Issue 6

Shaping the Futureto the Holiday Park& Leisure Industry

www.holidayparksmanagement.com

Trade Supplies to Holiday ParksCaravan Parks and Camping Sites

featuresLandscaping Playfair Show Catering Jofli Bear Competition

Solar Heating from React SW pages 3 - 5

Play &Attractions

Organised by:

Leisure Industry Week (LIW) is the UK’s leading exhibition for the outof home leisure industry. Play & Attractions at LIW provides a dedicatedforum for the family entertainment and visitor attractions sector to exploreindoor and outdoor play equipment, test new products and keep up withthe latest developments.

Register today for FREE entry at www.liw.co.uk2

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Maggie Media Ltd is an energetic businessoffering a website called Holiday ParksManagement and magazine to clientsthroughout the UK and Europe. The company,which is located in Hereford, was set up inOctober 2010 and the owner has over 12years of experience in the Camping andCaravans sector and the Leisure andGroundcare Industry.

Helping clients to source supplies andservices throughout the year, the companyprovides businesses with a professionalwebsite and magazine. With B2B suppliers tothe Holiday Park Industry and experiencedpersonnel, the services are designed toimprove performance and help with HolidayPark Management.Maggie Media Ltd has a growing network ofclients, situated throughout the UK, includingHaven Holidays, RMS Global, The Log Pod,KMJ Property.

The company is owned by Nina Blanchardwho has been involved in the Caravan Parks,Holiday Parks and Leisure Industry for manyyears.

The Management team are more than able tooversee the company, having owned and arestill running the very successful website calledwww.ukcampsitefinder.co.uk with majorclients like Park Holiday UK, Holgates, SouthWest Lakes Trust, Argos, Outdoor World toname but a few.

Designed and Produced by Print Plus 01432 272025www.printplushereford.co.uk

Maggie Media Ltd 7378641. © Copyright 2012

About Us

Tohelp reduce greenhouse gases, theUK government makes payments tobusinesses which produce renewable

energy. Photovoltaic panels (electricity fromsunlight) solar thermal panels ( hot water fromsunshine) and heat pumps (which draw heatfrom the ground) all qualify.

React (SW) Ltd believe that these technologies,used together with heat stores, can enableholiday parks to generate much of the energythey use – and get paid for it.

They are entering this market with an offer – theywill install one complete system at cost price. Allthey ask is occasional access to demonstrate itto future potential customers.

Details are available atwww.reactweb.co.uk/campsitesThe company is always ready to answerquestions – about the offer, or renewable energyin general – and to survey any site to advisewhat savings they can achieve for your holidaypark.

Call on 01752 562079 and 07427742919or email reactsw@gmail.comwww.reactweb.co.uk/campsites

An integrated approach to RGood holiday parks keep the customerscomfortable - and people expect hot water.However, energy costs continue to rise, withno end in sight. Wouldn't it be wonderful ifyou could provide hot water from sunshine –and get paid for taking the trouble?

The good news is - you can. Thanks togenerous subsidies, solar PV panels (the sortthat generate electricity) have been appearingon the roofs of houses everywhere.Commercial and industrial users can receivesimilar support not only for PV, but also for arange of technologies which produce heat.

We offer a integrated package of renewableenergy sources, tailored to the requirementsof holiday parks. A standard installation willconsist of:

• Solar thermal panels. These are flat panelswhich use sunshine to heat water directly• A ground-source heat pump. Connectedto pipes buried in the ground, this takes a fewdegrees of heat out of a large volume ofearth, and concentrates it into a small volumeof water. This means that, for every Kw ofelectricity you put into the heat pump, youcan get up to 4Kw of heat.

• Solar PV panels. These generate electricitydirectly, which can be used on site orexported to the grid. The power that yougenerate during the day can supply caravansand site facilities and offset the use of theheat pump to provide hot water after the sunhad gone down.• A heat store. A large tank. that will storethe excess heat gathered by the solar thermalpanels during the day, and release when it isneeded in the afternoon.

This integrated approach, designedspecifically for holiday camps, will provide hotwater for showers, space heating and otherfacilities – and can be extended tosubstantially reduce the cost of running anindoor swimming pool.

Energy costs continue to rise, but sunshine isfree. Not only can you make energy savingsnow, but your investment will provide agreater return with every increase in the costof gas and grid electricity.

