Caravanning and the rule of 6

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By Emma Dodd

The much-hyped rule of six comes into effect across the UK today, but what does it mean for the caravanning community?

In a bid to make things simpler, the government has introduced the new rules, but confusingly, they are being interpreted differently in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Social gatherings, whether they’re indoors or outdoors, are being limited to six people and in England, this includes children.

If you’ve planned a caravan holiday with another family and the total comes to more than six, you’ll no longer be able to enjoy activities or meals all together.

You can wave to each other from adjoining pitches and eat in restaurants at tables next to each other, but should not form one large group.

In Wales, children under 12 are exempt from the total and you’re still allowed socially distanced groups of up to 30 outdoors (except in Caerphilly, which is currently under local lockdown).

This means you could enjoy dinner at the caravan site al fresco, as long as the weather doesn’t let you down.

Scotland’s rule of six limits the number of households coming together, with the six individuals not being allowed to come from more than two homes, but under-12s are again exempt.

Two families, depending on their size and the age of their children, could therefore still have a caravan holiday together in Scotland.

Northern Ireland implemented its own rule of six for indoor meetings last month, but 15 people are still permitted to socialise together outdoors.

This could make caravan holidays between more than one family in Northern Ireland a possibility, although it’s important to be aware of local lockdown restrictions that are in force in Belfast and Ballymena.

Caravan and campervan holidays remain a relatively safe way to enjoy some time away, due to the self-contained nature of leisure vehicles.

Holiday sites have measures in place to ensure the potential for the spread of coronavirus is kept to a minimum, but observing social distancing, wearing a mask when necessary and hand washing all need to be remembered even if you’re having a relaxing break.

The Club launches new pop-up campsite

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By William Coleman

Over the last few months the Caravan and Motorhome Club has seen a giant rise in new memberships. Due to such high demand for the staycation holiday, the Club will be introducing a new pop-up style campsite in the wonderful grounds of Blenheim Palace.

The campsite has been created as a result of the Club’s nearby and very popular Bladon Chains site running at capacity for much of the summer.

The new pop-up campsite is open for 50 days from Friday September 11th to Sunday November 1st inclusive. All visitors will receive 30 per cent off Blenheim Palace admission tickets for the palace, park and gardens and 20 per cent off at the Blenheim Palace Gift Shop.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “All of our UK sites have been incredibly popular this summer and Bladon Chains, (always a busy site) has been in particular demand. We are constantly looking to offer our members new experiences and we are delighted to work with Blenheim Palace to offer something unique, the chance to stay in such close proximity to the palace in its beautiful grounds”.

The campsite is located just outside the wall of the palace garden, a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as being treated to stunning garden views, visitors can tour Blenheim Palace, home to the Dukes of Marlborough since the eighteenth century and birthplace of Winston Churchill. The nearby Bladon Church is also in walking distance with Churchill’s modest but memorable grave.

Whilst in the area, a visit to Oxford is also a must and one of the easiest and most pleasant ways to see this historic university town is by open-topped bus. For those interested in art and archaeology, the Ashmolean Museum houses intriguing exhibitions spanning five floors.

If more shopping is the order of the day, nearby Bicester Village with its designer outlets is also a great day out. In complete contrast, the site is also within easy reach of the lovely Cotswolds with its picture postcard villages of Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach.

All pitches on the site measure 11 metres x ten metres and include space for either one caravan, motorhome, tent or trailer tent and one car only, with a maximum occupancy of eight people. Pitches are allocated on arrival on a first come first served basis. As a pop-up campsite, there are temporary shower and toilet facilities, freshwater and all pitches have an electrical hook up. For those wanting to make the most of the end of summer, bbqs are allowed.

Each pitch for two adults costs £23.10 per night; additional adult guests are charged £7.40 per night, while children aged from five to 17 are charged £2.20 each night, plus a booking fee of £1.

