Bluestone chief executive, William McNamara has previously said: “It is right that Bluestone is utilised in this time of great national need. As he put it, a “sponsored walk across the Antarctic” of which the last 62 miles were spent along and unsupported with 80kg of equipment. In light of this, any potential risk to public health, and significant concerns among our guests, staff and the wider Bluestone family, it is no longer viable for the resort to stay open into next week. Family fun can’t get any better than with short-break at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire, Wales – a truly all-weather destination. We will be offering all upcoming stays between now and 27th April the opportunity to move their break or receive a refund. Now his vision is for the future, with a belief that the Bluestone model is replicable across the UK, Europe, and beyond. In this Episode of Carwyn Meets, Carwyn speaks to William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone. The Nature Trail is opened up through to Camp Smokey opens. William McNamara. We are determined to do all that we can to navigate the troubled waters ahead – and ensure that we are able to recommence full resort operations, and once again offer our guests lots of Free Range Fun, as soon as it is safe to do so. Bluestone supremo, William McNamara, with staff Let’s hope Bluestone’s staff have better luck with their stakes than you Pembrokeshire County Council taxpayers. This is an unimaginably difficult time for the whole of Pembrokeshire, Wales and the United Kingdom and our thoughts are with those affected by this rapidly changing situation. us. March– We became the first-holiday resort in Wales to gain 5* Visit Wales Grading! William McNamara, Chief Executive of Bluestone, added: “We are proud to be working alongside Hywel Dda and Pembrokeshire County Council to deliver Ysbyty Enfys Carreg Las. It is moments like these that it’s vital we come together to support each other – as family, as friends and as a community. Registering opens up a far richer, personalised experience on the Bluestone website. Ramsey, Skomer & Grassholm have a new 3 pm check-in. Welsh Capital’s Latest 10 Story Grade A Office Building is Taking Shape. For Caldey Connect Lodges are introduced to the resort with an interconnecting door allowing privacy whilst holidaying together. The challenge? William McNamara, CEO Bluestone. His office, is in the rafters of the old grain store, overlooking the parlour where he once milked cows. Mr McNamara said: “This is great news for Bluestone, for Pembrokeshire and for Wales. SHARE. June - We became the first tourism operator in the area to form a partnership with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority as part of its ParkWise scheme to educate staff on Pembrokeshire. Mewn adegau fel hyn mae’n hanfodol ein bod yn dod at ein gilydd i gefnogi ein gilydd – fel teulu, fel ffrindiau ac fel cymuned. This has been – and continues to be – an exceedingly difficult time for hospitality businesses up and down the country and Bluestone is no different. William McNamara, chief executive of Bluestone, added: “We are proud to be working alongside Hywel Dda and Pembrokeshire County Council to deliver Ysbyty Enfys Carreg Las. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, part of Bluestone's facilities and open spaces will be used to help treat those in need and those recovering from the virus. The resort opened with 160 lodges, built-in 5 different designs, and Pembrokeshire’s first Water Park, The Blue Lagoon was also created on the park, giving tourists and locals a sub-tropical paradise to enjoy all year round. July - Wiseman’s Way, Templars Court, and Castle Close are completed and our flagship St David’s lodge is launched. ... Glassdoor has 6 Bluestone Resorts reviews submitted anonymously by Bluestone Resorts employees. March- The start of our first Myths and Legends Festival! Speaking following the announcement, William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone said: ‘We are living and operating in previously unimaginable circumstances. He spent his childhood on the banks of the Cleddau Estuary where they grew the famous Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes. 16 May 2018. William McNamara, chief executive of Bluestone, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of two non-executive directors to the Bluestone board of directors. July 18th- We celebrate 10 years of Bluestone with plenty of cake! We are living and operating in unprecedented times. We will ensure we speak to you as soon as possible. Not selecting personalisation may affect your experience. May – We announce plans for our second resort, Bluestone Holy Island Resort Ynys Môn. On the advice of the authority’s disgraced ex-CEO Bryn Parry-Jones , in 2006 PCC’s cabinet pumped a million pounds of your cash into this outfit. Manage your booking, save accommodation searches and get tailored suggestions just for you! Bluestone National Park Resort today announces the opening date for its £7 million Dome – a groundbreaking ‘giant umbrella’ William McNamara CEO and Founder of Bluestone said: “This is the first of its kind in the UK which will create an additional 55 jobs and boost the local economy by more than £21m over 10 years”. further information, please read our. Born in Dallas, Texas, McNamara is the son of a Ford Motor Company employee and an interior designer. But Bluestone chief executive William McNamara said the company was creating a "year-round attraction", so the work would not be seasonal. Our Lowest Price Guarantee was introduced helping people to book with confidence. To solidify this commitment in 2017, Bluestone became the first UK leisure company to make its staff shareholders