All of the devices we install attractgovernment subsidies which are guaranteedfor at least 20 years.

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Renewable Energy

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• For PV (solar electricity) you receive apayment for every Kw/hr you generate, andanother for electricity you generate but don'tuse (which is automatically fed into thenational grid).• Solar thermal systems and heat pumpsattract payments for every unit of heat theygenerate.

The amount of subsidy paid varies with thesize of the installation but, in every case, it isdesigned to make the technologyeconomically attractive.

More details are available atwww.reactweb.co.uk/campsitesFor an analysis of how much you could save,contact us at reactsw@gmail.com

We are confident that our approach can makeconsiderable savings for holiday campowners now, and insulate them from futurerises in the cost of conventional energy.However, to show what our integratedapproach can achieve, people need to see acomplete system in operation – along withreal-world data demonstrating it's efficiency.

That's why we are making the following offer:we will custom-design and install a completesystem consisting of solar thermal + heatpump + PV at cost price for one site only. Wemake only two conditions:

• We are allowed reasonable access to thesite for as long as the installation is active, inorder to demonstrate it to potential customers• We can gather and publicise detailed datashowing how much power has beengenerated and money saved

For more details, and to be considered forthis offer, please contact us atreactsw@gmail.com with details of your site.

t: (01752) 562079 m: 07427742919

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Visit us atwww.seascooteruk.comfor further details,or call the office on 01709 515157.

MaximiseYour PoolProfits from Our Rangeof Products

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VisitPlayfair2012!Registration is now open

to attend Playfair 2012,the UK’s only

playground-dedicated tradeshow which is FREE to attend.

Playfair 2012 looks set to be thebest yet with several API membercompanies displaying the latestplayground designs, as well as apacked seminar programme,ensuring every visitor leaves with afresh perspective on play. This yearthere will be presentations and Q&Asessions on:

New funding methods for playHow active play can aid childdevelopment Community rights tochange public space Governmenthealth initiatives aiming to tacklechildhood obesity

Playfair is an important event forboth local authority staff (childrenand youth services; parks and openspaces teams) and parents who areactive in the community, either asschool governors or in resident’sassociations.

2012 will also see the API celebratethe fifth anniversary of Playfair andteam-up with the British Associationof Landscape Industries (BALI) tradeshow held alongside for easiervisitor access.Held on the 19-20 June atStoneleigh Park in Warwickshire,PlayFair 2012 is free to attend. Toregister, visit the Playfair website:www.playfairuk.com

For further information contactRay Baxter at Brintex on 020 79734695 or email: r.baxter@hgluk.com

Jofli Bearswear abackpack

containing ajournal forfamilies to recordmemories oftheir holidaysand adventures.

Additional journalsand accessories can be added over the years tomake Jofli a true life companion who encouragesphotos and diary entries to record life’s memorablemoments. The journals can be personalised with‘Christening’ ‘Holiday’ ‘Child’s name’ or any word toname the adventure. Parents start the journals foryounger children, and as they get older they help tocreate the journals themselves. A fun way to

encourage literacy and creativeskills, and an activity that thewhole family can get involvedwith. The true value of owning aJofli Bear is seen in years tocome when the journalsbecome a priceless keepsakefor the family to look back on.

ENTER COMP HERE:http://www.ukcampsitefinder.co.uk/draws.php#d23

Use voucher code HP to get 10% off a Jofli Starter Kitand FREE personalisation on the journal, just add thename in the comments box at checkout. Buy onlineat www.jofli.com orcall 01142 997931.

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Shopping with Pattersons has never been so easy!

@

We are excited to announce the imminent launch of our new website. Dedicated to the accommodation sector, you’ll find all the products you need to keep your business thriving-in one convenient, easy to use site. Jam packed with great deals and fantastic quality goods, we’re confident you’ll find your number one site for all your accommodation needs!

Accommodating Your Needs 0117 934 1270Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2NS www.pattersons.co.uk

Accommodating YinterstokW

our Needsmmodating YYour Needs.pattersons.co.uke Road, Bristol, BS3 2NS wwwk

0117 934 1270s.co.uk

1270

Tanker & Water Jetting services

tankers up to 27,000 litres (6,000 gallons) capacity.