Under fives go free and dogs are welcome. All prices include five per cent VAT. Minimum booking of one night and two adults applies. There is no single supplement.

To book a pitch visit CAMC Anytime Booking.

Dream Destinations: Pembrokeshire

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By Emma Dodd

With 186 miles of coastline complete with more than 50 beaches, the Welsh county of Pembrokeshire has plenty to offer on a caravan staycation. From walking the coastal path to exploring Britain’s smallest city and scaling the wild terrain of the Preseli Hills, you’ll find a wide variety of activities to enjoy.

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path stretches from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south and whether you decide to hike the whole distance or just a section of it, it’s a dream of a route to follow. Along the way, you’ll see scenery as diverse as limestone cliffs, red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands, beaches and coves, estuaries and flooded glacial valleys.

You can track the progress of human development too, as there are sites from throughout history, dating as far back as Neolithic times, dotted along the path. Depending on the time of year, you may also spot Atlantic grey seals, puffins and dolphins during your hike. In spring, it is a riot of wild flowers, but each season brings its own charms.

The city of St David’s is named after the patron saint of Wales, who lived there in the 5th century. Despite its stunning cathedral, the city feels more like a small town with its quaint buildings, interesting shops and local market. It’s a convenient spot from which to depart on a wildlife boat trip, with the voyage across to Grassholm Island to see the gannet colony particularly popular.

Newport and Narberth are also market towns and the perfect size for wandering around on foot. If you’re looking for handmade souvenirs of your caravan stay in Pembrokeshire, then Narberth is the place to go searching for them. Many of the county’s best potters, sculptors, painters and jewellery makers are based in the town.

To really get away from the pressures of the modern world and feel like you’re stepping back in time, head to the Preseli Hills. This rugged countryside is awash with prehistoric remains, burial cairns going as far back as the bronze age and Iron Age hill forts. Follow in the footsteps of those coming from Ireland 5,000 years ago and take the Golden Road, which traces the spine of the hills for eight miles, taking in dramatic scenery.

With all that coastline, it’s not surprising that Pembrokeshire has world-class seafood to tempt your taste buds. Cafe Mor is the perfect set up for these coronavirus times, as it is a solar-powered-mobile-converted-fishing-boat-seaweed-kitchen overlooking the beach at Freshwater West. Whether you fancy lobster, crab or mackerel, there’s always something on the menu to hit the spot.

Tenby is the craft beer capital of Pembrokeshire, so as long as you don’t have to drive your caravan anywhere, it’s a great place to sample the local brews. Pick up some cans of Clean Break from Tenby Brewing Co if you like a refreshing Pilsner, while La Nossa Signora from Harbwr Brewery is the one for darker beer lovers. This milk chocolate orange stout is named after the first ship to bring oranges to Wales in 1566. She, of course, landed at Tenby.

 

Image credit: John-Mark Strange / Unsplash 

Caravan site launches team building days for colleagues WFH

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By Emma Dodd

A caravan site in Shropshire is launching a new socially distanced team building service to help employees working from home to tackle loneliness and isolation.

Love2Stay to help colleagues reconnect with each other in the wake of remote working due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 22-acre site on the outskirts of Shrewsbury is home to 122 touring pitches, as well as a purpose-built assault course, activity lake and business facilities.

There is plenty of space for social distancing to be observed and the team behind the corporate away days has implemented procedures to ensure visitors are safe in light of the COVID-19 threat.

Chris Skitt, park manager at Love2Stay said: “Employers have an important role to play in helping to develop the social confidence of their employees, especially given the challenging circumstances of the past six months.

“While meetings and conferences are slowly returning, we expect proximity-based team building will take longer. We’ve designed new approaches, and also modified existing ones to enable groups to participate in quality activities whilst observing social distance protocols.”

He added that the beautifully-designed resort with its outdoor activities represents the perfect place to reconnect with colleagues, have some fun and achieve meaningful outcomes.

