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To keep up-to-date with everything happening at Oakwood Theme Park, visit our blog at http://www.oakwoodthemepark.co.uk/blog/!

Miss Pembrokeshire to officially open Oakwood Theme Park

Miss Pembrokeshire will be on hand to officially open Oakwood Theme Park to the public for the 2011 season on Saturday, April 9^th.

Beauty therapy student Hannah Snape, 18, who won the title back in February will be invited to officially cut the ribbon by Park Director Andy Hygate before welcoming the first visitors through the gates.

She will then join Andy to sample some of Oakwood’s most popular rides including the wooden coaster Megafobia, Bounce, Speed and Drenched.

“We’re delighted Hannah has kindly agreed to help us re-open the park to the public,” said Andy.

“As well as winning the title of Miss Pembrokeshire, Hannah has also helped to raise lots of money for the children’s cancer charity The Joshua Foundation and we’re more than happy to support her ongoing fundraising work.

“Everyone here has been working incredibly hard over the winter to get Oakwood ready for its first visitors and we are all really looking forward to the new season,” he added.

Hannah, who is from Milford Haven, will go on to represent the county in the Miss Wales Grand Final at St David's Hall in Cardiff on Saturday 2 July. The winner will represent Wales at Miss World.

Prior to the competition the contestants for Miss Pembrokeshire and Miss Carmarthenshire raised more than £5,200 for the competition’s associated charity, The Joshua Foundation.

Hannah will continue to fundraise for the children’s cancer charity in the run up to the Miss Wales Grand Final.

Oakwood Bowl to be overrun by pirates!

Oakwood Bowl is being taken over by buccaneers, brigands and privateers next weekend as part of a special ‘Pirates Saturday’ event on Saturday, April 2nd.

Staff will be donning their own piratical costumes for the day and anyone who turns up on Saturday in full pirate fancy dress will receive a FREE game of bowling.

There will also be a special prize for the best dressed pirate on the day with the chance to win an annual pass to Oakwood Theme Park (worth up to £60).

Oakwood Bowl’s Emma Owen said: “Earlier this year we launched new pirate-themed birthday parties and they have proved extremely popular with youngsters.

“We thought the Pirate Saturday event would be a fun way for everyone, including our staff, to get involved.

“For most people the prospect of having to dress up would fill them with dread but our staff can’t wait to get out of their uniforms and into their pirates’ gear!

“As well as staff in fancy dress we’re also expecting a special appearance by the infamous pirate Captain Jack Sparrow in the shape of a life-size statue, which has been donated by Oakwood Theme Park,” she added.

Located next to Oakwood Theme Park, the Oakwood Bowl offers a variety of all-weather activities for the whole family to enjoy.

As well as classic Ten Pin Bowling, there’s also a Game Zone with arcade games, pool tables and a fully licensed bar, a function room and a snack bar to refuel the family.

Pupils to help plant 50 trees at Oakwood

Pupils from St Aidan’s Primary School in Wiston will be visiting Oakwood Theme Park on Wednesday, March 30th at 1pm to help plant more than 50 new trees.

The trees, a mixture of willow and poplar, have been donated by Lawrence Lyons Exclusive Kitchens of Haverfordwest, and will be planted close to the entrance of the popular Pembrokeshire theme park.

Ten pupils, aged from four to 11, from St Aidan’s Eco Council will be on hand to help plant the trees which could eventually grow up to 20 metres high and live for more than 80 years.

Oakwood Park Director, Andy Hygate, said: “We’re delighted that Lawrence Lyons agreed to plant these fantastic trees at the park as part of our ongoing tree-planting scheme here.

“The fact that youngsters from St Aidan’s are also able to come along and help with the planting is a great opportunity for them to get involved in a local environmental project.

“Hopefully they will be able to watch the trees grow and develop over the coming years and maybe, one day, bring their own children to come and see the trees they helped to plant,” he added.

