Park Home Resident Magazine Test

RESIDENT

THE PARK HOME CLUB MAGAZINE
PARK
CHRISTMAS 2017
HOME
SIDENT ♥ PARK HOME RESIDEN £2.95
ME RESIDENT ♥ PARK HOME RE
THE NEW L VED PARK HOME RESIDENT ♥
MAGAZINE and T♥ P
LIKED
for Park Home Lifestyle ARK HOME RESIDENT ♥ PARK HO PLUS

SEASONAL SPECIAL Pampered Pets
Christmas Markets
&Winter Homes
Gardens Festive Recipes
Advent Calenders
Christmas Beauty

Gadget Gifts

AND

GUIDES TO...

Home Insurance
Electrical Safety
Shows & Events

Mature Hair
Surveys

Insulation

PARK SITE NEW HOME WARMER
EXPLORER HUNTER PARK HOMES

Warfield Park Pathfinder External Wall
& Pathfinder Evolution & Stately Insulation
Albion Wentwood Special
Village
1

Stay Warm,

&Save Energy
Lower Your Fuel Bills with

Wipe Out Winter

Slash your bills with external wall insulation, double
glazing and a light-weight roofing system. Wrap your
home in a thick layer of premium Insulation

Choose the Multi-award-winning
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For a highly-accredited service,
with 15-year experience

01647 24599 | info@insulatedhomes.net | www.insulatedhomes.net

Horselake Farm, Cheriton Bishop, Exeter, Devon, EX6 6HD

2

CONTACT US Editors Letter

Editorial Welcome.

Park Home Resident Magazine Park Home Resident’s Editor, Julie,
AMB PUblications welcomes you to our first festive issue...
Horselake Farm
Cheriton Bishop Hello and welcome to anything at all that you would like
Exeter the first edition of your to share with our readers, please
Devon new magazine, Park send it in.
EX6 6HD Home Resident.
We’ve delivered this issue to you
www.parkhomeresidentmagazine.co.uk We offer you a mix of articles, for free and hope to continue
jules@phrmag.co.uk features, advice, guides and most to do so. You can subscribe by
importantly fun for anyone who turning to page 70 to guarantee
01647 24604 (editorial enquires) lives in a park home. delivery to your home or request a
copy for friends and family.
Advertising We aim to bring you a magazine
for men and women with features I’d like to wish you a warm and
sales@ambpublications.co.uk on everything from beauty to happy Christmas and hope that
tech, health, shopping, gardening the tips we’ve included will go
Studio and a whole lot more. some way to ensure that you do!

ashleigh@ambpublications.co.uk We’ve also spoken to industry Please feel free to write or email
experts to bring you advice, me any ideas or your feedback on
Accounts & Subscriptions guides and research on all our magazine.
aspects of park home life.
vicki@ambpublications.co.uk Julie Main, Editor
We want Park Home Resident
to be your magazine and would
love to hear your stories whether
related to park home life or just
life in general. If you have tips,
ideas, funny stories, pet pictures,

Online Community Calling
Contributors
Twitter: @parkhomeclub
Do you want to write for us?
www.facebook.com/Park-Home- Have you got a story, picture, some exciting
Resident-Magazine
news that you would like to share?
Charity & cic Partnerships We want to hear from residents, groups,

We work in association with organisers and site owners.
Community Warmth and other
selected partners. If you would 3
like to speak to AMB publications
regarding this please email hello@

ambpublications.co.uk

Company Reg. 10860132

PARKS & HOMES PARK SITE EXPLORER OUT & ABOUT GUIDES & ADVICE

54 Stately Albion 40 Pathfinder Village 66 Christmas 32 Installers Q&A

Wentwood Twin We find out more about Out & About Does the thought of
a picturesque Devon finding someone to
A photo journey of this The leading Christmas work on your home ter-
rify you? Use our guide
stylish and popular park steeped in history markets to visit this year

home to know what to ask
prospective installers
10 Warfield Park 59 European Markets
16 Pathfinder Evolution Explore the multi-
The leading Christmas

Showcasing their luxury award winning park in markets to visit this year 27 Park Home

new model Bracknell 62 Cornwall Park Insurance

22 Inspirational Kitchens Home Forum Read our simple guide
to the leading park
Update your kitchen Join up and make a
difference home specialists
and love your home
50 Mould Buster
again.
Get rid of mildew and
15 Priority Register 44 Volunteering
prevent it from forming
Getting a little extra help The benefits of helping
this winter
from your utility others

suppliers 20 Winter Warmth

8 Winter Gardens Work out where and how

Tidy up your garden to warm your home with

before hibernating away our infographic guide

to enjoy the festivities

48 Winter Homes Page 54 36 Electrical Safety
Stately Albion
Check your home is Helpful advice from
ready and safe for the charity, Electrical
the winter Safety First

56 Park Home Suvey

Do you need a survey
on your park home?

Page 10
Warfield Park

4

Merry ON THE COVER

Christmas 2017 12

HEALTH & BEAUTY CHRISTMAS

38 Mindfulness 12 Christmas 34
Gingerbread
Learn this quick, simple
and easy relaxation Indulge yourself with our
technique to calm tasty gingerbread biscuits
your mind and body
24 Advent Calenders
58 Beauty Gifts
Bored of chocolate?
Glimpse at the latest Try these grown-up
make-up and toiletry advent calenders
products on the market
16 Christmas Puzzles
34 Managing
Mature Hair Relax and unwind with
our Christmas puzzle
Help ypur hair feel page
fabulkous this winters
30 Gadget Gifts

The latest high tech
gizmos and toys on the
market

18 Inspirational
Christmas Gifts

Gifts to put under the

Christmas tree

34 Pets at

Christmas

Indulge your pets during
the festive season

22 48

5

NEWS Warfield Park Expansion

Park Home Estate Agents © Pathfinder Homes The hugely popular and gorgeous
Warfield Park has received
Whether you’re thinking of buying Pathfinder Evolution planning approval for an additional
or selling a park home, Park Home 82 homes and is currently
Estate Agent have just made buying Utilising the imagination of their planning construction. Barry
and selling park homes easier and internal creative individuals, Sumner, the managing director
cheaper for us all. Launching this the experience of an external of Warfield Park, said: “This is
November you can now sell your design house & the technical a great decision for Warfield
park home for free online. Check out Park, enabling us to go some
www.parkhomeestateagent.co.uk to genius of their team, here it is… way to meet the high demand
see how simple and cheap selling The Evolution. Incorporating for park homes in the area.” We
your home can be. There are free modern materials & only the explore Warfield Park on page 10.
tips and guides about buying and finest ingredients, this home is
selling too as well as downloadable © Guy Aubertain
forms to cut your stress and simplify designed to offer the practicality Photography
the process. of a bricks & mortar home with
the opulence of lodge living.

Turn to page 16 and enjoy.

© Campbell Braybrooke Ltd

£140 National Energy Effieciency &
Healthy Homes Awards 2017
Warmer Homes Discount Scheme
The National Energy Efficiency & Healthy Homes
Following on from last year’s successful delivery of Awards have just been held in Birmingham with
nearly £1 Million pounds going directly to park home Insulated Homes, the park home specialist
residents, Charis have open applications for the third winning big in the National Insulation category
round of their Warmer Home Discount Scheme. These for the second year running. To achieve second
£140 grants are exclusively for Park Home Residents, place in this category out of installers of every
with over 5000 homes benefiting last year. To find out insulation type and countrywide is an incredible
more call 0330 3801040 or visit www.parkhomeswhd. accomplishment for Insulated Homes. Insulated
com. Grants are awarded to qualifying residents on a Homes are no stranger to winning awards and
add this latest accomplishment to their dozens
first-come, first-served basis. of previously won awards and accreditations.
Warfield Park, in Bracknell were also recognised
6 for the excellent work they do supporting their
residents and won the Social Responsibility
award, and a special commendation as a
Landlord. Congratulations to all of the winners.

FREE 0800 0385 261

www.pbinsurance.co.uk

Louise Sarah Jacquie Paul Jenny Ji Chri
Ian

Providing personal and informed specialist advice,
guidance and insurance for park home
and leisure home owners.

A choice of policies 24 hour Home Emergency Wide ranging policy
designed to meet your Assistance and Legal features - new for old with
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OVER 65 YEARS COMBINED PARK HOME INSURANCE EXPERIENCE

Call us FREE on 0800 0385 261 for a quotation, advice or guidance.

16 Hewlett Road Cheltenham GL52 6AA.
Or better still, we’ll even come to see you!
For more information visit www.pbinsurance.co.uk.

Paul Baker Insurance Services is a trading name of RK Shipman Ltd, 7
which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England 575483.

Wgianrdteenrs
With Christmas just around
the corner, it’s worth hav- walking on a waterlogged lawn WIND & RAIN
ing a final tidy up of the causes damage too, so try to find
a balance that suits the conditions. Clear dead leaves, plants and
flowers to prevent pests and
garden before hibernating away If your lawn is dry enough, rake mould becoming a problem next
season. Remember though that
and enjoying the festivities. Even up the leaves which will remove some bugs are good for your
garden and the environment so try
though your garden is never as ap- moss and improve the condition to leave a small area for them to
hide until spring. A small log pile or
pealing during the winter months of your lawn. even a special “bug house” bought
from a garden centre placed in a
it is still much nicer to come home Tempting as it may be to dig corner of your garden can offer a
to a tidy garden. And a little time over your flower beds, treading home, to our rapidly-declining in-
spent on simple maintenance jobs on waterlogged soil can do more sect population which are vital for
now can make life easier for you harm than good. Wet soil can get pollenating next seasons flowers.
and your garden in the spring. compacted when trodden on or
Most plants can cope with the
worked and so it is better to wait odd cold spell. However, if you
have a sensitive plant or plants in
KEEP IT TIDY for a dry spell. If possible, stand
on a board to prevent damage

to your lawn or border. If you do

decide to dig or fork your borders,

Try to keep leaves off your lawn as make sure you don’t damage any

they’ll quickly damage your grass bulbs lurking under the surface

and can cause bald patches and which are preparing themselves

fungus to build up. Equally, constant for spring.

