Dismay as Cornwall park is forced to pull plug on free holidays for lockdown heroes
The owner of a Cornwall holiday park has spoken of his “gut-wrenching dismay” at having to cancel more than 130 free holidays for lockdown heroes in November.
Patrick Langmaid of Mother Ivey’s Bay in Padstow had pledged to give key workers the holidays as a massive “thank you” for their bravery and commitment during the continuing Covid crisis.
But with the second lockdown now pending, the no-cost stays are having to be put on ice.
Key worker thank-you holidays
“I am so desperately disappointed that we are having to cancel the free holidays that we had planned and were so looking forward to providing,” said Patrick.
“We had hoped to be welcoming staff from the NHS, police, fire service, local foodbanks and care workers for their richly deserved breaks.
“Now, instead of preparing for their arrival, we are contacting them to let them know they can no longer come with their families and spend time with us,” he said.
Throughout November, 137 key workers from across the UK were to be welcomed at Mother Ivey’s, and a further 21 in December at it’s sister-park, Martha’s Orchard in Constantine Bay.
“I am hoping that this lockdown ends on 2nd December so that we can still welcome the fantastic key workers who are booked to stay at Martha’s Orchard,” said Patrick.
“I have great respect and admiration for those who have kept Britain going during these challenging times, and it’s so sad that they are not going to be able to have the benefit of these holidays.
Key workers need a break
“Key workers need respite too, and their personal wellbeing seems to have been forgotten during the recent announcements.”
Patrick is calling upon the Government to make special provision for key workers and their wellbeing during this new lockdown, including giving them the important downtime to relax.
“Everyone needs a break, and especially those who have been tirelessly working on the frontline for the past six months,” says Patrick.
Owned by the Langmaid family for over 30 years, Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park business has a long tradition of supporting West Country charities and good causes.
Patrick Langmaid is also a campaigner for the Living Wage Foundation which has presented him with a special award for his tireless efforts to promote the benefits of fair pay in hospitality.
