Archive for the ‘Caravan News’ Category

VAT Man & Robin

The Prime Minister and George Osborne finally unmasked themselves in the recent budget and although they may think they are the super heroes of Government, mimicking the cape crusaders of the sixties fighting the national debt, they cannot “kapaw” “kersplash” & splat their way through the small businesses of Britain whilst ignoring the super villains of TAX avoidance.

Too many large companies that turn over billions of pounds each year from the UK pay absolutely no VAT or TAX because they are operated from outside the country.

George Osborne has raised VAT on listed buildings, Church repairs, pasties, pies and caravans as these are easy soft targets that affect a small group of businesses, but in reality we all end up paying more.  It seems to me that they are chasing the pennies but ignoring the pounds when it comes to TAX.  There are many Items that are VAT exempt or zero rated, so if this dynamic duo wants to level the tax system then let’s have fair play for all.

The double dip recession that they said would not happen but were warned about has arrived; we all understand that the debt and deficit is too high and that we all must share the burden of paying it, so why isn’t everyone paying?  Newspapers, magazines, financial services and even Aeroplanes pay no VAT.  If you added all the VAT that was not collected by the multinationals that operate outside the UK and placed VAT on newspapers, financial services and many of the other exempt items the deficit would be reduced to nothing within a few years.

The top pair claimed power and stated they wanted it known that Britain was open for business and wanted to get Britain manufacturing again, so why choose the caravan industry, one of the few UK manufacturers to take the first blood on the VAT battle.  This industry has had it hard for the past few years as the recession in 2009 saw off many of the finance houses and as the disposable income of the public was reduced so were the caravan buying customers. It makes no sense, perhaps lunch with Dave Cameron would help - can anyone lend me £200k?

article by A.Dobson

Figures released in July by the Office of National Statistics revealed a huge drop in Britons travelling abroad – signalling a huge rise in ‘staycations’ as UK residents spent their holiday time closer to home – and caravan parks have reaped the benefits of this trend.

Caravan Holidays were up by us much as 40% across the UK while Caravan Sales have doubled in some parts of the country. Great value new models and quality value for money second-hand models have driven this rise. Sales of top of the range new caravans have reduced but anything costing under £15, 000 is being snapped up.

Luxury Caravans, Park of Brandedleys, Dumfries

Louise Wood of the National Caravan Council said: “Dealers are complaining that they don’t have enough second-hand caravans to sell.”

Some 30% of Brits are said to be considering a caravan holiday next year.

2009 was deemed the year of the ‘staycation’, when British holidaymakers opted to enjoy their summer break on home shores. And so it has proved, with new figures showing that 2009 witnessed the fastest drop in the number of Britons travelling abroad since the Seventies.

According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) records, 58.6 million foreign trips were taken by Britons last year – a huge drop on 2008, when 69 million of us headed overseas.

Nor was it just residents of the UK who decided to keep things local in 2009. A worldwide decline in travel was reflected in the number of visitors arriving in the UK – only 29.9 million last year, compared to 31.1 million in 2008.

The figures sit in sharp contrast to travel trends over the last two decades.

Until 2009, the number of Britons travelling abroad had risen by an average of 4 per cent year on year over the previous 25 years – while visits to Britain had grown by an average of 3.2 per cent over the same time.

The fall in British visitor numbers made for bad news for overseas businesses. In total, Britons spent £5.1 billion less abroad in 2009 than in 2008, as the Credit Crunch bit.

Surprisingly, the amount of money spent by foreign visitors to Britain rose slightly in 2009, from £16.3 billion to £16.6 billion – this perhaps a reflection of the fact that, although overall visitor numbers fell, the number of tourist visits to the UK rose by a small amount in 2009 – from 10.9 million in 2008 to 11.4 million in 2009.

The ONS statistics show that London was still the most popular destination for foreign visitors in 2009, followed by Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Mexico was the big victim of the tail-off in British travel, suffering a 41 per cent plunge in British visitors in 2009 – although the Swine Flu scare that originated in the Central American country in the April played as significant a role in this as the global financial situation.

At the other end of the scale, Egypt, Jamaica and Lithuania experienced a rise in the number of British visitors – while the figures for Spain and France stayed roughly constant with their 2008 counterparts.

All this is continued good news for the thriving British holiday market and caravan park operators are looking forward to another successful year in 2011.

For details on caravan for sale go to Caravans For Sale

For details on Luxury Lodges for sale go to Holiday Lodges For Sale

Blue Sky Resorts can be contacted on 0800 111 40 50.

NEWS RELEASE

October 7^th 2010

Nostell Priory upgrade completed

Nostell Priory Holiday Park, near Wakefield, has completed a £20,000 upgrade of its facilities.