8

containers it is worth protecting and breaks. Decorative feet for Do not cuwtinbtaerckinptlearnetsts.to leave
Help thewinitshecat pboupguhlaotuisoen thrive
them through a cold-snap. You can pots make the pots look appealing

go DIY with bubble-wrap, newspaper but also lift them up off the ground

and straw or visit your local garden to allow water to drain freely.

centre for horticultural fleece. Take Roots will rot in water-logged pots

care when wrapping up plants so causing damage or even killing off

as not to damage stems, shoots your plants. Cut back bushes and

and leaves and remember plants trees if required so that branches

in pots have vulnerable roots too, do not cause damage or break off,

keep these warm by moving pots harming the plant or surroundings.

together, up against your home or

in extreme circumstances moved

into a greenhouse, shed or garage. TIP

SNUGGLE UP YOUR Don’t forget to order seeds
FRAGILE PLANTS for plants that need to be

sown mid to late winter.

Make sure that your plants are Written by Alan Cannon Wrhaoprtuicpuyltouurralpwlarnatps in
staked or supported and tied in
several places to prevent damage

9

WARFIELD PARK

Celebrating its 70th Anniversary this year, Warfield Park is one of the longest established
Residential Park Home Estates in the UK. Set within 92 acres of idyllic parkland between
Ascot and Bracknell, and playing host to a thriving community of over 400 privately owned
park homes and rental accommodation across 75 properties, Warfield Park is one of the most

sought after park home locations in the south of England.

© GuyAubertainPhotography

© GuyAubertainPhotography

© GuyAubertainPhotography

The design and layout of the activities available…things to the resident dog walkers say hello,
Park is unique in that the interest everyone whether active neighbours chat to each other, and
majority of the homes are or not,’ said Rosie. The broadness people flash a smile and exchange
not laid out in rows, unlike many of activities available ranges from pleasantries in a way that is usually
newly built bricks and mortar fitness, music and social activities, only found in a close village.
properties. The homes, which as well as regular weekend socials
boast generously sized gardens which often feature live music. This small rural neighbourhood
filled with colourful blooms, sit Monthly excursions and bi-weekly is by no means cut off from society.
between the Park’s magnificent coffee mornings are a great The Park is conveniently located 3
trees, with an abundance of opportunity for the residents to miles from Bracknell Town Centre
wildlife. socialise with like-minded friends. and within easy reach of the M3,
M4 and local bus routes and main-
Arriving at Warfield Park, there Christine Barnes, a resident for line trains to London Waterloo and
is a sense that you have escaped over 5 years on the Park, said, Reading.
the daily hustle and bustle and ‘Warfield Park is a beautiful place
have been transported into a slice to live, the grounds are very Adding to the popularity of
of tranquil village life. This is echoed attractive and the sense of the development are on-site
by resident Jackie Porter who community spirit is wonderful. facilities including a community
says Warfield Park is, ‘like living in There is nowhere else we would hall, hairdressers, beauty salon,
a peaceful village from 50 years rather live!’ This thought was and launderette. The community hall,
ago. It is so calm and peaceful.’ reiterated by Rosie Jones, “It is a which is regularly used for clubs,
truly fabulous place to live – you hobbies, and events arranged by
What is particularly special can be as involved as you want the residents’ vibrant Community
about Warfield Park is the strong to be. People look out for each Association, is described as the
sense of community enjoyed by other without being intrusive. It is ‘hub of the Park’ by their Chairperson
the residents. The residents are a really safe place to live and we Rosie Jones.
friendly and extremely welcoming –
‘There are so many clubs and
10

have a very helpful and nice team Director, Barry Sumner, said ‘We and become friends with so many

of people in Warfield Park Homes. have seen lots of changes over residents while walking around the

No matter what the problem they the 70 years: the Park has grown Park.’

will do their best to help us.” from just a few mobile homes to the With recent plans approved for
estate we have today. We felt that 82 new homes, the Park looks
The safety and security of living it was very important to bring forward to welcoming many new
in a community of like-minded together our residents and tenants residents and expanding the pos-
people, where neighbours look out to celebrate such a special milestone itive community spirit enjoyed by
for one another, is a major factor for the Park as a community.’ residents today. R
that attracts many residents to live

at Warfield Park. ‘The community The positive community spirit

in the Park have such a different benefits both old and new Written by NIKKI COLLAS

mind-set when it comes to looking residents, with many joining a club Images supplied By WARFIELD PARK

after each other and caring for or activity, or attending coffee

those in need,’ said resident Sandy mornings to establish friendships

Goodall. The Park is ‘a place to soon after moving onto the Park. 01344 884666
meet new and old friends and to Christine Barnes said, ‘We have www.warfieldpark.co.uk
have lots of fun together.’ made many new friends since

Warfield Park recently celebrated moving here five and a half years
its 70th anniversary by hosting an ago. In our first week on the Park
event to thank its residents and I joined the Line Dancing class
tenants for their continued support. which I had never done before
Food, drink, and entertainment so was a little apprehensive. I

from the Two Nightingales and DJ was made so welcome by everybody

John Farr were provided through- and really enjoyed it. We got our

out the day for the residents, their first ever dog, Poppy, who every-

friends and families. Managing body knows and we have met

© CambellBraybrookeLtd

The Warfield team
collecting their Social
Responsibilityand
Housing Association
Energy & Effeciency
awards

11

Christmas
GINbGisEcRuBiRtEsAD

This simple recipe for gingerbread
biscuits makes the perfect Christmas
presents or decorations - ideal for
baking with your grandchildren.

PREPARATION TIME 2hr
COOKING TIME 10 mins
MAKES 6-12 (depending on size)

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BISCUIT
100g Light Brown Sugar
75g Dark Muscovado Sugar
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
90g Golden Syrup
350g Plain Flour
95g Butter
2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp mixed spice

FOR THE ICING
1-2 Lemons
200g Royal Icing Sugar

METHOD

1 Melt both sugars, the butter and into shapes of your choice. © jfunk / Adobe Stock
syrup in a pan or in the microwave 7 Place on a baking tray
until just melted and set to one and bake for at least 10 TIP
side to cool a little. minutes until the biscuits
2 In a large mixing bowl put the are just darkening. Let If you don’t have a piping bag, simply
flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon them sit for 5 minutes on fill a freezer bag with icing, secure
the tray before moving them the bag with a knot and snip a small
and spice and stir. to a cooling rack. Wait until hole in the corner of the bag.
3 Pour in the slightly cooled sugar completely cold before icing. If you’d like to hang the biscuits as
mix, stir into the flour and add the 8 Using an electric mixer, combine decorations, use a skewer to create a
the icing sugar with about 4 tbsp hole before baking.
beaten egg to. of lemon juice. To get the desired
4 Mix gently until all ingredients thickness, add more lemon if the
are combined and lightly knead icing is too thick or more icing
sugar if the icing is too runny.
together. Decorate the biscuits with a
5 Wrap your dough in clingfilm and piping bag or read on for our DIY
alternative.
pop in the fridge for an hour.
6 Roll out on a lightly floured

surface until the dough is the

thickness of a pound coin and use

a cookie cutter to cut

12

www. ket tleco.co .uk

01726 600034 I design@kettleco.co.uk

1st Floor, HBH Woolacotts Electrical Superstore, Unit 1, Coypool Retail Park, Plymouth, Devon PL7 4TB
1st Floor, HBH Woolacotts Electrical Superstore, The Valley Retail Park, Gover Road, St Austell, Cornwall PL25 5NE

13

Win a Luxury Hamper worth £200

The Energy Efficiency Association has teamed up with Campbell Braybrooke Ltd and the National
Energy Efficiency Awards to offer one talented household the chance to win a luxury hamper worth
£200.

To enter you simply have to tell us, in 200 words or less, what sort of a difference the
installation of energy efficiency measures have made to your life.

If you have had insulation installed in your home, or solar panels put on your roof,
or have used any other energy saving solutions, simply tell us your experience.
Good or bad we want to know.

To Enter

Email your entry, along with your name address and contact phone number to

or post it to competition@energyefficiencyassociation.co.uk

Competition Entries,
Energy Efficiency Association CIC,
Emerald House, The closing date for entries is Contents of hamper may vary from those shown

Cabin Lane, 31st December 2017 This competition is run by Energy Efficiency
Oswesty, Association CIC in conjunction with Campbell
Shropshire. Braybrooke Ltd and the National Energy
SY11 2DZ Efficiency Awards.
For full terms and conditions visit
All entries will be judged on their merits by judges from the 2017 Energy Efficiency Awards, and energyefficiencyassociation.co.uk/competition
winners will be announced in January 2018.

The Energy Efficiency Association is particularly keeen to hear about the experiences of those living Campbell Braybrooke Ltd
in Park Homes. And anyone who would like to nominate their Park Home management company for
an award at the 2018 Energy Efficiency Awards should contact Gary Braybrooke on 01691 680 960.

