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Monday, 17 August 2009

‘BEST OF BRITISH’ GUIDE TO GREAT DAYS OUT THIS SUMMER





Avis helps keep 13.1million* kids entertained this summer holiday

Avis Rent A Car has scoured the UK as part of its Best of British (BOB) campaign to bring you its guide to great days out, helping to keep the children entertained during the long school summer holidays.

With temperatures set to soar this summer, put down those Wii remotes and pack some suncream - Avis has some great deals on car rental with selected locations offering cars from just £15 a day to help you get out and about.

From rock-pooling in Dorset to daring the dungeons in Edinburgh, there’s something for every family, easy to reach by car and to suit all budgets:

Best for outdoor adventure

For a family fit for adventure, head to Dorset’s Moors Valley Country Park and explore its tree-lined trails on foot or by bicycle. Or for those wanting more of a challenge, why not sign up for a tree-top adventure? Get yourself harnessed and prepare for rope bridges, Tarzan swings, scramble nets and ladders - the Go Ape challenge will really put you through your paces.
§ £ Low cost (Country Park) - £ Expensive (Go Ape)

Best for battle-troopers

Bring battleships to life by heading down to The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent. Explore three warships – the Victorian sloop Gannet, World War-II destroyer Cavalier and the Cold-War submarine, Ocelot, before discovering The Royal National Lifeboat Institute’s historic collection of 17 lifesaving vessels.
§ £ Reasonable, tickets last 12 months too

Best for rock-pooling

Best for rook-pooling, Devon’s Shoalstone beach is a family favourite. This shingle rock beach is a minefield of rock-pools, home to secretive sea creatures seeking sanctuary until the next tide. During the summer months, it is manned by lifeguards, so swimming in the 25 metre sea water swimming pool is safe with care.
§ £ Free

Best for car buffs

If you have a budding Jeremy Clarkson in the family then you should head down to Beaulieu in Hampshire for the day. Its world-famous National Motor Museum showcases over 250 vehicles taking you through the motoring ages. Between the James Bond experience, veteran bus ride and go-karting there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
§ £ Reasonable

Best for re-living fairytales

The Beatrix Potter Trail set within the idyllic Lake District is truly breathtaking. Explore the scenes where our childhood favourites Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkins’ tales unravelled. Between the lakes and the trees, prepare yourself for a trip full of adventure and fresh air.
§ £ Reasonable

Best for getting ahead at school

It may sound like homework, but a trip to Hampton Court Palace will not only help you get to the top of your class but you’ll be in danger of having one of the best days of your holidays too! Try to memorise all of Henry’s wives whilst attempting to conquer the maze created in 1702! Don’t miss the vast Tudor kitchens; here 800 meals were produced twice a day, so no more complaints from Mum please.
§ £ Reasonable

Best for cycling

The Lizard Peninsula, South Cornwall, is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Here, the cycling enthusiast will be spoilt for choice. The famous Penzance to Lizard Point path is a popular trail and at 34 miles it has a difficulty rating of 6/10. The stunning views, stretching as far as the eye can see, will help spur you on!
§ £ Free

Best for underground adventure

Aladdin’s cave, eat your heart out! Venture down into the caverns that surround the enchanting village of Castleton. Some say this Peak District village should have been called ‘Caveton’, and its easy to see why; you enter the cave via an old lead mine and then by boat, as the entrance is partially flooded. Once inside you can enjoy the walks round the stalactites, stalagmites and the ‘Bottomless Pit’ shaft!
§ £ Expensive

Best for horror stories

The Edinburgh Dungeon and the Real Mary King’s Close, seemingly haunted with witches, grave robbers and executioners, are guaranteed to get your imagination running wild! Prepare for a day of shocking surprises, ear piercing screams and flashing lights. This is not for the faint-hearted and it is advised that families stick together!
§ £ Expensive


Keep the peace - rent a bigger car, so you can let them bring a friend and their parents too! Going to the seaside needn’t be a squeeze, rent an estate and have room for the kids and the sun loungers.

