The British Holiday & Home Parks Association has today (23.03.2020) contacted its members who own and manage some 2,900 holiday and touring parks across the UK. It has strongly advised them that they should, with immediate effect, close their parks to all holiday visitors. This includes all touring guests (those with touring caravans, motorhomes and tents), all those who rent self-catering holiday accommodation (glamping, holiday caravans and lodges), and all the owners of holiday caravans located on the park who are able to leave. “Whilst we acknowledge that a complete closure of all holiday parks would be desirable, doing so would – in some instances – result in actions contrary to the advice of Government. “Where the owners of holiday caravans have self-isolated and are presently in situ on the holiday park, requiring them to return home, often a considerable distance away, would necessitate journeys of the type we are all being asked to avoid in order to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus, and may send them back to the very risk they have isolated from. “BH&HPA is currently in discussion with Government on this matter, and we are suggesting that the best interests of holiday caravan owners, as well as the general public, will only be served by a sensitive approach to customers’ individual needs. “With this taken into account, BH&HPA would wholeheartedly support a Government directive for all holiday parks across the industry, and urges Ministers to issue such instructions as soon as possible.”

With 51 residential parks and 2 holiday parks in 21 counties around the UK, Berkeleyparks is a very well established and respected name in the park home world. I n fact, they’ve been in the business since 1955, so have been part of the process of establishing park home living as the great way of life it is today. MORE PARKS, MORE CHOICE! Their range of parks offers great choice of location, which gives you the perfect scope to pick a park which fits with your interests and hobbies. Their size enables them to offer something for all budgets too, and a great range of homes to choose from. Put simply, whatever you’re looking for, Berkeleyparks is a great first port of call as there’s bound to be a match for your requirements. THE BIG PARK GROUP WITH THE PERSONAL TOUCH They offer more than that though, as we found out when we spend some time touring many of their parks. They are quite remarkable in that despite their scale, as a family-run business they have managed to retain a friendly touch, with wardens or park managers on every site to ensure that there’s someone at hand for queries and that the park environments are kept in tip-top condition. STAND-OUT PARKS There are many stand-out parks in the Berkeleypark portfolio and we can vouch for many of them having visited. New Park in Devon and Cauldron Barn Farm Park in Swanage, Dorset are both particularly pretty parks we quite fancy a move to ourselves here at Park Lifestyle! We should also flag up another park a little off the beaten track in Mid Wales but with great transport connections, so you get the best of both worlds in terms of peace and quiet without being isolated. To the south Caerwnon Park enjoys panoramic views of the Wye Valley and it’s bordered i n the north by the Cambrian Mountains – stunning! INTO THE FUTURE WITH MORE NEW PARKS At the time of going to press Berkeleyparks had just purchased Glenholt Park in Plymouth, Devon, set in majestic woodland and with views of the Plym Valley Countryside. A peaceful park, amenities are close at hand, Plymouth city centre is just a few miles away and Dartmoor National park is nearby for easy walking opportunities. LEISURE LODGES Berkeleyparks also have a brand new holiday lodge development, Kingfisher Park in Essex, near to another of their parks Halcyon Park. Due to launch officially in early May 2020 as a very peaceful retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, it has views of the river Crouch and prices start from £150,000 and ground rent at £3,500. Three lodges will be on sited and ready to view as showhomes; the Bella Vista, Holliwell and Classic. In such a prime location we expect this to be very popular indeed! GET IN TOUCH Berkeleyparks T: 01935 862079 E: sales@berkeleyparks.co.uk W: www.berkeleyparks.co.uk Why not hop online and explore their website now?