Lawrence Lyons’ managing partner, John Calleja, will also be on hand to assist with the planting programme.

“From day one Lawrence Lyons had always envisaged a programme to replace any trees that were used in the manufacture of our bespoke products,” said John.

“With help from Oakwood Theme Park this has become a reality, we aim to be able to plant a further 50 trees in the autumn with plans for additional planting in 2012,” he added.

Theme park wants your help to stay high and dry

Oakwood Theme Park is to stage its very own vote on election day (Thursday May 6th) to discover if it’s possible to stay dry on Europe’s wettest ride - and they want your help.

On Thursday a team of volunteers from the Pembrokeshire park will don a variety of different outfits to see which one keeps them driest on their giant water ride Hydro.

Hydro is the tallest, steepest and wettest ride in Europe. After climbing more than 30 metres into the air riders are faced with a near vertical 88 degree drop into 4.5million litres of water.

Even spectators need to be on their guard to dodge the 45 foot splash wave on the wooden viewing bridge.

Park director Andy Hygate said: “Hydro is one of our most popular rides and getting soaked is all part of the fun.

“However we’ve decided to run an experiment to discover which types of clothing and waterproof equipment provide the greatest protection.

“Our team here have come up with some suggestions of their own but we would also like to invite people to email in their ideas – the plan is for us to then pick out the best ones and test them out.

“Whoever comes up with the most effective, practical and safe idea will win a year’s membership to the park and the opportunity to try out their suggestion on Hydro for themselves,” he added.

A team of volunteers has been recruited as guinea pigs for the experiment and the effectiveness of their outfits will be judged by an impartial group of adjudicators who will take into account everything from overall dryness, to comfort and practicality.

• Anyone who has a suggestion can email, along with their contact details to marketing@oakwoodthemepark.co.uk. All entries should be marked ‘High and Dry Vote’.

Celebrating National Pet Month

Dog owners who visit Oakwood Theme Park throughout April and May are being invited to show their support for National Pet Month.

The Pembrokeshire theme park is one of the few in the UK to provide free kennelling for visitors’ pets.

The service is normally free, with visitors paying a refundable deposit. However for the duration of National Pet Month staff are inviting owners to donate the deposit to a local animal rescue charity.

Local dog trainer Amy Shaler of Dogs ‘n’ Stuff said: “Many visitors come to the area on holiday with their pets and Oakwood’s kennels provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment for the dogs to relax in while their owners enjoy the rides.

“I know how much holidaymakers appreciate this, normally, free service and think Oakwood’s idea to utilise the kennel service to raise awareness of National Pet Month and help raise funds for a local animal rescue centre at the same time is a fantastic.

“It’s particularly relevant as the theme of this year’s campaign is responsible pet ownership. Everyone knows the potential risks of leaving dogs in cars during hot weather – Oakwood’s kennels provide the perfect alternative.”

National Pet Month is a charity raising the profile of how to look after our pets responsibly whilst showing how much fun we can have with them.

This year, from 3 April – 3 May, National Pet Month is marking its 21st birthday and thousands of people are celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events throughout the UK.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Healthy pets make happy pets’ and aims to promote responsible pet ownership.

All money raised from the event will be donated to the nearby Green Acres Animal Rescue centre.

First week of opening

Distinct lack of blogging of late - sorry guys been manic with the reopening of the park. LOADS of stuff has been happening at Oakwood - here's a brief round up for you ...

KO the police dog came for a visit with his handler Sharon Gibby!

The dog section use Oakwood for training during our closed period and Sharon, who passed her course in February, completed much of her training here. Personnally, I'm a sucker for a big dog and the gorgeous KO was no exception!

Danger Mouse opened the park for 2010!

The fearless mouse popped down to Pembrokeshire to officially open the park for 2010 and, of course, to check out Speed and Megafobia!

New Bounce sculpture unveiled

One of our Ash trees needed to be cut down but rather than just remove it we got an amazing chainsaw sculptor to do this ...