This service is ideally suited to the emptying of cesspits & septic tanks

For more information or a quotation please call Neil Robinson on 01295 253611 or e-mail : sales.banbury@grundon.com

High Pressure Water JettingFor liquid wastes with high solids content and to clean

Emergency Drain Unblocking Service

plus CCTV systems for locating more serious problems.

By Appointment toHer Majesty The Queen

Waste Management Grundon Waste Management Ltd

Colnbrook

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Don’t let any obstacles get in theway of productive mowing.

Boost your business efficiency and profitability with the Husqvarna P 500 diesel series. Compact design, low cutting profile and unique articulated steering delivers unbeatable trimming ability and manoeuvrability. Reducing time and cost, in tight spaces, around trees and bushes, under benches and against fences. In addition to superb mowing performance, these machines are competetively priced, robustly built and ergonomically exceptional for many years of profitable, highly productive, comfortable mowing. Also, a wide range of attachments make these versatile all-year round machines.

For further information or to arrange a demonstration,please contact us on 0800 169 6148 or visit us at:

www.husqvarna.com/uk/landscape-and-groundcareScan to learn more about the P 500 diesel series

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Complete range for holiday park landscaping

Husqvarna has been delivering reliablemachines to professional landscapeusers around the globe for more than

50 years. It all started with ground-breakingchainsaws which featured smart, uniquesolutions combining high productivity withsuperb ergonomics. These qualities andinnovative spirit have been retained over timeas Husqvarna has continued to create arange of ground-breaking commerciallandscaping products using cutting edgetechnology; engineering everything fromcommercial handheld machines to highperformance ride-on mowers and specialistlawn care products.

Lawn careA perfectly mowed lawn calls for a lawnmower that istailor made for both user and the job at hand. For thisreason, Husqvarna provides an extensive range ofmachines that offer different cutting methods to meetvirtually every cutting need. With the right equipment,the job becomes easier and the superior resultsspeak for themselves. Choose from Lawnmowers,Front mowers, Riders and Compact tractors.

ClearingHusqvarna’s range of Brushcutters and Trimmerscombine power with low weight and are easy andergonomic to handle - helping to make sure that youget results that you’ll be proud of.

Ground carePowerful, precise and efficient, Husqvarna’s range ofground care products offer a variety of models tocater for different needs. From Hedge Trimmers,Blowers and Aerators to Stump Grinders and PowerCutters all have been designed with the demandingprofessional in mind.

Tree careImproved year on year to offer optimal engineperformance, superior ergonomics and enhancedsafety, Husqvarna’s range of chainsaws, top handlesaws and pole saws are suited to long, demandingshifts in all weather conditions.

As a manufacturer who designs and engineersproducts specifically adapted for commercial use,Husqvarna’s solutions will help build a profitablebusiness.

Our commercial business development team andauthorised network of dealers are more than willing tohelp you choose the right machinery for your tasks.To arrange an on-site demonstration, request acatalogue or simply find out more, please visit ourwebsite:

http://www.husqvarna.com/uk/landscape-and-groundcare/home/

And granny came too -families unite onholiday frontMany families will be packingmore than suitcases into theircars for this year's summerholidays - they will also be makingroom for grandma and granddad.

That's the finding of a majorholiday parks group, Best ofBritish, which reports a growingtrend for couples with kids to joinup with grandparents for holidays.

Although the move helps spreadholiday costs, says the group, manyfamilies are also motivated bywanting to spend quality timetogether outside their busy workinglives.

The growth of three-generationholidays has been pinpointed byBest of British among the 50-plusindependent holiday parks in itsmembership.

Many parks say their 2012 bookingsshow that a record number ofholidays this year will be taken byextended family groups going awaytogether.

Best of British chairman ClaireJeavons says that althoughpressure on household budgets is alikely factor behind the trend, therewere other good reasons to team-up with gran and grandpa:

"Multi-generation holidays wereonce more common in Britain, butbecame less practical - and withfewer savings benefits - asoverseas holidays gainedpopularity," said Ms Jeavons.

"Now, though, British stay-cationsare gaining ground, and families are

using the opportunity to cometogether and enjoy each other'scompany in neutral territory awayfrom home.

"As well as sharing the expenses, italso means mum and dad have abuilt-in child care service so thatthey can make an occasionalescape and be just a couple again,"she added.

Parks belonging to the group, saidMs Jeavons, are mainly family-owned businesses at the top end ofthe holiday parks market, and wereoften quick to spot changingdynamics.