I f you’ve come to the point in your life when you feel where you need to make a change to enjoy a better quality of lifestyle, then a move to a residential park home could be the perfect solution. It’s a common conundrum for many approaching retirement to find themselves asset rich but cash poor, but there really is no need once you put a possible move into a park home into the equation. It can also release a bit of equity to help you enjoy doing all the things you’ve always wanted to enjoy. PROPERTY EXCHANGE SCHEME John Romans Park Homes have five developments in Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset, with homes ready for occupation and available on a part exchange basis subject to availability, The part-exchange option provides a quick, no hassle sale at a market value to you, and if there’s a surplus between the property you sell and the home you buy, you bank the balance. HILLBURY PARK, HAMPSHIRE A quiet friendly park on the edge of Alderholt Village, Hillbury Park is within an easy walk to the village shops, doctors surgery and pub. You will find plenty of woodland walks as this park puts you right in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. Salisbury is approximately 6 miles north, Ringwood approximately 3 miles south, and Bournemouth and the beautiful Dorset coast a further 8 miles. WAREHAM COUNTRY PARK, DORSET Currently known as The Lookout, Wareham Country Park is being newly developed for autumn 2020 and it’s only a mile from Wareham itself. There you’ll find local amenities and variety of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, although there’s also a shop on site and bus service on the doorstep if you need it. Wareham railway station also has a direct route to London. As Wareham is on the river there’s always lots to enjoy at the town’s quay. Corfe Castle is three miles away, and you’re on the Jurassic Coastline here, with Swanage, the Bovington Tank Museum, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove easy days out. With a shop on site and a bus service on the doorstep to help you explore the Purbecks. ORCHARD PARK, SOMERSET With Yeovil and Sherborne Close by, Orchard Park is another brilliantly situated park in the portfolio, on the Southern boundary of Somerset and in easy reach of some great days out in the South West. NEW HARDY COUNTRY PARK, DORSET Hardy Country Park named after the famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy is located within the rolling Dorset hillside. This is the perfect destination for those looking to discover some beautiful scenery. Royal Poundbury in Dorchester is just 2 miles away and offers a Waitrose supermarket, restaurants, coffee shop, doctors, and dentist. Dorset County Hospital is located in Dorchester and only a 10 minute drive from the park, and Dorchester has a direct rail line through to London. NEW WIMBOURNE COUNTRY PARK, DORSET Wimborne Country Park is a new small development of residential park homes launching in summer 2020 close to the famous town of Wimborne Minster. There is a family run farm shop close to the park, and nearby Minster offers an enticing blend of charming independent boutiques, specialist shops and high street stores. GET IN TOUCH John Romans Park Homes works in association with Right Choice Park Homes – Independent Park Home Advisors T: 01202 770736 or 07957 398403

Q. CAN I LIVE IN A PARK HOME? Yes, and there are two key elements you need to look for if you’re planning to do that. First the park must have a residential licence as without it the homes will not have the protection of the Mobile Homes Act. If it doesn’t have residential planning permission it is likely to be a holiday site meaning you must have a different permanent residential address. Make sure you check the park’s site licence before you buy. Q. WON’T I BE COLD IN WINTER? This takes us to the second element you need to look for - that the home or lodge is built to residential build standard BS 3632 as this is designed to be suitable for all-year round occupation. Build standards are now higher than ever for park homes now ensuring longevity, high insulation values, great solidity underfoot – everything is designed to make the home comfortable and healthy to live in – from the amount of light and airflow down to safety and accessibility. Q. SO CAN I LIVE IN A LODGE ON A RESIDENTIAL LODGE PARK? If it is built to residential standard BS:3632 and the park’s licence is for residential use, yes! Q. SO IT’S ABOUT THE PARK LICENCE AND BUILD STANDARD, NOT THE LOOK OF THE HOME? Yes. That’s the best way to avoid confusion. There are residential lodge parks, and there are holiday parks which have homes on them which are built with a bit of a residential look on the outside and may be open 12 months of the year, but they’re