Dear Oakdowners.

We are sure that you will all be delighted to hear that amid wonderful Autumn sunshine the re-built “Blue Ball Inn” was re-opened on September 28th, 18 months of planning and building has resulted in ‘our new local’ being almost a carbon copy of the original for you to enjoy again for many years to come.

What a lovely Autumn it as been, the Park still looks beautiful even in mid October as this letter is being penned, the leaves are turning golden, fruit from countless trees and shrubs are being enjoyed by our resident and visiting birds and the bedding plants have all been replaced to ensure you of a colourful welcome in Spring 2008!

April 18th 2007 saw the Franks family at the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London for the Visit England Excellence Awards to receive a Silver Award as the “Caravan Holiday Park of the Year 2007” we were representing the whole of the West Country having taken that major award in October 2006.

Oakdowners who have holidayed with us for many years will be fully aware of the fact that Oakdown is not new to winning national awards, but those whom we have welcomed recently may not be so well acquainted with our past history, so we hope you won’t be bored if we list some of our ‘gongs’ over the past 11 years – the fact that we have been consistent over such a long period we hope assures you all of the continuing high quality that Oakdown maintains and will strive to take into the future.

- National Excellence Awards: Caravan Holiday Park of the Year 1999/2000 Silver Award, 2003/2004 Gold Award and 2007/2008 Silver Award.
- South West Tourism “Holiday Park of the Year” regional Gold Award 1998/1999, 2002/2003 and 2006/2007.
- David Bellamy “Gold Award” for conservation since its inception in 1996, that’s 12 years – only five other Parks in the UK are in that league! Thank you to all those guests who have over the years returned the David Bellamy Award postcards and helped us to win this prestigious award.
- Since 1987 we have been graded 5*, our letting units have all been Rose Award, our amenities have been 5* Loo of the Year winners and we have annually been awarded the Platinum Award for Park security by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

An awards record probably second to none! Of which we and the whole team are justifiably very proud

In June 2007 the Dorset & East Devon World Heritage Site the “Jurassic Coast” introduced a new business award. Oakdown was the first business in the 93 mile long area to scoop a Gold Award – so our record continues!

Satellite Navigation is still causing problems all over the county of Devon, please note that Oakdown’s GPS is N50:42.20.W3:10.50. We have also changed our postcode to EX10 0PD which we hope will help – safe driving and arrival at Oakdown is wished for you all.

Ever aware that no business can stand still, during Spring 2007 we made a successful planning application to our local East Devon District Council to make constructive use of the area between Oak Mead Golf Course and the Field Trail leading to the Donkey Sanctuary. We now have planning permission to use that area for touring caravans, motor caravans and tents for two weeks over the Spring Bank Holiday and from mid July for two months.

Oakdown’s customary high quality will be applied to the area to be known as “Beech Grove” an amenity building with all mod cons will be purchased, landscaping trees/shrubs are already ordered and new dedicated staff will be employed as wardens to maintain the area, uphold security and of course be on hand to make your holiday with us a perfect as possible. Reservations and booking-in will be through the existing Reception.

Trish Gitsham’s legendary table top sale on 26th August raised an astonishing £796.57 for CLIC-Sergeant. Thank you all for your support, Trish is already busy planning another sale for 24th August 2008 – again to be staged on Oak Mead car park, so please start collecting suitable items – we are able to store anything you may want to bring down in advance.

The collecting tin on Reception counter has collect £175.33 which will be donated to the Sidmouth Fund which is raising money to provide a safe pedestrian bridge from the Manor Road Car Park over the busy road, into the Conaught Gardens – which are always beautiful. The tea rooms serve very naughty but nice refreshments and the Sidmouth Town Band plays there each Sunday evening during the Summer months.

Our former letting units are being moved to Oak Grove. Some Private Owners have upgraded their Holiday Caravans and we have 2 or 3 units that are available to new perspective Private Owners. So if you have ever dreamt of or considered having your own “home on holiday” here in lovely East Devon, then please ring Reception for details of availability. Alan or one of the Team will be delighted to update you, discuss the costings and arrange viewings.

The loyalty privilege tariff continues to be warmly received, we will be offering a 2½ % discount off your if account if you holidayed with us in 2006 or 2007 and then returned to either the Touring Park to one of our letting holiday caravans or to the cottage in 2008 (this does not include seasonal or storage fees).

Many Oakdowners would have been aware that Sue had been very poorly since the beginning of the 2007 season. In spite of a very courageous fight for life it is with deepest regret that we have to tell you all that Sue passed quietly away on 21st August. Sue was a lovely person, so caring, thoughtful and considerate and had become a friend to everyone – she is of course very sadly missed by all. £1,309.43 was raised in Sue’s memory which has been donated to the Sidmouth Hospiscare Nurses who nursed Sue so caringly and professionally throughout her illness. Our thoughts and prayers have been with Alan who will continue to be a valuable member of the Oakdown Team.

Alan, Jock and Karen, Steve and Glennis, Helen and Jenny join us in thanking you for the pleasure of your friendship and goodwill during the past year. We all send you greetings and our best wishes for a New Year blessed with good health, happiness and prosperity and very much look forward to renewing those friendships and welcoming you to Oakdown again in 2008.

Yours very sincerely,