In this issue: IAAPA’s Euro Attractions Show 2013 Leisure Industry Week 2013 BALPPA Regional Meeting 2013 Quarter 3, 2013 Visitor Attractions Conference 2013 EAG Expo 2014 BALPPA announces plans for 2014 Parliamentary event

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY BIG DIPPER!

Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be celebrating this week when the Big Dipper turns 90!

The world famous “woodie” reaches the magical milestone on August 23rd and the 42-acre attraction is holding an exclusive birthday party for the .

An area of the park will be open once the rest of the attraction closes where thrill-seekers can enjoy unlimited rides on the Big Dipper, Infusion, the Grand Prix and Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic, as well as take a look at the history of the famous roller coaster while enjoying fantastic party food and dance the night away with a DJ.

Tickets for the Big Dipper 90th birthday are now available to book online in advance at www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com priced from £10 for an unlimited ride wristband from 8pm to 11pm. There are also special wristband and party meal packages available online.

Opened in 1923, the Big Dipper is one of the oldest rides at Pleasure Beach and is still regarded as one of the best in the world. It’s iconic status has seen millions of people step aboard the famous trains which takes guests on a white-knuckle ride to the top of its iconic signage at the summit of the ride, on an adrenalin-filled journey filled with the biggest drops and exhilarating turns before returning to the station following an exciting ride.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Managing Director Amanda Thompson OBE said: “The Big Dipper is one of the most famous roller coasters in the world and we couldn’t let its 90th birthday go without a big party to celebrate this milestone. “We want everyone to come and enjoy the party and experience a party they will never forget and a chance to step onboard some of the best rides we have while the sun goes down while enjoying fantastic good and entertainment.”

Happy Birthday Big Dipper from all at BALPPA! MEGER CREATES A NEW ONE-STOP PHOTOGRAPHIC EVENT SHOP This summer saw the merger of two photographic event companies, BALPPA member Immedia Imaging and Dreamtime Events, to form Magenta Star Ltd. Based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, the new venture brings together all the services offered by both companies, including digital photography for holiday parks, Christmas grottos, shopping centres, major events and leisure destinations. "For both companies, it was too good an opportunity to miss,” said Nick Richardson, Magenta Star’s Managing Director. “The business can now grow further and faster by bringing two complementary sets of skills and disciplines under the one banner. Now we can handle larger, more complex contracts - the benefits will be huge all round."

Previously Immedia and Dreamtime operated in similar market places while meeting different needs. Immedia's primary focus was on holiday destinations and the summer season with clients including Haven and Center

Parcs while Dreamtime mainly operated in Christmas grotto and specialist locations, working with shopping centres such as intu and Westfield. "This is great for our clients, as we're bringing together the best in the business for them - including great products, specialist support and event or location management,” Nick explained.

“While the technology and systems are important, this is all going to add up to an even better experience for visitors, participants and holidaymakers, which is what we're all about."

BENCHMARKING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTIVNESS

BALPPA is aware of the ever-growing importance of social media to Members.

Communicating with your customers via Twitter, Facebook, You Tube and other online platform is a great way to raise your awareness, promote your brand and up sell other aspects to your business. But how much time and money should you spend on this element of your marketing plan?

Klout is a really useful and FREE tool that measures your effectiveness (http://klout.com. It allows you to see your influential followers and fans and show s you which of your posts or tweets are received the best by your online community. BALPPA have set up two lists on Klout so you can now benchmark your Klout score with other similar attractions and with the scores constantly changing it’s perfect for measuring your effectiveness and ROI. There is a list for BALPPA Operating Members and FEC Members. Congratulations to who currently top the scores with 85/100!

BALPPA Operating Members: http://klout.com/#/feca_balppa/list/332962 BALPPA FEC Member: http://klout.com/#/feca_balppa/list/332544 SPECIAL EDITION – IAAPA’s EUROPEAN ATTRACTIONS SHOW 2013

BALPPA is pleased to be supporting IAAPA Europe and the EAS show which takes place in Porte th th de Versailles, Paris from 18 – 20 September 2013.