To find your nearest Avis location and take advantage of the deals on offer visit http://www.avis.co.uk/weekend_inspiration?cid=GBDPWL000000-00043 or call 08445 818181 .

For more great ideas on how to fill your summer holidays visit the ‘Best of British’ guide on the avis.co.uk website. Or share your own suggestions on the http://wetryharder.co.uk/?cat=38 blog.

* http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1163

Ends.

For further media information contact:
Kally Carder or Victoria Newlands at Nobull Communications.
Tel: 01628 526208
Email: kally@nobull-communications.co.uk, victoria@nobull-communications.co.uk



PR REF : 1841

Parkdean Holidays Park of the Week!



White Acres in Cornwall

Parkdean Holidays has 24 fabulous parks, in some of the UK’s most beautiful rural and coastal locations. The team at Parkdean would like to recommend their ‘park of the week’, enabling you to see what makes the chosen White Acres so special!

The Parkdean White Acres Holiday Park is situated in beautiful Cornwall, close to Newquay, where fun and relaxation are guaranteed. White Acres received the Gold Standard David Bellamy award for its dedication to good environmental practise, and well kept natural settings. This five star park is set in 184 acres of beautiful countryside, picturesque beaches are just a stones throw away and there are plenty of activities to suit every enjoyment.

Save £100 on 7 nights, commencing 28/29 August.
Treat the family from just £449 for up to six sharing.

Save £50 on 4 night breaks, commencing 31st August.
Escape from just £296 per break.

What can you expect when you and your family arrive at White Acres?


The choice of great accommodation including:
Caravan holiday homes – sleep between 4-8 people. The spacious caravans are a home from home with fully fitted kitchens, modern living & dining areas; TV’s and features such as extra wide models, double glazing and central heating to keep you extra snug!
Lakeside Lodges - sleeping between 6-8 people and fully equipped with facilities such as veranda’s, central heating and double glazing, DVD players, washing machines and tackle lockers.
Contemporary lodges - luxurious and spacious equipped with everything from en-suite bathrooms, veranda’s, double glazing and central heating and all the mod-cons including dishwashers and wide screen TV’s.
There are facilities on site for all the family such as:
Heated indoor swimming pool – come rain or shine, the pool is always available to have a splash in! Toddlers even have their own little area and there is also a spa bath and sauna for the grown ups
Activity Playground
Mini ten pin bowling
Scuba Diving Tuition
Scooter Hire
Crazy Golf
Fishing Lakes – 13 course fishing lakes stocked with Carp, Catfish, Perch, Roach, Tench, Rudd and Bream! You can fish peacefully or join in with the weekly resident matches, as well as gaining expert knowledge from the fisheries team
Laser Combat
Nature Trail
Pool Room
Gym

There is plenty to keeping rumbling tums happy too:
M’s Pizzeria & Grill – Enjoy the delicious stone baked pizza
Fish ‘n’ Chips – A seaside classic which must be sampled
Strikes Diner
First Bite Café

Tourist attractions near White Acres Holiday Park include:
Fistral Beach – Just one of the fabulous beaches nearby
Newquay Zoo
The Eden Project
Blue Reef Aquarium
Screech Owl Sanctuary

Hopefully now you can see why Parkdean has chosen White Acres as their ‘park of the week’, and why you should consider this park as a holiday location!

With spacious caravans and luxury lodge holiday homes, Parkdean Holidays’ high standard of accommodation appeals to those looking for great value family holidays and breaks, or couples and groups who want a Parkdean ‘Star Park’ experience, enjoying the very highest levels of accommodation, facilities, locations and service. There are also great touring and camping plots available at 11 Parkdean Holiday Parks.

To book a holiday or short break at one of the 24 superb Parkdean Holiday Parks call 0871 641 0170 or visit www.parkdean.com
For further press information on Parkdean Holidays please contact Kally Carder or Anne-marie Payne on 01628 526208 or email kally@nobull-communications.co.uk

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All aboard for the steam special as tickets go on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the magnificent Chiltern Railways Bekoning Bard Steam Special that journeys between London Marylebone and Stratford-upon-Avon on 1 August 2009.