Furry friends arrive

We had a lovely arrival this week - rabbits and guinea pigs. They were a bit shy when they saw the camera but here's a sneak preview for you ...

The Tower of Doom (Part 2)

Ok - Bounce climb completed, cables replaced and painting has commenced.

Rob Prickett, one of our ride engineers, bravely took on the task of 'spring cleaning' Bounce! At Oakwood everything is bigger and better and spring cleaning is no different - our type of spring cleaning involves half a mile of scaffolding, harnesses, hard hats and climbing endless flights of stairs. Of course, this is nothing for our hardened engineers, wearing pink marigolgs though is another matter!!!!!

The Tower of Doom ...

... well that's what the Bounce currently is to me as I prepare to climb the scaffolding to the top of it.

We've been planning to head up for a number of days but the wind, snow and rain over the last week have made it somewhat treacherous - this doesn't help one iota when you suffer from vertigo! Fingers crossed I can be brave enough!

LOADS of maintenance jobs going on at the moment - rendering buildings, replacing fences etc etc. Our maintenance manager is even attempting to cut out the silhouette of a rollercoaster on one of our fences - how artistic!

Recruitment is still ongoing - applications forms are still be accepted but hurry not long until our recruitment weeekend!

Canaston Bowl has got laods of fab events coming up - pre-valentine's day speed dating event and special offers throughout the 6 nations.

CANASTON BOWL AIMING TO GIVE CUPID A HELPING HAND

Canaston Bowl is on a mission to help the single people of Pembrokeshire to get a date and find true love in time for Valentine’s Day.

The popular bowling centre is organising a free one-off pre-Valentine’s Day speed dating event on Friday, February 12th.

The event will be held in the centre’s function room from 7pm onwards and light refreshments will be available.

It’s the first time the bowling centre will have staged a speed dating event and manager Emma Owen is keen that as many single people as possible get involved.

“Everyone who applies will have the opportunity to meet new people and hopefully find love in time for Valentines Day!” she said.

“All participants will get to spend three to four minutes getting to know each other before moving on to the next potential love interest,” she added.

After everybody has met their scorecards will be collected and couples that are matched will receive a complimentary date that same evening at the Canaston Bowl.

“First dates can always be a little daunting so we thought that a great way to 'break the ice' before Valentines Day would be by either going bowling or having a game in our Crystal Maze adventure,” said Emma.

“People can be sure to avoid those awkward silences by having fun getting to meet new friends or potentially new love interests in a fun and relaxing environment,” she added.

Located next to Oakwood Theme Park, the Canaston Bowl offers a variety of all-weather activities for the whole family to enjoy.

As well as classic Ten Pin Bowling, there’s The Crystal Maze game which is based on the legendary TV show. There is also a Game Zone with arcade games, pool tables and a fully licensed bar, a function room with a plasma screen TV, and a snack bar to refuel the family.

Anyone who wants to take part in the FREE Speed Dating Event must be over the age of 18 to apply and should send their details (Name, Age and Telephone Number) to: e.owen@oakwoodthemepark.co.uk or call 01834 891622. All entries must be received no later than Wednesday 10th Feb.

Possible return of the Crystal Maze to TV

Rumours been circulating over the last few weeks of the Crystal Maze returning to TV! This time it will feature on ITV with Amanda Holden taking over the reins from Richard O'Brien of Rocky Horror Show fame. Rather than members of the public the new show will apparently feature celebrity contestants.

This hasn't been confirmed yet but once we know more we'll let you all know.... of course there's only one place where everyone can have a go in the maze and dome!

Here are our staff celebrating the news - can we have some wine with our CHEESE ;)

Oakwood = FUN, Snow = FUN

Given that Oakwood is all about having fun, it's unsurprising to see the staff making sure they enjoy the snow!

Apparently a sledge from The Waterfall ride makes an excellent snow sledge. Well ... after working hard outside in freezing conditions they need to find some way to warm up!!!!!

