BALPPA is also delighted that member of our members are exhibiting at the show which this year sees more than 350 companies, spanning more than 9,300 net m2. It is expected that more than 8,000 attendees from more than 100 countries will visit this year’s show. IAPPA Europe have put together an extensive conference and education programme throughout the course of the show. Please visit www.IAAPA.org/EAS for more information.

Visitor Information Show dates and location: 18th – 20th September 2013, Porte de Versailles, Paris, France Registration A special offer of €75 + VAT is available for BALPPA members to register for the show until 30th August 2013. Please email [email protected]. After 30th August standard member / non member rates apply and you can register using the following link: https://eas2013.registerbynet.com/ Hotel Information: http://www.corporateteam.com/eventsv2/evnt_home.aspx?evnt=1500EASP

th BALPPA Drinks Reception – Tuesday 17 September (6pm – 8pm) This year’s BALPPA Reception, is generously sponsored by EAG International (www.eagexpo.com) and will take place at the Oceania Hotel, Porte de Versailles, Paris between 6pm and 8pm. The hotel is just a stones throw from the exhibition centre and the full address is below: Hotel Oceania Paris Porte de Versailles 52 Rue d’Oradour Sur Glane 75015 PARIS 15EME ARRONDISSEMENT

LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK (LIW) – 24th – 26th September 2013 BALPPA is delighted to be returning as supporting partner at LIW this year and is committed to supporting the show and our Members who are exhibiting by encouraging you to attend. We have therefore put together an outstanding and informative seminar schedule which is exclusive to BALPPA Members: th Tuesday 24 September 11.30am – 1.10pm: BALPPA Customer Services Seminar 11.30am – 12.20pm: Attractions. How good are we?: Confessions of a Mystery Shopper, Jonathan Winchester, Shopper Anonymous 12.25pm – 1.10pm: Everything you always wanted to know about customer service training* (* but were afraid to ask, Bala McAlinn, Boo

1.30pm – 4.15pm: BALPPA Planning, Development and Business Rates Seminar 1.30pm – 2.15pm: Update on recent changes in Planning and Development, Nick Laister, RPS Group PLC 2.15pm – 2.45pm: The use of master plans within amusement / leisure parks, Duncan Phillips, 360 Play 2.45pm – 3.05pm: Question and answer session with the experts 3.10pm – 4.15pm: Reducing Business Rates: Receipts and Expenditure Method with a case study from West Midlands , Barry Davies, Davies & Co Ltd and Bob Kilby, West Midlands Safari Park

th Wednesday 25 September 10.30am – 1.45pm: BALPPA FEC Seminar 10.30am – 11.43am: Indoor Play Centre NEW start up consultancy session 11.45am – 12.15pm: Getting involved in the Public Health Agenda, Steven Ward 12.15pm – 1.00pm: Selling Memories: Creating birthday party experiences that Increase sales, Scott Brown, WDD Online 1.00pm – 1.45pm: Improving your visitor experience, Tony Sefton, Vision XS

2.00pm – 4.15pm: BALPPA Marketing Seminar 2.10pm – 2.45pm: Internal Marketing: Maximising spend per head, Scott Brown, WDD Online 2.50pm – 3.25pm: The Dream Day Out: Digitally promoting and enhancing the attraction experience, Rob Van-Tol, Precedent 3.30pm – 4.05pm: New trends in online marketing, Anita Waddell, Agility Marketing

th BALPPA Drinks Reception & BBQ - Tuesday 24 September, Drayton Manor (6pm - 9pm) Traditional drinks reception with a thrilling twist! Complimentary transport to and from Birmingham NEC will be provided.

th Thursday 26 September 10.30am – 11.25am: Industry debate – How responsible should guests be for their own behaviour at attractions? Featuring special guests and industry experts.