SURVIVE WINTER

with our Emergency Pack,
suitable for car breakdowns, power

cuts and other heating problems

When the Temperature Drops
DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT

AMB Publications, WHAT’S INSIDE?
Horselake Farm, Cheriton Bishop, Exeter, EX6 6HD
Fleece Blanket ✓
Post completed coupon and cheque to the above address Thermal Gloves ✓
Or use our high-security online service to pay by credit and debit cards by Thermal Socks ✓

visiting www.communitywarmth.org Thermal Hat ✓
Flask ✓
Title First Name Surname
Address Postcode Hot Water Bottle ✓
Thermometer ✓
Email
Tel Only £15

Quantity Description Total Price Plus £2.95 P&P
Emergency Warmth Pack

Please add £2.95 P&P for each bag ordered

Normally dispatched within 72 hours, please allow 14 days for delivery in exception-
al circumstances. 14 day money back guarantee for full terms & conditions see www.

communitywarmth.org

14

how to... Priority Register
from your Utility
Join a Priority Register Suppliers

Each issue, our partner Community Warmth, will Water
provide information and advice on all aspects of
staying warm, safe and healthy in a park home. This • You can ask for large print, disc
issue, we will be looking at how you can get a little or braille communications and
extra help from your utility suppliers if your gas, electric have your bill read out to you
or water are not supplied directly by your park. over the phone.
• Warning of supply interruptions.
If you have an impairment, disability or relevant • You can set a password that any
medical need. Get in touch with your provider and ask water company employee will use
if they knock on your door.
to be added to their priority register. The telephone • If you have a meter and it’s
number can be found on your bill or their website. difficult to reach and read, your
water company may agree to
Community Warmth are a not-for-profit community move it or read it for you.
interest company who support park home residents. • If you need to use additional
water for medical reasons, are
We have free Community Warmth booklets and receiving certain benefits and
thermometers to give away to the first 30 people have a meter, you may qualify for
a tariff.
that write or email and request a copy of this
booklet. See details on page 70. Gas and Electricity

01647 24609 • Easy reach pre-payment meters.
www.communitywarmth.org If you have a problem reaching
your meter, your provider may
agree to move it.
• Help with meter reading. If you
struggle to read your meter, you
may be able to ask your supplier
to do it for you.
• Customers with certain needs
can ask for advanced notice if a
supply is going to be interrupted,
and to be put at the front of the
queue to be reconnected.
• Request back-up facilities. You
may be able to ask for alternative
cooking and heating facilities if
your energy supply is interrupted.
• Get a doorstep password.
• Stay safe. Customers who
receive certain benefits can ask
for free safety checks of their gas
appliances.
• You can ask for large print and
braille communications.
• Copy a friend. You can ask for a
copy of your bills to be sent to a
trusted friend or family member
for checking. R

Words supplied by Community Warmth 15

Pat©hfiPnadthefirndEevrolution
HomeLtd

Peavtohlfuintidoenr

The industry of Park Homes & Lodges is ever changing & fast expanding. As park

operators start to seek more luxury accommodation and compete to offer the

very best guest experience home manufacturers also up their game.Pathfinder

Homes, one of the UK’s leading Park Home & Holiday lodge manufacturers are no

strangers to the high expectations set by their customers. With a long standing,

unrivalled reputation of offering the very best quality and luxury within their homes,

their newest design is set to change the game – yet again.

Utilising the imagination of their internal ©PathfinderHomeLtd
creative individuals, the experience of
an external design house & the technical
genius of their team, here it is… The Evolution.
Incorporating modern materials & only the finest
ingredients, this home is designed to offer the
practicality of a bricks & mortar home with the
opulence of lodge living.

Featuring a fully glazed, built in snug area
with wall windows and sky lights, rainfall show-
ers and basalt grey slate exterior engineering.
This home creates a genre of its very own and
fiercely declines the pressure to conform to the
‘Park Home’ perception. The exterior is truly
outstanding oozing extreme kerb appeal from
every angle; with a smooth, maintenance free,
majority white finish contrasting with the grey
Brick slate framing. The full-length wall glass,
coupled with the Bi Fold doors and glass roof
offers an inviting entrance.

Both bedrooms are designed with not only 01626 833799
style but practicality in mind. Both with large www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk
spaces of storage, shelving and ensuites. The
Master Bedroom hosts a dressing room area
with a triple wardrobe which leads into a jaw
dropping fully tiled ensuite; this room features
a freestanding bath, a waterfall shower and
back lit mirrors. What’s more, this room has
censored mood lighting meaning midnight toilet

16

©Pathfinder As if the interior details
HomeLtd weren’t special enough
the kitchen boasts an
impressive selection
of Bosch appliances,
an induction hob and
revolutionary ‘Pop
up Extractor Fan’. All
operated at the touch
of a finger making
entertaining guests
with a homely cooked
meal or indeed rustling
up a quick snack a
dream! The kitchen is
also fitted with a handle
less, soft close design
introducing an air of
elegance to the area.

visit disruption is kept to an absolute minimum! The the market to ensure as a manufacturer, they can
Velux windows in both bathrooms are electrically equip every home with the most innovative technology
controlled; a modern convenience subtly combined with a specific objective of reducing energy cost
with the large ceiling to floor porcelain tiles oozing which, they already do very well with.
ambient perfection.
Pathfinder Homes actively promote the opportunity
Launched at the 2017 Lawns Extravaganza this they provide for all customers to design their very
home well & truly stole the show. Described as ‘Per- own homes with their Bespoke Service. Armed with a
fection’, ‘A Masterpiece’ and ‘Simply put, probably team of talented individuals they can take your every
the best home we’ve ever seen’. The proud owners requirement, desire & expectation and build you
were blown away by its quality, design & opulence. your ultimate home. A Pathfinder Home is a bespoke
experience for every individual customer.
Because it’s a Pathfinder Home, you can be
assured it is built to not just meet but exceed stan- With a build specification which is the highest quality
in the industry and a team dedicated to continuing
dards set out by the regulations of BS3632:2015. to push this emphasis as an integral aspect of every
All materials are sourced from the most sustainable home that leaves their factory, isn’t it time you up-
means, craftsmanship is the finest in the industry. graded to the very, very best?
Their design department are continually reviewing

Through these modern ©Pathfinder
grey Bi Fold doors lies HomeLtd
a spacious, open plan
lounge and dining room
however the cluster
light fittings and designer
parquet style flooring
are the initial attention
grabbers. A perfect
blend of traditional
and modern detailing
has been added to this
home returning a truly
special feeling of indulgent
practicality. The dining
area features a glazed
snug area with built in
seating and bespoke
fabric cushioning.

17

Cinshpirratiiosnatmgifat s

‘Tis the season: seasonal favours and daring detoxes…
CornerstonerazorsandbeautyBirchboxes:theseareafewof

For the cook Resident’s favourite things. From cultivating cameras to
rambling-on-trend,thesearethegiftsthatyou’dlovetosend.

CHERRY BOMBE ROBIN GIFT BAG

by Cladia Wu & Kerry Diamond Waitrose | £35

Amazon | £25 Mulled wine, chocolate

Inside are over one-hundred recipescrackers, shortbread stars
from some of the most inspiring as well as a Christmas
female chefs, bakers, food stylists,fruit cake that is
brimming with flavour
top gi s thispastry chefs, and creatives on the are just some of the
contemporary food scene, includingsweet treats that
Mashama Bailey, chef of The Grey;make up this special
Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni’sgift. Packed in a
Splendid Ice Creams and Melissa Robin gift bag and
Christmas bauble.
CHRISTMASClark, New York Times columnist.
© Courtesy of Clarkson

Potter

NUTRIBULLET

Argos | £59.99
The classical, best-selling Nutribullet isn’t just another blender, it’s an
extractor. Its 600-watt motor, ingenious bullet cyclonic technology and
specially designed extractor blade breaks down whole foods, providing an
easy, tasty, highly absorbable way to consume superfoods like spinach,
berries and beets. Add fruit, vegetables nuts and even ice to produce
delicious and nutritious NutriBlast smoothies.

18

For the explorer

INSTAX MINI 9 RAMBLER
POLE
by Fujifilm
Curry’s | from £66 by Freedom Trail

Drawing on Fujifilm’s expertise in Go Outdoors | £12
film, the instax mini 9, available A traditional handle
in five shades, produces stunning walking pole with an anti-
instant prints in vibrant colour. shock system for comfort
Take creative control with and support. Weighing
high-key photo effects and an just under 329g and fully
adjustment dial. The Instax mini extendable to 135cm, this
obtains a compact-design with built-in flash, which is the ideal apparatus for
automatically determines suitable brightness levels ramblers.
for your images. The adjustment dial allows you
to set the lighting to cloudy, shade; sunny, slight
cloudy; sunny and bright; indoors, night.

For the subscriber...
...who pays regularly for a diverse WOMEN’S BEAUTY
MEN’S SHAVING selection of boxed and delivered
products by Birchbox
by Cornerstone

customisable plan | starting from £9 customisable plan | starting from £10

With over 15,000 subscribers, Corner- Katie and Hayley, founders of
stone is the UK’s leading brand, attain- Birchbox, envisioned a way for
ing awards like winner of Best Razor in customers—just like themselves—
"Askmen's Men's Grooming Awards 2016" to easily and efficiently try, learn
and "Shortlist's Men's Grooming Awards about, and purchase beauty products
2015". German-engineered, the new and online. They combined monthly de-
improved razor includes a precision liveries of personalized samples with
trimmer blade, redesigned blade-spacing original editorial and an exciting
and a chrome-plate razor handle. ecommerce shop. Monthly deliveries

make it easy, efficient, and a fun way
to shop.
For the
grandchildren

LOVE2LEARN ELMO

by Hasbro

Amazon | £65.65

Toddlers and pre-schoolers can play personalized learning ac-
tivities right along with their best friend, Elmo. Love2Learn has
enabled over 350 unique responses, 10 different songs, laughter,
playtime, games and music. When adults select the child’s name,
desired subject, level, and favourites in the co-ordinating app,
the Elmo toy will talk and play based on those selections. R R

19

BRING Q Ever wondered why your home can
feel cold or drafty? This simple
a little HEAT guide shows you where you are
losing your heat and prioritise
TO YOUR home where to insulate.

WALLS 01 External Wall Insulation makes the biggest difference when insulating
FLOORS 02 your home. It can reduce your energy bills by between 25% and 50%.
ROOF 03 Look for a grey Neopor poly system with multi-layers of render on
top. Make sure the company surveys your home prior to you signing a
contract or installation and is a member of an accreditation body.

A good quality underfloor system is important, check the system
is sealed and bonded so that there are no gaps. Make sure the
company surveys your home prior to installation and is a
member of an accreditation body.

This can be a minefield for park home owners. The only safe way
to insulate your roof is to replace it or have sections removed,
insulated and put back. NEVER allow an installer to lift a tile and
blow in insulation, it will block your vents which can lead to
major problems. Look for a lightweight, insulated roof.

Replace single glazed windows and old wooden doors with
energy efficient upvc. Make sure your windows are odleg for
park homes and not standard house windows and they should
be argon filled. Replace draught stripping and add draught
strips under doors if needed.

