Gold For Kelling Heath In Tourism Oscars Ceromony
Kelling Heath is celebrating after being named best in the UK at a prestigious awards ceremony attended by Prince Andrew and Tourism Minister Kim Howells at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.
Kelling Heath received a gold award in the UK Holiday Park of the Year category in the Excellence in England Awards for Tourism 2002, organised by the English Tourism Council.
Kelling Heath originally entered the competition category through the East of England Tourist Board and after careful consideration was nominated to go forward to the national finals.For the national competition a panel of seven judges including; David Stanbridge, head of quality at the ETC; Patricia Yates of Holiday WHICH? and well known broadcaster Sue Lawley put Kelling Heath under the microscope and awarded it top marks.
The judges were looking for evidence of a commitment to excellence in accommodation, services and customer care, comprehensive staff training programme, provision of facilities for disabled visitors and a structured environmental plan.
"This is wonderful news for everyone connected with Kelling Heath," said sales and marketing director, Michael Timewell. "We have worked hard on improving our facilities for all our customers and it is nice to have this recognised.
"We have invested more than £2m at Kelling Heath over the past two years - including a new health and fitness club; a continual programme of replacing holiday homes, plus substantial extensions to the amenity buildings for the benefit of our touring customers.
"We have also worked closely with other bodies to create an easy access trail giving less able-bodied people the opportunity to experience the heathland habitat and wonderful views across the Weybourne coastline. In addition there are extensive disabled facilities within the amenity buildings and health and fitness club."
Kelling Heath has been an Investor in People since 1997, meaning there are procedures in place for the development of all members of staff – both full and part time. The company believes that by involving staff in the business and planning cycle they develop a strong sense of ownership.
Kelling Heath has also invested heavily in the sound and sustainable management of this 250 acre countryside estate. This includes:
- use of low energy light bulbs
- avoidance of light pollution at night
- being a member of the national red squirrel breeding programme
- entering into a woodland grant scheme with the Forestry Commission
- being part of the countryside stewardship scheme's ten year plan
- bottle and can recycling facilities
- light sensors in amenity blocks
- extensive document on environmental plans
- programme of special events based around the environment
- selection of leaflets to guide people around various aspects of the park
- active heathland reclamation
- rules covering pitch design and management
- and creation of lowland pond
"While it is nice to have our achievements recognised, we certainly will not be resting on our laurels," said Michael Timewell. "We will continue to invest heavily in both money and time to improve the facilities for our visitors and also to benefit the environment."