Visitor Information Show dates and location: 24th – 26th September 2013, NEC Birmingham Registration link for BALPPA Members: http://www.liw.co.uk/BALPPAreg/ LIW Website link: http://liw.co.uk/BALPPAhome/

All seminars and the drinks reception and BBQ and complimentary transport must be booked in advance by 30th August 2013 at [email protected]. SEGA INSTALLS XD THEATRE AT BUTLINS’ FLAGSHIP LOCATION MINEHEAD

This summer visitors to Butlins Minehead can experience a thrilling adventure on the all-new XD Theatre 6D motion ride.

The 6D motion theatre by leading manufacturer Triotech, is a state-of-the art attraction that combines the latest special FX technology, immersive stereoscopic imaging, realistic motion with up to 2 G’s of acceleration and seats that creates 400 movements per second giving a truly exhilarating ride.

Justin Burke, General Manager at Sega commented “it’s important to offer visitors with something different. The XD Theatre is just that ‘different’ and gives the operator a unique attraction to draw people in. The motion platforms are so versatile, and there is no need for any major construction. Thus making it perfect for small and large operators to take advantage of this products power to attract visitors.”

Justin continued “it is a high quality premium priced product that has a high Return on Investment & Low Pay back Period that combines sophisticated technology and artistic flair to deliver a memorable experience. Most significantly it draws people into a site.”

GRAND PIER WINS LEISURE AND TOURISM AWARD

Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier was named Leisure and Tourism attraction of the year at an awards ceremony in Bristol this week.

The Bristol Post Business Awards, hosted by ex-Blue Peter presenter Valerie Singleton, were held in function rooms next to Bristol Temple Meads station.

The Grand Pier was up against Old Down Country Park and Manor and Bristol Aquarium in the Leisure and Tourism category. Grand Pier owner Kerry Michael said: “I am absolutely delighted the Grand Pier has been recognised for its contribution to Leisure and Tourism in the region. We are coming up to our third birthday and I think to be recognised so soon after our re-opening is praise indeed. We acknowledge the tremendous efforts made by our staff to ensure all of our visitors have a fantastic time, whether they are having a day out on our rides, dropping in for afternoon tea or attending a wedding”. Bristol Post Editor Mike Norton said: “This event was all about celebrating everything that it best in the business community. These businesses are the lifeblood of the area and help to make it such a vibrant and fantastic place to live and work”.

THE CLOUD AND VISITOR ATTRACTONS – IS IT JUST PIE IN THE SKY?

If you’re in the process of reviewing how you manage your booking, ticketing, ePOS and attraction data you’ve no doubt encountered the cloud. But do all the benefits associated with cloud based software seem a little too good to be true? They shouldn’t. Cloud based software is all about passing back to IT supplier the practical and financial burdens of hardware and software purchase and maintenance . So if you aim is to operate your visitor attraction in the most efficient and financially beneficial way possible cloud solutions are definitely the answer.

Cloud software offers a multitude of time and financial benefits including: it’s cheaper to set up and maintain; it’s elastic by design ensuring your set-up can expand or contract as required; it handles multi-site operations with ease and you can access real-time operational data for timely decision making.

So is the cloud pie in the sky? No. It’s more have your cake and eat it! BRISTOL LAUNCHES NEW ATTRACTION

The Wild Place Project, Bristol’s new affordable, fun, family attraction, located just off junction 17 of the M5, is now open to the public.

The Wild Place Project encourages its guests to get outdoors and get back to nature. From taking off your shoes and socks and experiencing a variety of textures on the Barefoot Trail, to spotting in the grassland, there are lots of adventures to be had.

This exciting new attraction is an insight into some of the eco-systems from around the world and guests are invited to visit some of the exciting animals from Madagascar, east Africa and the Congo and find out how the charity is helping to conserve them in the wild.

In 2010, the Bristol, Clifton and West of England was given planning consent for a National Wildlife Conservation Park. The Wild Place Project is named as such because it is an on- going project designed to achieve the world-class National Wildlife Conservation Park.

Dr Bryan Carroll, CEO of the Society says, “We are very excited to welcome the public to our brand new attraction. The Wild Place Project encourages families to get outdoors and get back to nature by providing adventure, fun and learning.” FUNLAND IN GUINNESS WORLD RECORD BOOK After more than a day behind the wheel, Marcus Gaines is believed to have bumped his way into the record books.

