Now undertaking a Manager’s Course at Strathclyde University, Maria, who lives in Blackwood with her fiance, Michael, and two young children, Eva and Liam, was presented with the Exceptional Service Award from the BH&HPA (The British Holiday & Home Park Association). The BH&HPA is a trade body which promotes and supports the park industry across the UK, with a number of awards schemes covering customer service, along with conservation and energy efficiency issues.

The park, owned and run by the Hendry family for the past thirteen years, already has ten other employees in receipt of the BH&HPA Award.

Launched in 2009, the Exceptional Service Awards, known as the Oscars of the park industry, were introduced so that owners could directly nominate and reward the staff they think deserve official industry recognition.

Said Park Owner John Hendry, who jointly owns the park with brother Ivan: “We are delighted to award Maria with this prestigious accolade. She is a very hard working individual who very much deserves this award and is committed to furthering her career with the Manager’s Course she is now undertaking.

“Rufus Bellamy, son of TV botanist, David, came along to open our new community hub last month and was joined by Jeannette Wilson from the BH&HPA. Maria had no idea she was going to be presented with this award, so it was lovely to surprise her in this way!” finished John.

Rufus Bellamy said “On behalf of the BH&HPA I give Maria my warmest congratulations – really well done. I also wish to congratulate John and Ivan as it is evident they provide a truly supportive environment in which to work.”

Red Deer Village’s new community hub, over eighteen months in the planning and over six months to build and complete, is now open. It provides a place for residents to gather and relax and will be used by local associations and groups who can come in and give talks and presentations to the residents.