The train departs London Marylebone at 0920 and makes a special stop in Beaconsfield at 0950 to join in the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Bekonscot Model Village before travelling onwards to Stratford-upon-Avon where it will arrive at 1230.

You’ll also have enough time to take in the beauty of Shakespeare’s Birthplace as the train does not leave until 1705 – plenty of time to shop and visit attractions.

After leaving Stratford-upon-Avon it will then call at Beaconsfield at 1930 before arriving back at London Marylebone for 2000.

Ticket types range from First class dining, First class non-dining and standard class. For more information on the steam special and to book your ticket, visit http://steamtrain.chilternrailways.co.uk. Alternatively, call us on 0207 333 3139 (0900 – 1700 hours), or visit Marylebone station's Customer Information Point (0700 – 1900 hours).

Ends For further media information please contact Kally Carder at Nobull Communications on 01628 526208 or email kally@nobull-communications.co.uk. To book your ticket or to find out more about Chiltern Railways, visit www.chilternrailways.co.uk.

Notes to the editor:
About Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways is owned by Deutsche Bahn AG and is part of DB Regio, Deutsche Bahn’s local and regional service provider. You can become a fan of Chiltern Railways, by visiting http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chiltern-Railways/69249496347. The Chiltern Railways website - www.chilternrailways.co.uk - has full timetable information, as well as a summary of Chiltern Railways’ great value fares. Tickets can also be booked online. Passengers can also check for service information at their local staffed stations or by calling the Chiltern Railways enquiry line on 08456 005 165 (07:00hrs to 20:00hrs). Chiltern Railways has a great selection of Destination Guides on the website. Visit www.chilternrailways.co.uk and discover what different regions have to offer.



PR REF: 1838

LEASEDRIVE VELO OUTSOURCES NON-FAULT CLAIMS TO TOTAL ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT

Leasedrive Velo has outsourced its non -fault accident vehicle replacement and personal injury business to Total Accident Management.

More than 500 cases per year will be passed to Total by Leasedrive Velo, which currently has nearly half of its vehicle fleet on accident management.

At the heart of Total’s proposition is Fleet Indemnity which has specifically been set up to handle non-fault claims for fleets with existing in-house accident management operations.

Fleet Indemnity allows Total to seamlessly support a current in-house team or accident management supplier with its specialist expertise in non-fault claims. In the case of Leasedrive Velo, it is providing a like-for-like credit hire service for both mainstream and prestige cars, a credit repair service when required and will manage all personal injury claims.

Like-for-like credit hire is very important to Leasedrive Velo as it has some blue chip clients who run a high proportion of prestige cars on their fleets. Total reckons on getting a like-for-like car, even a Porsche, to a driver within four hours of being notified of the incident.

“Non-fault claims can be very timely, complex and costly to manage. Total is very experienced in managing non-fault claims and its Fleet Indemnity product supports our current accident management service very neatly,” explained Leasedrive Velo’s commercial director, Roddy Graham.

“There are cashflow benefits of Total managing this process for us, plus we will benefit from Total’s extensive credit hire fleet which enables us to meet our customers’ like-for-like vehicle replacement demands,” he added.

Penny Stoolman, managing director of Total Accident Management commented: “Leasedrive Velo was very specific about how we could add value to its accident management proposition. Managing non-fault claims will bring immediate benefits to Leasedrive Velo and its drivers without disrupting its current accident management infrastructure.”

This is the second high profile outsourcing contract Total has secured in the leasing sector in the past two months, the other was with ALD.

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For further information call Steve Carman or Martin Bayntun at Nobull Communications on 01628 526208 steve or martin@nobull-communications.co.uk

Notes to Editors:
Leasedrive Velo Group
Leasedrive Velo Group was formed on 29 August 2008 following a senior management buy-out. The group is one of the largest independent privately-owned vehicle management groups in the UK offering the highest quality bespoke total fleet management service to blue chip clients. It operates two divisions: Leasedrive Velo Vehicle Management and Leasedrive Velo Rental Management from hi-tech headquarters in Wokingham. Leasedrive Velo is winner of the ITM ‘Fleet Management Company 08/09’ Award, the ITM ‘Independent Vehicle Management Company 07/08’ Award, the 2008, 2007 and 2006 Thames Valley Business Magazine ‘Management Team of the Year’ Award, the 2006 Fleet News Award for ‘Best Contract Hire/Fleet Management Company’ and the 2006 GreenFleet Award for ‘Leasing/Rental Company of the Year’.

