Got it pegged

WHEN Paul Hayward was made redundant from his county council IT job, he was unsure what the future would hold.

But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He and his wife Steph have swapped the suburbs of Winsford, Cheshire, for the golden sand of Saye Beach and a new life in the fresh air.

They – along with border collie Lucy and, during university holidays, sons Adam, 19, and Dan, 22, are the new custodians of Saye Campsite – or Saye Beach Campsite as they have christened it on the dedicated website they have launched.

'I had a desk job at Staffordshire County Council and I really wanted to get back to working in the open air and doing things with my hands,' said Paul. 'This is the perfect job.'

He and Steph won the role after impressing interviewers with their energy, ideas for the campsite and readiness to view the job as a long-term prospect. They have long been keen campers and caravaners and have a solid background in hospitality and B&Bs, but Alderney and campsite running were unexplored territory.

'Alderney blew us away as soon as we came for the interview,' said Steph, who will initially continue working at Staffordshire County Council. 'It's so quiet and relaxing and different.

'Even though we visited in February, we could sense what it would be like in the summer.'

A new but appealingly rustic-looking shower and toilet block are taking shape. A cafe and shop, which they will run, and a community building for when bad weather strikes are also due to be built.

New ideas for this year and next include pitches with electricity supplies and better and bigger quality tents available to loan – large enough for school and Scout parties – and even yurts for 'glamping' if they can establish the demand.

Campervans and caravans will be permitted for the first time this year.

'We see this year very much as a transitional one,' said Paul, a keen birdwatcher and history buff.

'We would like to offer a bigger range of accommodation and lengthen the holiday season by targeting hobbyists, for example birdwatchers and kayakers, and even potentially marketing it as a dark-sky site.

'There are so many things to promote about Alderney. But we have to go out and get them and we are ready to try and do that.'