Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8LX
A huge thank you to everyone that attended and braved the weather at the Open Day at Godstone Farm, we hope you had a great day. Thank you to the Godstone team for their fantastic hospitality and for making the delegates feel welcome.
Over ninety delegates attended and saw the recent developments including the re-vamped animal barns, the new ‘creature courtyard’ that opened in 2013 and the latest new attraction; the brand new Dino Trail.
The day started with tea, coffee and lovely bacon rolls followed by an introduction from Matthew Heast, NFAN Chairman. Jackie Flaherty, Owner and Richard Maule-Oatway, Farm Manager gave an interesting talk about the history, financials, health and safety, E coli outbreak and lessons learnt.
Next up was Layona Bungay, Visitor Services Manager from Godstone, who spoke about many topics including signage, projects and refurbishments, events and activities, advertising, secondary spends and the new Dino Trail. Sponsors Autoculture and Innovative Leisure gave an update on their products before delegates split into groups for a tour of the park, followed by a networking lunch.
In the afternoon we heard from three external speakers; Fun Fear gave a great talk about adding drama through sounds and special effects, followed by Ray Hipkin who spoke about insurance risk management. Finally Jim Smith from Shopper Anonymous wrapped the day up with a talk on upsell without the hardsell.
The day before delegates also enjoyed a tour of nearby Hobbledown.
You can download the presentations below:
Godstone Farm – Jackie Flaherty, Owner and Richard Maule-Oatway, Farm Manager (presentation)
Godstone Farm – Jackie Flaherty, Owner and Richard Maule-Oatway, Farm Manager (notes)
Godstone Farm – Layona Bungay, Visitor Services Manager
Insurance Risk Management – Ray Hipkin
Upsell without the Hardsell – Jim Smith, Shopper Anonymous
Adding Drama through Sounds and Special Effects – Fun Fear
With thanks to our sponsors Autoculture and Innovative Leisure.
Welcome refreshments with yummy bacon rolls.
Jackie Flaherty (Owner) and Richard Maule-Oatway (Farm Manager) giving their interesting talk about the history, financials, health and safety, E coli outbreak, lessons learnt as well as sharing ideas.
Refreshment break outside the main house before splitting into groups for the tours.
The new Creature Courtyard built in 2013 at a cost of £6500 (ex labour) houses lots of smaller animals such as Degus, Chinchillas, Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chickens, Terrapins, Ducks, Fish and Birds.
Outdoor sand play...very popular with the children
New...DINO Trail. With roaring sounds and mist. This is home to the mighty Mammoth, super Stegosaurus, fearsome Pterosaurus and many more.
Half way round the DINO Trail....the mighty Mammoth.
Oooh some creepy crawlies in the Creature Caves...lizards, spiders and even snakes!
Animal barns with viewing gallery.
Cute...new Shetland Pony foal born that very day, just trying to stand for the first time.
One slightly wet tour group making their way down to the Animal Barns.
Brand new gift shop which also has a pet store included.
A great and fun way to display plants...in wellies!
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