N E W S U P D A T E

The LakelandsW I N T E R 2 0 1 5 w w w . r e s o r t - s o l u t i o n s . c o . u k

Dear Fellow Owner,

I’m delighted to welcome you to our fourth annual Newsletter since Resort Solutions Ltd (RSL) took over responsibility for managing our Resort. The Lakelands has had another very busy year which has again been largely focussed on the refurbishment of our apartments.

RefurbishmentFirst, a reminder of the Committee’s refurbishment project schedule which is as follows:-

The first stage of the refurbishment of our resort, including Rothay 1, was completed close to budget and within the planned timescale and we have continued to receive good reviews of the refurbished apartments. As I write, we are preparing to start stage 2.

In undertaking the refurbishments, we do not intend to make major changes to the configuration of the apartments, but in order to better utilise the space available we have agreed to change the layout of the downstairs shower room

Chairman’s letter

Wonderfully friendly, relaxing

ambience.

CC

1115

-115

146

Show Apart. Completed May 2014 Rothay 1

Stage 1 Completed Dec 2014 Brathay 2, Fairfield C, Loughrigg D

Stage 2 Nov-Dec 2015 Brathay 4, Brathay 9, Brathay 10, Rothay 11

Stage 3 Nov-Dec 2016 Rothay 5, Wansfell A, Wansfell B, Loughrigg E

Stage 4 Nov-Dec 2017 Rothay 3, Rothay 7, Brathay 6, Brathay 8

in Rothay 11 by moving the shower to where the WC is currently situated, and vice versa. Where possible we shall also be putting in a shower over the existing baths. Following consultation with Rothay 11 owners we have agreed to make one of the two bedrooms into a “double” bedroom. Also, we are planning a re-design of the kitchen/living area in Brathay 4 involving the removal of the cupboard which divides the two areas, the extension of the breakfast bar to meet the work surface and the replacement of the wide breakfast bar with a narrower version. This will help to give a more open feel to the apartment, and if it is successful we shall do the same to all the other Phase 1 Brathays.

The Committee continues to keep a close eye on the financial projections to 2018, as the front-loading of expenditure results in significant in-year cash-flow deficits and a low level of cash resources in the Club’s balance sheet at 31st December each year. However, we are continuing to work to plan

and the Committee is confident that we can manage the cash flow situation.

The second of the four “levy” payments will be billed at the end of November 2015 with the 2016 management fees, and I would remind owners that arrangements are in place so that anyone wishing to pay the total outstanding (three years’) levy can do so this year.

Revenue Budget and Management Fees 2016The Committee has agreed a revenue budget for 2016 which includes the management fees applicable to each apartment. In setting a revenue budget and management fees for 2016, the Committee was conscious of the current economic climate and of the impact of the levy payments, and has therefore limited the increase in fees to an average of 2%.

The 2016 fees are as follows:-

ManagementCharge

£

VAT£

Rates£

ManagementFee

£

Rothay 1,3,5 & 7 328.00 65.60 42.89 436.49

Brathay 2,4,6 & 8 294.00 58.80 32.54 385.34

Wansfell A & B 320.00 64.00 42.89 426.89

Fairfield C 332.00 66.40 48.31 446.71

Loughrigg D & E 294.00 58.80 37.47 390.27

Brathay 9 297.00 59.40 37.47 393.87

Brathay 10 297.00 59.40 32.54 388.94

Rothay 11 328.00 65.60 45.36 438.96

For owners who are intending to take advantage of spreading the cost of their management fees over a six month period, by using the direct debit facility offered by RSL, may I remind them that there is a charge equivalent to 5% of the fees for this service.

Leisure CentreOn Monday 5th October, the boiler in the Leisure Centre broke down and we had no alternative but to install a replacement for this 30 year old boiler at a cost of £8372. The Leisure Centre was re-opened within two weeks and we are extremely grateful for the understanding that was shown by owners as a consequence of this problem.

Our staffI’d like to thank all our staff, those employed by “The Lakelands” and all the RSL staff who work closely with us, for their continuing hard work and dedication. The four year period of refurbishment, which we are currently working through, brings particular challenges for our staff and they are undoubtedly proving themselves to be up to the challenge. Many thanks to you all.