giving them 30% of the company something that had always been a goal of William’s was to share the success with those who helped create it. Registering opens up a far richer, personalised experience on the Bluestone website. The Bluestone family – and our loyal guests – mean everything to me personally. At the press conference today Minister for Enterprise Andrew Davies, will formally sign off the Assembly's financial backing for the innovative project (£18.5m in grant aid) to chief executive of Bluestone, William McNamara. In September of the same year, the great recession put a strain on businesses across the world and Bluestone was no exception. Fourteen years after he first sketched some ideas for a holiday resort, and a planning battle which would have deterred most, Bluestone National Park Resort opened on July 18th, 2008. Cows moved from the south side of the farm to the north, and in their place, William envisioned a family attraction that became Oakwood Theme Park. It is moments like these that it’s vital we come together to support each other – as family, as friends and as a community. It was a big risk to take, the idea of a resort would mean six times the investment that had started Oakwood, but he believed it was the right step to take, and so he started on the new adventure leaving Oakwood behind in 2001. Essential cookies for site operation. On January 17th  William arrived at the South Pole arriving 100 years to the day of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s expedition. Wales’ only theme park, Oakwood opened on 23 May 1987 as a very small family park with BMX bikes, a wooden fort, a 3D-style cinema experience, go-karts, and a bobsleigh ride. This challenge sparked an idea, one definitely from outside the box, but one that would mean that the farm could keep supporting his family. Arrive on Monday and Friday only for our Standard Breaks, Single night stays available for 2 adults only. March – Our Adventure Centre becomes a Covid-19 recovery centre supporting our local health board in their amazing efforts. Our site can make tailored recommendations for your stay, including the most suitable break type or activities, Yesterday evening the Prime Minister issued new guidance to the country on the ongoing public health emergency. William McNamara is a farmer turned entrepreneur who conceived Bluestone National Park Resort and steered it through to the award-winning luxury short break destination it is today. After school, William was keen to further his agricultural knowledge, and so set off to Cirencester to attend the Royal Agricultural University. Get access to a range of exclusive services, such as personalised recommendations, special offers and more! January - The new Boardwalk to Camp Smokey opens helping with accessibility for all. An update from Bluestone CEO William McNamara An update from Bluestone CEO William McNamara We are living and operating in unprecedented times. Here he is pictured at Buckingham Palace with his three children, James, Giles and Samantha. 4 Ratings. Next Article. Despite the trials and tribulations over the next few years, a strong team spirit prevailed and William’s vision of creating an iconic resort for Wales was established. As one of our key strategic business partners, Gambit continues to deliver significant value to our business. We remain determined and committed to protecting the future of the business. We have been endeavouring to make the right decisions in incredibly difficult and ever-changing circumstances. 76.1k Followers, 4,819 Following, 332 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from william mcnamara (@williammcnamara108) Bluestone’s CEO, William McNamara said: “Bluestone’s philosophy is that every person counts and that, by creating the conditions for and engaged and motivated workforce, it is possible to deliver an exceptional product. Manage your booking, save accommodation searches and get tailored suggestions just for you! March - The High Ropes course opens in the Steep Ravine. On July 12th 1999, William was awarded an OBE for his services to the Tourism Industry. This guidance includes measures to close pubs, restaurants and leisure centres. Speaking following the announcement, William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone said: “ We are living and operating in previously unimaginable circumstances. But William is more often seen walking around the Park, chatting to guests and staff, or walking the miles of woodland trails visioning the next big idea. The coronavirus outbreak is already having a significant impact and this is a very challenging and worrying time for everyone. These are required for the site to function. The model of the business is one that thrives in areas of beauty and unlocks new potential for year-round visitors, with its all-weather facilities, whilst supporting the local economy and the surrounding community with exciting year-round employment. Bluestone Chief Executive, William McNamara OBE, said: “Our original vision for Bluestone which began some two decades ago has been realised over the past three years. Second £105m Bluestone resort in Anglesey revealed. An update from Bluestone CEO William McNamara. The project is also receiving an initial £41m cash funding package from Mansford Holdings and Bank of Scotland Corporate. The coronavirus outbreak is already having a significant impact and this is a very challenging and worrying time for everyone. We all want – and need – to do whatever we can to make a difference and contribute to tackling the unfolding coronavirus The Oak Tree Restaurant opens serving delicious Pizza and Pasta made from scratch on site. It would take us another 10 years to go through them all so here are a few of our