still holiday homes if the licence is for leisure use! Q. CAN I RENT OUT MY RESIDENTIAL PARK HOME? No. The park licence will generally not permit sub-letting. Q. DO I NEED A SURVEY? If you’re buying an older home it’s advisable to get a full survey from an industry expert such as Subject II Survey. Q. WILL I BE FREE TO DO WHAT I WANT IN MY HOME? Yes and no. In fact buying a residential park home can be very liberating as they are easy to maintain and economical to run. You will have a Written Agreement and there will be a set of Park Rules and guidelines outlining what you can and can’t do. For example, if pets are permitted or can be replaced, if you need permission to make changes to your plot or park home, who can stay with you and how long for, and age restrictions. There are a lot of positive elements in these agreements designed to avoid problems later on, and they help the park owner keep the park in a good condition for all. Q. WILL I BE CHARGED COUNCIL TAX? Yes. Usually they fall into the lowest band (A) but you should always check before you buy. Q. CAN I GET A MORTGAGE ON A PARK HOME? Because of the unique legal tenure of park homes and that you won’t be buying an interest in the land on which the park home is situated, most high street mortgage lenders would not provide you finance for a park home. However, other finance options are available, and don’t forget the part-exchange option. Many find this stress-free way to move, ensuring you don’t have to wait, can enjoy price certainty at both ends and you don’t necessarily even have to move in one day if you’re worried that it will be too tiring that way. Q. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? The home, all fixtures, fittings, siting and connection to services. Today’s park homes come fully furnished and with well-equipped kitchens and curtains and blinds already up – no need to spend the first day wrestling with step-ladders and curtain rails – you can just walk in and start filling the cupboards, it’s so easy! Q. WHAT CAN I ADD? If you’re buying a home already sited you’ll be able to see what’s included when you visit it. For a home you might be buying ‘off plan’ for a plot it’s worth a check on which white goods are included in case you want to add anything, and can choose from several options and additional extras. For instance you could add a wine chiller, ambient lighting, an upgrade on your oven/ hob, or perhaps you’d like something special such as a log burner in the living area or in-built Smart technology so you can control your environment by the press of a button or voice control – it’s all possible, and very exciting! Forget the vision of dated park homes from the early years – they are some of the most cutting-edge and exciting homes available in the UK nowadays! Q. WHAT’S A PITCH FEE AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? To occupy a home on a park, you will be be charged a regular pitch fee, usually monthly or annually. This covers the park’s running costs, including items such as sewerage, water, maintenance of communal areas etc. Make sure you know what these charges are and when and how they can be increased. Q. WILL I BE CHARGED MORE FOR MAINS GAS OR ELECTRICITY IN A PARK HOME? No. The energy regulator, Ofgen, issued a direction under the Utilities Act 2000 to ensure that gas or electricity can only be resold at the same price as that paid for by the person reselling it. Q. IS BUYING AND SELL- ING SECOND HAND A BIT OF A MINEFIELD? If you have acquired your park home after May 2013, you can sell your home on the open market without having the new home buyer approved by the park site operator. If you are buying a used park home you will take over the existing Written Statement from the outgoing occupier, and it will need to be formally transferred to you. The seller will also need to complete a Buyer’s Information Form, Notice of Proposed Sale, Assignment Form and Notice of Assignment Form. Q. CAN I LEAVE MY PARK HOME TO SOMEONE ELSE? Your park home is a valuable asset. Although you do not own the land on which your home is situated, you still have the right to bequeath it. However, the law treats a park home as a chattel, in the same way as a car or boat, so the wording of your will is important. Q. WHAT IF I WANT TO SELL? There is an Implied Term under the Mobile Homes Act (1983) that the park site owner is entitled to receive a commission on the sale of a park home at a rate not exceeding 10% of the sale price. The buyer must retain 10% of the purchase price to pay the park site owner. The situation is changing in Wales only though. If you are worried about any aspect of the buying or selling process it is advisable to engage a specialist solicitor who will make it all easy and ensure your rights are protected.