"Our experience is that a wide rangeof ages creates the most relaxedatmosphere for everyone," said MsJeavons who helps manage herfamily business of BeverleyHolidays in Paignton, South Devon.

Members of Best of British can befound throughout the UK, andvariously provide caravan holidayhomes and lodges, plus pitches fortouring caravans, motorhomes andtents.

More information can be found on-line at www.Bob.org.uk.

Why Lakes lover Jesswasn't wooed by ItalyWhen young tourism worker JessSutcliffe was offered the choice of anew job in either Ambleside or thesunny shores of Italy's Lake Garda,she didn't hesitate for a minute.Happy memories of family holidays

in Cumbria prompted an immediatedecision to opt for Britain'sLakeland scenery, and the chanceto join one of the region's topholiday parks.

Jess is now one of the two newseasonal wardens at Skelwith FoldCaravan Park, and will be workingalongside Emma Lightfoot who wasalso appointed at the same time tothe role.

The two are part of an expandedstaff line-up at the park in readinessfor the new holiday season.

Originally from Rochdale, Jess

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Park News Not

tice Board

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always wanted to work in tourism,and spent three years as a courierfor Eurocamp after leavingManchester Metropolitan university.

Whilst based in France she metEmma, also a Eurocamp employeewho previously worked as amedical photographer, and thecouple decided to seek amanagement role in tourismtogether.

They were interviewed for wardenjobs on holiday parks in picture-postcard Lake Garda and at five-star Skelwith Fold - and wereoffered both.

But it was Cumbria, where she andher family enjoyed many caravanholidays in the South Lakes, whichrepresented Jess's dream job, andwhere she and Emma now live atSkelwith Fold.

Another new post at Skelwith FoldCaravan Park has been filled byLeon Haxton who is now parkwarden having been promoted tothe position after a year working atthe business.

Leon - who has long enjoyed takingLakeland holidays in his motorhome- joined the park after a successfulcareer as a marketing manager inthe motorcycle industry based inLancashire.

Also joining the park is SarahHodgson from Grasmere who isnow a front-of-house receptionist.Born in Ambleside, Sarah attendedthe Lakes School in Windermereand is a keen skier and walker.

Other appointments at the businessare expected to be announcedshortly.

Skelwith Fold director Henry Wildsaid that the 130-acre wooded parkwas fortunate in being able toattract a very high calibre ofapplicant for the positions itadvertises:

"An important part of the experiencewe offer is a high standard ofservice and hospitality from ourmanagers and staff, and that isalways reflected in our guests'comments," said Henry.

"We offer a great quality of life forboth staff and holidaymakers - andthough it's the staff doing the work,they enjoy the atmosphere here asmuch as everyone!" he added.

Party Britain boostspark breaks and buyersNew figures from a leading holidayparks group suggest that Britons arecatching the party spirit well inadvance of the country's two biglandmark events this year.

Holiday bookings on the website ofPark Holidays UK are up by amassive 83 percent compared withthis period last year, suggesting anupcoming summer of love fordomestic holidays.

And even in March, says companydirector Tony Clish, families took 33percent more breaks than in thesame month in 2011 with a similarrise predicted for April.

"We have been supporting the workof the tourist boards in publicisingBritain as the world's best holidaydestination during this Olympics andDiamond Jubilee year," said Tony.

"Without doubt, there is going to bea party atmosphere throughout thecountry - and as our figures show,it's something which everybody

seems wants to connect with.

"Park Holidays UK as a company isdelighted, of course - but anothergreat reason to celebrate is the extramillions of pounds which will bebolstering our tourism economy," headded.

Another figure released by ParkHolidays UK indicates that the stay-cation trend of recent years is likelyto intensify even further in the future.

The business says that sales ofcaravan holiday homes this year areso far up by 51 percent on lastyear's volume as families make alonger-term commitment to holidaysin this country.

"Buyers of second homes areeffectively saying that they havedecided to regard Britain as theirprimary holiday destination for theforeseeable future," said Tony.

"Holiday home owners also tend totake more breaks right throughoutthe year which gives an additionalboost to leisure spending in thecoastal rural areas where we haveparks," he commented.

Park Holidays UK, which came intobeing just five years ago, now has aportfolio of 25 coastal holiday parksin Devon and southern and easternEngland.

