Attendees: Derek Kilner (Chairman), Heather Ransley (Secretary), Greg Lashley (Away Resorts Operations Director), Jackie Fowler (Away Resorts Guest & Owner Engagement), Lewis Ridley (SBV General Manager), approx 80 owners.
Owners were given a handout of answers to questions that had been sent to Jackie prior to the meeting. A copy of these are on the page lower down.
Greg Lashley gave a brief history of Away Resorts (AR). Greg and Jackie took questions from the floor. Key points are:
Owners stressed that they were concerned that AR might want to turn SBV into a holiday park.
Greg said that this was not being considered at the present time.
Approx 2/3rds of AR parks are holiday parks and 1/3rd are owner parks.
AR do not own any pitches/vans at SBV because Aria sold off all the staff vans. The lack of staff accommodation has contributed to the problems hiring staff.
The Restaurant - A simple menu will be offered as soon as staff have been hired, hopefully in the near future.
An owner highlighted that we need to support the bar/food offering in order for it to become properly established and grow.
Lewis is the first point of contact for all problems.
Jackie and a colleague will respond to emails sent to ownerfeedback@awayresorts.co.uk. Jackie's email is jackie.fowler@awayresorts.co.uk.
Lewis will hold informal monthly meetings with owners for feedback and problem solving.
The reception email address will be reinstated to improve communication.
Jackie urged owners to join the 3rd Place Social site on Facebook as this is the quickest way for AR to get information out to owners.
Gas bottles are in short supply nationally so they are having to be rationed across the park to ensure that those in greatest need are served first. Hopefully the situation will improve April/May.
Lewis has a list of recognised contractors who can work at the site.
Greg and Jackie were thanked for coming to speak so frankly to owners.
Owners Association Business:
Derek delivered the sad news that Richard Swan had recently passed away.
Kevan Barton will take over as Chairman from Derek with immediate effect.
There are 3 new area reps: Janette Taylor for Poppy, Sue Langford for Sweetpea and Heather Ransley for Rose.
There will be an AGM in September with some social events before then.