Marcus spent 26 hours, 9 minutes and 45 seconds riding the dodgems at “Funland”, Hayling Island, UK in a bid to break the Guinness World Record for Marathon Riding Bumper Cars and to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK.

Rules stipulated that there had to be at least 2 other cars driving around the track with him and that he could earn a 5 minute break for every full hour of riding.

With bruised knees and back, Marcus revealed, “I’m not sure what the worst part was, the boredom of driving around in circles during the night, the amount of dirt I ended up covered in or those last brutal bumps in the final few hours.

Park Co-Owner, Marshall Hill sad of Marcus’ record attempt, “He’s barking mad but it was a pleasure to have him come here to break the record”.

The charity Bowel Cancer UK is close to Marcus’ heart. He said, “Several years ago I lost two grandparents to bowel cancer and some of my fondest memories are of riding the bumper cars with them at the local fair”.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY!

We are currently preparing for a busy and exciting time at the forthcoming shows and conferences and are also planning our 2014 events calendar!

Visitor Attractions Conference (VAC) 10th October 2013 The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre VAC celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and as a Stakeholder, BALPPA is delighted that Richard Farley of Kidspace Adventures and Hobbledown - Operating Members of BALPPA has been invited to speak at the conference. BALPPA Health and Safety Seminar 28th November 2013, Drayton Manor Topics will include: Guest behaviour / Safety in play areas / HSE update / ADIPS update / Safety management systems / latest industry updates / Safety & instructional signs – a sign of the times

BALPPA Annual Dinner / AGM The event will kick off the EAG Expo show for us. The Annual Dinner will take place on Monday 20th January and the AGM will be held on Tuesday 21st January. More details will be released soon – watch this space!

BALPPA Parliamentary Event 2014 In response to Members’ feedback, the EAG Expo 2014 2014 event will be held as a luncheon. st th 21 – 24 January 2014 The event will take place ion Monday Excel, London 10th March 2014 and will be held at the www.eagexpo.com House of Commons. We would like to th EAG International is now in its 5 year and firmly thank Damian Collins, MP for supporting established as the inaugural event in the annual this for another year. amusement and leisure industry calendar. With BALPPA’s support, the show is embracing a wider amusements and attractions sector, reflecting the removal of many traditional divisions in the market place.

BALPPA Summer Conference 2014 No one will want to miss this! We will be heading to Europe for the 2014 event, most likely Spain. The event will be held in June.

More details on the above events will follow in due course. IMPROVING SAFETY IN THE INDUSTRY

Two of BALPPA’s Member attractions have recently achieved ISO 18001 Accreditation for their Health and Safety Management Systems

Pleasure Beach Blackpool is pleased to announce that in February 2013 not only did they successfully extend the scope of their Quality Management System (BS EN ISO 9001) to the entire operation but they also secured certification to BS OHSAS 18001. Pleasure Beach Engineering was first registered against BS 5750 in 1992 and since then has seamlessly made the transitions to BS EN ISO 9001 including the amendments along the way.

In 2012 the Board of Directors set business objectives for the company to pursue certification to BS OHSAS 18001 and extend the scope of BS EN ISO 9001 to the full extent of their operations. Kevin Barratt, Controls and Quality Engineer for the Pleasure Beach along with Carl Harrison of Ambeck Associates, both (IOSH) Chartered Safety and Health Practitioners led both projects from the onset through to completion in a relatively short period of time with minimal disruption. An audit team was formed and all those individuals successfully completed the BSi internal auditor training. British Standards Institute was selected as the accredited body and the BSI auditors and specialist were suitably impressed with the safety provisions and how well they had been communicated amongst the employees throughout the organisation.

The LEGOLAND Windsor Health and Safety team are also delighted after achieving the OHSAS 18001:2007 registration, showing the commitment to Health and Safety procedures by the world-famous family Theme Park.