The group has won a reputationwithin the holiday industry forinvesting substantially in itsaccommodation and facilities inorder to create the highest possiblestandards.

More information about holidaysand second-home ownership, plusseasonal deals currently on offer, isavailable atwww.ParkHolidays.co.uk.

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RUBBER SAFETY FLOORING EXPERTS

The art of installation to the whole of theHoliday Park Industry

Work undertaken pool surrounds, golf pathways,driving ranges, play areas, wet play,

ramps and boat decks

Tel:01424 855486 / 07733102636sh.safetyflooring@gmail.comwww.shsafetyflooring.co.uk

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Quality Outdoor Furniture

Durable, elegant & maintenance free.

Unaffected by weather with a 30 year lifespan.

Made from recycled plastics.

Contact: diane@gaplimited.co.ukwww.poly-wood.co.uk 0845 519 4085op.ww

atnoCw 8049155480ku.oc.doow-ylo

ku.oc.detimilpag@enaid:tca58

New broom sweepscleanIt would take five men hand sweeping an hour. It takes oneman with a SweepEx five minutes. We’re talking about theversatile SweepEx push broom system with its ability to sweepvirtually any material and fast.

Fine dust, grain, small stones and pebbles, packaging scrap,metal swarf, mud and even snow, the list is endless. You simpleattach a SweepEx brush to the host vehicle, be it a forklift,loader, telehandler, skidsteer or tractor and away you go.Whatever the industry, there are hundreds of applicationswhere SweepEx cleans up quickly and cost-effectively,reducing manual labour costs by up to 98%. As there are nomoving parts there is no danger of flying debris and the wholeoperation is safe and maintenance free. No chains, motors ordrive belts to fail so there is never any downtime. The uniquebristles are designed to sweep up to 450 miles before wearingout and even then it’s just a five minute job to change them.

The new SweepEx line-up comprises six brooms to choosefrom for cleaning up industrial and building sites, through touses in amenity, groundscare and agriculture.

Broadwood International 01420 478111www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

Suppliers News

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Accommodating Your Needs 0117 934 1270Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2NS www.pattersons.co.uk

Our aim at Pattersons is to provide you WHAT you want WHEN you need it, that’s why we pride ourselves on our excellent delivery service that includes a variety of competitive rates and Saturday delivery!

*for terms and conditions go to www.pattersons.co.uk

We understand it is vital to your business that your supplier is reliable and offers flexible delivery that works around you. We strive to meet your demands whilst providing an unrivalled level of customer care, enabling maximum efficiency and minimal stress.

To find out more or to request a catalogue call:

Accommodating YinterstokW

our Needsmmodating YYour Needs.pattersons.co.uke Road, Bristol, BS3 2NS wwwk

0117 934 1270s.co.uk

1270

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Many families, no longer content to play board games, talk or gofor walks, are now constantly “surfing” the internet looking forentertainment.

The problem for Park and Campsite owners is that, if you don’tprovideWi-Fi, evidence shows that customers will go to a localcompetitor which can offer this service.

InstallingWi-Fi in your Park will not only guaranteeyou more customers, but is also is a great way toincrease your income.

With Almeira, specialists in ParkWi-Fi, it’s a breeze.We knowwhat’s needed to get your Park covered legally, safely andearning you a good income.

To get your free guide onWi-Fi email

wifiguide@almeira.co.uk

The Internet haschanged yourcustomersexpectationsforever.

www.almeira.co.uk

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UK SUPERMARKETSCLOSE CHECKOUTS

– CONSUMER BACKLASH‘The UK’s top supermarkets haveannounced they are closing thecheck outs at all their stores.Customer wishing to buy shouldstill walk around the store thenphone or email the call centre tomake a purchase. A consumerspokesman said this was crazy –customers have made thedecision to buy, why should theythen have to call or email tocomplete their purchase.’

Of course this is a sketch toillustrate how frustrating it is forcustomers who browse a holidaypark or campsite website only tofind they then have to phone oremail to make a booking.

When you’ve researched youraccommodation choices anddecided to book say for your shortbreak starting tomorrow, but there

is nowhere on the web site to clickBOOK what will you do? Youguessed it you’ll book somewhereelse that is interested in yourbusiness.

