admirers. Finally, Stately-Albion was showing several homes with a new one to be shown to the Scottish public. Stately brought the new 2016 Windsor to the show, with such features as a lounge privacy window and utility room. The Windsor offers value-for-money and is available in three floorplans. Stately also builds customised homes and one on display had been sold through Laird Estates. The company had another new design for Scotland, the Woburn, making its first Scottish show appearance. Launched in 2014 with its boxed window bays, the Woburn has become a favourite with home buyers who want a spacious kitchen and designer-styled bathroom. Stately is a firm supporter of the show and had customers, old and new, visiting its stand.
Popular event
As with all the holiday and park home stands, the crowds were out in force and the new layout, which was implemented last year, has proved to be a success for both manufacturers and park owners alike. 106 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
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01253 922191 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 107
To advertise call our hotline 01959 543 618 or email sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk
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01242 538 430 Towergate Insurance is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England with company number 4043759. VAT Registration Number: 447284724. Registered Address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Rd, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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NEW COMPETITION HOLIDAY
Holiday Park of the Year 2016
Is your holiday park Britain’s best? If so, enter our all-new competition and you could win a £1,000 prize for you and your site
P
ark Home & Holiday Caravan magazine has teamed up with JKL Consultants to launch the inaugural ‘Holiday Park of the Year’ competition, designed to recognise and reward excellence within the holiday home sector. There are some truly beautiful holiday parks, some excellent park operators and some wonderful home owners from
all parts of the UK. We want to recognise that and find the best! The competition recognises the ingredients that make a happy park can be many and varied. A wonderful setting, beautifully maintained open spaces and gardens, a sense of community, social activities, access to local services, good roads, pavements and lighting; but above all it is the relationship
Fantastic cash prize to be won! between the park owner and the home owners which is always the deciding factor, the key ingredient. A good, decent, caring and honest site owner and holiday home owners who are responsible, respect the park rules and are good neighbours will almost inevitably result in a happy park and a worthy contender for the first ever ‘Holiday Park of the Year’ award.
Fantastic prize
This is your opportunity to get your park noticed and to reward everyone for their hard work in making it the perfect place to holiday. And rewarded you will be! Sponsor JKL Consultants is putting up £500 for the nominee who makes the
winning nomination, while a further £500 will be presented to the holiday park owners to be spent on the park for the benefit of all. And of course the park also receives a splendid trophy which can be proudly displayed for 12 months too!
How to enter
It really is very easy to enter. Simply complete the entry form below but please feel free to support your nomination with additional information and photographs - the more information the better! Send your entry to ‘Holiday Park of the Year’, Park Home & Holiday Caravan, Kelsey Publishing, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berry’s Hill, Cudham, Kent, TN16 3AG or alternatively you can email alex.melvin@kelsey.co.uk
Holiday Park of the Year Competition NAME (MR/MRS/MS)
n I / we love our park because:
ADDRESS n I / we love the social life because:
n I / we love the park’s location because:
n More about your park: what facilities does your park have?
POSTCODE DAYTIME TEL NUMBER EMAIL
n Is it close to any towns, cities, villages or places of interest? (E.g. shops/ walks/ pubs and restaurants) n About yourself: I / we have owned a home on the park for ........................... years
KELSEY STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY – TURN TO BACK OF MAGAZINE FOR DETAILS
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
n What make/ model/ age/ size is your holiday home?
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 109
holiday
rolling back the years
A vintage snap from the Box Hill Caravans archive
Another fantastic imag e illustrating how caravans used to be tra nsported
Family affair
We look back over the decades at a park home transportation company that’s gone from strength to strength yet maintained its family ethos
L
ike father, like son… That could well be the motto of the Smith family and their business. It dates back to the early 1950s when Harold Smith started Box Hill Caravan Towing Services not far from the Surrey beauty spot after which he named his new venture. In those days, park and holiday homes were in their infancy. Mobile homes, being much smaller, lighter and less well equipped than they are now, were sometimes towed to their sites around the country rather than being carried on lorries. Grainy, black-and-white photographs on the wall of Box Hill’s offices show some of the trucks they drove and the caravans they transported at that time. It looks like a different age…
One-man band
When Harold Smith started his business, the operation was very much a one-man band. But the business grew – and grew… So much so that this haulage company, now renamed Box Hill Caravans Ltd, today employs 18. It has a fleet of specialist low-loaders, tractor units and off-road vehicles and last year transported well over 500 park and holiday homes, an average of around ten a week, to all parts of the country. By the time Harold Smith died, the business
Info BOX HILL CARAVANS Old Kiln Farm, Coles Lane, Capel, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5HS Tel: 01306 713055 Email: boxhillcaravans@msn.com Website: none was being run by his son, Ray, but now his grandson, Graham, is increasingly taking over the reins, although Ray is still very much involved. Also playing an active part these days is great grandson Ashley, 22, who was shortly due to take his HGV driving test when I met them in December. It means that, on occasion, there can be three generations of Smiths all involved and working together in transporting and siting a park or holiday home. Our meeting place was Old Kiln Farm which they moved to 13 years ago, having grown out of their original site, 12 miles away. An indication of its size is that, as well as the various trucks and assorted Land-Rovers on site, there were also several holiday caravans and a park home. While I was there, Graham proudly produced a copy of Mobile Home magazine dated August 1961. The predecessor to Park Home & Holiday
110 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Caravan, its front cover was subtitled ‘The first journal of the caravan home’.
Old favourites
Although this magazine was published more than 50 years ago, inside there were details of several homes whose manufacturers are still household names. They included: • The Pemberton Rancher, a ‘24ft homestead on wheels’ costing £499. • Allen Caravan’s Retreat, at 36ft x 10 described as ‘the most expensive mobile home…designed for the mobile home parks of tomorrow’, price £1,875. • The Willerby Paragon, a 25ft x 8 model with a solid-fuel stove and a price tag of £675.
Above Box Hill Caravans in glorious technicolour!
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
holiday
rolling back the years
How much..?
Above How it used to be done! A convoy of Box Hill Caravans’ transportation vehicles en route to a park site back in the day
• Lissett’s Waldorf which came complete with a flower trough in its lounge and was ‘wired throughout for mains electricity, Calor gas layout also available’. But other illustrious names from the past are now conspicuous by their absence in the 21st century: Travelmaster, Bluebird, Sutherland, Colonial, Penarth, Campmaster, Astral. All have bitten the dust.
Great improvements
Looking at the photographs in Mobile Home, you find yourself thinking more of the 19th than the 20th century, so great have been the improvements to park and holiday homes in recent years. Eight-footers were common in the 1950s and sixties, with some models only 7ft 6in wide. Ten-footers were only just beginning to become popular and there was scepticism about anything wider. As one magazine columnist put it, ‘Even the Americans seem to have drawn the line on size…a large section of the trade is against 12ft-wide mobile homes. ‘The new expanding 10ft units, it is said, give just as much space.’ However, also featured in this 1960s magazine were some far-sighted and enterprising manufacturers who had seen the future. The same columnist continued: ‘Some makers have even produced 14-footers,’ later adding, conditionally, ‘although these seem to have been combination units intended merely to form part of permanent housing.’ Another columnist described a new design of aluminium mobile home which was 55ft long with a roof extension creating a highlevel patio upstairs and an expandable lounge downstairs. Another, 60ft in length, had, in addition, a Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
modular extension which could be detached and used as a travel trailer for touring.
Great strides
Dramatically illustrating the great strides that have been made in park and holiday home design and construction over recent years, the large majority of models now transported by Box Hill Caravans are twin units either 20ft or 22ft wide. The 35ft x 12 Stately being winched onto a low loader while I was there, destined for siting at King George Park in New Milton, Hampshire, was an exception to the rule. The reality is that Box Hill can transport residential and holiday homes of any size and to any part of the country, as well as abroad. Extra-large examples have included a 60ft-long by 24ft-wide Country Homes, a 60ft x 26 Manor and a 60ft-long by 24ft-wide Tingdene which was eventually transported in four separate sections. These days most of their business is within the UK, although in the past they have delivered homes to France, Spain and Portugal. Several home manufacturers, both residential and holiday, are regular customers: Stately, Wyldecrest, Omar, Homeseeker, Prestige and Country Homes. These hauliers also have close links with a number of the major park operators.