John Conlon, General Manager of the five-star park which is owned and operated by Blue Sky Resorts, said the improvements included opening a new entertainment area, The Woodside Retreat, re-equipping the park’s snack bar and giving the reception area a makeover.

“With increasing numbers of people choosing to spend their holidays in the UK, it is very important to ensure that our facilities are maintained to the highest standards,” he explained.

“We have also installed what we call a cocoon on the field reserved for touring caravans and campers, so that those people who don’t have their own equipment can still enjoy the fun of camping.”

The holiday park, which was again shortlisted this year for a White Rose Tourism Award, has just achieved another David Bellamy Gold Award for its ecological approach to the management of the site.

A “priceless” 16th century archway has been damaged by a delivery van at Scone Palace in Perthshire.

The Camping & Caravanning Club Site at Scone Palace is within the grounds of the estate owned by the 8th Earl of Mansfield, William David Murray and has recently benefited from the development of 15 new plots for luxury caravan holiday homes after the initial development of 19 plots sold out within 12 months. Scone does not offer lodges for sale but you can find parks in Scotland that do here - Lodges for Sale Scotland >>>.

Scottish TV reported the accident which happened on Monday when contractors arrived to pick up a marquee being used at an event over the weekend. The vehicle drove into the iconic symbol at the approach to Augustinian Abbey, just a short distance away from the caravan park.

Specialist architects have been called in to examine the remains of the monument with plans to reconstruct the structure. Historic Scotland are also offering assistance.

Scone Palace chiefs said they are been left devastated by the accident.

Suzanne Urquhart, chief executive at Mansfield Estates said: “We were notified of the accident shortly before 1pm and took immediate steps to make the area around the archway safe.

“We are currently taking advice from Historic Scotland and have arranged for conservation architects to examine what remains of the archway as soon as is practical, with a view to undertaking a reconstruction project in the longer term.

“Clearly we are devastated that such a priceless monument and important piece of Scottish history has been destroyed in this manner, however we are thankful that neither the driver nor any member of the public was injured”.

Public access to the palace and grounds remains unaffected by the incident, and the caravan park has continued to operate as normal offering caravans for sale and touring and camping pitches for members and non members.

For details on the caravan holiday homes for sale please contact Paul Wane on 07855 475370

For caravans for sale Scotland >>>

For Luxury Lodges for Sale Scotland >>>

Springhouse Country Park, the four star luxury Northumberland Caravan Park near Hexham, has been nominated for the North East Tourism Awards hosted annually to celebrate the very best that tourism in the North East has to offer.

Springhouse was acquired by Blue Sky Resorts, a small, growing leisure organisation, in November 2008 and has since benefited from an extensive program of investment in the infrastructure and facilities on the park. Over the last two years the park has seen it’s owner base double and the introduction of a small rental fleet has seen an increase in visitors to the park that has really benefitted local businesses and tourist attractions.

Springhouse is amongst three Northumberland Caravan Parks to have been nominated for this prestigious award with the awards ceremony and gala dinner  due to be held at Ramside Hotel in Durham on October 12th.

Caravan / Holiday Park Nominees:
Ord House Country Park, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland
Springhouse Country Park, Slaley, Northumberland
Tocketts Mill Country Park, Guisborough, Tees Valley

The North East England Tourism Awards showcase the best that tourism has to offer each year in the North East. The wide range of categories reflect the quality, performance and innovation of the tourism sector in the region and gives businesses the chance to show how they stand out from the crowd. The caravan park category is always one of the most keenly contested and Springhouse has done remarkably well to reach the final three.

It’s an opportunity for the park, and all the other businesses who have been nominated, to achieve both regional and national recognition for the efforts they  have put in to tourism and sets a benchmark against which the rest of the North East England tourism industry can aspire.

The award winners form the regional heats of the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence and winners go on to take their place in the national finals to compete alongside the cream of UK tourism.

Springhouse is hoping to go at least one better than it’s sister park, Heathergate, which came away with a bronze award in the 2009 award in the category for the best Northumberland Caravan Park.

For more details please visit www.springhousecaravanpark.co.uk

Nostell Priory Holiday Park has reached the finals of the “Tourism Oscars” for the 5th time in 6 years.

Battle for Tourism Oscars

Nostell Priory Holiday Park

Following a record breaking number of entries to the White Rose Awards, Welcome to Yorkshire has today revealed which tourism businesses will battle it out for the most prestigious tourism awards in the UK.