A story, no it’s what is happeningevery day. You wouldn’t get adecent retail group not providingevery possible way to buy theirmerchandise so why do so manypark owners make it hard to buyfrom?The explosion in internet usemeans that it’s imperative to offeronline booking or lose out.John King from on-line booking

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specialist Almeira says, “The pointis customer service! If thecustomer wants to book there andthen, why wouldn’t that be good?Customers want to use onlinebooking in fact Visit Britain saythat online booking accounts for60% of all bookings, so clearlycustomers like it.

One objection we hear all the timeis ‘we prefer to talk to peoplebefore they book’ we’re told thatthere are special reasons why aparticular park owner feels this isnecessary. Let me say that this isa false objection, we have yet tomeet a situation where this is thereal case. Interviewing potentialguests before they book, doesn’t

solve the concerns raised. It’sfrankly an out of date approachborne out of a lack ofunderstanding.

We help parks move painlesslyinto taking on-line booking, theyare surprised how easy it andthe difference in business itmakes”What’s happening is there is adivide occurring between thosethat offer on-line booking and

those that don’t – that growingdivide is the level of business.

If you want to know more abouton-line booking then contact usat…

Please contact Nina Blanchard01432 263219/07799430327

info@ukcampsitefinder.co.ukwww.ukcampsitefinder.co.ukwww.campsitefindereurope.com

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Suppliers News

Somerset based, Albion Canvas Co hasannounced a major order from DurrellWildlife Park, Jersey, founded by Gerald

Durrell, OBE, renowned naturalist, zookeeper,conservationist and author.

Durrell founded Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust(formally Jersey Zoo), in 1959 to house his growingcollection of animals. The site for the park, a 16thcentury manor house, Les Augrès Manor, came toDurrell's notice by chance after a long andunsuccessful search for a suitable site. Durrell leasedthe manor and set up his zoo on the redesigned manorgrounds. In the same year, Durrell undertook asuccessful expedition to South America, to collectendangered species.

The wildlife park is situated in 32 acres (130,000 m2) oflandscaped parkland and water-gardens. It has astrong commitment to looking after the Island’s nativewildlife, with large areas designated as native habitatareas. The extensive planting of flowering and fruitingtrees throughout the grounds also serves to attract aplethora of wild birds and insects. Several species ofbird which used to be commonly seen in Jerseygardens, but have become increasingly scarce, includethe house sparrow and song thrush. There are over 50nest-boxes positioned around the grounds, which areused by a variety of birds including barnowls, kestrels, swallows and martins. Otheranimals which are commonly seen withinthe grounds are the red squirrel, bank vole,and the short-toed tree creeper, which isnot found in the UK.

Albion Canvas Co has supplied 12Ecopods (2 adapted to suit disabledvisitors) and a Safari style “Club House”,enabling guests to get up close to some ofthe rarest species on earth and have

unlimited access to the park throughout their stay.Each pod will accommodate two adults and twochildren, with optional additional accommodation in atepee for children. Facilities include a wood burningstove for heat and cooking, plus a shower, whilst thedeck has sun beds to relax to the sounds of exoticcalls. The pods will be available for short breaks andweek-long stays from 30 July to 5th November, pricesstart from £325 for a 4 night stay.

The Geodesic Domes are made using canvasproduced in the UK and locally sourced andsustainable managed British Ash frame, which ismachined, sanded and protected with a double coat oflinseed oil in the Albion Canvas Co factory inWellington, Somerset to ensure complete protectionfrom all weathers.

For further information about visiting pleasecontact: www.durrell.org/camp

For further information about canvas structuresplease contact:Albion Canvas Company, Unit 4, TonedaleBusiness Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 0AWwww.albioncanvas.co.ukTel +44 (0) 1823 665849sales@albioncanvas.co.uk

Albion Canvas Co to Supply Ecopodsto Durrell Wildlife Park, Jersey

For guests to stay overnight & Get upclose to the rarest species on earth

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Suppliers NewsNampak, Woburn Sands ReleaseMiracle Design and Play Ltd were contracted by Taylor WimpeySouth Midlands to complete the installation of the new playarea at the Nampak Development, Woburn Sands. The site,designed by JBA Architects, featured a series of circularpathway networks to link together various pockets of playexperiences. This included several pieces of play equipment,as well as natural play elements and even a dipping platforminto the adjacent pond to utilise the existing natural features.