IN 1953: ● The purchasing power of the pound compared to today was £21 ● A gallon of petrol cost c.53p ● A pint of beer was 6¼p ● To post a letter cost just over 1p ● Fish’n’chips cost less than 7p ● A pint of milk was 2.9p ● A pint of beer cost 9.1p ● The pound was worth $2.80 ● A week-long caravan holiday cost from £3-£6 ● The price of an average house was £2,006 ● The average annual salary was £626 ● After tax, average weekly take-home pay was £9.25 A cinema ticket cost 8½p A large loaf of bread was 2½p
Back then...
IN 1953: ● Tubleless car tyres were developed ● The first roll on/roll off ferry crossed the English Channel, Dover to Boulogne ● The rationing of cane sugar ended in the UK ● The first colour TV sets went on sale (in the USA) ● The Chevrolet Corvette was launched ● Blackpool won the FA Cup ● The coronation took place of Queen Elizabeth II ● The USA and Russia both announced the development of hydrogen bombs ● Flooding killed 307 people in the UK ● Casino Royale, the first James Bond novel by Ian Fleming, was published ● Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first men to reach the summit of Mount Everest ● The Korean War ended with the partition of the Korean peninsula following the deaths of four million people including 1,078 British
Family business
It’s all a far cry from those early days in the 1950s when mobile homes were compact and light enough to be winched onto the back of a small lorry, piggy-back fashion, and transported to the other end of the country. But whatever the size and complexity of 21st century park and holiday homes, one thing’s for certain - this family business can handle it. ✿ PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 111
HOLIDAY LYNNE’S LIFE
Perhaps Pembrokeshire?
1
Cotswolds lodge owner recounts more trials and tribulations from her Welsh escape while her lodge park, The Springs, is currently closed
A
t the time of writing we are into our second month of what I call our Welsh Adventure while our holiday park home site is closed for its annual break. It has certainly been anything but a quiet time. We found ourselves stranded for a few days after a rather undignified arrival atop a breakdown truck while the car had to have surgery to have a new fuel pump fitted, which left me reaching deep into my pocket…ouch!
Irascible Imogen
Then every other day we seem to have been battered by variously named storms, the latest was ‘Imogen’ which up to now appears to have packed the most punch with some spectacular high waves and sea views. Most of this I was unable to record as it was impossible to open the car door due to the high winds; with the mishap scale very high at the moment I didn’t want to take off like Mary Poppins and sail off out to sea. It’s amazing how much rain Wales seems able to absorb and when it rains here it buckets! Mishaps again last week when I found myself on crutches for a few days after getting tangled up between my little dog and a big
2
1 A stunning shot of celebrated Welsh poet
Dylan Thomas’s boathouse, Laugharne
2 The rugged beauty of Witches’ Cauldron,
Ceibwr Bay
one that decided to go for her on the beach. In the ensuing melee I went over on my foot and was in great pain. Fortunately, after an X-ray nothing was found to be broken but there has been plenty of hopping around.
Out exploring
We have been out and about exploring in between mishaps and storms and have seen many places that we didn’t get to last year. This would be a lovely area for a park home: it is a place of scenic beauty both coastal and inland. Overall people are extremely friendly, there is lots to do for all members of the family, local produce is lovely and there
112 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Above: Lynne has kept herself busy while The Springs has been closed
are lots of dog friendly pubs and places to visit. There are many park home and caravan sites here of various standards from fairly basic to exceptional standard depending on what you require. I visit here out of season so many of the small roads with passing places that lead down to some of the beaches are no problem, but I think they must be a different matter in high season; also some of the locals drive the lanes faster than a Frenchman late for lunch. The weather I find is much more changeable than back in the Cotswolds and you have to think about four seasons in one day if going out. Plus I feel it would be
a difficult holiday without having a car in most places.
Wild beauty
I have fallen in love with Pembrokeshire. I adore its wild melancholic beauty and one place I recommend visiting is the small town of Laugharne where Dylan Thomas resided for a while. Here it is worth parking up and taking the sign posted walks to get a feel of Wales and the genius it produced. As usual I’ve hit my word limit when I have so much more to say. Next time I write we will have left vibrant green Wales behind and be back in the mellow yellow of the Cotswolds…touching wood! Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
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Tel: 01344 884666 www.warfieldparkhomes.co.uk
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
COTTENHAM PARK
We are just off the High Street of a large village with over 5,000 population and all shops and facilities within easy walking distance. Bus every ten minutes into Cambridge which is five-and-a-half-miles. Ideal for retired/semi retired people. Caravan/camper storage on site. Sorry no pets. Contact GRANT PARK 1 CONSTABLE CLOSE, OF THE YEAR COTTENHAM, 2007/2008 CAMBRIDGE CB24 8SX Tel: 01954 251100 Mobile: 0794 1114919 E-mail: sales@parkhomes.uk.com Website: www.parkhomes.uk.com
Bedwell Park
Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1HT Call 01933 779 101
Witchford, Cambridgeshire, CB6 2HW Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
www.tingdene-parks.net
THE GROVE PARK
Magazine Lane, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1LF
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60 CAMBRIDGESHIRE
The nation’s choice for park homes
Keys Park, St Ives Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Park Lane Cambridgeshire
Exclusive park homes from £185,000 New homes available to view, call for details
Bluebell Woods Cambridge Re-sales only
Part exchange available for a brochure call 0845 555 4545 or visit www.birchsgroup.co.uk
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 113
Residential Park Finder discover the right park for you! CAMBRIDGESHIRE
CHESHIRE
CORNWALL
Premier Park Homes Ltd Cathedral View Park
A BRAND NEW, modern, luxury development of just 34 park homes for the over 50’s. Situated on the edge of the Cathedral City of Ely, with all amenities, just a few minutes from your door, within 15 miles Cambridge and Newmarket, with nature walks, golf courses and leisure centres near by, this park has everything to offer, including all main services, to every home.
Call now to view one of our Show homes 0800 032 8388 or 07737 767 188 www.cambsparks.co.uk
PROMENADE PARK, WARRINGTON, CHESHIRE
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL
01925 740758
CHESTERS CROFT PARK
Spath Lane, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire SK8 7NN
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60
W & B Willett invite you to Retire in comfort and release your capital at At Rixton Park, Warrington, Cheshire
Tel: 01455 841013 or 07917 055168 Email: greenacresparkhomes@gmail.com
Plot 4 Size 40’ x 12’
RVIEW PARK FAI
Plot 5 Size 36’ x 20’
Wrenbury, Cheshire
Plot 13 Size 36’ x 20’
www.rshill.co.uk Email: sales@rshill.co.uk
Fairview Park is an Exclusive select Park for the retired/semi retired set in a wonderful Cheshire village location. Situated in the village of Wrenbury in the parish of Wrenbury cum Frith, five miles south west of Nantwich, with the most amazing Far Reaching Views
TEL: 01630 638 285 Email: info@lairdestates.com www.lairdestates.co.uk
APPLEACRE PARK
Fenland Village
Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 3JR Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
CHESHIRE
The Office, Gainsborough Park, Foxhole, St. Austell, Cornwall PL26 7RB
The nation’s choice for park homes
Honicombe Park and Rosewarne Park
Croft Farm Park
Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 5YD
London Road, Fowlmere, Royston, SG8 7RU Set in 3 acres of orchard land, with views over countryside and farmland, this friendly park is within 3 ½ miles of Jct 10 of the M11, and similar distance to the stations of Foxton and Royston and easy reach of the village. Find out more by calling 0800 234 6117
01726 822553 www.gainsboroughpark.co.uk
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Upton Park
Is delighted to announce their latest acquisition
Gainsborough Park
New Pitches Available Pets Welcome
Ashwood Park
Nr Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6QY Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
Luxulyan, Bodmin PL30 5EQ Just 1 mile from the Eden Project Brand new Pathfinder Gatehouse 34 x 20 2 bed, master with en-suite. Fully fitt tted t kitchen including fridge/freezer and washing machine. Landscaped gardens. £130,000 enquiries@croft ftf tfarm.co.uk f Call Colin now on 01726 850228 or 07483 936842 CUMBRIA
ALVANLEY PARK
Tarvin Road, Alvanley, Cheshire WA6 9AL
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60
Mount Pleasant Park Main Road, Goostrey, Holmes Chapel CW4 8LG
Tel:01477 01477 549581 532263 Tel: CORNWALL
HOME FARM PARK
Lea Green Lane, Church Minshull, Cheshire CW5 6ED
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60
Western Park Homes Set in the heart of Cheshire within walking distance of the villages of Wheelock and Winterley & local amenities conveniently situated bus stop New plots available for home of your choice Show home available now Part exchange available Tel 01270 766523 or 07551582329 Email: barrs_estates.ltd@btinternet.com
114 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
The nation’s choice for park homes
Fell View Park and West Shore Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
To advertise call our hotline 01959 543 618 or email sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk CUMBRIA
DORSET
ESSEX
Premier Park Homes Ltd LONE PINE PARK FERNDOWN IN DORSET
Red Rose
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL
01202 89 44 38
Park Home Refurbishment Specialist
Contact Details:
+44 (0) 1524 68438 +44 (0) 7769 948199 chariottradings@hotmail.co.uk Head Office: Lancashire Parks, Westgate, Morecambe LA3 3BA
www.redroseservices.co.uk
Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
LOCATION!! LOCATION!! LOCATION!!