The eagerly awaited list boasts 90 of Yorkshire’s best attractions, hotels, venues and individuals from the tourism industry. The list covers 16 categories (*categories and finalists listed at end), the winners from which will be announced at a glittering gala awards ceremony on the evening of 4^th October at the Yorkshire Event Centre based at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

Tickets for the White Rose Awards are being snapped up and the 90 finalists will be on the edge of their seats as the winners are announced in front of an estimated 1,000 guests.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:

“The quality of this year’s White Rose Awards entries is so incredibly high we had no choice but to increase the number of those shortlisted. This clearly demonstrates that the Yorkshire tourism industry has really stepped up its game in terms of quality and presence, both of which are vital if we are to achieve our aims to be the UK’s best.”

The award categories range from Best Visitor Experience of the Year and the Access for All Tourism Award to the Sustainable Tourism Award and Business Tourism Award. Nostell Priory is nominated for the Caravan Holiday Park and Holiday Village Award. There is also a new category, Visitor Information Award, announced for 2010.

Previous winners have included: The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, Helmsley; Swinton Park, Masham; The Railway Children produced by York Theatre Royal and performed at The National Railway Museum; Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield; Residence 6, Leeds; The Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Goole, and Green’s Restaurant, Whitby.

Judging is undertaken by a panel of independent judges and as in previous years this has been no easy task. Independent Chair of Judges, Barbara Woroncow OBE, complimented the standard of 2010’s finalists:

“It is never easy to create a shortlist when the overall quality of submissions is of such an excellent standard. What is certain is that the finalist list really does represent some of our very best tourism attractions across the county, accommodation and experiences, from glamping to castles and mazes.”

All winners from the national categories are automatically entered into the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010.

People interested in attending the White Rose Awards should visit www.whiteroseawards.com, email info@whiteroseawards.com or call 0113 3223564.

For more information on Nostell Priory Holiday Park visit www.nostellprioryholidaypark.co.uk.

Come and see us at Southport Flower Show

Blue Sky Resorts will be promoting holiday home ownership across 22 parks throughout the UK at the Southport Flower Show, commencing on Thursday August 19th. The annual flower show - the UK’s largest independent flower show – is expected to attract around 80,000 visitors.

The four day event features the very best in horticulture and garden design as well as gourmet foods and entertainment. Visitors will be surrounded by over a million blooms and the stunning Grand Floral Marquee will be packed with spectacular displays from some of the country’s top independent growers.

As well as some inspirational show gardens with unique features, exquisite furniture and plants, the Willerby Vogue Connoisseur presented by Blue Sky will leave visitors buzzing with ideas on how to transform their leisure time.

Blue Sky Resorts, Southport Flower Show

Director of Blue Sky, Jason Caine said in the build up to the show: “Caravan Holiday Homes and Lodges are becoming ever more popular as more and more people return to holidaying within the United Kingdom and Southport offers the ideal opportunity to showcase one of the best caravan holiday homes available to a new audience. Many people don’t realise just how luxurious and comfortable modern caravan and lodge holiday homes can be. I’d urge them to come and be surprised at Southport Flower Show.

We’re enjoying an exceptional year and of all our locations where we have caravans for sale, Scotland has been the most popular. Holiday home ownership has also been popular in Yorkshire and Northumberland.”

Blue Sky Resort is on Stand G36 at Southport Flower Show.

• 2010 Southport Flower Show opening times :

Thursday 19th August – 9am to 6pm

Friday 20th August – 10am to 7pm

Saturday 21st August – 10am to 7pm

Sunday 22nd August – 10am to 5pm

• Advance tickets are £16, on the gate £21. Under 16s are free. Late entry ticket available. For more information or to book tickets please call 01704 547147 or visit www.southportflowershow.co.uk

• Group discounts/incentives are available.

• Victoria Park has wide walkways and a level surface providing access to all parts of the showground. With a great deal of the show under cover it is designed to be enjoyed whatever the weather.

• Southport Flower Show is a registered charity is main fundraising event is the annual show.

Middlesbrough Council has extended the special holiday scheme for carers which it provides in association with Blue Sky Resorts, the Wakefield-based leisure company. 

The scheme involves the council renting a specially-constructed static caravan, designed for use by people with a disability, which has been installed at Blue Sky’s Spring Willows Leisure Park at Staxton, between Scarborough and Filey.

The council initially agreed last year to rent the two-bedroom caravan for a period of 75 weeks over five years.  But the response to the scheme has been so positive, it has now extended the rental period from 15 weeks a year to 26. 

The fully-accessible caravan is equipped with a ramp for wheelchair access as well as other facilities, such as extra wide doorways, lower worktops and handrails. 