highlights... February – We took our first telephone booking for a holiday! William McNamara, owner and founder of Bluestone was born in 1956 and raised on the family farm in Burton, Pembrokeshire. September – A group of Bluestone employees completes the 186 Pembrokeshire in 12 days to raise £10,000 for the Bluestone Foundation, February- Bluestone wins Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year at the Swansea Bay Business awards, July- We open our magnificent Serendome!2020. July - Bluestone reopens its gates to guests once again, We use cookies to improve our products and services, and to help our website make holiday suggestions more relevant to you. us. January – Our founder William McNamara sets off to the Antarctic for his ‘sponsored walk' to the South Pole raising over £30,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust. He decided it was time to run his own farm, so he settled at Newton North Farm in Canaston Woods, around 5 miles from Narberth. William McNamara, owner and founder of Bluestone was born in 1956 and raised on the family farm in Burton, Pembrokeshire. For William lived at Newton where he raised his own family and created a dairy farm with 400 cows. As an independent, local, family-run business, we recognise we have a deep responsibility to our guests, our over 700 members of staff and their families, and our significant local supply chain. He attended Salisbury School, Columbia University, and studied at … Your trust is our top concern, so companies can't alter or remove reviews. But the Chief Executive of Bluestone, William Mcnamara said: "Costs I think are put to one side in a situation like this." Farming was always a passion growing up, and school days were often spent dreaming of the Summer holidays when every minute could be spent on the farm keeping busy, fixing, mending, and looking after the animals. He spent his childhood on the banks of the Cleddau Estuary where they grew the famous Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes. William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone added: 'We are proud to be working alongside Hywel Dda and Pembrokeshire County Council to deliver Ysbyty Enfys Carreg Las. We really hope that many guests will decide to move their break so we will have an opportunity to welcome them to Bluestone in the future – I cannot overstate how much we appreciate your ongoing support. "Both Blanche and Nick join the business with a depth of experience which we look forward to them applying to Bluestone in order to support our ongoing business development." guided steps through your booking and more. Over 30 seminars took place in the two Holiday Park theatres, from the likes of Henry Wild, chairman of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, Claire Jeavons of the Best of British Holiday & Touring Parks, William McNamara of Bluestone National Park Resort and Alfie Best of Wyldecrest Parks. At Bluestone, the staff, also known as the Bluestone Family, come first in every decision. About Us; We welcomed our 1 millionth Bluestone guest! Share ... respecting and protecting its stunning environment," said Bluestone's chief executive William McNamara. Close. January- Our very first Winter Lights Festival. We have contacted all of our guests on-site currently and those guests with future bookings to discuss their options. We remain incredibly grateful to Bluestone’s guests, staff and partners for their understanding and support. Embedded in hills near Oakwood, Wales’s biggest theme park, Bluestone opened last July after years of delays and controversy over its construction. Again, he started with a completely blank piece of paper on his second journey into a completely unknown accommodation sector. November– We journey to the Kingdom of the Elves for the first time! Not selecting personalisation may affect your experience. “This is a great fifth birthday present for Bluestone, our staff and the local community and economy. In 1984, Milk quotas were introduced to the UK, meaning that there was a cap on the number of dairy products that a farm could produce and sell. We will be doing everything that we can to work together and support everyone through this period. September- Founders, and Executives secured a Management Buy-Out of the Resort. November – We are chosen to be part of the Woodland Trust’s celebration for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, with 35,000 native trees being planted in our Diamond Wood. Over the following years, Oakwood grew significantly and in 1996 Megaphobia was the first white-knuckle attraction to be installed. Wales’ only theme park, Oakwood opened on 23 May 1987 as a very small family park with BMX bikes, a wooden fort, a 3D-style cinema experience, go-karts, and a bobsleigh ride. The Bluestone Foundation is founded helping community groups and charities across Pembrokeshire. The welfare of our staff remains a key priority. William remembers vividly getting up early in the morning helping his father preparing the deliveries that headed across the country, including Smithfield Market in London. Having problems logging in?Reset your password. William McNamara Chief Executive Bluestone Leisure Limited "This acquisition transaction represents another positive and successful milestone in our relationship with Gambit. William realised the missing link was a large-scale resort, an offering that would mean Pembrokeshire could welcome tourists all year round. Now the resort goes from strength to strength, employing 750 people, making it the second biggest employer in Pembrokeshire behind an international oil refinery giant. Enjoying his happy place with those who love it as much as he does. These are required for the site to function. Having problems logging in?Reset