Official Opening Day
Tuesday 13th June 2006
Although
the park has been developing and our first residents moved onto the park over a
year ago we have been waiting for the completion of phase two of the
development to hold an official opening event.
The
day was a great success with visitors from across the country including
Professor David Bellamy who gave the park and the Extrudawood product that is
being used on the park a big thumbs up from an environmental point of view.
From
Left to right Eric Welsh, Professor David Bellamy, Ann Watson and Geoff House
(Extrudawood)
We
were honored to welcome the Mayor of
From
Left to right Professor David Bellamy,
Ann Watson, Ralf Harrison and Jeff Lodge.
All
visitors were impressed with the development and Professor David Bellamy was
delighted to view all of the environmentally friendly features that were being
incorporated into the design of the park. The photograph above shows Professor
Bellamy admiring the environmentally friendly sewerage system (below ground)
and reed bed which is visible from the terrace of the show home and is proving
to be a draw for local wildlife. A representative from
Geoff,
Simon and David House From Extrudawood came all of the way from the
From left
to right Martin,
Brian
Donnelly, Steve (Moxy) and Chris were present representing Metcalfe’s and
Ken Davies was representing Calor Gas.
Ken
Davies (Calor Gas) Moxy and Chris from Metcalfe’s.
There
were many photo opportunities for members of the press as guests were shown
around our two state of the art show homes.
Members of the press
were present including Steve Grey from Park Home Magazine and Tyne Tees
television who interviewed Mr. and Mrs. Storey for the local evening news.
Eric
and Ann (owners) enjoying the day.
Michael
& Chris Storey, Allan Sibley and Gillian and Norman Wood.
Some of our current park home owners who were enjoying the day. Our
residents were more than happy to open up their doors to allow visitors and
press to view the homes. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of
our current residents as they proved a great help on the day and as always are
our best advert for park home living.
The open day was followed by an evening barbeque which is an annual
event for all residents on the park and a fantastic time was had by all.
The following information was handed out on the open day to give
information on the park. We feel that this is important information so is
included here for your attention.
Finchale Abbey is a family run caravan park that has
been with the current owners since 1951. Mr. and Mrs. Welsh bought the park and
built it up from small beginnings. When they retired in 1994 they handed over a
thriving business to two of their children, Eric and Ann. With changing times
and a higher level of expectation from the clients of the park, Eric and Ann
set about to develop the park into an Eco Village and bring it into the
twenty-first century to ensure that it flourishes for future generations.
Finchale Abbey is ideally situated for visiting all of
Co Durham's highlights, being less than an hour’s drive from sea, dales,
moor land, towns and cities; the historic city of
Set in
the heart of the beautiful County Durham countryside, the village lies within a
meander of the River Wear and overlooks the ruins of a 12th Century
Benedictine Priory. The peace and tranquility encourages visitors from all over
the world to return time and again and is currently in the process of
transforming into one of the North East’s premier residential
developments for retired and semi-retired couples and singles.
The
The village has been developed as sympathetically as possible in line
with the local environment; the open plan
fully landscaped village has sweeping roads and planted areas to create a
village lifestyle and a strong community spirit for the residents. The village
has been split into three distinct areas ‘St Godric’s Walk,’
‘St Cuthbert’s View’ and ‘St Bede’s Close.’
Before the development of Finchale Abbey
The
The park is BH&HPA approved and lodges provide all
of the comforts of home with double-glazing, central heating, fully fitted
kitchens and bathrooms with carpets, curtains and all furnishings included in
the price. All homes are custom made to residents’ specifications
although show homes are available to view and buy. Homes range in size from
42’ x 20’ to 50’ x 20’ and prices start in the region
of £110,000 but exact price will depend upon individual choices.
Lodge owners have
the benefits and security of tenure afforded by the Mobile Homes Act
1983’. Rent is therefore payable at a rate of
£174 per calendar month (fixed until 2010).
The rent includes:-
24 hour security including card access barrier
water rates
street lighting
gas/electricity (belowground) maintenance including
meter
maintenance of sewerage systems
maintenance of roads
Landscaping and grass cutting
Gas and electricity will be metered
with meters being read at an agreed interval and charges will be payable to the
park shop. There is no standing charge for meters. Park home owners will be
liable to pay council tax and we have been advised that the park homes will
classed as Band A. (Approx £850 for
2005.)
Should
you wish to sell your park home we reserve the right to sell your home for you.
Your family may take over your park home provided that they meet the
aforementioned criteria.
When
the time comes, my brother and I will be passing the business on to our
families, but hopefully not for a long time!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank
Extrudawood, The Mayor Jeffrey Lodge, David Bellamy and Bill Stephenson for
their support with this project.
Eric
and Ann
Eric Welsh and Ann
Watson (Partners)
For more
information on the Park, our new development and availability of residential
plots
please call Ann on 0191 3866528 or E-mail: godricawatson@hotmail.com