WINDOWS 04 15% HEAT LOSS VIA 15% HEAT LOSS
& DOORS
WINDOWS AND DOORS VIA ROOFS

35% You are
25% losing heat
15% mainly from
15% your walls,

PARK HOME HEAT LOSS read our
infographic
guide to find
out more

Insulating your park home WILL 25% HEAT LOSS 35% HEAT LOSS VIA
reduce your energy bills, make
your home warmer, helps the VIA FLOORS WALLS
environment and stops damp and
mould from forming in your home. www.parkhomeclub.com | Dec 2017

20

118

No. NICI00257

Park Home
External Wall
Insulation &
Refurbishment

External Wall Insulation Will Lower Fuel Bills,
Keep You Warmer and Protect Your Home
From Future Deterioration

Our services also include:

■ New insulated roofing systems
■ Roof cleans and repairs
■ Doubled-glazed windows and doors
■ Extensions, porches and conservatories
■ External Wall Insulation

Plus, a lot more from the multi award-winning
installer you can trust.

CALL 01647 24599
for a free survey and no-obligation
competitive quote

Tel: 01647 24599 Horselake Farm,
Email: info@insulatedhomes.net Cheriton Bishop,
Web: www.insulatedhomes.net
Exeter, Devon,
EX6 6H21D

© Kettle Kitchens

Pathfinder Evolution

Kettle kitchens
We spoke to Dale Williams, founder and Managing director of
Kettle Kitchens and discovered he has the perfect background
to specialise in the design and fitting of kitchens for park homes

An apprentice kitchen maker kitchens that were innovative West, completing many projects for
and fitter in his own right,
and functional, and backed by an new build developers and existing

Dale is also a keen sailor having excellent installation team. With a home owners, we are passionate

grown up and around boats all successful ten years in the industry about our specialism in undertaking

his life. ‘Having that includes park-home design and installation

spent much of supplying projects. Park-homes present a

my formative kitchens to luxury unique and challenging opportunity

years sailing, I developments, which we delight in, indeed our

grew up with an being featured on team of designers often clash over

appreciation of Grand Designs who gets to work on the projects as

the importance and winning and when they come in. Each park-

of organisation awards, Kettle home project presents its own set

and utilisation of Kitchens have a of challenges and opportunities

space on boat. right to be proud and we love exploring options and

When space is at of their continued ideas with our customers, who are

a premium, you success. both passionate and attentive about

must use it well Dale’s company, getting the right kitchen design for

and diligently, Kettle Kitchen their needs and lifestyle.’

with a focus on Co. has been

both practicality specialising in the

and design’. design and fitting

Kettle of of park home

Fowey formally kitchens for many

launched from years. Dale says:

Cornish Market World in December ‘Despite being one of the largest

2007, with the goal of delivering kitchen companies in the South-

22

TheFive-pointPlan

When designing a new kitchen for a
park-home, Kettle Co. use a five-point

plan and pay specific attention to:

1Using every inch of available at. The kitchen needs to work for of space, but our dedication is
space their park-home both the owners and the extended paying off and we are now being
kitchens are truly bespoke, family. recognised for our capability at a
national level’.
ensuring easy access especially Practicality does not
into those difficult to reach corners mean a compromise on Kettle Approach &
by utilising creative storage look and style: We looked Services

4solutions, lift-up lids as well as pull- Kettle’s specialist installation
out and slide out racking. Kettle at their designs, show homes team, have a wealth of experience
working within park-homes,
kitchens are designed to your and completed kitchens and working on their own or alongside
specialist refurbishment company
exact requirements and space discovered a broad range of Insulated Homes on complete
refurbishment projects.
and are not limited to standard over thirty different door styles, They use the latest fixture and
fitting technology, specifically
cupboard sizes or doors like many both modern and traditional in a
designed
high-street kitchen companies, so range of over forty different colour for use in
park-homes,
everything can be made to order. choices and finishes. ensuring that
This ensures the space you have is your dream
5Extra storage and style? kitchen is
made fully available to you, down Kettle don’t just improve your installed with
to the nearest millimetre. Kitchen life, the minimum
they can add extra of disruption.
2Remove worktop clutter and storage and style We were
reduce appliance space by astounded to
using integrated appliances. hear that full kitchen installations
Kettle have an ingenious selection to your bedroom can be conducted in as little as
of tips to maximise your working and living areas three days.
area and preserve clean lines. An as well. Made to
integrated boiling tap is a valuable measure furniture Visit Kettle Co online at
can be designed www.kettlekitchens.co.uk
addition to your normal taps, or at the new £350,000
saving space on work top kettle to accommodate showrooms that recently
storage and on boiling time; these all your storage opened in Plymouth or
needs throughout their Cornwall office in
come with built in child safety St Austell.
your park home,
devices to prevent accidental
such as office, lounge, bedroom
injury. They also recommend
and craft furniture. They use the
popup plug points which can
same eye for stylish space saving
be stowed after use and the
installation of an integrated dual and apply it to all the rooms in
microwave/grill/conventional oven. your park home.

3Designed for the owner and Nationally Recognised
their family in mind. Many of Capability
Kettles clients want to avoid
bending down to check how their

meals are cooking in the oven, In 2017 Kettle were one of 3 01726 600034
so they build in mid-height, self- companies shortlisted by Hafele, design@kettleco.co.uk
cleaning ovens for easy access the world’s leading supplier of
and reduced workload. When the kitchen components, for a UK
family or grandchildren come to award for ‘Most Innovative Use of
stay, some client want special hide Space in a Project’. Dale says; ‘We
away features such as benches have learnt the hard way, through
or small desks for children to sit sweat and graft to make the most

23

Adventfour uniqueCHRISTMAS
CalendersSIDENT ♥ PARKHOMERESIDEN
ME RESIDENT ♥ PARK HOME RE ♥
T

L VED PARK HOME RESIDENT These contemporay countdowns are exciting
alternatives to the calorific chocolate calendar
and ♥
Beard oil
LIKED P
ARK HOME RESIDENT ♥ PARK HO
£29.99 | The Bearded Man Company | www.amazon.co.uk

In this advent calendar, each little window houses
a new dose of beloved-beard oil, all of which are
manufactured by hand and sourced from the highest-
quality natural ingredients. What will be your favourite
scent? Cedarwood, leather or Irish moss? The Bearded
Man Company uses the softening power of nut and
wheat oils to coat beard hairs and naturally soften
them, leaving you feeling smooth and nourished.

Beauty Brands © Marks & Spencer’s

£35 (when you spend £35) | Marks and Spencer

If expensive options from luxury beauty brands like
Jo Malone don’t fit into your budget, fear not. This
pyramid-shaped calendar from Marks and Spencer
outperformed any other advent calendar on the mar-
ket last year. This advent, the calender is packed in a
house. Featuring more than £250 worth of cosmetics
from leading brands, such as Emma Hardie, Nuxe
and Pixi, the diverse selection of skincare, makeup
and hair-care products come in deluxe travel minis
and full-size favourites. With nearly a month's worth
of cosmetics, Marks and Spencer knows how to
fulfil all your festive demands for as little as £35. To
purchase this beauty advent calendar for the dis-
counted price, all you need to do is spend £35 on
clothing, beauty and home merchandise online or in
the Marks and Spencer store. Don’t waste any time
purchasing this cutting-edge calendar, as they tend
to sell out quickly.

24

Gin-vent

£124.95 | www.ginfoundry.com

Find your perfect tipple:
celebrate the depth, diver-
sity and global reach of gin
by comparing artisanal craft
makers to familiar brands. To
resolve the deplorable absence
of the precious juniper spirit
during the season of festivities,
the Gin Foundry, designed and
crafted an advent calendar
– packed with almost every
style of gin, from Old Tom to
London Dry, and Navy Strength
to fruit-infused. The original
gin-fuelled advent calendar can
be found online at Amazon, Gin
Kiosk and Master of Malt.

Advent Wreath

£24.99 |Yankee Candle | available from various online retailers

Yankee’s Christmas wreath contains twenty-five different
tea light candles, each with a seasonal scent. Indulge
in a festive aroma with fragrances such as, Sparkling
Cinnamon, The Perfect Tree, Candy Chestnut, Winter
Glow, Snowflake Cookie and Macaron Treats. Pick up
your beautifully-decorated wreath from various online
retailers.

Award-winning loose-leaf Tea

© bLUEBIRD tEA CO £36 | www.bluebirdteaco.com

Bluebird Tea Co. are the UK’s expert
tea mixologists, who ‘spread happi-
ness, one cupful at a time.’ Open the
foil-embossed box for 24 different
tea-themed gifts, from mini matcha
pots to tea-scented candles, and
vegan chocolate to a variety of loose
leaf tea blends. Sample new Christmas
flavours like Mulled Cider or indulge
in larger, traditional speciality packets
like Flush Darjeeling. Ease digestion,
boost metabolism and get a natural
energy kick. Each individually hand-
packed tea, doesn’t just taste amazing
- but hold health benefits too. R

25

metrotile
The No Drama Roof

Europe’s No.1 Lightweight Steel Roofing System

Metro Tile 1/2 advert

www.metrotile.co.uk

SALE Great range of Electric Beds
NOW ON
AVAILABLE WITH OR
WITHOUT STORAGE IN

VARIOUS COLOURS
AND SIZES

MASSIVE Sale Prices Huge range of bed frames all
available in the sale
£99From Only
The Frame

ISNAVEVINEGRYSDEPARTMENT Sale Prices Sale Prices
£199From Only
£499From Only Huge range of divan beds all
The Bed The Bed available in the sale

DEVONS LARGEST BED SPECIALIST - OVER 100 DIFFERENT BEDS ON DISPLAY

GermanQuality Sale Prices
Manufacturing
FHROMEEE
ASSEMBLY

Est 1985 OAK & £799From Only The Harrisons luxury pocket
PAINTED sprung bed collection.
comfort comes as standard The Bed Amazing value in the sale
RANGES
www.devonbedcentre.co.uk

OPEN Unit 5, Grace Road West, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, Exeter, EX2 8PU Tel: 01392 255906

7 DAYS

26

HOMEgIuNidSeUtoRANCE

Home insurance is the name used for two types of insurance - buildings and
contents - you can buy the policies individually or combined into one. Buildings
insurance is for the structure of your home and permanent fixtures and fittings,

whereas contents insurance is for anything that is inside your home.

