This year, the RNRMC and the Royal Navy partnered with Parkdean Resorts to provide holiday breaks for serving personnel and their families in locations across the country. In this new initiative, breaks were awarded as recognition of not only the Service Person, but also the families supporting them, for the extraordinary sacrifices and encouragement they provide whilst their spouses/partners and loved ones are deployed around the globe. The awards also aimed to recognise families that may have gone through, or are going through difficult periods, where some quality time away was much needed.
Through 2021, over 50 families have enjoyed a Parkdean break in locatations such as Camber Sands, Great Yarmouth and Newquay. Award recipients enjoyed up to 30% discount on food and soft drinks at the restaurant and bars at participating Holiday Parks, as well as free entertainment passes during the break.
“The park was really good, Liam and I really enjoyed ourselves”, said PO Wayne Antenbring, who visited Camber Sands with his son. “The holiday was mainly for my lad to relax and not have to worry about what was going on at home. There is lots to do: go-carting, football for the kids run by Chelsea FC, and the surrounding area has lots of places to visit”.
Submariner, Kevin Longhurst, was surprised to be a recipient of a Park Dean Holiday. He said, “I was initially hesitant, as I felt there were others who deserved the break more than me, but I’m glad we went.”
For Kevin’s family the Parkdean holiday was a very welcome break and gave them precious time together. “During the previous nine months I had been separated from my family to operations and COVID-19. This award was amazingly well received by my family who also needed a break from reality and the stress of home life.
“Our Park Dean stay was in Skegness, and initially was due to last four days but had been extended to seven. The accommodation and location could not have been any better, with a circus just outside the park and entertainment on tap. All stress was taken away as the accommodation was spacious and even accommodated our dog, who was equally as happy as the children.
“We are very grateful for having the chance to use this facility and can 100% see the benefit to all, especially with the world as it is at present.”
Applications are now open for 2022. Given the limited number of RNRMC Holiday Breaks available, a competitive application process has been set up which requires applicants to submit a written application endorsed by their Divisional Officer or civilian equivalent.