It comes after Totaljobs found 46 per cent of the UK workforce have felt lonely during lockdown and 41 per cent have seen a negative impact on their sleeping habits.

A change of scenery, getting out into the countryside and completing tasks with colleagues could help staff to reboot ahead of autumn.

Love2Stay is a purpose-built site that opened to the public close to the border with Wales in 2017. Each extra-wide touring pitch is equipped with a fresh water supply, waste disposal point and a light.

Motorhome And Tow Car Pre-MOT Checks

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By William Coleman

There are a lot of sites staying open throughout the autumn and winter, and a lot more people are starting to leave the house for weekend trips and extended stays in their leisure vehicles. But is your motorhome or tow car ready for the road?

Many of us have had our motorhomes sidelined for a while now, but it’s time to dust them off and carry out a few safety checks. While you’re at it, you may as well have a look under the hood of your tow vehicles too.

The motoring experts at LeaseVan.co.uk have looked at the quick checks people can carry out at home to give their vehicle the best chance of getting through its MOT.

Among the advice is checking lights, mirrors and the windscreen to make sure they’re in good condition and in working order.

Other important checks include the tread on your tyres, oil and break fluid, and checking seats and seat belts for any damage.

They also suggest giving your vehicle a quick clean – a tester can refuse to carry out the MOT if it’s too dirty or cluttered.

A spokesperson for LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Your MOT takes place every year after your vehicle is three years old and is something you should never miss.

“Your vehicle can fail on a number of different issues, but there are some checks you can make pre-MOT to make sure it’ll pass on all the little things.

“It’s worth doing your own mini-inspection a couple of weeks before your MOT – this then gives you time to sort out any problems to give your vehicle the best chance of passing.”

Here are LeaseVan.co.uk’s tips on the things to check before you take your car for its MOT.
Check Mirrors
Make sure all your mirrors are in place and check they’re not cracked, impairing your view or exposing a damaged edge.
Warning Lights
If a warning light is showing on your dashboard before the MOT, get the problem sorted. If the tester turns on the ignition and a light shows you will fail your MOT.
Tyre Tread
Having the right tyre tread is essential for safety. You could face a fine and penalty points if tyres are below the required depth. 1.6mm is the legal minimum.
Lights working
Check all your lights are working to pass your MOT. If they’re not, replace the bulbs ahead of the test. Remember to check headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights, fog lights, indicators and brake lights.
Seats and seat belts
Check the driver’s seat can be adjusted and they’re all securely fitted. Check seat belts for damage and pull them to make sure they react properly.
Test the horn
The easiest check you can do – if your horn doesn’t work, get it fixed.
Check fluids
Make sure you check your oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid ahead of your MOT. Also make sure you have plenty of screen wash.

Windscreen

Check your windscreen for cracks. As long as a mark is not over 10 mm and not obstructing the driver’s view, or on the driver’s side, you should be fine. Elsewhere on the windscreen, the mark should be no larger than 40 mm.
Wipers
Wipers must be able to clear the windscreen of rain and should be free of damage or tears. It will work out cheaper to replace them ahead of your MOT.
Give it a clean
A clean car will make no difference to whether you pass your MOT – although if it’s full of clutter the tester can refuse to carry out the inspection. Do make sure number plates are clean and easy to read and lights are not dirty.

The Clubs Response To The New World

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By William Coleman

2020 has been an extremely strange and difficult year but we are slowly turning the tide and it seems as though we are getting back to normal, or should I say the “new normal”. We caught up with The Caravan and Motorhome Club this week to see how they have adapted to the challenges of social distance holidaying on site.

The events of the last six months have meant that we have all had to make changes to our day-to-day life, which have naturally transferred to our leisure time. With so many of us being locked down for so long all we want to do is get out there and have a real holiday. But it is here where we must also adapt to some new changes to stay safe and keep those around us healthy.

