Flying the flag for Dorset

Managing any HPB site brings its own pleasures and pressures – and Langton House is no exception. But Karen’s wealth of experience, together with her in-depth knowledge of the county, ensure happy holidays for visiting Bondholders.

As with all site managers, Karen’s working day doesn’t contain much in the way of gaps. But we made her an offer she couldn’t refuse – a cuppa – and settled down for a brief chat…

We know you’ve been involved with HPB for many years – but how did it all start?

I came to help out with housekeeping when the site first opened. I later came back to be a Saturday girl for a while and then I joined as assistant for 18 months before being asked to take over as manager when the previous manager resigned. That was in 2001 and feels like only yesterday!

What persuaded you to apply for the site manager’s job?

When I was first asked to take over the answer was definitely NO (I was scared that it was too much responsibility for me and how it would affect the family) but the more time I was here the more Langton House was getting under my skin. We all sat down and agreed that it was such a fantastic opportunity that I couldn’t possibly say no... And I haven’t looked back.

Tell us a bit about Karen, the person. What are you when you’re not being a site manager?

I’m married to Ian, a former shepherd. We have been married since 2001. I have a son, Jamie, and two step-daughters, Charlotte and Katie. We are also carers for my father-in-law. When I have time I like reading, DIY, crafts, going to the theatre and spending time with family and friends. I also knit for charity and in 2009 completed the London Playtex Moonwalk, 26.2 miles around London at night for breast cancer.

Do you have any particular plans for improving Langton House – the site itself, or the “holiday experience” – or is it more a case of maintaining standards?

To my mind, the real key to successful site management is flexibility, and with that in mind I don’t tend to plan too far ahead. That said, I do have one policy that’s more or less set in stone: I always employ local people. It’s good for them – obviously; good for the local economy (I care a great deal about my home county, as you may have realised!); and good for holidaying Bondholders, who can draw on a wealth of local knowledge. Mine, and everyone else’s.

My hopes for Langton House are to continue maintaining standards while also looking at how to improve the overall holiday experience. We can always do better!