For exclusive, quality coastal and country parks near Bournemouth, Farnborough, Ringwood, Weymouth & Yeovil call John Romans Park Homes on 01258 475270
PINEWOOD PARK
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Orchard Park
)#!$#.+)", $/.'&(*)(+
01452 730 605 parkhomelife.com
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Love where you live
Visit our superb holiday lodge park near beautiful Lyme Regis in Dorset
BOOK NOW Call 01297 22055
0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
www.pinewood.uk.net
Telephone: 01934 808073
MILL ON THE MOLE PARK South Molton, North Devon
Premier park located in stunning Devonshire countryside on the edge of Exmoor National Park.
SWANBRIDGE PARK DORCESTER, DORSET. Make this Riverside Haven your home. Call Mr & Mrs Barney now for details 01489 574706 or 07919 208800
Telephone: 01934 808073
Underhill Park NEW HOMES AVAILABLE NOW 01489 860471 or 07919 208800
Westward Ho! North Devon
ESSEX
Cat & Fiddle Park, New Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Glenholt Park
Devon
01752 393180
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50
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GREENACRES PARK
| M: 07836 792705 | T: 01531 635299635299 | email enquiries@countryparks.com T: 01531
Meysey Hampton, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5JH www.countryparks.com
01793 722 100 parkhomelife.com
East Beach Park
The nation’s choice for park homes
0800 756 5623 www.cavendishparkhomes.co.uk
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www.tingdene-parks.net
Telephone: 01934 808073
Montserrat, Butterow Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire. GL5 2NJ
Wildwood Park
Hockley, Essex, SS5 5NQ Call 01933 779 101
A small park just minutes from beautiful North Devon beaches with commanding sea views.
www.glenholtpark.co.uk
Cauldron Barn Farm Park, Gladelands Park, Quarr Lane Park Selwood Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Hockley Park
TORVILLE PARK
A better way of life
The nation’s choice for park homes
Stroud Heights Pri £9 ces f 9,9 ro 50 m
DEVON
The nation’s choice for park homes
Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9SG Call 01933 779 101
Woodlands Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
www.tingdene-parks.net
Sacketts Grove Park
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO16 7BD Call 01933 779 101
HAMPSHIRE
Broadway Park
)#%#*&.#0$, 1(/-&52*#, 367" 4+' !(00 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
www.tingdene-parks.net
Castlehill Park
Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO16 9QP Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
Honiton, Devon, EX14 4PA
enjoy a qu ality lifestyle... Love where you live
G%+C:&L! %5&M! 3:M; +5&'<!:A? %+"7:'< '&3 +K+:5+)5? 3:M; %:CML"?!$L? K:?3!- 5?!! M;+' + (:5? ="&( M;? ;:!M&":C M&3' &= 0&':M&'
0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
2&" (&"? :'=&"(+M:&' +'A K:?3:'<!%5?+!? C+55 /*D8@>. 9B@B99 Oaktree Parks Ltd. The Office, Oaktree Park, Locking, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8RG F6 /*D8@>. 9B@B99 26 /*D8@>. 9BB9>> 46 :'=&#&+7M"??%+"7!,C&,L7
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Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
The nation’s choice for park homes
Halcyon Park, Riverview Park, Temple Grove Park, Tower Park, Shandri-La Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
The nation’s choice for park homes
Church Farm Close Park, Hamble Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 115
Residential Park Finder discover the right park for you! HAMPSHIRE
Hampshire Coming soon New development overlooking the marina for further information pre-register your interest
Part exchange available for a brochure call 0845 555 4545 or visit www.birchsgroup.co.uk
ISLE OF WIGHT
Two beautiful parks in the Hampshire countryside...
FOLLY COUNTRY PARK
Folly Lane, Whippingham, East Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6NA
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60
New homes from £189,000. Please contact us for more details.
LANCASHIRE HARTLEPOOL
Seaview Park
KENT
Easington Road, Hartlepool, County Durham TS24 9SJ
Tel: 01428 862 111 / 07884 112113 Experience the Durham Coast on your doorstep. DALES VIEW PARK
HERTFORDSHIRE
Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
Higher Lane, Salterforth, Lancashire BB18 5SH
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60 LINCOLNSHIRE
Come and Retire to Lincolnshire The nation’s choice for park homes
Love where you live
Greenacres Park, Hoo Marina Park, Towngate Wood Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
Luxury park home living on three award-winning parks: The nation’s choice for park homes
Elstree Park, Marshmoor Crescent Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
W & B Willett invite you to Retire in comfort and release your capital at At Oughton Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Tel: 01455 841013 or 07917 055168
3 %6$ 5/!6&0($- ,+-2 3 "/&-( ./&0( 3 #1&$*$11 4//')
PARK OF THE YEAR
2012
RUNNERS UP
For further information visit us at
www.saundersparkhomes.co.uk or telephone us for a brochure on
Email: greenacresparkhomes@gmail.com
116 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
01843 821311
We can offer you a choice of 3 superb parks * BRAEMER PARK (Scopwick) *TATTERSHALL LODGE PARK (Tattershall) *LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS (Binbrook) Act Now - Look at these amazing prices Units from £36,000 45x16 twin just £57,000 Corner plot, driveway for 4 cars. Call today to avoid disappointment 01526 321443
West End Park, Ingham, Lincoln
Newly developed semi retirement park in the heart of Lincolnshire. Currently available – 2 superb plots for the home of YOUR choice
TEL 01623 862744
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
To advertise call our hotline 01959 543 618 or email sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRE
Little London Park Lincoln New exclusive development in a peaceful setting next to Torksey Lock from £140,000 New homes available to view, call for details Part exchange available for a brochure call 0845 555 4545 or visit www.birchsgroup.co.uk
INSURANCE
Park Home Insurance from ● Brand new 40’ x 20’ 2 bed retirement homes ● Choice of 14 plots
Hall Hills Park Home Estate Tattershall Road, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 9NJ
www.hallhillsparkhomes.co.uk Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
W & B Willett invite you to Retire in comfort and release your capital at At Kettlegate Park, Spalding, Lincs
Tel: 01455 841013 or 07917 055168
Email: greenacresparkhomes@gmail.com
Challenge us to beat your best price!
01242 538 430 Towergate Insurance is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England with company number 4043759. VAT Registration Number: 447284724. Registered Address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Rd, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
NORFOLK PLUMTREE PARK
The Street, Marham, Norfolk PE33 9JH
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
W & B Willett invite you to Retire in comfort and release your capital at Greenacres Park, Horncastle, Lincs
Tel: 01455 841013 or 07917 055168 Email: greenacresparkhomes@gmail.com
The nation’s choice for park homes
Allington Gardens Park, Seabreeze Park, Sunnyside Park, Whitehaven Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Country View Park, Near Grantham
Unique Modern development in picturesque country setting.