TT he simple way of under- flood damage as well as tree, car electrical goods, jewellery, clothes
standing what is covered and vandal damage. Policies are and your general belongings. Your
by each policy is this... also available that cover any other carpets are usually included in this
If you could turn your home structures on your plot such as policy.
upside down and shake it, your garage if required.
everything that fell out is WHAT'S EXCLUDED?
contents, everything that remains WHAT'S EXCLUDED?
is buildings. The only exception Don’t expect a policy to pay out
to this is fitted carpets which Don’t expect a policy to pay out for everything, natural wear and
usually (but not always) come for everything, natural wear and tear is not covered and anything
under your contents policy. tear is not covered. You’ll need covered by a Building Insurance
to read your policy details but policy is not included. Typically
BUILDING INSURANCE typically you won’t be covered if valuable items are only covered
your home is left empty for long up to a certain value; you can
This is a policy for the structure periods; you haven’t conducted discuss individual valuable items
of your home such as the roof, proper maintenance (e.g. such as a diamond ring with your
walls and the floor, plus anything allowed your gutters to leak for policy provider and ensure that
fixed to your home such as your a prolonged period and caused they are included by paying extra
fitted kitchen or bathroom. It damage to your home); or if your on a premium. Think about your
typically covers anything that fences blow down in the wind. possessions. If any single item
you wouldn’t take from the home is typically worth over £1500,
if you moved. It usually covers CONTENTS INSURANCE mention it to your insurer. Your
damage too and the policy computer is not usually part of the
should pay the cost for repairing This is a policy that covers policy if it is damaged by a virus. R
or rebuilding your home if it is everything inside your home that
damaged. you would typically take with you Written by Julie Main
if you moved home.

WHAT'S COVERED? WHAT'S COVERED?

All policies are different and you All policies are different and you
need to read the small print but need to read the small print but
typically they will provide cover typically they will provide cover
for fire, water, smoke, storm and for goods items such as furniture,

© Robert Kneschke / Adobe Stock

27

The Leading
Park Home
Insurance
Specialists

0800 369 8590 | www.adrianflux.co.uk

Our Mobile Park Home Insurance cover includes all the features you need and expect
from a high quality, competitive insurance policy. We cover any Park Home on a
licensed site covered and wooden or non-standard roofing is not a problem. We provide
discounts for alarms and security locks, for over 50s, for multiple polices as well as
optional accidental damage, money and credit cards and cycle cover. Easy payment
by credit card or direct debit because park homes are, by their nature, a non-standard
home, all our mobile park home insurance policies are designed especially for the out of
the ordinary and our staff have a high degree of knowledge in the field of specialist park
home insurance services. Please note that our sales staff are insurance experts not just
button pushers and along with our tailor made park home insurance, UK call centres and
fantastic rates along with a 24 hour claims hotline with counselling support.

01604 946 567 | www.parkhomeassist.co.uk

Launched in 2005, Park Home Assist is a family run business and specialise in insurance
for Park Home Owners and we now insure over 25,000 park home owners across the
UK. Their policies cover both buildings and contents and are underwritten by certain
underwriters at Lloyd’s of London. Our award-winning claims service will re-assure our
policyholders that we’ll be there when you need us most. Our policies have been de-
signed with the needs of Park Home Owners in mind, giving £500,000 buildings cover
and £60,000 contents as standard, with many options to personalise your cover. We also
offer discounts for the over 50s and if you don’t make a claim.
28

mail@flamesure.com | www.flamesure.co.uk

Flamesure is a stand-alone boiler Insurance that offers Boiler Breakdown Cover specially
aimed at the park home market and can cater for mains gas, LPG, Calor or Oil boilers.
No matter who you are insured with you can now obtain Breakdown cover for your park
home boiler via Flamesure or you can simply insure your home with Parksure and ob-
tain this cover for free. The policy also includes an annual service of your boiler where
a representative from the company will visit your home and carry out the service each
year to check your boiler and make sure it is safe and in good working order. Peace of
mind is included, free of charge with Flamesure! All you have to do is get a quote from
Flamesure’s website www.FlameSure.co.uk and select your cover starting from as little as
£2.79 a week for 24 hour peace of mind.

www.parksureinsurance.co.uk

Parksure is part of a family run UK insurance broker; established in 1966 they have been
offering comprehensive insurance, advice and service ever since. Family run means no
call centres!!! Instead you will always speak to a member of an experienced and dedicat-
ed team right here in the UK, who specialise in providing quality tailor made insurance at
competitive premiums. Over the last fifty years, they have gained a reputation for taking the
time to give you the guidance and service you require and so rightly deserve. There are no
forms to complete, they provide immediate cover with multiple discounts and a twenty-four
hours claims service for peace of mind.

0800 328 2084 | www.park-wise.co.uk

You will find the staff at Parkwise friendly, professional and knowledgeable they will provide
you with a no obligation quotation for a policy that can be tailored to suit your needs. The
Parkwise policy has been specifically developed to cover the needs of Park Home owners
in the UK. Buildings are covered automatically on a new for old basis up to £500,000. You
choose the level of contents cover you require with accidental damage cover included as
standard. A discount for members of residents associations is also available on top of their
competitive premiums. Parkwise is a trading identity of Caravanwise Limited which has
been trading since 1989.

0800 038 5090 | www.pbinsurance.co.uk

Paul Baker Insurance Services are a specialist provider of Park Home Insurance. Between
them Paul, Ian, Jenny, Jacquie and Luke have over 80 years of experience of park home
insurance guaranteeing that when you call you will speak to someone with considerable
experience of not only park home insurance but park home legislation, construction and
the unique park home ownership model and lifestyle. We promise no call centres, no en-
gaged tones, no recorded messages, no robots and above all no pressure selling. Just a
friendly person with the ability to listen and to explain and the experience to give you the
best possible guidance and advice. Customer service is our number one focus, we handle
everything in house, from quote to policy issue, from renewal to claim. We offer a choice
of policies, a choice of payment methods, we welcome personal visits and will even come
and see you if we can. For personal, friendly advice call us FREE or visit our easy to follow
and helpful web site.

29

Whether you just want to treat yourself with the latest technology,
or looking for a gift for the tech lover in your life. We’ve gathered the

most popular gadget gifts to suit all taste and budgets

SHIATZU MASSAGE 1
CUSHION
PORTABLE CHARGER
by HoMedics
£34.99 | RRP £59.99 | Homedics by Pebble
The travelling massage mechanism, from £29.99 | Argos
within the multi zone shiatzu cushion,
kneads and relaxes your back to We’ve all experienced the problem of the battery dying
a professional-quality by following on our phone when we need it most. This handy charger
your unique contours. Customise the tops up your phone no matter where you are, keeping you
pressure of your massage and relieve safe and in touch. Simultaneously boost the battery of four
smartphone devices with Pebble’s portable charger, which
2your muscles with soothing heat. contains four ports and twice as much force to an Apple
iPhone. Designed to be light-weight and durable, place the
BLUETOOTH TRACKER Pebble in the supplementary neoprene portable case; but

by Tile 3forget about over-charging with the auto shut-down mode.

From £19.99 | Amazon

About the size of a large postage stamp, Tile Mate will let you
find your lost keys, handbag or any other item in an instant.
Compatible with most devices, the compressed, lightweight
and innovative design easily attaches to keychains and other
objects. All you need to do is make your tile ring via the simple,
smartphone app.

30

4 PAPERWHITE KINDLE

ME RESIDENT ♥ PARK HOME RESIDENT ♥ PARK HOME RESIDEN PARK HOME RESIDENT ♥ By Amazon 5
T♥ P
L VED From £109.99 | Amazon

and With a six-inch high-resolution
display, Amazon’s paperwhite
LIKED E-device reads like authentic
ARK HOME RESIDENT ♥ PARK HO paper, without the additional
weight. Read day and night with
a built-in adjustable light. With
Kindle Unlimited, you can read
as much as you want, choosing
from over 800,000 titles and
thousands of audiobooks.

ACTIVE HEATING
THERMOSTAT

By Hive

£169.99 | Amazon

6 Come back to a warm home this winter, without
ever having to heat an empty one. Hive Active
RAPID TYER INFLATOR Heating lets you set schedules to control
the heating in your home - just connect your
By Halfords smartphone to the innovatively-designed
thermostat. Turn your heating on remotely
£39.99 | Halfords and you could save up to £130 a year on your
heating bill. Set up the thermostat wirelessly
Reinflate your tyres quickly and easily at alongside your existing heating system.
home or by the side of the road with the
Halfords Tyre Inflator in just under 3 minutes. 7
All you need to do is plug the device into a
12V cigarette charger and the LED indicator FIRESTICK
will show that the power is connected. Built
for convenience, the digital gauge serves to By Amazon
provide an easy method to read and change
measuring units, while the torch element £39.99 | Amazon
enables you to use the device at night. The
maximum pressure of 120psi, accounts for The most powerful streaming media stick, with the
its compatibility with adapters - from toys fastest Wi-Fi and most accurate voice search - the new
to inflatable items – once the pressure has generation now includes the Alexa Voice Remote. The
been achieved, the tyre inflator will automat- firestick features over 7,000 apps, games and Alexa
ically cut-off. skills, including Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub,
Netflix, YouTube and more. Simply launch apps and
control content with the Voice Remote. Demand Alexa
to "Launch Netflix", "Skip ahead 5 minutes" or find
your local restaurant. With 8 GB of storage and 1 GB of
memory for apps and games, the quad-core proces-
sor and 802.11ac Wi-Fi allows for fast streaming and
smooth performance. R

Written by ASHLEIGH SANDFORD

31

INSTANT EXPERT

INSTALLER
QUESTIONS

External Wall Insulation (EWI)

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good builder or installer will be happy to answer.
If they won’t answer, just walk away. Do not sign a contract or pay a deposit until

you are happy with the information they provide.

We’ve spoken to installers, and a good, reputable installer after not only your home, but also
assessors, as well as will give you detailed answers, your personal safety,
surveyors and put to- some may need to go back to
gether a list of questions for you to their office for a little more Nothing in life is ever guaranteed
ask potential installers, who you’re information but if they cannot but if you follow these steps you
asking to quote for external wall give you a detailed answer to will be better informed to make
insulation on your home. each of these points then walk your decision.
away. You’re investing thousands
Selecting who does the work is of pounds and adjusting the Have you or a neighbour had
a major decision, get it wrong and structure of your home. Don’t a good or bad experience you
you could be storing up trouble make an expensive mistake. would like to share with us?
for the future. Use our 10-points to
become an instant expert. Insurance, qualifications and Do you have any tips for spotting
training are important, as who you the cowboys that you would like
Take your time with the installers select is responsible for looking to share? Get in touch, let us know
you meet, ask these questions and we’ll try to include your tips in
the next issue.