At Homelands Park near Bridgnorth in Shropshire, you can enjoy all the benefits of a peaceful location. The ground works and infrastructure on the park have been completed beautifully, and with views out to the hills and mature, green surroundings, this is a well-established park with a good reputation and instant appeal. The River Severn and railway in the village of Highley is only 4 miles away. Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Bewdley and Cleobury Mortimer are all within easy reach and of course Shropshire has some lovely countryside including the Clee Hills and Wyre Forest. Fishing and golf courses are in abundance and also tourist attractions such as Ironbridge and the West Midlands Safari Park are nearby MULTIPLE PLUS POINTS! ●Allotment gardens available ● Walks on the doorstep ● Plenty to enjoy locally ● Mature, quiet park ● Owners/family members live on site ● Choice of homes and plots to enjoy them from ● Show homes on site ready to view Find out More: 01746 718145 , 0798 0828311 homelandschorley@yahoo.com www.homelandschorley.co.uk Homelands Park, Chorley, Bridgnorth. Shropshire, WV16 6PP

When it comes to looking for your ideal decking solution, t he look can make a huge difference and finish your lodge or park home project off perfectly, but there are other factors to take into consideration too from safety underfoot, durability, maintenance, warranty and, of course, budget. DDecks was set up by two enthusiastic friends who between them have worked within the timber and green roof sector for several years. They set out to create decking solutions with the look of natural timber but with enhanced durability, safety and ease of maintenance. Furthermore, their point of difference is doing that in a way which is easily accessible to the buyer, so they also offer a choice on how that decking solution is delivered, as you’ll discover if you get in touch with them for a quote! With a mixture of 95% natural fibres and recycled plastics from FSC-certified forests they are leading the Eco trend. Their products have the look and feel of natural timber yet are enhanced by their composite manufacturing process and come with peace of mind of a 10 year warranty. DDECKS COMPOSITE PRODUCTS Their composite products are a combination of hardwood and recycled plastics, making them the perfect choice for any decking project. Engineered to the highest of standards using the latest technology, these products give a long lasting, attractive finish, which retain their beauty for decades. LEADING BY DESIGN Paul Scott, DDecks’ Managing Director, commented: “Composite decking has seen a surge of popularity over the last few decades, in particular in the leisure sector. When people used to think of decking on a holiday home, they would automatically think of a UPVC deck board. Composite is now a trend, and in communities, trends seem to follow. If your lodge neighbour has a composite deck, you may well think ‘‘I like that, that’s what I want!!”. Our products are low maintenance, easy to install, reassuringly durable, available in a variety of colours, stable in all weather conditions and slip-resistant making us the perfect choice for lodge and park home projects. In addition the cost-effective and aesthetically stylish composite decking always leaves a lasting impression for any owner or onlooker.” GET IN TOUCH DDECKS T: 0121 517 0172 E: info@ddecks.co.uk W www.ddecks.co.uk For details regarding DDecks’ approved installers, call them today!

A kind-hearted fundraising initiative by static caravan, lodge and park home insurance specialists Leisuredays and Caravan Guard, has raised more than £110,000 for Heart Research UK. Ten years ago, Caravan Guard and Leisuredays launched their Paperless Policies initiative, which sees them donate £1 to the charity each time a new holiday caravan, park home or motorhome insurance customer opts for their policy documents to be emailed rather than posted out. Throughout 2019, the Paperless Policies campaign and other fundraising efforts raised a hearty £17,645, pushing the total gifted in the last decade to an incredible £110,887! The caring staff at Caravan Guard and Leisuredays don’t just promote the paperless policies, they also go extra miles for the charity by taking on challenges such as the Great North Run half marathon and running healthy heart events. A “love yourself” event saw the charity deliver health and lifestyle checks and staff were encouraged to make 2020 the year to care completely about their health, as well as others. Many are already sharing healthy recipe ideas and signing up for a range of challenges, as well as inspiring each other to lead healthy lifestyles. Associate Director Laura Wilby presented Heart Research UK with a cheque for £17,645 during the Halifax-based company’s healthy heart day. “We’re delighted to have raised so much money for such a great cause in 2019 and absolutely thrilled to have smashed through the £100,000 mark in the last decade,” said Laura. “A big thank you to our customers too, who have chosen to go paperless so we can pass on all this money to help with the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” Leisuredays and Caravan Guard care passionately about many local and national charities to help them make a difference to the lives of others. Two runners also raised £2,283 for Heart Research UK last year after finishing the 2019 Great North Run half marathon in record times, and the company’s Great Yorkshire Bike Ride team added more donations into the fundraising pot. The money raised in 2019 could potentially help pay for scientists to develop a new blood test to identify high-risk patients after treatment for a heart attack or contribute towards new MRI techniques to examine heart muscle structure. Heart Research UK CEO, Kate Bratt-Farrar, said: “Over the last 10 years, we have been blown away time and again with the generosity of the Caravan Guard customers and staff. ​ To have raised over £110,000 is a truly remarkable achievement, and we can’t thank them enough." “The money that Caravan Guard and Leisuredays have raised will be used to benefit patients as soon as possible, funding life-saving research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” Leisuredays’ contact centre staff will continue to encourage more customers to receive paperless insurance policies so they can help even more hearts in the next decade! Visit www.leisuredays.co.uk or call 01422 396 811 to buy your paperless static caravan, lodge or park home insurance policy.