For more details on this park or our other parks in Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire & Suffolk Call 01400 272 318
Premier Park Homes Ltd
0800 690 60 60
New st phase ju released
Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
Plots available on this family owned park. Natural gas, tarmac roads, street lights and garage on plot. Village location with many amenities including good bus and train service For further details: Lindum Park, 76 Station Road, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9BZ
Greens Park & Leisure Homes
Brigg Road, Caistor, Lincolnshire, LN7 6RU
07903 120312 07423 252798
01323 844495
NORFOLK
Marina View Park
Nr Coningsby, Lincolnshire, LN4 4UT Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
www.tingdene-parks.net
Office Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday– 01526 832 155 All other times call – 07860 212980 or 07951 130994 Email: enquiries@lindumpark.co.uk www.lindumpark.co.uk
FOUR SEASONS PARK, CHAPEL ST LEONARDS
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL
Newton Park
Newton St Faith, Norfolk, NR10 3LL Call 01933 779 101
info@greensparkhomes.co.uk
Oak Tree Park
Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2SQ Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
HARDWICK BRIDGE PARK
Hardwick Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4HU
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 117
Residential Park Finder discover the right park for you! NORFOLK
SHROPSHIRE
SOMERSET
8 PLOTS REMAINING
KINGS HEAD PARK
KINGS HEAD RESIDENTIAL PARK
Newport Shropshire TF10 7LG
Are adding 15 new twin park homes to the existing park for the over 50’s. Situated on the edge of the town of Newport with all amenities just a few minutes from your door, sports center & golf near by this park will have all main services.
The nation’s choice for park homes
Holway House Park, Home Farm Park, Houndstone Park, Ivy House Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
For more information please call: 01435 813597
www.kingsheadresidentialpark.co.uk Email: kingsheadparksales@gmail.com NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
REN PARK WAR
Love where you live
Market Drayton The home of gingerbread
0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
Charlton Mackerell, Somerset
A rural park set in the idyllic village location surrounded by the beautiful Somerset countryside.
Luxurious Park Homes set in a wonderful village environment. Full finance facilities. For a sales information pack, contact:
TEL: 01630 638 285 Email: info@lairdestates.com www.lairdestates.co.uk
FAIRHOLME PARK A quiet family run residential park in the heart of Nottinghamshire, new homes available now.
Please call 01623 860040 OXFORDSHIRE
Residential Park Homes
We welcome residents of all ages and pets are permitted Tel 01865 873505 Email: info@buswellparks.co.uk www.buswellparks.co.uk
If you are looking for a park home near Oxford then come to us. • Attractive semi-rural • Small friendly locations communities • Excellent bus service • Close to all amenities
Please call 01865 873 505 for further details or to have a chat about buying a park home.
FOR SALE East Renfrewshire; Shropshire Brand new 48x20 Stately Chatsworth gold 2 Show Homes
£119,250 Part exchange available 01630 638 267 285 286
www.lairdestates.co.uk SOMERSET
The nation’s choice for park homes
Horspath Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
SHROPSHIRE
Hawkstone Residential Park Whittington Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1JB
Exclusive newly developed coastal park with spectacular views across the Bristol Channel.
PRIMROSE HILL PARK
FAIRFIELD PARK 01623 860040
ARDNAVE PARK
Weston Super Mare, Somerset
Telephone: 01934 808073
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Exclusive new development on the edge of Ollerton Village with all amenities 2 minutes away. For further info call Barbara on
3 Rusty Well, West Hendford, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2NA Tel: 01935 412172 Web: www.rustywellpark.co.uk Email: rustywellpark@hotmail.co.uk
Plot 10 Size 40’ x 12’ Plot 33 Size 36’ x 20’ Plot 34 Size 36’ x 20’
Tel: 0161 458 0028 / 07589 613 127 Shropshire’s Premier Residential Park in the historic market town of Oswestry.
118 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Broadfield Park Moor Road, Middlezoy, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 0PH
www.rshill.co.uk Email: sales@rshill.co.uk
Telephone: 01934 808073
SOUTH WEST
Light Parks Light Parks (Light Group) have owned and operated parks for over 29 years, in that time hard work has earned the owners a good name with residents and the park home industry in general. Light Parks have Residential Parks in the West, South West and also South Wales. All of the parks have been developed to a high standard and are maintained to protect the companies investment and the residents alike. NEW Pathfinder Thorverton and Tuscany lodge available at Haldon Lodge Park on the edge of Haldon Forest opposite Exeter Racecourse, near the american diner A38 northbound. A select unique Leisure Park open all year with just 4 plots and only 1 remaining. Electric gated park, private road, only 2 miles from Exeter City Centre. Beaches are within easy access from this park. Near to major route south Devon and Cornwall. We are able to offer 40x20 NEW Stately Albion at Ganders Park Edginswell lane Torquay just 5 miles from Torquay Harbour. A beautiful park in a stunning location. NEW Stately Albion 42x20 Wentwood coming soon at Rosewater Park St Teath. nr Port Isaac, Cornwall, PL30 3LA. Also available Stately Albion 40x20 Warwick Lodges of which are preowned, in excellent condition, another beautiful park. NEW Stately Albion 36x20 with outstanding views coming soon to Vine Tree Park, Walford Rd, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire. NEW plot available at Goonavean Park Foxhole, St Austell Cornwall. Plot will take up to 50x22? NEW Stately Albion 46x20 ex show home on Downend Park at the top of Lostwithiel, Cornwall. Preowned Park Homes and Lodges are available on a number of our Parks. Our Parks all offer something different, being in locations where all are accessible to shops in quaint Cornish villages or a 5 minute drive to the sea, or a 5 minute walk to a golf course at the top of the Cotswolds. Our parks range from West Cornwall to Warwickshire, West Wales to Oxfordshire.
Contact David Or Maria on 01452 856692 /07836 705133. email Davelightparks@live.co.uk. www.lightparkhomes.co.uk To advertise in Please call 01959 543618 or email your copy to: sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
To advertise call our hotline 01959 543 618 or email sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk SOUTH WEST
The Tides Somerset
Park homes with sea views from £175,000 New homes available to view, call for details
The Bay & Sandbanks Bristol Re-sales only
Part exchange available for a brochure call 0845 555 4545 or visit www.birchsgroup.co.uk
SUFFOLK
Gloucester, Royal Forest of Dean & Warminster Mid Devon & Bristol Cotswolds & Cirencester in The Wiltshire
SUFFOLK Waveney Residential Park
Wixfield Park
Great Bricett, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 7DW Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
SURREY Currently in the process of redevelopment, this Well established for park for just over 30 homes, Is close to the local amenities and within a short walk of the town centre and the Quay. For the retired. Semi retired 50+. Pets and dogs allowed with park owners consent. Dogs to be kept under control. New homes currently being sited For more details call
01400 272318
The nation’s choice for park homes
Court Farm Park, Penton Park, Rose Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
The nation’s choice for park homes
Shepherds Grove Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
SUSSEX (EAST)
Falcon Park
Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, IP5 3RP Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Premier Park Homes Ltd BAKERS FARM PARK, HAILSHAM
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL
01323 844495
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 119
Residential Park Finder discover the right park for you! SUSSEX (EAST)
WORCESTERSHIRE 0#F'9; #!G%A%E* / "9&D 9 (GG=
The nation’s choice for park homes
Broadway Park, Lion House Park, Newhaven Heights Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
SUSSEX (WEST) Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
The nation’s choice for park homes
Turners Hill Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
.CA;"D(A$=C9' ?#9"1F#9"(9& 5#F$GDBGFDCAFG- 5?:8 /<1 ):6,2 ,38486
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A BRAND NEW SELECT DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL PARK HOMES FOR THE OVER 50’S. For sales enquiries please telephone: 01789 293438 Email: suzanne@stratfordcaravans.co.uk. Broadwell Woods, Red Lane, Burton Green, Kenilworth, CV8 1QF
YORKSHIRE
Exclusive Residential Park Home Development
www.stratfordcaravans.co.uk
Love where you live 0800 8 20 20 70 info@turnersparksgroup.com www.turnersparksgroup.com
WEST MIDLANDS
Hillcrest Park
#8&9+550 #!(& 36$5+1$(
01564 823 084 parkhomelife.com WILTSHIRE
Plot 4 Size 30’ x 20’ Plot 24 Size 36’ x 20’
OAKLAND HILL PARK
Fryston Lane, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8SH
Luxury homes in prime locations across the UK
0800 690 60 60
Bungalow Park
Bradenstoke, Lyneham, Orchard Park Home Estate, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN15 4EP
To advertise in
www.rshill.co.uk Email: sales@rshill.co.uk
Please call 01959 543618 or email your copy to: sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk
Lawrence & Philip Burchell Lillybrook Estate Ltd, Park Office, Lyneham, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 4AA Tel: 01249 890250 Website: www.lillybrook.co.uk
SEE OUR ADVERT ON PAGE 45
)7,4-'24 +..%" (#61$/10 #65&(96*!