JUST SAY NO An example of a layered External Wall
Insulation (EWI) system. A thick, warming
Never agree to work from someone layer of grey poly topped with three layers of
that just knocks at your door. render and mesh to create a rock hard finish.

Never sign a contract in your home
in front of a sales person.

Never give a deposit to anyone that
visits your home.

Never believe special discounts and
urgent offers that ask you to sign up
there and then. Stop, wait and think.

Ask for everything
in writing, think it
through, read what
you are signing.

32

PHR MAG | GUIDE

Do not sign a contract or pay a
deposit until you have the answers

to these simple questions:

1 4Ask for two or three Ask for a copy of the
quotes from accredited guarantee you will get.

companies, never someone An insurance-backed guarantee
protects you if the company
that just knocks on your
stops trading. A guarantee
door. You can compare price,
issued by a company that isn’t 9Ask how they survey
product and quality. Be cautious assessed by an accreditation your home? As you
about accepting the cheapest, company or that isn’t insurance
as cheaper companies may not
be trained, qualified, insured, backed can be worthless. know park homes are all
accredited or offer support if
something goes wrong. Their different. A gas-qualified
product may also be inferior and
could cause damage to your 5Ask who they are person should visit your home
home. Get all the information you accredited with? before installation and make
need before deciding. Take your
time and don’t be rushed. Reputable companies usually written recommendations to
are registered with organisations ensure your safety, your vents
2Ask for a written quote should be assessed as should
and contract with their like QICA, TrustMark or Which? the entire structure of your
terms and conditions. If Trusted Traders. The government home. Do not allow work to start
recommend a PAS2030 installer without a survey.
things are written down, there’s for external wall. An accredited
no confusion about what you
10company has been assessed Ask to see a copy of
their qualifications.
by a third-party and they can also
step-in and support you should
something go wrong. Do you know who will be

are paying for. Don’t be afraid to actually doing the work? Ask
ask to have things clarified and
always get it in writing. 6Ask if there are homes for their qualifications, some
nearby you can look at? companies give their work to
3Ask for written A quality company should be other companies or
confirmation of what proud of their work and have individuals to do, make sure
happy customers proud of their
they are qualified too. R

they are putting on your homes. STILL NOT SURE?

walls. How thick is the poly? 7Ask if they can supply Ask Community Warmth to
references? Reputable check for you by visiting...
What type is it? How do they companies will have a folder
attach the poly? What goes on www.communitywarmth.org
the top of the poly? Make sure packed with thank-you letters
this is detailed in any contract you
sign. A good installer will have a and references for you to see

detailed product description and and check.

installation method. Does the 8Ask to see copies of
their insurance?
product have a fire rating

certificate? Anyone working on your home

Look out for should have insurance. Ask to

accreditiation see a copy of the certificate.

logos

33

QHOW OFTEN SHOULD Hair
YOU WASH YOUR HAIR?

At maximum, only two-three times
a week. According to the New York
based leading hair specialist, Dan
Sharp, “Your hair’s natural oils are
designed to condition and protect
your tresses, so when you shampoo
daily, it strips these vital oils away”.

MatureMANAGING
Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience USE CAFFEINE

5at some point in their lives. During this time, the body goes through Plantur 39 contains caffeine,

numerous physical changes as it adjusts to shifting hormone levels. zinc and niacin to stimulate hair

During menopause, research suggests that the hormonal imbalance, cells. In numerous studies, Dr. Wolff
recognised by a lowered production of estrogen and progesterone, found, that caffeine also helps to
can cause hair to grow slower and thinner. For that reason, we protect hair from the negative impact
of testosterone. Sarah, in our office,
have compiled together some steps you can take to treat hair loss trialled shampoo for brittle hair, fell
and improve the quality of your hair. in love and has replaced her ex-

1 CUT YOUR HAIR 3 COMB WET HAIR pensive salon-bought shampoo.
Have your hair cut as often as Pulling a brush through wet We've tried Plantur 39
Boots | £8.99

you can. If you colour your hair, do it hair can worsen tangles and cause

regularly and condition well between breakage. De-tangling spray helps

treatments. to untangle these knots, while

2 TAKE MULTI-VITAMINS. conditioning your hair with a
Multi-vitamins for your hair may heat-protective UV filter.
contain ingredients such as, zinc and We like Mane 'n Tail Detangler
Superdrug | £7.99

silica to stimulate a healthy head.

While zinc produces carotene to 4 MASSAGE YOUR SCALP 6 DEEP-CONDITION
boost hair growth, bamboo contains Through this method, you will Considered vital to healthy hair,
silica which builds strength and stalls benefit from strengthened roots, deep-conditioning promotes elasticity,
premature greying. nourished hair-shafts, growth and restores natural shine and repairs the
Everyone in the office a lubricated scalp, in order to avoid structure of coloured strands.
has tested Sanato- dry flakes, split-ends and premature We go for John Frieda Full Repair Deep
gen and we can’t get greying. Conditioner Mask
enough. We go for ORS Hairepair Vital Oils for Boots | £6.99
We'vetriedSanatogen Hair & Scalp
Vital 50+ Superdrug | £2.99
Tesco | £9

34

We’re a nationwide provider and installer of

• CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS
• BOILER REPLACEMENTS
• BOILER SERVICING
• RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES

Why choose Northern Gas Heating?

• We’re a Which? Trusted Trader
• Peace of mind, knowing you’re being looked after
• You’ll be dealing with highly trained staff
• We never compromise on quality, all works will be carried out to the

highest standards and our after care is second to none
• We’re commited to dependable, first-rate customer service

CONTACT US TODAY ON
0800 083 1000 / www.northerngasheating.com

35

INTRODUCING Light Fittings

THE ELECTRICAL Any signs of overheating such as
curled labels, discolouration or
SAFETY
scorching should be a
GUIDE warning sign. If you see any signs
of cracking or burn marks around
the light fittings stop using them
immediately and get them checked

by a registered electrician.

Electrical accidents FAIRYLIGHTS
in the home can
pose a more signif- The festive season is just around the
icant risk to vulner- corner and park homes across England
able people. This is often are twinkling with fairylights and
due to old or poor-quality Christmas cheer. One in twelve people
housing that contains faulty confess to leaving their lights on over-
electrics and appliances. night, potentially endangering their
home as they can overheat and produce
Our statistics show that a fire hazard. Give your lights a break and
one million people, who switch them off when you’re not around
are over 75, live in homes to enjoy them. Avoid overloading
that are not warm enough, sockets, extension leads and adaptors.
are in a state of disrepair
or do not have modern ELECTRICAL SAFETY FIRST
facilities. These homes
can be dangerous as they Recognised by the government and in-
don’t meet basic electrical dustry as the leading campaigning char-
safety standards, and don’t ity, Electrical Safety First has obtained
include life-saving devices technical authority on electrical safety.
such as a modern fusebox, Campaigning on behalf of consumers
circuit breakers and PVC and electrical trade professionals, get in
wiring. Sometimes a health touch to improve your safety
condition such as dementia regulations.
or Parkinson’s can increase
the risk of an electrical ac- 020 3463 5100
cident, as these conditions
cause reduced mobility and www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
memory. If you’re worried
about your park home, or
concerned about a neighbour
or relative, read on for some
simple things that you can do.
36

Check the Smoke Alarm Cables Plugs and Sockets

Every property should have a Cables should be in good con- If your electrics are over 50
working smoke alarm and bat- dition with no signs of damage, years old they’ll need checking
teries should be changed every cracking or splitting and should and updating. Electrics can also
year. You can test the smoke be enclosed in a PVC sheath. become damaged or faulty which
Cuts, damage or signs of exces- will require professional atten-
alarm by pressing the ‘Test’ sive wear and tear mean that the tion. Warning signs – round pin
button. If there’s no smoke alarm lead or plug might need replac- sockets, braided flex hanging
then contact your local Fire and ing. Try to avoid trailing cables from ceiling light fittings, sockets
across the floor or under carpets mounted in skirting boards, dam-
Rescue Service. aged plugs and sockets, visible
and rugs as this can be a trip burn marks, crackling sounds or
hazard. excessive heat being emitted.

Check the Fuse-box Check for RCD's

Your fusebox controls the elec- Residual Current Devices are
trics in your home which is why life-saving device that cuts out
it’s important that you check it’s power if there’s an accident and
can prevent you from receiving
working safely. All fuseboxes a fatal electric shock. To check
should have a main switch and whether you have an RCD press
fuses and/or circuit breakers. the ‘Test’ or ‘T’ button. If you do
It should NOT have a wooden have one then pressing it will
back, cast iron switches or what switch off the power to the areas
looks like a mix of different fuse- of the home that it protects. If
boxes. If your circuit-breakers trip you don’t have an RCD in your
or fuses regularly blow, then it’s fusebox or it’s not working then
worth getting them checked by a you should use plug-in RCDs for
all the sockets in your home. R
registered electrician.
Words supplied by
Electrical Safety First.

37

Setting aside time each day to focus on your well being has many rewards. It can leave you
feeling more relaxed, with better mental health, lower stress, reduced anxiety and these
in turn can lead to an improvement in your general health. Mindfulness is an easy way to
just push the pause button on your life and take five or ten minutes to yourself to escape
your problems, pain or stress. We’ve been practising here in the office and think we benefited from
instant results, after a few days we definitely felt that it was easier to do and all of us think we’ll use it
in our lives. Why not try it for yourself and let us know how you got on?

Mindfulness

The mental state achieved by focusing your
attention on the present moment

There are many books, courses and websites that will feelings, aches or pressure it has.
teach you ways of being mindful but if you’d like to start
out simply, here are the exercises we’ve been doing in 5 If you are finding these exer-
cises difficult, try listening to an
the office. Let us know how you get on. app on your phone, or using a video,
audio or website recording which

can talk you through the techniques.