A variety of sustainable natural surfaces was specified, as wellas all-weather rubber wetpour safer surface that incorporatedimaginative floor graphics such as a sundial and hopscotch,under certain items of play equipment. Miracle worked inpartnership with JBA Architects so that their design andspecifications were accurately delivered on-site, whichreceived much credit from the client and the adopting LocalAuthority.

Richard Egan, Senior Estimator at Taylor Wimpey SouthMidlands commented on the project “Miracle Design and PlayLtd have recently worked with us in the Woburn Sands PlayArea project in Milton Keynes. As a company we have foundthem extremely capable and competent and they delivered theproject on time and within budget.

They have also been very helpful with regard to design indealing with the Local Council and Milton Keynes council to getapproval for the scheme. I would have no hesitation inrecommending Miracle Design and Play for further contractsand expect our working relationship to continue.”

Miracle worked very hard in liaising between the client and theLocal Authority to ensure a swift adoption of the site uponcompletion of the installation.

Jamie Chalmers, Adoptions Manager at Milton Keynes Councilwas very pleased with the end results and commented “I wouldlike to commend Miracle Design and Play for the Installationand Management of the Play Area at the NampakDevelopment, Woburn Sands for Taylor Wimpey SouthMidlands.They conducted themselves in a professional manner duringthe installation of the play area and at site meetings betweenthemselves, the council and the developer. They overcame

discrepancies between theapproved plans and thereality of the site andsuggested ways to avoidfuture maintenance issues.

I wouldn’t hesitate inrecommending MiracleDesign and Play to otherorganisations and lookforward to working withthem in the future.”

The reaction from all stakeholders involved in the project hasall been extremely positive and Miracle look forward to furthercementing their relationship with JBA and Taylor Wimpey.

For further details Miracle Design and Play’s services, pleasecontact them on Tel: 01604 658240 orwww.miracledesignandplay.co.uk

JBA – Miracle Play – A New StrategicAlliance“An Alliance to Nuke More Play Area Headaches thanNeurophen!!” says James Blake

“We love taking the pain out of play for our clients!” saysRichard Howard

James Blake Associates and Miracle Design and Play haveformed a strategic alliance. James Blake met up with MiracleDesign and Play’s Richard Howard (MD), to agree a powerfulunion of their two firms.

James explains that play areas are not what the house builderwants to concentrate their efforts upon – after all they havehouses to build to make their living, yet these same play areascause them more building headaches than do a hundredhouses!” James Blake says.

“The variability in the RoSPA inspector’s findings I’vewitnessed between inspectors is like playing Russian roulettewith a single bullet in a 6 gun. Fortunately - you only need oneinspection and that can be by a firm that employs normal saneinspectors and not the anally retentive, off-the-wall, latent axe-murderer types,” James continues – in full rant mode.

Having no control over the build process, unless instructed soto do, JBA are often left entirely in the hands of landscapecontractors and James explains that this is dangerous,because the build quality, politics and approach variesmassively. James adds.. “For instance designers like us, whoonly have the interest of their clients in mind, are in danger ofbeing ‘tucked up’ by some of the larger design and buildcontractors, who would rather do the designs – so they canensure a higher proportion of mainstream equipment for a

22

TheaffordableQuality

Den

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R.E.X Building and Maintenance Ltd is a family run professionalbusiness established for over 30 yrs. Wayne and Stuart have heldcontracts with Bourne Leisure, Parkdean, and have also been fitting

disabled washrooms in properties throughout the country.

R.E.X Building and Maintenance Ltd undertake all aspects of building work which include:-PlasteringPaintingDeckingWashroom

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23

Product PreviewGround care Powerful, precise and

efficient, Husqvarna’s range ofground care products offer a

variety of models to cater for differentneeds. From Hedge Trimmers, Blowersand Aerators to Stump Grinders andPower Cutters all have been designedwith the demanding professional in mind.

www.husqvarna.com/uk/landscape-and-groundcare/home

Sewage Collection Services

Grundon collects most types of liquidwastes, including the contents ofcesspits and septic tanks. We

ensure legally compliant disposal of allcollected waste at licensed facilities.To complement our modernfleet of vacuum tankers, wealso offer a high pressurewater jetting service forunblocking of drains or thecollection of difficult, highsolid content wastes.