The nation’s choice for park homes
Cliff Top Park, Hill Tree Park, Palm Grove Court
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Badger Hill Park A better way of life
www.badgerhillpark.co.uk
01793 722 100 parkhomelife.com
Trowbridge Lodge Park
North Yorkshire
01423 276120
YORKSHIRE
Hazelgrove Park
Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6DL Call 01933 779 101
Saltburn by the Sea, TS12 1DE Call 01933 779 101
www.tingdene-parks.net
www.tingdene-parks.net
120 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
RESIDENTIAL PARKS GUIDE 1,350 PARKS
LISTED IN OUR DIRECTORY! SEE PAGE 61
Residential R e LIVE THE DREAM!
FROM THE PUBLISHER OF MAGAZINE
All you need to know about the park lifestyle
START YOUR PARK & HOME SEARCH TODAY WITH OUR BUYERS’ BIBLE!
Find out more ! PARK REVIEWS
! NEW HOMES: OUR VERDICT! ! BUYERS’TIPS ! LEASEHOLD ADVISORY SERVICE HELP VISIT WWW.PARKHOMEMAGAZINE.COM FOR MORE REVIEWS, ESSENTIAL ADVICE AND OFFERS!
£5 where sold
Lillybrook and Church Park in North Wiltshire
A COMPLETE GUIDE BY COUNTY TO 1,350 RESIDENTIAL PARKS.
DON’T MISS OUT ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY Call today 01959 541444
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
To advertise call our hotline 01959 543 618 or email sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk WALES
A quick walk before breakfast? • • • •
Wales Favourite
Spectacular Unique Genuine Panoramic Sea Views now for sale SCHOONER PARK - Celebrating 20 Years of Family Ownership PARK OF THE YEAR- Award winning UK Park Unique SHOW VILLAGE just released - join our waiting list for 2016
For a brochure call 01545 560604 or visit us online @www.schoonerpark.co.uk SCOTLAND
PEMBROKESHIRE
Near Saundersfoot and Tenby SHILLINGFORD PARK Kilgetty (established 2002)
A modern luxury development of 38 Park Homes catering for the over 50’s. Situated in Kilgetty village with local shops, supermarket, (#&5!,*/ 01,* 1%2(& .3' '1(*1-, ,)-$&-"+ 41(.6 and national bus and train services. All mains services including Gas. 36’ by 20’ Prestige Concerto £115,000. 2 Bed en-suite. Integrated kitchen appliances. Park Owners: Graham & Sonia Evans Telephone: 01834 811151 / 813147 Mobile: 07966 485897
FINAL PHASE COMMENCING THIS SUMMER - CALL NOW
www.shillingfordpark.co.uk
Rockbridge Country Living Presteigne, Powys, Mid-Wales, LD8 2NF. 01547 560300 www.rockbridgepark.co.uk info@rockbridgepark.co.uk
H ea
therbank PARK
The nation’s choice for park homes
Caerwnon Park, Ham Manor Park, Lighthouse Park, Llewelyn Park
For further details call 01935 862079 or turn to the outside back cover
Lane, Amlwch Orchard Park Ponc-yr-odyn Port, Isle of Anglesey, LL68 9HS
Established Park undergoing extensive redevelopment program. EARLYBIRD DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE. Full finance facilities. For a sales information pack, call
Tel: 0161 458 0028 / 07589 613 127 Beautiful Location in the port of Amlwch.
TEL: 01630 638285 Email: info@lairdestates.com www.lairdestates.co.uk
Road, Rhyl, Stafford Park Marsh Denbighshire, LL18 2AJ
ninghamhead Estate C un
Tel: 0161 458 0028 / 07589 613 127 Ideally located with public services and amenities close by.
OPENING THE DOOR TO A DREAM LIFESTYLE
Road, Talacre, HILTON PARK Station Flintshire, CH8 9RD
Tel: 0161 458 0028 / 07589 613 127
Situated in the small village of Talacre, favoured by those looking to improve their quality of life by escaping the bigger cities.
To advertise in Please call 01959 543618 or email your copy to: sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk
Visit: www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Preseigne, Powys LD8 2EG Set in the grounds of the old manor house, with hundreds of acres of woodland walks. Peterstow, Ross-on-Wye HR9 6JZ This residential park is one of the most scenic parts of the country. Barrs Residential and Leisure Ltd (Head Office) Wizard Country Park, Bradford Lane, Nether Alderley, Cheshire SK10 4UE Tel: 01625 599545 Mobile: 07901 816064 Email: info@barrsresidentialandleisure.co.uk
Luxurious Park Homes set in a wonderful village environment. Show homes available to view. Final stage of new development. A limited number of plots available - all with garage and private drives. Full finance facilities. For a sales information pack, contact:
TEL: 01630 638 285 Email: info@lairdestates.com www.lairdestates.co.uk
PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE APRIL 2016 121
Residential Park Finder discover the right park for you! SCOTLAND
Cherry Tree Park, Gretna
www.cherrytreeparkhomes.co.uk Special offer!!!
New Home 40 x 20, 2 Bedrooms
£99,950
Similar Home
Cherry Tree Park is an attractive, homely and desirable residential park situated adjacent to open countryside with lovely views across the Solway Firth to the Lake District. Just a short level walk to the shops, Post Office, library, Doctors and all the facilities in Gretna including a wide selection of good local hotels, eateries and restaurants.
For further information please call Pat and Jane Henry Tel: 07500448114
COURTHILL PARK
Quiet retirement park, for 41 Park Homes, with superb countryside views, only 6 miles from Dumfries town centre. Close to all amenities. A friendly, family run park for over 50’s. Attractive packages available. For further details contact: Park Office on 01387 740336 email - courthillleisure@btinternet.com www.courthill-leisure.co.uk
COURTHILL PARK HOMES AULDGIRTH, DUMFRIES DG2 0RR
RESIDENTIAL PARKS GUIDE A COMPLETE GUIDE BY COUNTY TO 1,350 0 l 5 a 1,3 i t n RESIDENTIAL PARKS. eside
R
LISTED
IN OUR
E 61 EE PAG S ! Y R O DIREC T
PARKS
FROM THE PUBLISHER OF
HE T E V I L M! know A E R D u need to ifestyle All yo the park l about
MEMAG
Park Owners Don n’t miss the next edition of The Residential Parks Guide Publishing on the 29th of July - this is YOUR more t u o d n i F opportunity to bring YOUR park to OUR readers attention Look out for your forms in the e posst soon - please complete and return these ASAP WS K REVIE ! PAR ES: M O H ! NEWR VERDICT! OU S ERS’TIP ! BUY D L SEHO ! LEA ISORY ADV E HELP R S! SE VIC OFFER E AN D
COM A ZINE.