I spent a morning talking to Nick Lomas, Director General of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, about what changes the Club have made to ensure we all stay safe and sound as we start to tour in a very different world.

Ironically the last time I actually saw Nick was back in February at this very site going over plans to ensure the Club stayed safe with the pandemic that was looming. None of us foresaw the events that would unfold in the weeks and months to come.

Reopening In The New World

Back in July the Club reopened most of their sites, but there were a few changes due to what has been going on in the world. Before the Club could get vans back on site they had to ensure they took every measure to meet the pandemic fears as risks head on.

The Club spared no expense, and remained open as much as possible so they could work towards reopening, as well as keeping their members informed of any and all changes.

Although the site network was closed the work continues behind the scenes with most staff working remotely and others working on an opening plan to ensure any and all government guidelines were met in what was an ever changing situation.

Back in March before the global pandemic really started to unfold I mentioned that the caravan site and leisure vehicle may just be the perfect place to be to avoid COVID. Leisure vehicles are self contained living units and pitch spacing provides more than enough room to provide a socially distanced space.

Although sites were forced to close at the height of lockdown, they represent one of the safest ways to holiday now that the country is re-opening. Following strict cleaning schedules and social distancing rules only goes to underline this further.

Now that things seem to be returning to normal the touring world is facing another boom, which could eclipse the one we saw in 2017. The Club has seen huge spikes in new membership numbers with a large proportion of which being first time caravan and motorhomes users.

It is clear to see that we in the UK are still unsure about air travel so are flocking to the caravan world for our much needed holiday time. The Club had its biggest August for sign ups in ten years. It had so many new members that it even had to hold a week of festivities to welcome and guide newcomers into our world. You can read about it all here.

The Club’s Covid Secure Commitment

The Club have put together their very own Covid Secure Commitment that has been designed, alongside government guidelines, to ensure they are doing the best for their site staff and members when arriving and staying on site.

Despite the majority of UK sites having a large amount of open space and room to keep a safe and comfortable distance from strangers there are still a lot of measures the Club needed to consider before re opening. The main one being the communal areas where paths may cross.

When arriving on site you will see a few changes. Having experienced them first hand, I can confidently say that they are very clear, easy to follow and have very little impact on your holiday experience.

The changes apply to the following areas of your visit:

Arriving On Site– There is now very little face to face interaction with entry staff and almost every transaction is done via the phone, the number cis learly displayed at the site entrance just outside the office.

If you are unable to complete entry and payments via phone an alternative method will be available on site.

Pitching Up– A large majority of Club pitches are 6m apart so social distancing will never be an issue when setting up. As always site staff will advise you of your pitching options when you arrive.

Using The Toilet Blocks– I think we can all agree that the toilet block on any site is the one location where you come closest to your fellow site guest so as you can imagine there are a few changes here.

Other areas such as service points, laundry rooms, information rooms and waste disposal areas will be limited to use by one family group at any one time to meet social distancing requirements.

-Should the facility be occupied or in use, there will be the need to queue externally
-Observe floor markings which indicate the appropriate social distancing requirements
-The Club strongly encourage you to wear face coverings for your safety and the safety of others

Using Social Areas On Site– At this time all shops, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, playgrounds, games rooms and social areas will remain closed. Shops, restaurants and bars will operate in line with government guidelines.

-A telephone ‘order and collect’ service for essential items such as LPG, toilet chemical and awning pegs will be available from the site staff.

-On-site restaurants will offer a takeaway service.

-Mobile catering units will be available on some sites with a collection only facility, observing social distancing rules while queueing.

-Grocery shopping can be delivered to a designated area on site, following direction from the site staff.

Doing Your Bit On Site– As the saying goes, ‘we are all in this together’ and by respecting each other and the guidance provided by the government we can all stay safe and well.

-Where possible, use your own onboard facilities to help manage demand levels for the toilet blocks

-Wear face coverings when inside shops, reception areas or other enclosed spaces. We strongly encourage that you also do this in other campsite shared facilities.

