CUMBRIA’S MOST WELCOMING WOOF has entered the record books by being the first dog ever to receive a special honour normally reserved for two-legged holiday park staff
Mixed terrier Skye is owned by Ray Smith who manages Woodclose Park in Kirkby Lonsdale, part of Lake District Estates.
When Ray was recently told that he was being nominated for an Exceptional Service Award from the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), he was delighted.
But Lake District Estates’ Rachel Bell, who made the nomination, knew there was another member of staff at the park equally deserving of the association’s top accolade.
Skye had been adopted by Ray two years ago from the Wainwright Shelter of Animal Rescue Cumbria, and quickly became a much-loved fixture in the park’s reception.
Skye, said Ray, was a real hit with guests from the outset, giving everyone a tail-wagging welcome and bringing smiles to the faces of young and old alike at the start of their holidays.
So Rachel also nominated Skye for the award – and this month the terrier became the first dog in HARPA’s 75-year history to be celebrated as an exceptional and highly valued team member.
“At fourteen years old, Skye is far from being a puppy,” said a delighted Ray. “But you wouldn’t believe that when you see the enthusiasm, joy and affection she shows to all our visitors.
“Skye has become something of a celebrity at Woodclose with guests often asking after her if she’s not immediately to be seen – Skye simply has the knack of making everyone feel at home.
“I’m so proud of her, and of everyone who works here for their dedication and kindness. Her award belongs to all of us,” said Ray who joined the park as its manager four years ago.
He said that Woodclose has always been delighted to welcome pets and provides a dedicated dog exercise field, a special welcome pack for self-catering guests, and a doggy shower.
The park shop even stocks an ice cream formulated especially for pampering pooches.
Rachel Bell, who is head of marketing and business development at Lake District Estates, said that all six of the company’s Cumbria parks roll out the red carpet for dogs:
“Many families hate being separated from their pets when they take a holiday and feel guilty about leaving their four-legged friends behind, perhaps pining in expensive boarding kennels.
“But a park holiday can solve their dilemma at a stroke because there’s plenty of room in a holiday caravan or lodge for everyone.
“Dogs benefit as much as humans from a change of scenery, and Skye is a fantastic flag-waver for our Fido-friendly policies!” added Rachel.
Lake District Estates is a family-owned business operating holiday parks in Cumbria, a marina in Lancashire, and a range of heritage and retail attractions including the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Ullswater ‘Steamers’, and Peter Rabbit and Friends and The Veg Patch shops.
Communications director at HARPA, Alison Parmar, said the association was delighted to honour Skye with its highest accolade for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Ray’s furry friend, she added, would now have a place forever more in HARPA’s hall of fame.
Exceptional Service Awards were also presented by Lake District Estates to managers at two of its other holiday parks: Tony and Clare Taylor from Clea Hall Holiday Park near Wigton, and Gary Stoupe from Waterfoot Park near Pooley Bridge.
More information about the group and its parks is available at www.lakedistrictestates.com
