Partingtons Company Brochure

The Partington’s Holiday Parks StoryLet our family welcome your family www.partingtons.com

Page 2 to rememberHolidays

Page 3Introduction“We are pleased to be able to produceanother history of Partington’s HolidayParks as seen through the eyes of thethird generation...” If you enjoy the hustle and The company was fortunate to bustle of Britain’s premier have a firm financial grounding seaside resort or strolling in our from the outset and this has wonderful countryside then a enabled us to expand and holiday at a Partington’s Holiday develop the business despite the Park is the perfect place to spend tough economic conditions we your holidays. It’s over 70 years have faced over the decades. since we welcomed our first Our children, Andrea and guests and we feel the business Robert, have both risen through is stronger than ever. the ranks and are the current We are proud of the legacy of driving force for the business. the company and the affection Their passion and vision will no in which it is held by many. doubt ensure the company will Today, the Partington Group continue to improve and expand, has 220 team members and we providing family holidays for acknowledge and appreciate the many years to come. way our loyal employees have always strived to adapt to the Christine & Trevor Kearsley ever changing challenges and trends within the leisure sector.Pictured are company directors Christine and Trevor Kearsley and son and daughter Robert Kearsley and Andrea Challis

Page 4 Proud of the past, prepared for the futureThere was a time when a caravanholiday was a little rough and ready,the accommodation basic andentertainment limited. How thingshave changed.Luxury holiday homes and log was gripped in the teeth of acabins with every amenity, recession.stunning locations and One family which has pioneeredeverything to keep the customers caravan holidays since the 40s,happy have transformed holidays making sure they are alwaysfrom simply average to simply ahead of the rest, are thefantastic. Partingtons.The change hasn’t come The third generation is now atovernight and there have the helm with four directors,been some challenging times husband-and-wife Trevor andfor caravan park operators Christine Kearsley, and their sonwith families thinking and daughter, Robert Kearsleytwice before booking a and Andrea Challis, overseeingholiday whilst the countryTimeline As the business grew what else was happening?1944: Newton Hall opens. 1954: Windy Harbour opens.The year was dominated by The opening episode of ‘TheWorld War Two events, notably Grove Family’, generally regardedthe D-Day landings on June 6 as the first British soap opera,when the Allied forces invaded was screened by the BBC. It ranthe beaches of Normandy. until 1957.

Partington’s Business Heritage Page 5 John William & Mary George & Margaret Will Bessie Frank & Freda Christine & Trevor Judith & Martin Andrea & Martin Robert & JulietGeorgina Rebecca Alexander Madelene Ella Poppythe operation. They run some of corn miller, owned several Blackpoolthe best parks in the north and hotels with his wife, Mary, alongare continually looking to expand with Newton Hall House and itsand update. extensive grounds at Staining.The Partington story goes back to Frank urged his father to makethe First World War, and brothers use of the property and land andFrank and George, and their persuaded him to open part of thefather, John William Partington. family grounds to accommodateFrank had got a taste of camping caravans. The core business wasas a boy scout when he spent established in 1944 – the start ofsome time on the Isle of Man an empire that grew beyond theirand saw German prisoners-of- wildest dreams.war housed in caravans on one ofthe estates there.The seeds of an idea were sown.John William, a successful formerFounders John William PartingtonSnr (left), Mary Partington (seated),Frank Partington (centre) and GeorgePartington (right).1960: Broadwater opens. 1974: Tarn House opens. Fast food 2013: Black Beck becomes part ofDemocratic candidate John F. chain McDonald’s opened its first the Partington portfolio.Kennedy was elected president UK restaurant in Woolwich. There Scot Andy Murray became the firstof the United States defeating are currently 1,200 McDonald’s British male tennis player to win aRepublican Richard Nixon by over across the UK and Northern Wimbledon singles title since Fred100,000 votes. Ireland. Perry lifted the famous trophy back in 1936.