-Please be considerate of other members’ needs to access shared facilities by minimising your dwell time.

-Keep to footpaths where possible and avoid shortcutting across pitches.

-Always follow the current government guidance on-site and in the local area.

-Respect social distancing.

-Follow the latest UK government advice on social gatherings, especially gatherings inside caravans/motorhomes/campervans or awnings and tents – Staying SAfe Outside Your Home

-Regularly wash your hands for 20 seconds.

So as you can see a lot of what is being asked is a mixture of what you already know and what I am sure you are already doing in your normal day to day life.

After speaking with Nick and actually spending time on site it is clear to see that the UK Club sites are an extremely safe place to be and are as clean and fun as usual. Aside from a handful of common sense rules and some great sign posting you should not really notice any real change to your holiday experience.

To watch the live interview I did with Nick Lomas Click Here

Unprecedented Demand For Caravans In Wales

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By Emma Dodd

Caravan dealers and site operators in Wales have seen a huge increase in demand since the easing of lockdown.

Wales has permitted holidays in self-contained accommodation since July 13th and in sites with shared facilities from two weeks later.

A combination of factors, including quarantine restrictions being placed on many popular tourism destinations in Europe, has seen more bookings and purchases than in previous years.

Speaking to the BBC, many dealers in Wales reported the uptick in caravan sales mainly coming from first-time buyers.

Shaun Ennis, of Ennis Caravans in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, said: “Sales have trebled in the short time we’ve been open since the end of June.

“We’ve made back the lost four months that we had, and the majority of that is from newcomers into the industry, which is lovely to see. It’s been terrific, but also hard work and quite stressful.”

He added that by this time in the season he would usually have around 100 unsold caravans, but currently has just 20 vehicles in stock.

Hywel Davies, who runs Llwynifan Farm South Wales Touring Park in Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, is experiencing a busier September than usual.

He is seeing a lot of people renting caravans and motorhomes to try them out with the view they might buy one in the future.

Lots of those who have pitched up for a staycation across the UK this summer had originally booked to travel abroad, but have been forced to change their plans in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

A survey carried out by the National Caravan Council found that caravan registrations in July were 20 per cent higher than they were a year ago in the UK.

Mr Davies summarised: “Staycations are certainly on the up from what I can see.”

Debate Rages On Over Motorhome Stays In Scarborough Car Park

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By Emma Dodd

Motorhome owners who regularly visit Scarborough have spoken out about signs that have been newly installed at one of the town’s car parks.

Scarborough Borough Council has put up the notices that remind people they must not stay overnight in a motorhome, caravan or campervan at the car park closest to the Sea Life Centre.

While the policy of no overnight camping has been in place for a long time, many suggest that it has always been overlooked and not caused any problems.

Leanne Booth, who often stays in her motorhome in the town, told The Scarborough News: “They have put new signs up preventing overnight parking in a spot that has been used for years by people who are causing no harm whatsoever and want to enjoy the local scenery and bring money into the local economy.”

She added that she was forced to park on Ocean Drive instead and spent most of the night awake worrying that speeding cars might crash into her vehicle.

Overnight sleeping is not permitted in car parks in many areas of the UK, but is now becoming a more pressing issue as demand for caravan holidays increases.

Many local authorities are requesting people not to travel to their areas unless they have a pitch booked, as sites have to keep to strict capacity levels with respect to the corona virus pandemic.

Some areas of the countryside have seen people who aren’t used to camping leaving rubbish behind and spoiling things for everyone.

The government has widened the scope for caravan sites to stay open later this year, as the season could not get started until lockdown measures had been eased.

Dream Destinations: Isle of Wight

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By Emma Dodd

When it comes to ultimate destinations for a great British staycation, they don’t get much better than the Isle of Wight. From the white stacks of The Needles soaring out of the sea to vintage beach huts lined up along the sand and dinosaur fossils buried just below the ground, there’s so much to discover.