Ummm - you appear to be heading towards a tree!




Boys will be boys!





Steering not got any better then?

Want to join the team at Wales' No 1 theme park?

Recruitment for both part time and full time seasonal positions will start shortly so if you're interested get in touch.


Send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@oakwoodthemepark.co.uk telling us why you'd like to help us make sure our visitors have a fantastic day.


Alternatively, you can post your CV and letter to us at:


Jobs 2010
Oakwood Theme Park
Canaston Bridge
Narberth
Pembrokeshire
SA67 8DE

Great Christmas gift idea

Oakwood tickets make a fab Christmas pressie - call us for more details and to get hold of your 2010 tickets now.

Blogs about Oakwood for the Oakwood blog - does that make sense?

Here's a little snippet of some of the fantastic comments from bloggers worldwide about Pembrokeshire and your favourite theme park ;)

"Whenever you come or wherever you go in Pembrokeshire, one thing that doesn't change: The welcome is always warm and genuine" just one thing this blogger has to say about our wonderful county.

Read more here.


"it turns out that my fears were confirmed. It rained for most of the week. But despite this, we had a good time" hhhmmm, that sounds a bit familiar from the summer!

More of the Camping in Pembrokeshire blog here

Best places to see in the UK - oh yes we're on the list. Check it out here

"ideal for the family vacation" yes Pembrokeshire and Oakwood are right there again! Read more here

Goes to show - it's not just those of us who live here who think Pembrokeshire is amazing!!!!!!

A big welcome for Andy and Anne-Marie!

Brilliant start to the week here at Oakwood - two lovely, shiny new people have joined us, Andy and Anne-Marie. We're absolutely delighted to have them here with us and after only an hour or so they're settling in fabulously already! May have to get them posting on here to give you all a break from my ramblings!?!?

AND we have more exciting news - our 2010 opening date has been confirmed as 27th March. No need to wait until then to get hold of tickets though, call us on 01834 891373 and we'll help you sort out some fantastic Christmas pressies!

It's that time of year again!

Less than a month now till Christmas! Has this year flown by as quickly for everybody else?

We're still closed for the winter here at Oakwood but the Canaston Bowl is still open - yay!!!! They've got some great Christmas party packages so if you're looking for a works party with a difference, or just want to have a laugh with a group of friends give them a call on 01834 891622 to find out more!

So much to do ....

... such little time!!!

Well the 2009 season just flew by! Time to crack on with our winter maintenance schedule now.

Everyone here is busy taking things down/apart/repairing/painting and the list goes on and on. Very strange being in the park with no visitors here - bit like a ghost town BUT only 19 weeks until we re-open next year and we can't wait!

Only 3 days left ...

There's only three more days left for the 2009 season until Oakwood closes it's gates for the year. Check out our opening times to make sure you don't miss out on one last visit!

The families of soldiers from 14 Signal Regiment, Brawdy joined us on Tuesday. We wanted to give them a great day out to try and make this time away from their loved ones a little easier. Here's a pic of them when they arrived.













The Help the Heroes team also joined them to raise awareness of the fantastic work they do. If you missed them on Tuesday why not make a donation online.

Soldiers to storm Oakwood

We're delighted to have confirmed that the families of soldiers serving in Afghanistan will be joining us at Oakwood next Tuesday. The families are all from the 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) based at the Cawdor Barracks near Haverfordwest.

The Help the Heroes team will also be at the park to raise awareness of their important work and, hopefully, collect donations from our lovely, generous visitors. What a great opportunity to talk to a man in uniform!!!!!!

We're all about having fun at Oakwood and it is great to be able to try and make sure these families join in the fun too. It is hard to imagine how difficult it must be to have your husband, wife, dad, mum, sister, brother all those miles away and the worry that must go with it. We're hoping that next Tuesday shows them our support and appreciation of the dangerous work these men and women undertake.

If you can't join them at Oakwood next Tuesday please show your support by making a donation online.