For further press information on Leasedrive Velo Group, contact either commercial director, Roddy Graham on 01344 466466 or Jeremy Snook at JSPR on 01235 227572. Mobile: 07957 867139. E-mail: jeremy.snook@jspr.co.uk

For more information, visit: www.leasedrivevelo.com

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Cornish Paradise



Parkdean Holidays urges you to head to the Southwest this summer

It’s not just the ice cream that draws people towards this part of our beautiful coastline in the summer; it’s also because of all the great events that take place here!

Parkdean Holidays has 24 award-winning family holiday parks situated in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK, offering a huge diversity of fun for all ages: free kids’ clubs for tots to teens: great live family evening entertainment; indoor/outdoor swimming pools, and activities such as archery, laser combat and adventure playgrounds.

With eight parks situated in Cornwall: four in the popular Newquay area; one near the stylish village of Rock; two on the stunning Lizard coastline, and one near Polperro and the pretty town of Looe, the Parkdean Holidays’ team make their suggestions on the best events in the area this summer:

Events and Festivals

· The Surf Relief Festival at Watergate Bay (18th July) - Just 15 minutes from Parkdean’s five star country park, White Acres, this event is well worth being part of. The Surf Relief charity aims to help disabled children learn how to surf; this annual event is held in order to raise awareness and funds for the charity. Surf Relief organises stacks of fun things, such as Pro surfing competitions, live music, face painting and a rock pool road show! Enjoy this festival as part of your three night break at White Acres, starting 17 July, from just £308 for up to six sharing.

· The Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week (16-22 August) – This annual event has something for all the family and is just a 35 minute drive from Parkdean Looe Bay Holiday Park, making it really accessible. Here are just a few of the free activities on offer: crab catching; fireworks; live music; Red Arrows flight display; sailing races, and a carnival through the streets with floats galore! Escape to Parkdean Looe Bay Holiday Park for a seven night holiday, starting 15 August, from just £529 for the whole family!


· Falmouth Week (9-15 August) – The un-missable Henri-Lloyd Falmouth Week is the largest regatta in the Southwest! Crowds flock to cheer on the fleet of 450 yachts and dinghies that gather to race over the eight days. There’s plenty of excitement both on and off the water with daytime and evening entertainment including Champagne day (for the adults) and firework displays (for the children). Parkdean Mullion Holiday Park is just a 40 minute car journey away, enjoy a 7 night holiday, staying from 8th August from just £579 for the whole family!

For the Kiddies

· Springfield’s Pony Centre – Just a stone’s throw from Parkdean Newquay, Crantock Beach, Holywell Bay and White Acres Holiday Parks, this offers children a chance to interact with gentle ponies and farm animals, plus there are indoor play areas, go karts and rowing boats.

· Crealy Adventure Park – Located in Wadebridge, just 20 minutes from Parkdean St Minver Holiday Park, this is the place for an adrenaline rush. New attractions include the Water Walkerz; enormous balls that float on the water with you zipped inside.

· Lappa Valley Steam Railway – Located in Newquay, on the doorstep of Parkdean Newquay, White Acres, Holywell Bay and Crantock Beach Holiday Parks. Activities include a woodland railway; boating lake; maze; crazy golf, and children’s rides.

Life’s A Beach

· Surfer’s Paradise - Unleash your inner ‘surfer dude’ and learn to surf at Parkdean Newquay and Holywell Bay Holiday Parks, then try out your new skills on the many surf beaches in Cornwall, including Fistral Beach, one of the best surfing beaches in the UK!