RE R FOR MO
EVIEW
S, ESSE
NTIAL
£5 wh
ere sold
HOME PARK & H OUR IT YOUR START H TODAY W LE! SEARC UYERS’ BIB B
RKHO WW.PA VISIT W
MAGAZINE
ADVIC
If you don’t receive them or you have a NEW park call Sue on 01959 543 618 122 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Established in 1960 – Park Home & Holiday Caravan is the UK’s ONLY
Classified Advertising
MONTHLY PARK HOME MAGAZ AZINE. Z If you’ve got a home to sell, you’re in the right place!
Private advert rtisers t please ring our hotline on 01959 541444 – lines open Mon – Fri 10am - 4pm
Please check the box for your requirements in the column to the right
3 months
8 months
Step 1
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Step 2
A boxed lineage ad – a BOX helps your advert stand out from the rest
Step 3
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£60 £75 £90 £100
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Plus £
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Spotlight ads – For MAXIMUM impact - choose one of our Spotlight Ads to ensure YOU get our readers attention
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A boxed advert 6cm deep across 4 columns with up to 3 photos
3 months £150 3 months £300
Do remember to call us when you sell! 01959 541 444
Total
Now either – ➤ Post your advertisement to us Park Home & Holiday Caravan, Kelsey Media, PO Box 13, Cudham, Westerham TN16 3WT ➤ Or Fax it across to 01959 541 400. ➤ Or email it across to us at reception@kelsey.co.uk with all the details and your contact number and we’ll call you and take payment – All types of card accepted All classifieds advertisements must be accompanied by payment in full. Please write (BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE) your advertisement below or on a separate sheet and attach it to this form. If you wish for your name and/or telephone number to appear, it must be included and paid for. We regret that classified insertions cannot be refunded, and that we are not responsible for clerical or printer’s errors, although every care is taken to avoid mistakes. If you sell your home after the first or second month then please call & we will happily insert a flash across your advertisement to say sold or sold subject to contract.
1. Most importantly - First pick your heading – so YOUR advert can be carried in the CORRECT section Residential Park Homes for Sale
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Name ........................................................................................................................................................ Address ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................... Postcode ........................................................... Type of card .................................... Expiry Date ........................... Valid From Date ................................ Card Number___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Security 3-digit code .......... Maestro/Switch issue number .......... Signed ................................................
We reserve the right to refuse any advert. Adverts are published subject to space. Kelsey Media cannot guarantee specific issues into which adverts will appear. This service is for private advertisers only. Anyone trading more than 12 adverts in a year will be regarded as trade. Each advert can be no more than 50 words. Kelsey Media reserves the right to edit down adverts that exceed this word limit. Kelsey Media cannot be held responsible for illegible or inaccurate advert descriptions. Emailed digital photos must be in JPEG format. All adverts and images will be kept on file for a minimum of six months. Advertisements may appear in other relevant Kelsey Media publications. When submitting an advert, you all assign all copyright of the words and photos to Kelsey Media and agree to waive all moral rights in relation to the advert. Kelsey Media’s customer service representatives reserve the right to terminate telephone calls if the caller becomes abusive. By submitting advertisements to Kelsey Media you are agreeing to the above Terms & Conditions. No other correspondence can be entered into. Kelsey Media Limited uses a multi-layered Privacy Notice giving you brief details about how we use your personal information. For full details visit www.kelsey.co.uk, or call 01959 543524. If you have any questions please ask as submitting your details indicates your consent, until you choose otherwise, that we and our partners may contact you about products and services that will be of relevance to you via direct mail, phone, email and SMS. You can opt-out at ANY time via email data.controller@ kelseypb.co.uk or 01959 543524.
APRIL 2015
123
EMAIL YOUR AD TO: r e c e p t i o n @ k e l s e y. c o . u k STATELY PLATINUM CONTEMPORARY SHOWHOME
TING
DENE
RESIDENTIAL PARKS £158,995. 45 x 20. Corner plot on The Glade development at Ranksborough Hall Estate in Rutland, manufactured in 2013, 2 beds, open plan kitchen/diner, office, superb en-suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. Please see main advert on the inside back cover or call our sales negotiator on 07714 749778. (HP) (SP)
SIMILAR
£84,950 WESSEX FERNDOWN 2003. Sited on award winning park
near Tenby, Pembrokeshire. Lounge with patio doors to garden. Dining/ Kitchen, 2 bedrooms, Bathroom with large shower. Own parking. Over 50’s park with security gates. Walking distance to many local facilities
PRE OWNED STATELY ALBION 36X20 Fully sited on a small,
intimate and beautiful coastal site. Please contact for further details
07884 112113
TEL 01834 813007
(2M)
PARK HOMES FOR SALE
The General Estates Company Ltd. Hotspur House Hythe Southampton Hampshire SO45 6AU
£79,950 LOW CARRS PARK, DURHAM 28x20 Omar Oulton Excel.
2 bedrooms, new fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, open lounge and dining room. Private garden and decking area with conservatory. Private parking. Close to Durham City. No chain.
TEL: 0191 4179518.
(2M)
£25,000 ONO TINGDENE CLASSIC PARK HOME 42FT X 11FT, 2002, private sale, Shropshire, lounge, kitchen, large bathroom with shower and bath, 2 bedrooms, excellent condition, buyer to remove 01 584 823603/01 341 242558
(3m)
Residential Parks: Hampshire- Cadnam, Eastleigh, Hythe, Lyndhurst, Petersfield, Rownhams and Winchester Wiltshire- Barford St Martin and Devizes Berkshire- Chieveley East Sussex- Herstmonceux Suffolk- Oulton Broad
Telephone : 023 8084 3011
www.general-estates.co.uk Email: sales@general-estates.co.uk
MOVE QUICKLY
Church Minshull, Cheshire.
Single unit 20x40ft Lived in for just two years from new. Parking bay, shed, two bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, white bathroom suite, lounge kitchen diner, built in fridge freezer, cooker, hob, washing machine and dishwasher. Neutral carpets and decor throughout.
If you’ve got a home to sell, you’re in the right place!
(3m)
BEAUTIFUL SEA VIEWS IN SOMERSET £220,000 WESTERN PARK HOMES SANDBACH, CHESHIRE 40x20
◆ LINCOLNSHIRE 46’ x 20’ Deen Cottage £98,000 40’ x 20’ Hayden £136,750 2012 40’ x 20’ Hayden £99,950 46’ x 20’ Mackworth Lodge £115,000
◆ SALTBURN 42’ x 20’ Hayden Classic £137,360 40’ x 20’ Barnwell £137,520 36’ x 12’ Mackworth £79,950 ◆ HAMPSHIRE 32’ x 15’ Hayden Classic £188,900
www.tingdene.net A superb luxury bungalow home overlooking the sea. In the UK Somerset Village of Watchet. Please look at our website or call 01984 632338 for further details
www.homenearthesea.com APRIL 2016
◆ ESSEX 30’/15’ x 20’ Mackworth £159,995 24’ x 20’ Refurb Terrace £69,995 New 40’ x 12’ Hayden Classic £169,950 36’ x 20’ Regency £198,400 36’ x 10’ Omar £57,500
◆ SUFFOLK New 32’ x 20’ Hayden £185,419
showroom Prestige Reprise 2 bedrooms, study, ensuite, galley kitchen plus many extras. Within walking distance of local amenities. Part Ex available.
124
◆ CHESHIRE 42’ x 20’ Barnwell £162,500 40’ x 20’ Hayden Classic £159,950
◆ NORFOLK New 40’ x 20’ Barnwell £179,990 New 40’ x 20’ Villa £169,950 50’ x 22’ Regency Classic £209,950
RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SALE
(3m)
FOR SALE
◆ BERKSHIRE New 40’ x 20’ Barnwell £244,329
£69,000 ono Tel: 07795 690129 to view.
TEL 01270 766523 OR 07551 582329
NEW AND PREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED HOMES
For further details on these and other homes, call Local Rate on:
01933 779100
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
HAZELGROVE PARK
SACKETTS GROVE
NEW PLOTS
ESSEX £57,500
VARIOUS
This 36’ x 10’ Omar Oulton includes a fitted kitchen with gas hob and electric oven, spacious lounge area with a feature bay window, modern bathroom suite and one double bedroom. To the rear of the property is private gravel laid garden with a shed for your gardening essentials and the front of the property is laid to lawn.
