We sat down with Margaret Cockerill, who recently bought property 28 at Broadlands Park & Marina, to ask her all about her experience with Broadlands and The Broads over the years.
Where are you from?
Whitby, North Yorkshire
You've been coming here for quite some time, tell us a little about your time here.
We first came here in 1973 when The Harper's (who first built the park) were running it. I came with my mum and dad, Tom and Sarah. I would have been just 21! Back then it was called Broadland Chalet Park.
We first heard about the park through Hoseasons and on first trip to the park, we stayed in property 60.
We loved it from day one! We hired a day boat, spent long days on The Broads and watched the speed boats race (which, even back then, was still held on a Thursday night).
The bar and restaurant wasn't there, it was a shop instead!
Fondest memories?
Spending time with my mum and dad. Spending time in local area, being here in spring time and watching the blossoms bloom. We’ve had some beautifully relaxing days here.
Sarah Firth, Margaret's mother, pictured outside No.28 in 1997
What do you love about the area?
The peace and quiet, scenery, lovely marsh walks and the boats passing by on The Broads. It's one of only two places where, as I drive into the area, I instantly relax. I love it! The only other place that has that effect on me is Cyprus!
Why did you chose to purchase property 28?
Actually, it was my dad’s favourite property when we used to stay. It used to be called a ‘Broads Haven’. We all loved it here. I have so many fond family memories in property 28. As soon as I heard that Tingdene Holiday Parks had bought the park, I knew I had to buy 28.
Tom Firth, Margaret's Father, on The Broads
What is the best kept secret of the broads?
Definitely Cockshoot broad. It's between Ranworth and Woodbastwick. It's completely private, has it’s own boardwalk and is sealed off from the main river. There's a bird hide overlooking the river, and it's peaceful, quiet, clean and just stunningly beautiful.
It has special significance for me as I spread some of my mother’s ashes there. My mum, Sarah, passed away in 2001 and Cockshoot broad was really special to her.