Taking your caravan or motorhome across the Solent could not be simpler, as regular ferries make the 25-minute journey from the mainland year round. You can even grab yourself a deal through one of the caravanning clubs, whose members are often entitled to discounts.

Once on the Isle of Wight, there’s no less than 57 miles of coast to explore, with popular beach destinations including Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor. As well as the sandy beach, Shanklin boasts a picturesque Old Village, complete with quaint buildings and pretty parks. Soak up the peace and quiet at Rylstone Gardens with its pretty flower beds and occasional concerts in the bandstand.

The sheltered bay at Sandown is perfect for a late-in-the-season escape, with traditional attractions like its pier continuing to charm visitors. Younger members of your party will be tempted into the interactive Dinosaur Isle, the first purpose-built dinosaur museum in Britain. Meet Neovenator and Baryonyx who roamed the island more than 120 million years ago.

Back in the Victorian era, visitors came to Ventnor to take the air and you’ll still find yourself restored by the seaside climate today. Remnants of the past remain with the Victorian bathing machines having been converted into attractive beach huts that are available to hire. Do not miss out on the freshly-caught local crab and lobster from Ventnor Haven Fishery while you’re on this part of the island.

Ventnor is a good location from which to set out on walks that explore more of the coastline. Follow the Sea Wall to Wheelers Bay and Bonchurch. You can refuel at the Seapot at Wheelers Bay, where seafood is the order of the day, as you take in the view. When the tide recedes at Bonchurch Beach, there’s plenty of rockpools to explore, while the pretty little village up the hill is worth a look around.

It’s safe to say The Needles are an impressive sight, with their chalky white rock faces emerging out of the blue-grey sea and the candy striped lighthouse sitting close by. There are multiple ways to enjoy The Needles, from riding the chairlift from the cliffs down to Alum Bay to taking a pleasure boat around the sea stacks to view them from a different angle.

As well as an abundance of fruits of the sea, the Isle of Wight is known for its succulent tomatoes, black garlic and asparagus, so be sure to track down these local specialities during your stay. The island also has no shortage of beer producers, with Island, Goddard and Yates’ breweries making more than 40 different beers between them. Once the caravan is parked up for the night, try a pint of Wight Gold for a refreshing end to the day.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club hosts a week of advice for beginners

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By Emma Dodd

This week sees the Caravan and Motorhome Club focusing on all the people who have newly come to caravanning in light on the coronavirus pandemic.

It has launched the Big Little Club Welcome, which is running from August 31st to September 5th and is designed to offer advice and tips for beginners.

The idea is that anyone wishing to adapt to the touring lifestyle can tap into the already established community and ask any questions they might have.

One of the exercises promoted by the Caravan and Motorhome Club was asking its members to complete the following sentence: “When I first started touring, I wish someone had told me.”

Lots of people from the one million-strong community got involved, with the responses ranging from practical advice right through to heartwarming lessons learnt from experience.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing and membership at the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “The Caravan and Motorhome Club is a huge community of friendly and helpful people, from fellow members to campsite and head office staff.

“I know when I’ve been on a campsite and needed help, fellow members are always quick to roll up their sleeves and pitch in or offer tips and hints.”

He added that in answer to the question, he wishes he’d known what an amazing lifestyle touring is, as he would have started years earlier.

A selection of the other responses to the question: When I first started touring I wish someone had told me.

“How hard the ‘withdrawal’ would be during lockdown and how desperate we would be to have a weekend away as soon as the sites opened.”

“There’s a switch just inside the doors that needs to be on before any 12v light will work.”

“How much we would love it! And how helpful other caravanners are when you’ve bought your first awning off eBay with no instructions and everyone around you ends up helping to put it up.”

“To buy ratchet straps to put around the awning when it is down and folded so that it goes in the bag much easier!”