Contract with Resort Solutions Ltd.The Committee has agreed to extend the Club’s contract with our management company: Resort Solutions Ltd., from 31st December 2017 to 31st December 2019. The main reason for considering an extension at this time was to ensure that the management company will be

in place to complete all work on the refurbishment, including any post contract work or follow-up that may be required.

Other matters(i) The Committee is undertaking a major

exercise to develop potential new sales products with a view to bringing in new members. At the same time, we are seeking to develop appropriate “exit strategies” to help those owners who for age, health or other reasons are no longer able to use their timeshare weeks.

(ii) I must draw your attention to the need for us all to respect our fellow guests and owners by adhering to our resort rules in every respect, especially with regard to the “no pets” and the “no smoking” policies. The Committee intends to ensure that any abuse of these rules will be treated with the severity it deserves and appropriate charges will be made in the interest of all owners and guests.

(iii) RSL are again offering an internal exchange service for owners who wish to travel to Lakelands at a different time in 2016. The cost of an internal exchange is £50 (per reservation).

News AGM

The 2016 Annual General Meeting for the Lakelands Owners Club will take place on Saturday 14th May 2016 at 1.30pm. Once again it will be held at the Salutation Hotel in Ambleside.Further information will be forwarded to all members closer to the date.

Additionally, RSL will continue to facilitate the “owner swap” where owners can swap their weeks directly with another owner. Please contact RSL with your requirements; as in previous years, if your request cannot be satisfied immediately your week will be added to the owners area of the Lakelands website (www.the-lakelands.com username: owners area password: lakelands321). There is no charge for this service.

Finally, a reminder that the 2016 AGM will be held on Saturday 14th May 2016 at the Salutation Hotel, Ambleside, commencing at 1.30pm. I hope that as many owners as possible will be able to attend. I look forward to meeting you on this occasion,

but in the meantime, I wish you all the very best for 2016 and I trust you will enjoy your visit(s) to “The Lakelands”.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Andrew WhitleyChairman, Lakelands Owners Club

On the reverse side of your invoice you will find all the options available to make your maintenance fee payment. It is essential that you quote your contract number(s) as a reference with every transaction made.

Resort Solutions can assist Owners in paying their maintenance fees by spreading their payments using Direct Debit. There is a small administration fee of 5% taken in the first instalment for every year you elect to pay by this method.

Simply return the completed Direct Debit mandate enclosed with your Newsletter.

Once the Direct Debit is in place, you will not need to worry about your maintenance fees again. Your completed mandate will be carried over from one year to the next so there is no need to cancel and renew at the end of the year. You will be notified of your annual maintenance fee as usual in December.

Don’t forget that during this busy period you can also pay your fees 24/7 online by visiting www.resort-solutions.co.ukWe recommend that when using the pay online facility, Owners check their bank statement before they call RSL with any queries.

How to pay your invoice

Available to ownA limited number of winter and spring Club weeks are available to own, purchase price as follows:

This offer, which closes on January 31st 2016, applies to weeks 1 – 12 inclusive and is available both to existing owners and their family and friends.

for a 1 bed£149

for a 2 bed£199

Year of occupancy may vary. Call Resort Solutions for details, and terms and conditions.

Resort update

We have a new member of staff, Danielle, who joined the team in February and has settled in very well. Danielle lives locally in Ambleside and comes from a hospitality background. Her job title is “General Assistant”, which means that she gets involved with all aspects of the resort and has already put in place some new systems which have improved the service that we deliver to our owners and guests.

The first major phase of refurbishment was completed on time, and the feedback that we receive continues to be excellent. We are always pleased to receive feedback from owners, and where possible changes will be made to better accommodate your needs. The next phase of the refurbishment will take place during November and December when Brathay 4, Brathay 9, Brathay 10 and Rothay 11 will be completed.

We have had some issues with the leisure centre over the year, the most significant being the breakdown of the boiler. Unfortunately, this was completely out of our control and meant that the leisure centre had to be closed for 2 weeks in October. On behalf of the on-site team I would like to thank all the owners who stayed with us during this time for their understanding.

The new cleaning company has settled in very well and I am pleased to report that there has been a vast improvement in the standard and consistency of the cleaning.

We would like to remind all members of the strict no smoking policy in the apartments, and the strict no pet policy

for the resort as a whole. There have been occasions this year where members have not shown respect for others in not adhering to these policies, and this has lead to the enjoyment of Lakelands by others being compromised.