Following a request from its parent company Group Ltd, Health and Safety Manager Gordon Perry lead the project with his team and under direction of a specialist consultant. The team carried out a gap analysis and once the specialist consultant was satisfied the UKAS accredited body started the two stage audit.

The stage one audit took a detailed look at the adequacy of documents, management systems and how those systems are controlled over the course of four days. Stage two took eight days which comprised of interviews and examination of working practices to ensure that they reflect the detail of the documentation.

Gaining registration enables LEGOLAND Windsor to demonstrate its commitment to Health and Safety and to aim for the following outcomes; increased understanding of health and safety requirements; increase ownership of health and safety issues at both organisational and individual level; provide staff with focus and direction; reduce the risk of accidents, litigation and downtime Reduce reportable incidents and improve overall Health and Safety performance.

BALPPA would like to congratulate both businesses on their achievements.

ALL WEATHER DINING AT DRAYTON MANOR

A structural timber canopy with Opal 60 roof transforms Drayton Manor’s pie and teashop into a bright and airy all-weather dining area

Drayton Manor Park's pie and teashop has undergone a complete transformation with the installation of a glulaminated timber canopy measuring 26m x 11.5m.

Located in the heart of the park near to the entrance to the zoo, the original pie and tea shop featured steel posts and a lean -to shelter which blocked natural daylight and cluttered the available space. Fordingbridge removed these to install a structure that opens up the area to allow a spacious ambience and plenty of room for diners to eat undercover whatever the weather . Topped with a fire-retardant Opal 60 fabric roof, the canopy allows 60 per cent increased light penetration and eliminates harmful UV rays.

Prevailing weather from across the lake, located near to the shop, has also been eliminated with a removable end panel. This features one long continuous “window” panel that increases internal lighting further and offer views of the surroundings to diners inside the shop. The gable sections have been clad with fabric and screen-printed with the shops logos: Humble Pies and Lakeside Teashop. In order to minimise disruption to the shop trade and to the park at large, Fordingbridge moved the structure into place overnight by crane in just four hours; the rest of the structure was built during the following three days with the park unaffected and able to operate business as usual.

Works were coordinated to allow the park’s own groundworks contractor to complete all the required external landscaping in conjunction with the structure.

Construction work commenced 3 June at 6pm and was complete by early evening 6 June. BALPPA REGIONAL MEETING 2013 – Tuesday 15th – Wednesday 16th October

We are delighted to invite our Members to the 2013 BALPPA Regional Meeting. This year’s event will take place in and around the historic city of York. Just like the recent Summer Conference which so many of our Members enjoyed, this BALPPA event will be another of informative fun and entertainment!

Tuesday 15th October Overnight accommodation is arranged at The Park Inn by Radisson, York City Centre. With spectacular views over the River Ouse, the hotel is in the heart of this ancient Roman City

Charity Golf Day – charity to be nominated by our Chairman. Our charity golf day kicks off the Regional Meeting. Taking place at Pike Hills Golf Club, one of the finest parkland courses in the North. Golfers will be treated to bacon sandwiches on arrival, followed by 18 holes of golf and a 2 course lunch. This is a 4 player team event. Web Adventure Park We will be visiting this much loved and award winning play park. We will get the “low down” on the attraction’s success from Owner / Operator Janice Dunphy before letting you loose to become a kid again!

Flamingo Land Resort Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, we will continue our tour at Resort, one of Europe’s most visited theme parks. Not only will we have access to the park but will also be treated to a special sumptuous dinner.

Wednesday 16th October We have arranged a private sightseeing tour of the spectacular city of York. From the comfort of our tour bus, our very own private tour guide will show us the wonders of this fabulous city. Members’ Meeting Following our private sightseeing tour, we will head back to the hotel where our full BALPPA Members’ meeting will take place. Lunch will also be included. The Regional Meeting will finish at approximately 2pm.

TO SECURE YOUR PLACE, BOOK BY 12TH SEPTEMBER! Email [email protected]. Regional Meeting costs £235 per person, excl. VAT based on single occupancy. The golf day costs £60 per person excl. VAT. Booking forms and full information are attached to the email sent with this bulletin.