“How many wonderful memories we would make, and how happy we would be when we are in our caravan.”

Malvern Caravan Show gets the go ahead

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By Emma Dodd

Good news for caravan lovers, as one of the UK’s most highly anticipated annual shows has been given the go ahead in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown.

Malvern Caravan Show is set to take place from October 2nd to 4th and, despite similar events having been cancelled, it has been given the go ahead by organisers.

Caravanners, campervanners and motorhomers will descend on the Three Counties Showground in Malvern where dealers and accessory suppliers will show off their ranges.

There will be special offers that are only available at the show, as well as the chance to see new models coming to the market, plus the latest must-have gadgets to make staycations the best they can be.

Of course, visitors to the show can opt to stay in their caravan or motorhome in the beautiful surroundings of the Malvern Hills.

Others may be on the lookout to buy their own leisure vehicle, with in excess of 200 new and used models expected to be on display.

Day tickets to the show are priced at £5, but subscribers to various caravanning magazines are entitled to free entry or discounts.

Pitching up for the duration of the show costs £37 and visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of being surrounded by other caravan enthusiasts.

More than 4,000 people attended the show in 2019 and it will be interesting to see how the organisers manage the event in the wake of the pandemic.

Visitors will be advised on the social distancing rules in place and ways they can help to control the spread of coronavirus.

Have you been to the Malvern Caravan Show in previous years and will you be attending in 2020?

Caravan Park Plans For Lockdown Heros

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By William Coleman

A Padstow based holiday park has been given very high praise by a local MP following a decision to hand out free stays to the real heroes among us for their monumental effort during the pandemic that gripped the world during 2020.

It goes without saying that this year has been a very challenging year for all of us, but there are some out there who have really taken a stand to ensure that the rest of us stay safe and have access to what we need during the most testing period of many of our lifetimes.

North Cornwall MP Scott Mann has paid a visit to a Padstow holiday park where free stays are being offered to those who kept Britain going through the COVID-19 crisis.

Patrick Langmaid, owner of the family run Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, has announced that the park will be laying on free holiday stays for NHS staff as well as other key workers later on this year.

Local MP Mr Mann was at Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park to give his praise for the new free holiday initiative, which Patrick feels privileged to be able to offer a thank-you to those who’ve shown such dedication and incredible bravery.

Guests and their families will be identified among those most in need by Wadebridge Foodbank, the Family Holiday Association, and Penrose Care.

Mr Mann described the plan as “a fantastic initiative and a wonderful gesture” which is likely to see more than 150 stays provided in luxury holiday lodges and caravans on the park’s beautiful.

The holidays, said Mr Langmaid, will be available to key workers both in the health services and in the private sector, from NHS nurses to delivery drivers helping those in self-isolation:

“To be frank, the cost to our business pales into insignificance when seen alongside the risks and sacrifices made by the heroes of Britain’s lockdown months,” he said.

“We were delighted that Mr Mann was able to take time out to learn more about our plans, and to meet members of our staff who will be helping these guests enjoy their stay.

“Our team also deserves a big thank-you from us as they have done a magnificent job during some very challenging times in recent months.

“In the run-up to our re-opening in July, they helped put in place a raft of different physical distancing and other safety measures so that guests can enjoy peace of mind during their stay.

“Now the park is buzzing again, we can see how well everything is working – and our job now is to provide the relaxing holiday experiences which everyone needs and deserves,” said Patrick.

In order to provide the free holidays this year, the hire-fleet at Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park will remain open throughout November.

Its sister park, Martha’s Orchard in Constantine Bay, will also open its luxury lodges throughout December for hosting the lockdown heroes.

Owned by the Langmaid family for over 30 years, Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park business has a long tradition of supporting West Country charities and good causes.

Patrick Langmaid is also a campaigner for the Living Wage Foundation which has presented him with a special award for his tireless efforts to promote the benefits of fair pay in hospitality.