· One for the children - Parkdean Looe Bay is a stone’s throw from Hannafore Point. This beach is a rock-pool heaven where children can explore the hidden treasures among the pools, while the adults relax and enjoy a picnic on its grassy banks.

· Something Different - Three miles east of Land’s End lies the beautiful white sands of Porthcurno Bay. This stunning location is a serious must-see. Visit between May and September to experience an enchanting theatrical performance in the world famous open air Minack Theatre, situated on the cliffs west of the bay. The everlasting views from Porthcurno to The Lizard will hold you truly mesmerised. Well worth the 50 minute drive from Parkdean Mullion Park Holiday Park.

As well as the eight parks in Cornwall, Parkdean Holidays has a choice of a further 16 parks at locations throughout Scotland, South Wales, plus Devon, Dorset, Hampshire and Norfolk. With spacious caravans and luxury lodge holiday homes, Parkdean Holidays’ high standard of accommodation appeals to those looking for great value family holidays and breaks, or couples and groups who want a Parkdean ‘Star Park’ experience, enjoying the very highest levels of accommodation, facilities, locations and service. There are also great touring and camping plots available. To book a holiday or short break at one of the 24 superb Parkdean Holiday Parks, or request a free brochure, call 0871 641 0170 or visit http://www.parkdean.com/.


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For further press information on Parkdean Holidays please contact Kally Carder or Anne-marie Payne on 01628 526208 or email kally@nobull-communications.co.uk

Follow Parkdean Holidays on Twitter at www.twitter.com/parkdean

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School Holiday Summer Sizzler – save up to £200!







Sandford Holiday Park near Poole, Dorset





Country park, near the New Forest where you can spot the famous ponies and the bustling resorts of Poole and Bournemouth.
Boasts outdoor and indoor heated swimming pools, free kids’ clubs, fantastic live Star Park entertainment with live evening shows, restaurants, bars and loads more!

Book a 7 night holiday, commencing 25th July or 22nd August and save up to a huge £200! Offer includes luxury contemporary lodge accommodation and spacious caravan holiday homes on selected dates.
Prices from only £679 for the whole family!


To request a FREE brochure or book a holiday or short break at one of the 24 superb Parkdean Holiday Parks visit http://www.parkdean.com/ or call 0871 641 0170



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For further press information on Parkdean Holidays please contact Kally Carder or Anne-marie Payne on 01628 526208 or email kally@nobull-communications.co.uk

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Festival Fun For Summer 2009






Parkdean Holiday Parks are perfectly situated for all the summer’s BIG events!


It’s Festival Season and if you missed out on Glastonbury this year, then Parkdean Holidays has a guide to its festival ‘faves’ taking place throughout the summer, close to its Holiday Parks around the UK.

Parkdean Holidays has 24 award-winning family holiday parks situated in some of the most beautiful locations in the UK, offering a huge diversity of fun for all ages: free kids’ clubs for tots to teens: great live family evening entertainment; indoor/outdoor swimming pools, and activities such as archery, laser combat and adventure playgrounds.

Parkdean Holidays is giving you the top must see festivals and events which are within easy reach of the Parkdean Holiday Parks in Cornwall, Dorset and Devon.

Cornwall

Parkdean has a whopping eight holiday parks in Cornwall alone: four in the popular Newquay area; one near the stylish village of Rock; two on the stunning Lizard coastline, and one near Polperro and the pretty town of Looe, there are some superb things you can see and do in the area this summer, such as:

Relentless Boardmasters Festival (5 - 9 August) – The UK’s greatest surf, skate and music festival! The iconic Fistral Beach plays host to the surf, skate and BMX competitions on the beach front, with live music every evening at the funky beach bar. Watergate Bay hosts a two day music festival with a tasty line-up including Calvin Harris and Super Furry Animals. Parkdean’s Newquay Holiday Park is situated just a stone’s throw from Fistral Beach and its five star country park, White Acres is just 15 minutes from Watergate Bay.
Enjoy this festival during a 7 night holiday, staying at White Acres Holiday Park, commencing 3rd August from just £689 for up to six sharing.