CLEVELAND £137,360 Hazelgrove Park in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland (Yorkshire) is one of the latest additions to the Tingdene Parks’ portfolio - Tingdene Parks have released a brand new third phase development of park homes, providing coastal park home living within a beautiful Victorian seaside resort for the Semi-retired and Retired
HOCKLEY PARK
FALCON PARK
ESSEX £159,995
IPSWICH TBC
This fully furnished L- shaped Mackworth Lodge is the ideal home for those wishing to embark on a semi-retired/retired lifestyle. The home has one large bedroom with a feature walk in bay window and open plan lounge, kitchen and diner. With french doors opening up to a raised outdoor living area, this home will make the most of the plot at Hockley Park.
HAZELGROVE PARK
MARINA VIEW
BROADWAY PARK
CLEVELAND £79,950
LINCOLNSHIRE* £136,750
HAMPSHIRE £188,900
The 36’ x 12’ Mackworth from Tingdene is a spacious and comfortable home. It consists of a double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/diner and living room. Some of the key features of this property are the double wardrobe to provide an extra storage area and feature bay window.
The 40’ x 20’ Hayden is a stunning home with so much to offer, the home consists of 2 double bedrooms one with ensuite and walk in wardrobe. Integrated kitchen and open plan dining area perfect for entertaining guest; a large and spacious living area with a fitted electric fire place which is a key focal point within the room.
The ever popular Hayden Classic has a new a refreshing design. Featuring a large kitchen/dining room which comes complete with integrated appliances including an integrated fridge/freezer, and auto washer. The new Hayden Classic also features a furnished lounge, with fireplace and full length windows and french doors which overlook open fields. The living space is complemented by the new layout of bedroom one, with plenty of storage. This is in addition to a guest / second bedroom with further storage. Early viewing of this brand new park home is recommended.
LODDON COURT PARK
OAK TREE PARK
ASHWOOD PARK
BERKSHIRE £244,329
NORFOLK £169,950
CHESHIRE* £159,950
Coming Soon to Loddon Court Farm Park in Reading will be brand new Barnwell show home. The home will be ready for viewing early Spring 2016. For more details call the team today!
For further information call
Brand new Tingdene 40’ x 20’ Villa show home will be available to view end of March.
Brand New Plots available at our developing parks in Hampshire, East Sussex, Bedfordshire, Essex, Suffolk, Cleveland, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk and others please call for further details.
The ever popular Hayden Classic has been completely redesigned for 2015.This 40’ x 20’ brand new show home is ideal for those looking to downsize and enjoy a relaxing lifestyle.Featuring a large kitchen dining room comes complete with integrated appliances.The new Hayden Classic also features a furnished lounge,with fireplace and full length bay windows.Early viewing of this brand new park home is recommended.
01933 779110
or visit www.tingdene-parks.net
Please note that the above are correct at time of print and forms no part of a contract with Tingdene Parks ltd. *Gallery photo of park home model **Previously owned stock home
This fully furnished 40’ x 20’ Barnwell is the ideal home for those wishing to embark on a semi-retired/retired lifestyle. The home comprises of two bedrooms, the master bedroom featuring a large walk in wardrobe and ensuite shower room. The lounge area boasts three large bay windows amplifying the sense of space in the ever popular Barnwell design from Tingdene Homes.
EAST BEACH PARK
ESSEX £169,950
The ever popular Hayden Classic has recently been redesigned and this 40’ x 12’ Hayden Classic offers an open plan lounge, kitchen/diner with vaulted ceilings. The spacious living area is complemented with 2 bedrooms. There is one double bedroom which has 2 wardrobes and bedside cabinets and a single bedroom with a wardrobe and a bedside cabinet. There is a feature fireplace to the lounge and French doors which really lets in the day light. In the kitchen area there is an electric oven and gas hob, space for a washing machine and an integrated fridge/freezer. Viewing is highly recommended.
OAK TREE PARK
NORFOLK £179,990
Coming Soon to Oak Tree Park in Norfolk will be brand new Barnwell show home. The home will be ready for viewing early Spring 2016. For more details call the team today!
EMAIL YOUR AD TO: r e c e p t i o n @ k e l s e y. c o . u k HOLIDAY HOMES FOR SALE
RELUCTANT SALE OF LEISURE HOME
OSBORN LEISURE
The Selby Deluxe -
Available for occupation NOW
£39,995
Tel: 07751 921759 FOR SALE £40,000 ONO
The Holiday Park Home Pemberton Knightsbridge (2010) En-suite master bedroom with walk in wardrobe Second bedroom Second shower/WC Spacious Lounge with sliding doors to separate off from Well equipped kitchen Large storage shed with power socket Off road parking for two vehicles Automatic winter protection Available 365 days Site fees paid until 2017
The Park Excellently maintained and secure park
Hidden from main road, set in 30 acres of woodland Approx 10 minutes from North York Moors Park Five star restaurant on site along with Olde world bar with log fire Restored working water mill
For further information and to arrange a viewing please ring 07801 863248
If you’re reading this, it proves that advertising in
Tel: 01825 732617 info@osborngroup.co.uk
RESIDENTIAL PARKS GUIDE Residential R e 0 1,35 PARKS
LISTED IN OUR DIRECTORY! SEE PAGE 61
LIVE THE DREAM!
FROM THE PUBLISHER OF MAGAZINE
All you need to know about the park lifestyle
START YOUR PARK & HOME SEARCH TODAY WITH OUR BUYERS’ BIBLE!
Find out more ! PARK REVIEWS
! NEW HOMES: OUR VERDICT! ! BUYERS’TIPS ! LEASEHOLD ADVISORY SERVICE HELP
£5 where sold
On 12 month park, quiet coastal park with views across the River Lune. Pitch fees prepaid until 2016 priced to sell quickly
‘40ft x 20ft Brand New luxury lodge home, 2 bedroom one with luxury fully tiled wet room and dressing room. Upgraded kitchen with island feature, integrated appliances included. Roll top bath in main bathroom, fully tiled. Feature fireplace in the open plan living room. Private parking & private garden. Mains gas & electricity. Great location on Golden Cross Park, 10 minute drive to Eastbourne, nearby beaches and championship golf course. Countryside walks on doorstep. £175,000
VISIT WWW.PARKHOMEMAGAZINE.COM FOR MORE REVIEWS, ESSENTIAL ADVICE AND OFFERS!
works! Please call 01959 543618 or email your copy to: sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk 126
APRIL 2016
A COMPLETE GUIDE BY COUNTY TO 1,350 RESIDENTIAL PARKS. DON’T MISS OUT ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY Call today 01959 541444 Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Gwalia Properties
Park Homes In Mid-Wales From £31,950
Tingdene Hayden Classic 32’ x 20’ Two Bedrooms, Gas Central Heating, £69,000
Statley Albion Cardigan, Two Bedrooms, En-suite, Edge of Site Plot With Views, £123,000
Stunning Views Out Of Main Reception Rooms, Lounge Dining Room, 2 Bedrooms, En-Suite, Study Kitchen, £110,000
Kingsbridge 40’ x 20’, Two Bedrooms, One With En-Suite, Garage & Off Road Parking £77,000
Stately Albion Chatsworth, 48 x 20 Stunning Edge of Lake Location, off Road Parking, £192,500
We Sell Park Homes All Across Wales, Shropshire & Herefordshire Advertise Your Park Home On Rightmove & Zoopla From £95.00 a Month (Minimum Terms Apply) For A Free Market Valuation Contact Us
Tel: 01597 825644 www.gwaliaproperties.co.uk mail@gwaliaproperties.co.uk
Email your advert to: sue.perry@kelsey.co.uk SITUATION VACANT
A unique and rare opportunity has presented itself at
For a New Manager, due to retirement
The right candidate will have experience in the industry, references etc. essen!al, discre!on assured. Salary nego!able. To ensure there is a smooth handover, there will be a training & familiariza!on period .