There is a penalty charge in place of £250 and the resort has the right to pass on any additional costs resulting from a dissatisfied member or guest having to be re-allocated to an alternative apartment. 

With the support of the team at Resort Solutions, we continue to look for ways to provide the best possible holiday experience at the Lakelands. The on-site team are working very well together, and I would like to thank Danielle, Emma, Gordon and Pat for their hard work and dedication to the Lakelands.

On behalf of the team, I wish you a very merry Christmas & healthy and happy New Year.

Janine WagstaffSite Co-ordinator.

We have had another busy year at the Lakelands!

Plan your way to a great holiday!

www.resort-solutions.co.uk(where you can complete your holiday planner online)

www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card(where you can apply for your EHIC)

www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions

www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport

Holidays are all about great times and great memories, but don’t risk having a holiday from hell by not planning ahead.

Of course, there is always the unknown, but if you can tick the list below before you travel you should be in for a lovely holiday, and will be protected should the unforeseen happen:

1. Complete your holiday planner (and return it to RSL!). This helps the resort to prepare your accommodation to meet your requirements, and if at all possible, have it available for you on arrival. If you do not complete your holiday planner and return it to RSL you may not be allocated the apartment that you own.

2. Get travel insurance sorted. This is an absolute must, but it is amazing how many people think they can rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

3. Check your passport and EHIC are in date (do this early!).

4. Protect your spending money by using a currency card rather than carrying cash around with you.

5. Check out the current restrictions regarding carry-on luggage.

Helpful websites:

Resort Solutions rental service

Resort Solutions (RSL) offers a rental service to Owners. While there is no guarantee of success, you will receive a refund of any rent achieved less a small commission to RSL.

RSL has a cross marketing agreement across all the Clubs under its management. This means that rental promotions and offers go out to a large database to maximise the opportunity to rent available weeks.

If an Owner’s apartment has not achieved a rental 8 weeks before the start date

of the week, the Owner can either call RSL to remove it from the rental program or leave it and RSL will promote late availability offers to try and secure one. Late availability will be marketed at a discount of up to 50% off the standard rental rate.

Please contact the CUSTOMER CARE team at Resort Solutions by emailing admin@resort-solutions.co.uk or calling 01858 431160.

Top tip:The earlier RSL has your week available for promotion on the rental program the more your chance of success!

If you are unable to travel to your week next year and exchange is not a suitable option, have you thought about renting it out?

Beware! Scammers are on the rise! Unfortunately, for many years the timeshare industry has had its reputation tarnished by scam companies. Owners were initially caught out by bogus holiday club companies offering the world on a plate, for a hefty one-time fee. Many of these holiday clubs also promised to take away Owners’ existing timeshare weeks. Far too often and despite paying thousands of pounds, the holidays failed to materialise and the owners were left paying the maintenance fees on their existing weeks. The RDO and TATOC have worked with the authorities to identify and close down such operations and have been successful in many cases. However some of these unscrupulous outfits have metamorphosed into a bigger threat and have resurfaced in the guise of claims companies.

Many owners are initially lured in by the promise that the “claims company” will act on their behalf in fighting the resort to release them from their timeshare obligations which will otherwise “hound them to and beyond the grave”! Owners should be aware that Resort Solutions has never and never will seek to enforce timeshare ownership on the beneficiaries of an estate in the event of the death of a timeshare owner.

There have been stories where owners have been so frightened by what they have been told they have paid £12,000 for this service. Often the claims company forces the owner to sign a Third Party Authorisation form which

effectively prohibits the owner from talking directly to the Committee or the Management Company. Why do they insist on this? They do so because if Owners contacted the Committee or Management Company directly with legitimate reasons why they could no longer keep their timeshare, consideration will be given to their individual circumstances and in cases of severe medical or financial difficulties Owners will be allowed to leave the Club - free of charge.

The advice to owners from TATOC and RDO is to treat these companies with extreme caution and if Owners find themselves in difficulty, in the first instance talk to the Committee or the Management Company.

Please think carefully before parting with any money and if in doubt consult the TATOC and RDO websites or call the TATOC helpline on 0845 230 2430.

www.tatoc.co.uk

www.rdo.org

www.mindtimeshare.com

www.timesharebusinesscheck.org.uk

Helpful websites:

with so much more!