Touring boost for Haven Holidays

Camping and touring with Haven Holidays

Investment by UK holiday experts Haven into improving facilities for its touring holidaymakers would appear to be paying off according to the results of the 2011 AA Quality Awards for Caravan Camping.

The company’s 23 parks which cater for touring caravans and campers recorded an average 6% increase on the ratings given in 2010, meaning the average score for Haven rose to 81%.

Over the past year, Haven’s investment into its touring facilities has led to a number of improvements being rolled out across its parks, such as a new heated shower block at Marton Mere, near Blackpool; a brand new shower block at Craig Tara on the Ayrshire coast and an improved pitch development at Lakeland Holiday Park in the Lake District.

And with even more new developments currently planned for more parks over the coming months, don’t be surprised if the popular holiday company experiences another ratings spike at next year’s awards.

Hafan y Mor, in North Wales has become increasingly popular with touring holidaymakers and will benefit from an enhanced touring area with thoughtfully landscaped pitches and an attractive new amenities block. And in keeping with their strong eco-ethics the new touring block at Perran Sands in Cornwall will be planted with a ‘living roof’ amongst other features to minimise its impact on the environment.

Campers and caravanners will also be able to enjoy a whole raft of new facilities on the Parks including new and improved swimming pools and water play areas, venues, bars and cafés as well as the lively programme of entertainments and activities available to all guests.

Visit www.haventouring.com or call 0871 230 1933.

Children’s fitness and weight a concern for teachers

A nationwide survey conducted by the Haven Fun & Fitness campaign has shown that 87% of early years professionals are concerned that under- fives are not getting enough physical activity. And 84% of respondents believe that more children are becoming overweight, highlighting concerns that many of the toddlers in their care are becoming ‘couch potatoes’.

NHS Change4Life recommends raising children’s heartbeats to ‘faster than normal’ for a minimum of 60 minutes a day to prevent storing fat, which can lead to later life health problems resulting from obesity including diabetes and cancer. Making physical activity enjoyable from a young age encourages children that it’s fun to be fit and helps them to meet these guidelines naturally.

Little girl using Fun & Fitness equipment

Naomi Woodstock, Haven Fun & Fitness campaign manager comments: “early years professionals are in a unique position to help children to be more active. Pre-school or nursery can often be the only place where a child can run around freely and we want to support those who are making a difference to young children’s physical development.”

Now in its fourth year, the Haven Fun & Fitness Sports Equipment Giveaway campaign was set up to help make fitness fun for young children and to help early years setting provide exciting physical activities. The indoor and outdoor sports equipment given away through the campaign is specifically designed for under-fives to provide the stimulation and variety young children need to stay interested and engaged.

“We were shocked to see how many early years professionals are concerned about the rising numbers of inactive and overweight children. The Fun & Fitness Campaign makes a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of young children - we really hope as many pre-schools and nurseries as possible will register and benefit from the scheme,” said Ms Woodstock.

The 2011/12 Haven Fun & Fitness campaign is now open and pre-schools and nurseries can register for the free sports equipment. Just visit www.havenfunfitess.com and follow the instructions on the website. Registrations close on 31st January but places are limited!

The search for the UK's sportiest tots has begun!

Lilly May, Sports Tot 2011 winner

The Haven Fun & Fitness campaign Sports Tot of the Year Award is looking for the UK’s sportiest pre-schoolers. The campaign which provides free sports equipment to help encourage under-fives to have fun getting fit is looking for youngsters who show promising sporting talent.

Naomi Woodstock, Haven Fun & Fitness campaign manager explains; “we’re passionate about promoting physical activities for all under-fives. The Sports Tot of the Year Award allows us to seek out exceptional youngsters and provide them with the opportunity to improve their potential.”

The Sports Tot of the Year Award is looking for youngsters who will be an inspiration to other children, parents and early year’s practitioners. These children will demonstrate the benefits of getting involved in sports from a young age; the confidence it can bring; the co-ordination which develops as well as the enjoyment of being physically active.

In recognition of their sporting potential, the winners will receive a year’s professional coaching in the sport of their choice. And to help inspire other children to get active their pre-school will receive a big box of fun, age appropriate sports equipment for everyone to use!

Parents, relatives and early years practitioners can nominate any child (with parental consent) under the age of five who shows signs of special sporting talent and who would benefit from additional coaching or lessons. From skills on the pitch to gymnastics the winner can be involved in any physical activity; they just need to demonstrate exceptional sporting potential!

Registration is easy, just log on to www.havenfunfitness.com, click on the Sports Tot Award link and fill in the entry form. Last date for entries is 27th April. The 2012 UK Sports Tots of the Year, (one girl, one boy) will be announced in May.

“Many of the UK’s sporting heroes, from Rory McIlroy to Andy Murray, demonstrated their exceptional talent before they had even started school. We hope to recognise and reward those children who could be the UK’s next sporting inspiration and support them to reach their full potential” says Naomi Woodstock.

BBC South Today weather girl becomes a Fun Star!