Page 6 The company expands... In the early years, apart from coach parties called on a leg of a a few caravans, there was a mystery tour. wooden hut at the entrance George moved into the old serving as a grocer’s shop and farmhouse with his wife, a shed from where newspapers Margaret, and daughters, were sold. Christine and Judith, and set The business was a real family about developing the grounds affair with John William and as a caravan park. Their home Mary’s four children all having doubled as a clubhouse, opening some involvement. Frank and as such in 1956. brother, George, ran the firm George could turn his skilful while sister Bessie and brother, hands to most things and would Will, were shareholders. work around the clock to make Both parents died during 1951 sure the customers would leaving their children to carry keep coming and the business on the venture – the Partington survived and prospered. Property Company. Initially, there was no mains Work was concentrated on electricity and they had to rely developing the Newton Hall on a generator. It often needed Holiday Park during the early George to top up the diesel 1950s and by 1954 the company so a session of bingo could be was ready to expand. completed! In 1954 the company bought An average day would see Windy Harbour Farm on the George uprooting trees using banks of the River Wyre, six a single-deck bus as a tractor, miles north of Blackpool, an entertaining in the clubhouse established centre where locals and working a shift in the fish went for afternoon tea and and chip shop.

Page 7In May, 1960, Will and for a successful company which Looking ahead...Bessie sold their stake to continued its upward curve. The story continuestheir brothers, Frank and Tarn Caravan Park at Stirton, on Page 10George, leaving them to near Skipton, North Yorkshire,fly the family flag. They did was bought in 1974 and Tarnjust that, firstly by buying House Hotel acquired in 2003.Broadwater Holiday The 17th century inn providesPark at Fleetwood that a focal point to this stunningsame year and four years backdrop of the gateway to thelater acquiring Ballyferris Yorkshire Dales.Caravan Park in Northern It was yet another exampleIreland which was sold in of how hard work, a businessthe 70s. brain and an eye for the rightFrank was more the opportunity can reap rewards.entrepreneur of the brothersand took charge of runningthe business side of thingswhilst George took control ofdeveloping the Parks.The business was developing onall sides and help was needed.Trevor Kearsley joined thecompany in 1964 to develop andmanage this latest acquisition.Trevor became George’s son-in-law in 1966 when he marriedChristine.Broadwater Club opened in 1966and, even though it was notcompleted, customers wantedrefreshment and entertainment.They did not mind that therewere no shades on the lights orthat the bar was a temporarystructure. Satisfied by a oneshilling (5p) pint of beer or aglass of wine for less than threeshillings (15p) they happilyplayed bingo in the packed clubuntil closing time.Trevor later became generalmanager and a director of thecompany. Frank died in 1969,aged 55, but he had played hispart in laying the foundations

Page 8 You know you’ve ...You explore the stunning locations ...Yaocucodmismcoovdeartoiounr quality

Page 9arrived when... ...You can relax with family and friends ..o.Yfoeunetenrjotayinthmeewntide range

Page 10 Making friends, making memoriesAfter more than 70 years in thebusiness, Partington’s passion forholiday homes has never beenstronger.Director Robert Kearsley said the business. Our people lovethere is a continual need to what they do and this shinesmove forward as customer through in all that we offer at ourexpectation grows from one holiday parks.”holiday to the next. “This passion Of course, there have beenfor what we do runs right across setbacks over the years but they have only served to make the family stronger.

Page 11 GthreunStaybtrhee-tdoiontohseadutrigaenrd. Pom PomAn example was a devastating INnitcekrnBarteitotn, awliOnnpeerno2f0t1h5e.fire at the Newton Hallclubhouse and offices in mantra that has seen Partington’s2004 which caused extensive succeed in the face of intensedamage. It was back to business competition and while there isin no time and at least gave clearly a little more disposablePartington’s the chance to income for holidays just now thatcontinue with its modernisation is not the only factor.programme, particularly in the “We weathered the stormfield of information technology. by investing and carefullyTrevor took the lead in this redeveloping our brand of holidayproject and he succeeded in over the last two or three years,”getting the entire business said Andrea.computerised. Now, over 30 “We have not only improvedper cent of bookings come via existing facilities but havethe internet. Guests now even expanded too. We openedhave the benefit of wi-fi in their Grunty’s Day Care Nursery atholiday homes. Staining Road which is going fromAnother building at Newton Hall strength to strength.”was developed as an indoor A recent arrival who has caughtbowling centre and hosts the imagination of young guests,some of the most prestigious is Grunty, a cuddly and friendlycompetitions in the country dinosaur. At Grunty’s Fun Club theincluding The International Open team organises a variety of eventsscreened live on Sky Sports. for the children including faceThe club has won national and painting, outdoor activities andall-England titles consistently dancing.over the last few years and “Grunty the dinosaur is ourhas welcomed World Bowls hugely popular mascot,”Champions past and present to explained Andrea. “He is knowntake part in events at the state- as Grunty after my grandad,of-the-art venue.‘Keep on improving’ is the