1 Slow down and take a moment. back to the now. Repeat this exer-
Notice what is around you. cise daily, it does get easier with We’d love to hear your thoughts,
What can you see, taste, smell practice and you’ll find you’ll go how you got on and any tips you
and hear? We process so much longer without distracting yourself. may have for other readers. R

3information in our busy lives that Sit down quietly, close your Our favourite Resources
eyes and relax. It can be
we’ve stopped noticing the every-
day things that are all around us.
2 harder at first as you are not getting
Pick a time and place in your the visual clues from your eyes but Headspace.com
day. A car or bus journey; a relaxing, taking a series of deep and
walk; out shopping; or just when slow breaths whilst truly feeling your Offers a healthier life with a few min-
you are sat quietly at home. Try and surroundings can be very relaxing. utes of meditation a day.

4really notice everything you can Breathe slowly in and out and www.bemindful.co.uk
think about your breathing, the
see rather than let it wash over you. Learn more about mindfulness on the
What can you smell? Hear? Taste? Mental Health Foundations Website.
As your journey progresses tell sound it makes, any other sounds
“A Mindfulness
your self (either in your head or you can hear? What can you taste Guide for the
Frazled”
aloud) what you can see, hear, taste or smell? Count every breath in and
Ruby Wax provides a
and smell. If you get distracted out until you get to ten. Repeat, useful but funny guide
to mindfulness.

and realise you are thinking about thinking about how your body feels

what to have for dinner instead, as you breathe in and out. Notice

that’s OK, dismiss those thoughts any sounds, smells, tastes and try Written by Julie Main
to think about them later and go and be aware of your body and any

38

Do you have:

•A lung disease
•Kidney or heart disease
• Diabetes
•Another long term

condition
•Or do you suffer from

breathlessness?

Cold weather can make you more
likely to catch a winter illness
that could become very serious.

So even if it’s just a cough or
a cold, seek advice from your
pharmacist before it gets
more serious.

nhs.uk/staywell LeLyelaylHaaHnannbnebcekc,kP,hPahrmaramcaisctist 39

park site explorer

T he Caravan Club of Great the first true mobile home was Today, Pathfinder Village is set
Britain was founded in produced. The business thrived amongst 46 acres of beautiful
1907; not long after, Tony with manufacturing, repairs, established Devonian woodland,

and Gerry Horton occupied “ I have lived at Pathfinder Village which is home
Pathfinder Village, which began for 20 years. It’s a beautiful, quiet site to a community
in 1932 hiring out caravans for with a strong sense of community. of residents
self-towing. This soon turned People look out for each other over 55. There
into a holiday village that paused are a real mix
during the war years but the of “locals” and

post-war national shortage of Joan, Resident, Pathfinder Village people who have
houses offered the prospect for moved to Devon
“ as a lifestyle
residential caravaning and the residential and touring facilities. choice to enjoy
business rapidly expanded adding the countryside,
facilities. friendliness, coast and moors.

By 1954, it was evident that

‘residential caravaning’ was a In 1988, the site was sold to Close to the vibrant and

permanent trend and heating, one of Britain’s premier park expanding city of Exeter and to

electricity and water were installed home developers, Avondale, the A30, Pathfinder Village is in an

in subsequent years. Additional which has now been established enviable location with Dartmoor

facilities were also added such as a reputable management and the North and South Devon

as the Village Hall and in 1958 company for over 27 years. The coast on its doorstep. The village

name of Pathfinder continues as hosts a variety of lifestyle homes;

a manufacturer of stunning park from quiet wooded corners, tucked

homes in nearby Newton Abbot. away with homes often nestled in

generous plots, through to modern

40

homes sited for easy-access and 46 Acres of Devonian
that are maintenance-free. woodland

Although Pathfinder Village LonLg oWnogoWdsoondeswDdeevveelloompmenetnt
houses hundreds of homes, it
does not feel that way at all. The demonstrations, entertainment, Written by ASHLEIGH SANDFORD
roads to take you around the parties, celebrations and
village twist and turn meaning that outgoings. There is something 01647 270070
there are fewer cars and those for everyone. www.pathfindervillage.org.uk
that are there, drive with a slow
relaxed feel that matches the park. The social lives of residents
who reside in these park
We enjoyed exploring the homes are known to thrive off
different areas of Pathfinder the company of like-minded
village. Some homes overlook the friends, who are bound by the
neighbouring golf course; others safe, secure and supportive
have a lodge feel, surrounded by environments.
woodland as well as stunning new
modern homes. New this year, Long Woods is
a development of fifteen luxury
Although Pathfinder Village is 1, 2 and 3 bedroom bungalow
only 8 miles away from Exeter, it style park homes.
is unnecessary to venture outside
for shopping, as the site is self- With many people saying that
contained with its own post office, Pathfinder Village is a “great
church, shop, hairdressers and place to live”, residents are
doctor’s surgery. The site also excited to be part of a friendly
boasts a lively social life with clubs and flourishing community. R
and groups on-site.

The Village has its own fully
licensed Residents’ Club. Activities
include bingo, dancing, pool,
darts, skittles, painting, keep-
fit and regular social evenings.
The Club’s many activities
include social meetings, talks,
slide and film shows, cookery

41

PHCS SnuggerFLOOR Before

Many park homes suffer cold coming through the © Cathi Foale
floorboards. If you are experiencing cold floors or After
draughts, it may well be time to consider PHCS
SnuggerFLOOR underfloor insulation. It will also 0333 456 3056 | 0118 984 3107
help save on fuel bills too! info@parkhomechassis.co.uk
www.parkhomechassis.co.uk
PHCS SnuggerFLOOR is the leading underfloor
insulation system for park homes. SnuggerFLOOR is
the only fully bonded and sealed underfloor insulation
system and is designed to provide maximum heat

“retention for a warmer and cosier home.
“It absolutely works! I have one gas fire in
my lounge and throughout my first winter
with PHCS SnuggerFLOOR I needed it on
much less. The home stayed warm all the
time. Plus my gas bill has gone down!” Jenny
“Robinson, Clearways Mobile Home Park
What makes PHCS SnuggerFLOOR the
system to choose?

 Utilises superior materials, exclusive to
PHCS, for lasting performance

(no tape sealants)
 Meets all H&S standards
 Allows access to pipes and wiring under the

home

(no direct spray to the underside sealing in
all pipes and wiring)
 Class 1 fire retardant
 Site survey and written quotation prior to
works commencing
 Installed by PHCS dedicated team for pro-
fessional workmanship
 10 year guarantee

 QICA accredited

42

Are you eligible to receive Why replace your old boiler?
a part-funded or even
A typical G rated boiler
FREE BOILER under the usually has a lifetime
Government ECO2T of 8 years. After this
Scheme? period, your boiler becomes very
inefficient and has to work harder
© Northern Gas to provide you with sufficient heat
Heating and hot water. You will notice an
increase in your energy bills and
The scheme, initiated by the government, was set up your carbon footprint will be much
to help households on a lower income reduce their higher.

energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. If you don’t qualify for the
boiler scheme, their expert staff
If you receive certain state benefits and have an Oil, will be on hand to provide you
LPG or Electric storage heating system, you could be with a free non obligation quote.
eligible to receive part funded or even a FREE boiler.
When a customer chooses
To qualify for the ECO2T scheme, you must have an Northern Gas Heating, they
Oil, LPG or Electric boiler and you must receive the fol- choose exceptional service,
lowing qualifying benefits, or live with someone who affordable pricing and total
peace of mind. They don’t just
receives: say they deliver more to their
customers, they do it! Northern
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit Element Gas Heating are one of the top 4
• Income-related employment and support allowance heating installers in the UK, they
• Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) are a nationwide provider of Gas
• Income Support Central Heating Systems, Boiler
• Tax Credit Replacements and Renewable
• Universal Credit Technologies. Northern Gas
Heating pride themselves on
So, why should you replace your an efficient, friendly service and
boiler with an A Rated one? strive to achieve 100% customer
satisfaction.
• You’ll reduce your energy bills
• You’ll lower carbon emissions with a more energy Northern Gas Heating
understand purchasing a boiler
efficient boiler isn’t an everyday investment,
• You’ll have peace of mind: a new efficient boiler will they endeavour to provide
professional advice at all times.
work more efficiently and reliably Renowned for being able to
• It’s smaller in size, and much quieter help vulnerable customers from
enquiry to install in just 5 working
days and in keeping disruption to
a minimum.

They work very closely
with well-known, respected
organisations such as E.ON,
Warmworks and the NEA, to help
heat homes.

The British weather can be a lit-
tle unpredictable, don’t be left out
in the cold this winter. Contact the
helpful team at Northern Gas Heat-
ing today and get ahead on your
application.

0800 083 1000

www.northerngasheating.com

43

Volunmtaedeeeraisny g
If you can spare as little as
an hour or two a week, passion that we want to share, a part-time or even full-time role,
volunteering can be a whatever the reason, volunteering it’s up to you, opportunities exist
life-changing experience. is on the rise and it provides real no matter how much time you
For hundreds of thousands benefits to the volunteer with have, what abilities and skills you
of people in the UK, it is an the added bonus of making a have. Personally, I’ve volunteered
excellent way of making friends, difference. for the National Trust and helped
feeling useful, keeping busy organise activity days. I found it a
and having fun. We volunteer for Opportunities exist that suit all really positive, fun way of spend-
different reasons, we may want abilities, skills and ages and it ing the occasional weekend. I
to just “get out of the house” or can be an immensely satisfying made lifelong friends; learned
want to do something worth- way to spend your time. Whether new skills and had an excuse to
while. We may have a skill or you decide on just an hour or get crafty - sometimes downright
two here and there, or commit to
muddy with kids of all ages.