St. Ives September Festival (12-26 September), Cornwall will celebrate art of all genres with its annual September Festival held in St Ives, a stunning coastal resort with a very Mediterranean feel. There will be music, films, exhibitions, talks, poetry, classes, guided walks and much more! Parkdean’s Mullion Holiday Park is just 30 minutes from all the action in St.Ives, so make sure you take time to explore the fun! Head to Mullion Holiday Park for a short break staying four nights from 14th September from just £125 per break. Want to have fun for a little longer? Then stay at Mullion for 7 nights, staying 12h, from just £209.



Dorset

Parkdean Holidays has three holiday parks in Dorset – Sandford Holiday Park, near Poole, Warmwell Holiday Park, near Weymouth and West Bay Holiday Park on the famous Jurassic Coast. The county plays host to lots of different events this summer, including:

Camp Bestival (24-26 July) – Fun for all the family is the name of the game at this event down at Lulworth Castle, and it doesn’t disappoint! Only 20 minutes from Parkdean’s Sandford Holiday Park and children under 12 go free! Live music from DJ’s like Rob da Bank ensures everyone’s ears will be happy, and a pink flamingo cocktail bar for the adults lies in the magic meadow. The kids will be well looked after with Mr Tumble, Angelina Ballerina, an insect circus and donkey rides to keep them happy.
Enjoy this festival during a short break at Sandford, staying 24th July from just £395 per break, for up to six sharing.

Bournemouth Air Festival (20 – 23 August) Awesome air displays, attractions and fantastic evening entertainment – Bournemouth plays host to the UK’s biggest free aviation Festival! With more aircraft, more on the ground attractions and more awesome ‘Night Air’ entertainment it promises to be a must-see four days of breath-taking aviation action! Close to Parkdean’s Warmwell Holiday Park and just 15 minutes from its Sandford Holiday Park, Bournemouth is the place to be for the last weekend of August!
Enjoy a short break at Warmwell Holiday park, staying 21st August, from just £442 per break.

If you’re in Dorset with Parkdean Holidays, it’s worth a visit to Dorchester and try the Thomas Hardy historic walk around the town, or maybe visit the dinosaur museum.

Devon

There are also three Parkdean Holiday Parks in Devon – Ruda Holiday Park located at Croyde Bay, North Devon, Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, South Devon and Torquay Holiday Park, on the English Riveria. Here are some local activities happening in the region this summer:

The British Firework Championship Final (11-12 August) – A stunning display which will set the summer nights sky ablaze! Watch in amazement as different organisations battle it out for the title on the waterfront at Plymouth. Just 30 minutes from Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, it’ll be a night to remember!
Enjoy the fireworks during a four night break, staying at Challaborough on 10th August, from just £409 per break.

The Dawlish Carnival (15-22 August) The Dawlish Carnival is one of the biggest events of its’ kind in the South West of England and is an event not to be missed! The two main attractions are the Airshow and the Carnival Procession. This year you can expect to see The Red Arrows, RAF Sea King, RNAS Sea King and a special Battle of Britain Memorial Flight as Airshow highlights. The Carnival Procession across Dawlish town and is fantastic family event, with everything from traditional carnival music to fabulous outfits and dancing demonstrations. Just down the road from Dawlish is Parkdean’s Torquay Holiday Park – the perfect base to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Carnival!
Enjoy a 7 night holiday at Torquay Holiday Park, staying 15th August, from just £529 for the whole family!

With spacious caravans and luxury lodge holiday homes, Parkdean Holidays’ high standard of accommodation appeals to those looking for great value holiday or break with the highest levels of accommodation, facilities, locations and service. There are also great touring and camping plots available.

To book a holiday or short break at one of the 24 superb Parkdean Holiday Parks, or request a free brochure, call 0871 641 0170 or visit http://www.parkdean.com/.

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For further press information on Parkdean Holidays please contact Kally Carder or Anne-marie Payne on 01628 526208 or email kally@nobull-communications.co.uk

Follow Parkdean Holidays on Twitter at www.twitter.com/parkdean

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