Call Neil Robinson on 01295 253611or e-mail sales.banbury@grundon.comwww.grundon.com/whatWeDo/colServicesHazardousTankers.htm

From electrical items andhousewares to cleaning solutionsand maintenance essentials, our

new product catalogue is jam packedwith everything you need for theoncoming season.

Phone our sales team today to requestyour FREE Holiday Park catalogue.Pattersons; Your One Stop ShopFor All Your Holiday ParkEssentials!

Tel 0117 934 1270www.pattersons.co.uk

OUT NOW!

The SEASCOOTER™ GTI deliversthrust for a speed of up to2.5mph/4km/h, down to 100ft./30m

depth.The GTI is light enough to carry in onehand making beach diving with a DPV areality and snorkelling a dream and withfeatures like waterproof circuitrymaintenance is a cinch.Haven are using theseascooters for theirpools, adding an extratool for water fun forkids and adults.

Call 01709 515157www.seascooteruk.com

24

Suppliers Newshigher price and better mark-ups. They don’t like designers who use a lot ofnatural play items – because it is taking money out of their pockets. This iscontrary to the developer’s interests (money), the adoption organisation’sinterests (liability) and children’s interests (play value) alike.”

JBA’s clients need cost certainty and build certainty. By aligning with MiracleDesign and Play, JBA can ensure best value is delivered to their clients, byremaining as their client’s designers, utilising low cost natural play elements,with some equipment as dictated by the LAs, then Miracle Design and Play willtake JBA’s designs, vet them for RoSPA compliance and check their costinginformation. Miracle Design and Play will also value engineer the scheme tobudget and secure LPA compliance and approval. They will then price forbuilding the play area – ensuring JBA’s clients receive cost certainty and bestvalue for money.

Miracle Design and Play recognise they may need to tender the build, but theirprices are competitive, and their pledge is to build for the price quoted with noextras. James is quick to add… “I can guarantee that with this arrangement inplace there will be no design issues, but the process of planning will also bespeeded up too, and everyone gets to enjoy an easier, hassle free process.”

A full article can be read within the next issue of “Future Build.”

The latest additions to theWessex range areProfessional and Countrytrailers, which have beenspecifically designed foruse with a compact tractor.

Wessex Professional trailers are built tough to meet thedemands of professional users.

Available in 1.5 or 3 toncapacity they share the samefeatures with a powerfulhydraulic tipping ram and areavailable with a parkingbrake and/or lighting boardas optional extras. Lowground pressure tyres helpprotect fine turf and thetrailers are ideal forgroundsmen, schools,amenity, leisure areas andsports clubs.

The Wessex Country 1.25 tonhydraulic tipping trailer isideally suited for use onprivate estates, largegardens and smallholdings.Featuring all-steelconstruction with removablesides and tailgate, the

Wessex Country trailer is superb for carrying a wide range ofmaterials with the optional mesh side extensions increasing itscarrying capacity for transporting bulky loads, i.e. green wasteetc. Wessex have built their reputation over 35 years ofmanufacturing high quality accessories.

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The tough get trailing

25

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With the Golden Jubilee and theOlympic games, 2012 is provingto be a year of celebration. And

as the economy is predicting a busyseason for the hospitality trade, we have alot to look forward to. But catering for aninflux of holiday guests can be stressful -are you worried your onsite cateringfacilities will be stretched?

With everyone getting together to share in thecelebrations, ensure you have a steady supply ofplates and crockery to cater for everyone. Qualitypieces such as DPS Tableware’s Coupe Platesprovide an economical and practical solution.Available in bulk and with an elegant simplicity,these plates are easy to match and are excellentvalue for money.

Having a sufficient stock of disposable tablewareis also a great failsafe. With many environmentallyfriendly ranges available you can rest assured your

guests are well catered forwithout burdening yourconscience.

Sourcing your equipment froma reliable supplier with flexibledelivery is of paramountimportance, so that if stocklevels are running low, you aresafe in the knowledge that yourdemands are met with minimal fuss.

With a well stocked business, here’s toa prosperous season! Why not usevirtually unbreakable polycarbonate re-usable champagne flutes for your toast?!

Pattersons - accommodating all your holidaypark needs.

Accommodating Your Needs 0117 934 1270Winterstoke Road, Bristol, BS3 2NS www.pattersons.co.uk

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Back Cover Picture compliments of Best Of British