South-West Directory

The Royal Voluntary Devon Voluntary Action Volunteer Centre Dorset
Service (RVS) (DeVA)
Part of a national network of vol-
Aims to enrich the lifestyle of an Provides help, advice, training and unteer centres that help voluntary
older generation. support to voluntary and commu- and community organisations
nity sector groups across Devon. recruit and manage their
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/volunteer volunteers in Dorset.
www.devonva.org
0845 608 0122 www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk/
0845 6099901
Independent Age 01305 269214
Do It
Offers advice and support for Volunteer Cornwall
people in old age and are actively The national database of volun-
looking for volunteers. teering jobs, providing 1 million A charity dedicated to building
diverse opportunities from recruiting social capital and developing
www.independentage.org/get-involved/ not-for-profit oganisations. the wellbeing of individuals and
volunteering-opportunities communities in Cornwall.
www.do-it.org
0800 319 678 www.volunteercornwall.org.uk
South Somerset Association
Age UK for Voluntary and Community 01872 265300
Action (SSVCA)
Delivers information and advice Hampshire Volunteer
for volunteering services, as well Currently has 200 different oppor- Centres
as supporting older people to love tunities to choose from, within 150
later life. organisations. Promote and support volunteering
services within Hampshire. Visit the
www.ageuk.org.uk www.ssvca.org.uk/volunteer/ website and select where you live to
find the nearest volunteering contact.
0800 055 6112 01935 414023
www.hampshirevolunteers.org.uk/

023 8090 2458

44

Juonnethe benefits of volunteering

A few weeks ago, I met with quired about joining. After all or relative at the hospital.
June in her park home in Exe- the necessary checks and train- The role June volunteers for
ter to find out about the vol- ing were conducted she began,
untary work she does for the working a three hour shift in the is an active one that requires
Royal Voluntary Service (RVS). mornings or afternoons, several considerable walking. She
days a week. Seven years later, hadn’t considered that when
June came to volunteering June now works most week joining but it has been a huge
at her local hospital by chance. days and is now the co-ordina- bonus, June says that she once
During her treatment for breast tor ensuring adequate volun- clocked up an impressive 9500
cancer, she’d been helped by teers are on hand for each shift. steps on her pedometer in a
volunteers who worked at the single 3 hour shift. Although
reception, greeting out-patients Finding volunteers has not keeping fit is important to June
and escorted both them and been a problem, June says and her colleagues in this role,
their notes through the hos- many of her colleagues, like there are many other volunteer-
pital to the correct location. her, have joined through their ing roles available to those less
After her recovery and recently own personal experience and active and that suit all abilities.
retired June felt she needed others through visiting a friend
a purpose in her life and en- R

RVeSxplained

The Royal Voluntary Service is a charity for the elderly, aiming to enrich the lives of people through
service support systems. In Devon, they provide assistance through services such as, the home

library service, community transport services, lunch and social clubs. In addition, the RVS creates
opportunities for people to take control of their lives; volunteering is a great way to increase your
fitness and social life. A significant number of volunteers at RVS, are people aged sixty and over, who
enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts support other people of a similar age. Volunteering

has been proven to increase health and wellbeing, acting as a buffer to the ageing process.

45

why should you join a...

Park Home Association?

National Association of Park Home Residents (NAPHR)

The National Association of Park Home Residents NAPHR have been involved with the Park Home
(NAPHR) are a totally voluntary group established Working Party (PHWP) group for many years seeking
in 1982 that offer advice to park home residents on changes to Mobile Homes Legislation. The PHWP
matters relating to Mobile Home lifestyle, buying a group consists of residents representatives like
home, forming a Residents Association, the Mobile NAPHR and representatives of the Park Home Indus-
Homes Acts, Written Statements, etc. They operate try, Council Officials and MP’s.
nationally and have a committee of eight members
located in various locations such as West Sussex, January 2005 saw the first fruits of their efforts
Cornwall and Scotland. to help residents when five new pieces of legislation
were introduced which it was hoped would deter site
Membership of the National Association of owners withholding their consent to you selling your
Park Home Residents (NAPHR) is open to Residen- home, improved protection from harassment, remov-
tial Park Home Owners on Permanently Licensed al of the five year term regarding the condition of
Parks, excluding anyone with connections to the your home and the right for prospective purchasers
site owner at an annual subscription rate of £5.00 of new homes to have a copy of the written state-
per home. This entitles you to access their tele- ment 28 days prior to an agreed sale.
phone advice line and/or written replies if you send
copies of correspondence (QRA’s or Associations To find out more about their work and current
with more than 50% of owner occupied homes can campaigns head to their website.
join all their members for £3.00 per home).
Contact Brian Doick MBE
They endeavour to deal with most enquiries via (01903) 816247
the telephone or by letter, however park visits can www.naphr.org NAPHR
be arranged where necessary or you an arrange a Flat B, 38 Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 7PA
visit their headquarters in Colwyn Bay. membership enquiries: jim@naphr.org

Independent Park Home Advisory Service (IPHAS)

The Independent Park Home Advisory Service is a IPHAS advisors are not legally qualified, so they
team of expert advisors able to offer friendly and cannot represent residents in a county court, apart
efficient help on the legal and lifestyle problems that from small claims, but can offer guidance.
may arise when residing in a park home. Founded
in 1993, membership currently stands at just under Information about residents’ rights under the
7,000. It is not a national residents’ association but an current legislation is given for information only. The
independent advisory service offering free advice to resident must make his/her own decision on the ac-
its members and has no affiliations to other organisa- tion to take. Advice is offered in good faith, but IPHAS
tions. The advisors are volunteers and have received cannot be held responsible for the consequences of
training in park home legislation to enable them to any action taken, whether or not it was based on the
answer queries raised by members. information given.

The work of IPHAS falls into two categories: di- Members receive a newsletter twice yearly which
rectly advising and helping residents; and represent- gives information on the latest legislation and devel-
ing the views of all residents to government. opments in the park home world.

After telling inquirers about their legal rights, IPHAS offers ‘individual’ or ‘block’ membership.
IPHAS advisors try to suggest ways of resolving Individual is for households on a park where there is
disputes without resorting to legal action. If this is no IPHAS ‘distributor’. Block is for parks where one
unavoidable, a team member will assist with the pro- registrant becomes an IPHAS distributor who collects
cedures and paperwork of a tribunal or court and, if fees and distributes membership certificates. Five or
necessary, with choosing and instructing a lawyer. more homes need to be registered with a distributor
for each to qualify for £5 annual membership. Indi-
At government level, IPHAS works to ensure that vidual membership requests should be sent to:pat@
residents’ interests and rights are protected in any iphas.co.uk; block membership to sheila@iphas.co.uk.
proposed legislative changes.
For further information please contact:
46 IPHAS, 17 Little Witcombe Park,
Green Lane, Witcombe,
Gloucester GL3 4TZ

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The UK’s Leading Manufacturer of Thermoplastic Park Home Coatings

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It’s no surprise that many leading park home manufacturers and refurbishment
companies use Resitex, there’s probably no better way to protect your home. But did
you know you can buy it yourself, direct from the manufacturers? They can even
supply an inexpensive easy to use application kit if you need to paint your park home
yourself and will deliver to your door the next day. Collections from the factory can

also be arranged by prior appointment.

Recommended for use on all textured homes e.g:
Manor Park Homes, Omar, Tingdene, Prestige, Stately-Albion, Homeseeker, Wessex,

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have also developed a unique roof coating formulated to protect,
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We would like to say thank you for your help & assistance when we ordered your product. It

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– Ralph and Alma Jackson
For free advice, colour charts and more....

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PHCS_InsulationHalf_17_OUTLINED.indd 1

Whinomteers
As the temperature starts to drop and the nights draw in, it’s time
to check your home is ready and safe for the winter. An hour or
two spent now on a few simple jobs could save you pounds in

expensive repairs or prevent a painful slip or fall.

Draughts in your home Checklist

Draughts in your home can be unpleasant ☑☑ Clean your pathway and steps with a
and annoying but are usually part of your good quality outdoor cleaning solution
home working as it should. Tempting as it that kills algae that causes slippery
may be to cover up some of your vents, your home pathways. Follow manufacturer’s in-
does need to breathe to prevent condensation and structions carefully and your paths will
mould forming. Your vents, in their many locations, be safer when they are wet.
encourage air to flow through your home, circulat-
ing out moist, damp air. ☑☑ Fix those drips! Unblock and fix gutters,
downpipes, drains and dripping taps.
If your home has a large vent in the living room, You don’t want drips and puddles on
it is usually there for gas safety so it is particularly your pathways that may freeze and
important that this vent is left open. Ideally you become slip hazards.
should never cover up any vents. A well-insulated
home that is properly vented will keep you warm ☑☑ Invest in a bag of salt to sprinkle on icy
and cosy and allow your home to breathe. You steps. A large bag often costs under a
could contact a reputable insulation installer to pound and can be a quick and easy fix
check your vents and insulation for you and offer to a slippery step
you suggestions if your home feels colder than
you’d like it to be. ☑☑ Insulate your outside tap to prevent
your pipes freezing. You can buy a tap
If you’ve noticed gaps and draughts around your insulator or wrap it up with some poly-
windows or doors and do not want the expense of styrene for a less glamourous solution.
replacing them, run draught stripping around. The
rubber seals harden over time and become less ☑☑ If you have an outside pond, a tennis
effective so replace it if it is hard and cracked. It is ball dropped in will float on the surface
fine to put another layer of excluding strip over the and prevent ice-forming unless the con-
top of existing seals. Just wipe down the surfaces ditions are extreme. Birds and animals
and let them dry thoroughly before applying. can find water hard to find during the
winter and so they may visit your pond.
If you don’t have a regular window cleaner it’s A piece of wood, plank or ledge will
always a good idea to have a clean before the help anything unfortunate enough to
weather turns too cold. Clean your plastics UPVC, fall in to get out easily.
Windows, doors and external sills to prevent stain-
ing from dirt and algae. Once staining sets in it is ☑☑ Check your handrails. You want your
very difficult to remove. Have a read through of our handrail to be reliable when you need
winter preparation checklist and get your home it. If your handrail is loose get a handy-
winter ready. R man to check it and repair and replace
as needed.
Written by JULIE MAIN

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Please ensure you follow
manufacturers guielines
when using ladders, cleaning
products or tools.

GIVEAWAY! We have 10 sets of draught proofing to give
away. Send an email to hello@parkhomeres-
identmagazine.co.uk or turn to page 70 and
complete the competition entry form.

best price! 49

PROTECT your home

&PREVENT deterioration

Our AWARD-WINNING installers offer a
QUALITY paint system for your park home
walls and roof. We only use market-leading,
specialist Resitex paint.

CALL 01647 24599 for a free quotation
EMAIL info@insulatedhomes.net
VISIT www.insulatedhomes.net

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