Page 12 George. When I was a toddler particularly to the holiday the family used to call George industry. Our priority is to attract ‘grumpy grandad’ but I found the best staff and have them that difficult to say and it came working at their full potential.” out as ‘grunty grandad’. It was Andrea recently carried out a a name that stuck and when we questionnaire among staff to created our holiday park mascot assess their attitudes to the ‘Grunty’ had to be his name and business. “Working as a team it lives on long after grandad featured prominently in the died in 2007 at the age of 91.” responses. The outcome was A recent addition to the Grunty very positive and the fact that Fun Club is Pom Pom, Grunty the so many of our staff have put in Dinosaur’s girlfriend. Pom Pom years - many over three decades was the nickname of Andrea of loyal service - illustrates that and Robert’s great grandfather we have this happy team.” so another family connection is Meanwhile, the vision for the retained. future is to expand the business by looking for new holiday Robert and Andrea’s children park sites. The most recent are involved in all aspects of the acquisition, Black Beck Holiday business which underlines how Park, came into the Partington Partington’s is still very much a portfolio in 2013 and Robert family concern. would like more of the same. During peak season more than Recently awarded five-star 220 staff are employed across status, Black Beck near Bouth, is the holiday parks – all with a key situated just south of Grizedale role to play. Forest. It offers a wealth “Any business relies on the of historical character and quality of the people who work outstanding natural beauty in an for it,” said Andrea. “This applies area of mature woodland. Buoyed by successes in recent years, accolades include Newton Hall which was named Caravan Holiday Park of the Year at The Lancashire Tourism Awards and Windy Harbour which was highly commended in the same category. No doubt there’s more to follow. Another recent addition to the range of accommodation on offer are the camping pods available for hire at Windy Harbour. Pods sleep four people and have all the appeal of camping but

Page 13without the canvas. “Customerslove the idea of getting back tonature and enjoying the greatoutdoors,” said Andrea. She saidcustomers could expect to seemore pods at the other parks inthe future.Robert said Partington’shad a clear programme ofimprovements mappedout, from devising newentertainments to improvingthe showers. “We never stopinvesting in our holiday parksas they are effectively ourcustomers secondhome.”Knowing theircustomersrequirements’ andexpectations is a keyfactor in maintainingthe business’ssuccess. “The aimis to give them thebest possible holidayexperience. In thatway they will want tokeep coming back,”said Andrea.Three generations ofthe Partington family.Our caring side …Partington’s is proud to support its staff and customers in theirfundraising efforts for both local and national charities and as acompany is committed to backing its local charity, Brian HouseChildren’s Hospice.The business is delighted to report that it has raised over £100,000since its fundraising began. “Thanks to all our new and existingcustomers for their ongoing support for this wonderful cause,” saidAndrea.

Page 14 Work or play... they’ve got a passion for Partington’s! We value feedback. Here are just a few comments from happy customers. “We are regular visitors on the touring side. When booking, staff are very friendly and do their best to put us on the pitch we want. The site itself is kept to a very good standard, very clean. Love coming back whenever we can. Thank you ☺” Mr & Mrs Farkas, Rochdale “This was the best caravan site we have stayed on. You beat all the big names by far. Thank you.” Mrs Harris, Southampton “We had a brilliant stay. Our caravan was lovely and clean and we loved the site. Thank you.” Miss Chaffin, Redditch “The quality of caravan was absolutely fabulous and staff are very helpful and friendly.” Mr Ward, Manchester “Our first ever trip with a caravan, amazed by the facilities! We were particularly impressed by the showers both for dogs and humans! ” Mr Cooper, Skelmersdale What staff say about working at Partington’s • “Brilliant! The best place to work.” • “Great park and fantastic company to work for!” • “Great place to work, beautifully maintained park and lots of lovely caravan owners and guests.” The future is bright and we look forward to seeing the business thrive as we keep our customers at the very core of everything we do.

Holidays to Page 15 enjoy

Black Beck Holiday ParkBouthNewby BridgeLA12 8JNTel: 01229 [email protected] Holiday ParkFleetwood RoadFleetwoodFY7 8JXTel: 01253 [email protected] Hall Holiday ParkStaining RoadStainingBlackpoolFY3 0AXTel: 01253 [email protected] House Holiday Park & Country InnStirtonSkiptonBD23 3LQTel: 01756 [email protected] Harbour Holiday ParkLittle SingletonBlackpoolFY6 8NBTel: 01253 [email protected] 01253 879911 to speak with one of our team Find us onwww.partingtons.com