Spring Willows’ General Manager, Ian Clark, said: “Purpose-built caravans like this are fairly rare, so we are delighted that Middlesbrough Council’s scheme has proved to be so popular. It is a terrific opportunity to provide an accessible caravan holiday in a beautiful part of the country for people with or without a disability.”

[spokesperson] from Middlesbrough Council Department of Social Care, added: “The provision of respite breaks has been shown to be one of the highest priorities for carers.  This is why Middlesbrough Council Department of Social Care has purchased carers’ breaks at two venues, including Spring Willows. The caravan at Spring Willows is ideal as it is fully accessible, which is essential for some carers. The breaks have proved to be very popular and feedback we have received from carers who have stayed at Spring Willows has been very positive.”

This luxurious family holiday park is a magnificent suntrap, nestling into the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds on the outskirts of Scarborough. A first class family park centred on a beautiful natural spring and set amongst landscaped gardens. Located amidst the spectacular North Yorkshire Moors, Wolds, Farmlands and the seaside towns of Scarborough, Filey & Bridlington, Spring Willows Caravan Park offers:

• Free Modern Indoor Heated Pool
• Live entertainment in the function room
• Bar & Beer Garden
• Restaurant
• General Store
• Arcade
• Pool table
• 2 Children’s Play areas
• Launderette
• Dog walking area

Call our friendly team to arrange your Park Visit and find our more about your perfect holiday home retreat in Scarborough:
Freephone: 0800 111 40 50
Email: enquiries@bluesky-resorts.co.uk

Springhouse Country Park, near Hexham, Northumberland, has become one of only a handful of British holiday parks to receive a David Bellamy Conservation Award of Special Distinction.

The 35-acre park, owned by Blue Sky Resorts, has been awarded the accolade for the way it introduces children to wildlife.  The new award follows the park’s achievement in gaining a David Bellamy Gold Award last autumn.

In a letter to Andrew Blackie, the Springhouse General Manager, David Bellamy praised the holiday park for its “kids club and the work you do to introduce children to wildlife and the local countryside.”

He said: “The award recognises that your environmental work is truly innovative and something of which you can be rightly proud.”

Mr Blackie commented:  “This extra award was a complete surprise to us and is a great start to the new holiday season.  Our countryside has an abundance of wildlife and we want all our visitors – especially the children – to enjoy it as fully as possible.”

Since acquiring Springhouse in 2008,   Blue Sky Resorts has spent some £275,000 upgrading the facilities and improving the landscaping.  

The park has 79 fully-serviced pitches for static caravans and 20 for touring caravans, as well as facilities for tents.

Luxury Holiday Homes at Springhouse Country Park

Springhouse Country Park is a beautiful countryside retreat nestling in a peaceful and picturesque forest boasting a magnificent depth of wildlife and a variety of breathtaking scenic walks. Springhouse is the perfect place for you to relax and to experience holiday home ownership.

Imagine leaving work on a Friday evening, collecting the family, and arriving at your luxury holiday home before the sun goes down. Then relax, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the squirrels play in amongst the trees, and unwind from the stresses of the working week. In the summer months you could even base yourself in the caravan, commuting to work, content in the knowledge that your family is enjoying a luxury lifestyle in a safe and healthy environment.

Call our friendly team for more information and arrange your VIP Park Tour today…
Tel: 0800 111 40 50
Email: enquiries@bluesky-resorts.co.uk

SpringHouse Country Park, Slaley, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 0AW

Blue Sky Resorts, the Wakefield-based leisure company, has completed a £75,000 upgrade of Spring Willows Leisure Park, at Staxton, near Scarborough, which it acquired in 2009.

Ian Clark, General Manager at Spring Willows, said the upgrade included the construction of five new bases for holiday homes and the installation of improved site infrastructure, such as power points for touring caravans and better lighting.

The new bases, which have been constructed using environment-friendly materials with zero ph values, bring the number of fully-serviced stands for static caravans/ holiday homes on the 40-acre park to 61.  There are also facilities for 64 touring vans, as well as another 20 unserviced pitches for casual users.

Mr Clark commented: “The upgrade is the first stage in our development programme aimed at bringing the park up to the same five-star standard as Blue Sky Resorts’ other sites, and to make it more ecologically-friendly.  Our aim is for Spring Willows to win a David Bellamy Gold Award.”

Spring Willows boasts a range of comfortable luxury holiday homes for you to choose from. There’s no compromise on quality, each model is beautifully fitted and furnished and provides all the space you need to enjoy weekends, holidays, or longer stays. The park is open for 11 months of the year, so you can choose as much time in your home as you want too. 

Call our friendly team now to arrange your very own VIP Park Tour…
FREEPHONE: 0800 111 40 50
EMAIL: enquiries@bluesky-resorts.co.uk