If your home is second-hand, or ‘pre-loved’ as they are also referred to now, you may want to update it from time to time to make practical changes or simply to treat yourself to a new kitchen, bathroom, or refresh of a room. You may need new wardrobes fitted, change the way units are configured or perhaps even add air conditioning if you feel you need it in the warmer months. You may even be looking at buying a second-hand park home and need a quote to give it a thorough update throughout to make it look like new. SPECIALIST HELP But where do you go to for help with that? PCB Improvements are well respected in the mobile home refurbishment world, and will be well placed to quote you wherever you are in the UK and whatever the size of the job, rather than going to someone inexperienced in park homes and their little quirks. The fact that they’re specialists doesn’t mean that they charge more though, and they will be able to give you an even lower quote if you give them plenty of notice so they can fit you in while working in your area. WELL RESPECTED A family business led by Peter Bale and based in Northamptonshire, PCB Improvements have served the industry for over 25 years building up a great reputation for the quality of workmanship – so much so that they are even recommended by other refurbishment companies focusing on external work for their internal re-fits, local authorities and insurers too. HAPPY CUSTOMERS As qualified electricians and carpenters, they have the specialist expertise and knowledge to ensure a good result for their customers and that is as important to them as it is to the customer, as Peter explains; “When working on a home we’ll often end up quoting for the occupant’s friends and neighbours and that’s gives us a lot of job satisfaction. It’s a great feeling to work on a job which completely transforms the feel of a home, and then for others to want something similar.” He adds “We see a lot of work done badly and are occasionally called in to correct it, and that’s usually down to trying to cut corners or not understanding the construction of park homes, so it does pay to choose wisely to start with. It also pays not to let your home get too dated as it can lose value – if you ever need to sell it, an appealing kitchen and bathroom are key elements buyers will look for. Quite often it’s less costly than owners think to upgrade, yet it can add immediate value so there’s nothing lost. The way I see it is that you might as well be enjoying the benefit!” PCB IMPROVEMENTS’ SERVICES  Internal refurbishment  External refurbishment & roof repairs  Replacement UPVC windows and doors  Repairs and redecoration  Porches and extensions To find out more and request a FREE no-obligation quote call PCB on 01536 710 259, email pcb.improvements@gmail or visit www.pcbimprovements.com

Long Carrant Views is a little gem nestling in the beautiful Cotswold countryside beneath Bredon hill. Set in 14 acres of gorgeous parkland, this wonderful, family-run residential park for the over 50s was established in 1988. Nearby Long Carrant Views is ideally situated in the North Cotswolds in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Nestled beneath Bredon Hill and within walking distance of the village of Ashton under Hill with its cricket club, church, various social activities, and very welcoming local pub, the Star Inn, where you can enjoy a drink and excellent locally sourced food. Just a short drive away you will find the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway. The spa town of Cheltenham with an array of shops and award-winning restaurants is just 10 miles away as is the historic town of Tewksbury. In addition, theatre goers will be delighted to be in such close proximity to Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare’s country. With good links to the motorway, Bristol and Birmingham airports less than an hour away, and a good choice of hospitals and local GP surgeries, Long Carrant Views is as practical as it is beautiful. A beautiful spot The owners, who live on site, immaculately maintain the park and pride themselves on providing a beautiful spot that will stand the test of time, a place where residents can enjoy their retirement years. This is wildlife lovers’, heaven with regular visits from otters, badgers, deer and the resident kingfisher and family of Canadian geese. The park is pet friendly and all homes are finished to a high standard both inside and out; we just love the fact that the plots are finished with Cotswold stone and landscaped gardens. With its warm and friendly community, Long Carrant Views offers the chance to retire to one of the most beautiful parks in the UK, with stunning panoramic views. Availability Long Carrant Views deal with all park home manufacturers and offer plot sizes from 40’ x 20’ to 50’ x 22’ meaning that you can select your perfect home without restriction. Their current showhome is a Tingdene Barnwell keenly priced at the last of the showhomes in their existing phase at a one-off special figure of £180,000 and new plots are due to be released shortly, so now's the perfect time to take a look at this stunning park to choose your ultimate plot or take advantage of that exceptional price. Part exchange is available, so you could be enjoying 2020 in the Cotswolds before you know it! For more information: Website - www.longcarrantviews.co.uk Email - longcarrantsales@outlook.com Telephone - 07828 556563 / 07881 274297