Serious enquiries only, please, to straker.greenshaw@virgin.net
ADVISORY SERVICES
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
SPECIALIST SURVEYORS
Subject II Survey SPECIALIST INDEPENDENT CHARTERED SURVEYORS OF PARK HOMES
Independent Park Home Advisory Service Are you thinking of moving to a park home? We have an information pack for potential buyers. Please send a cheque for £4.00 made payable to IPHAS to the address shown below. You may already be a resident and experiencing some difficulties. Our experienced Advisors can offer advice to members. Membership is just £5.00 per home per year.
For further information please contact 17 Little Witcombe Court Park Green Lane, Witcombe, Gloucester GL3 4TZ 0800 612 8938
MANAGEMENT TEAM. Couples required for park home estates in various UK locations due to continuing expansion. One member must have previous experience in the building industry, the other office/sales experience. Ideal for applicants wishing to purchase a park home, however staff accomodation may be available. The positions are salaried with rentfree pitch and commision on sales. Apply head office: Berkeleyparks, West Coker House, West Coker, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 9BW Tel: 01935 862079 Email: sales@berkeleyparks.co.uk
The qualified professionals for surveys of ! Park Homes ! Static Holiday Caravans ! Lodges ! Inside ! Outside ! Beneath ! Any location ! Pre-renovation surveys ! Pre purchase surveys ! Annual roof surveys ! Health check surveys ! Chassis surveys
Tel: 07979 771166 or 01869 346973 www.subject2survey.com subject2survey@hotmail.com
Remember to mention Park Home & Holiday Caravan when responding to adverts
WANTED
INSURANCE
For the very latest park home related news, member benefits and discounts, legislation updates, useful links, lots of great advice, a question answering service and much, much more! It’s FREE to join, just visit: www.parkhomeownersclub.co.uk
Contact: Mr Valler, Mobile: 07786 332119 Email: a.valler@btinternet.com www.tradingleisureltd.com & co.uk
Mobile: 07786 332119 Email: a.valler@btinternet.com
SPECIALIST LAW FIRMS
Park Home Legal Services Selling or Buying?
Park home Park legal homeproblem? legal problem?
For low fixed fee, we can save you no end have specialised park home Our acharge for a typical park home As well asWe sales and purchasesinwe sale or purchase £445 plus vat. mistakes specialiselaw in all aspects of stress and helpisavoid expensive since 2003of park home law.
Call us now 128
APRIL 2016
0117 914 7699
www.phlslaw.co.uk Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
Lines open TRADE ADVERTISERS CALL 01959 543 618 Mon to Fri 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm
ADVERTISERS INDEX Avon Estates Ltd .................................................. 55
Park Home Chassis ........................................ 85, 87
Berkeleyparks .............................................. 21, OBC
Park Home Insulation ................................... 82 & 83
Best Parks (G&H) Ltd............................................ 16
Park Home Life .................................................... 53
Blue Chip Surveyors ............................................. 95
Parkhome Complete Specialists Limited ................ 86
Broadwell Woods.................................................. 55
Parksure.......................................................... 7, 97
Caerwnon Park..................................................... 21
Pathfinder Homes Ltd ................................... 15, 103
Cass Stephens Ins. Ltd .................................... 7, 97
Paul Baker Insurance Services .............................. 41
Cavendish Park Homes ......................................... 63
PCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Home Specialists .................................. 84
Cleveland Hills View Holiday Park ........................ 105
Premier Park Homes............................................. 77
CNC Park Home Services Ltd ................................ 95 Coast Insurance................................................... 93 Country Parks Ltd................................................. 69 Countrywide Park Homes ........................................ 5 Fairfield Park ........................................................ 57 Fairholme Park ..................................................... 57 Fellstead ............................................................ IBC Green Park Homes ............................................... 51 Gwalia Properties ............................................... 127 Hall Hills Park ...................................................... 53 Harrland ................................................................ 9 Hartley Park Homes...................................... 46 & 47 Heathlands Park................................................... 45 Hibbs Residential Park Home Estates .................... 57 Hills .................................................................... 85 Holiday Living....................................................... 65 Homeseeker Park & Leisure Homes....................... 93 Imperial Park Homes Ltd....................................... 86 Insulated Homes Ltd ............................................ 36 Laird Estates ....................................................... 23
Prestige Developments ......................................... 27 Prestige Park & Leisure Homes ............................. 63 Quick Move Properties.......................................... 35 R S Hill................................................................ 53 Red Rose Park Home Services .............................. 21 Red Rose Park Homes.......................................... 73 Refali .................................................................. 51 Ribby Hall Village.................................................. 97 Rockbridge Park ................................................... 16 Saunders Park Homes .......................................... 79 Sovereign Park & Leisure Homes........................... 95 Stately Albion....................................................... 71 Subject II Survey .................................................... 6 Superior Home Development................................. 57 The Camping and Caravanning Club ..................... 101 The Guild of Park & Holiday Home Services ............ 95 The WPH Group.................................................... 31 Tingdene Holiday Parks Ltd ................................. 105 Tingdene Homes .................................................. 75
Lifestyle Living UK re Fellstead ........................ 9, 1BC
Tingdene Parks ............................................ IFC, 125
Lillybrook Estates................................................. 45
Towergate Insurance............................................. 16
Love Decking ....................................................... 97
Tranquility Parks ................................................... 68
Mobile Home Insurance ........................................ 81
Turners Parks Group ............................................. 13
National Park Homes............................................ 85
Wessex Park Homes............................................. 61
Nuvex Ltd ............................................................ 81
Weston Wood Lodges ........................................... 31
Oakland/Grange Parks ......................................... 34
Wolds Retreat ...................................................... 51
Oaktree Parks re Otter Valley Park ......................... 45
Wyldecrest Parks.................................................. 33
Organford Manor Country Park............................... 68
Zebra Finance ...................................................... 55
Kelsey Media are not responsible for the quality and/or performance of goods and/or services advertised in our magazine. Personal recommendations and multiple quoted should always be sought when having work underdone on your home or moving home. The advertising standards Authority (ASA) exists to regulate the content of advertisements. The ASA can be contacted on 020 7492 2222.
Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
APRIL 2016
129
Don’t miss the next issue of
& HOLIDAY
CARAVAN
THE ONLY CHOICE FOR RESIDENTIAL & HOLIDAY PARKS
MAY 2016 ISSUE On sale 15 April
GREAT RESIDENTIAL PARK SITES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY! Read all about our expert panel PLUS! of writers’ top choices ✿ News
25 UP!
We celebrate 25 years with Prestige
MORE!
Great new park homes and lodges
130 APRIL 2016 PARK HOME & HOLIDAY CARAVAN MAGAZINE
✿ Products for you ✿ Letters ✿ Home improvements ✿ Legal help and advice ✿ Small garden tips ✿ Competitions ✿ Home owners’ columns Visit www.parkhomemagazine.co.uk
FELLSTEAD YOUR SPACE YOUR PACE
The Ambleside 40ft x 13ft Relax in style with sumptuous fabrics, modern furnishings and homely finishing touches. With a spacious lounge and cosy bedrooms thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of space to unwind after a day of exploring the local area.
Silecroft
4 Holiday Parks to choose from.
Available in 2 and 3 bedroom models with an open plan living area, fitted kitchen and Haveringland Hall family bathroom, Carlton Manor The Ambleside Carlton Meres provides everything you need to enjoy quality time together.
www.facebook.com/ fellsteaduk
www.twitter.com/ fellstead
PRICES START FROM ÂŁ62,995 Please call and speak to our sales team to make a VIP Appointment 03301 597 473 local call rate
Carlton Meres Country Park Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 2QP www.fellstead.com
Visit www.berkeleyparks.co.uk
CUMBRIA
2
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RKELE
PA
RKS IN
1
Y
CUMBRIA
PARKS
S CAMBS
POWYS
SUFFOLK
BEDS ESSEX OXON
HERTS
GWENT
VALE OF GLAMORGAN
GLOUCESTERSHIRE (SOUTH)
SURREY HANTS
SOMERSET
DEVON
CORNWALL
DORSET
WEST SUSSEX
KENT EAST SUSSEX