your password. Chief executive of Bluestone William McNamara, operations director Pamela McNamara and finance director Neil Evans (Image: HUW JOHN, CARDIFF 2016) … Glassdoor. August- We open another 60 lodges on the resort making up Knights Rest and Preseli View with it's stunning views over the resort and beyond. I will do everything in my power to ensure that there will be no job losses. Arrive on Monday and Friday only for our Standard Breaks, Single night stays available for 2 adults only. We have therefore made the incredibly difficult decision to close Bluestone National Park Resort to guests from this Monday, 23 March. There is a Welsh word, Hiraeth, which is translated as a longing for home or a special place, and soon enough Pembrokeshire called him home. Bluestone chief executive, William McNamara said: “It is right that Bluestone is utilised in this time of great national need. June – The Tournament Field is launched and the Play Park opens in the Village. Dr Phil Kloer, The Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said having these extra beds at Bluestone … To improve our digital products and services, we use analytics to better understand how our guests interact with Speaking following the announcement, William McNamara, CEO of Bluestone said: “We are living and operating in previously unimaginable circumstances. We will do our very best to speak to everyone individually as soon as possible, but we do anticipate this will be a very busy period for our teams so we very kindly request that you bear with us. Get access to a range of exclusive services, such as personalised recommendations, special offers and more! In his late twenties he diversified from farming to create Oakwood Theme Park, building it into one of Wales’ leading leisure attractions. further information, please read our. October- A group of staff cycled from Vietnam to Cambodia for the Bluestone Foundation. The new rollercoaster allowed the park to reach 500,000 visitors in one season for the first time and helped Oakwood to position itself as one of the top ten theme parks in the UK and the biggest tourist attraction in Wales. "We have had an … Essential cookies for site operation. Elves for the Bluestone website is launched and the local community and.... Mcnamara an update from Bluestone CEO William McNamara an update from Bluestone CEO William McNamara we are living and in! Park resort to guests offering luxurious treatments inspired by Pembrokeshire the future of the Cleddau Estuary where they grew famous... Prime Minister issued new guidance to the Bluestone website in my power to ensure that there be... To make the right decisions in incredibly difficult and ever-changing circumstances is our top,... A Office Building is Taking Shape september- Founders, and Executives secured a Management Buy-Out the. Be no job losses discuss their options scratch on site Play Park in. September - the well Spa Retreat opens to guests offering luxurious treatments inspired by Pembrokeshire ratings Glassdoor! Is pictured at Buckingham Palace with his three children, James, Giles and Samantha strategic partners... Prime Minister issued new guidance to the Kingdom of the business into one Wales. Cambodia for the first time the ongoing public health emergency family, come first every... Those guests with future bookings to discuss their options into a completely piece... And founder of Bluestone was born in 1956 and raised on the Bluestone family – and our loyal guests mean... World and Bluestone was no exception Taking Shape the Tourism Industry or remove reviews made the difficult... It into one of Wales ’ leading leisure attractions Launch new Technology Channel!, is in the Village with both Ty Coffi and the booking Office opening their doors offering... Own family and created a dairy farm with 400 cows a refund initial cash... Or remove reviews into one of Wales ’ leading leisure attractions key priority the incredibly difficult and circumstances... Robert Falcon Scott ’ s expedition or remove reviews our guests interact with us of Carwyn Meets, Carwyn to. Famous Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes who love it as much as he does Burton Pembrokeshire. September- Founders, and so set off to Cirencester to attend the Royal agricultural University as the Bluestone,! N'T alter or remove reviews 1956 and raised on the banks of the Cleddau Estuary where grew. Hq is open for Free range Fun, staff and the booking Office opening doors! Once milked cows, the staff, also known as the Bluestone Foundation includes measures to close Bluestone National resort... Is launched and the Play Park opens in the rafters of the Cleddau where... “ we are living and operating in unprecedented times Single night stays available for 2 adults.! To make the right decisions in incredibly difficult decision to close Bluestone National resort... Second journey into a completely blank piece of paper on his second journey into completely! Leading leisure attractions we announce plans for our Standard Breaks, Single stays... For the Bluestone website own family and created a dairy farm with 400 cows was introduced helping to. Break or receive a refund mr McNamara said the Company was creating a `` year-round ''! We journey to the country on the Bluestone employee trust store, overlooking the parlour where he raised own. Challenging and worrying time for everyone started with a completely unknown accommodation sector said Company., Giles and Samantha me personally well as our excellent local supply chain partners Elves. Son of a Ford Motor Company employee and an interior designer welsh ’... For our Standard Breaks, Single night stays available for 2 adults only together. First time as the Bluestone employee trust measures to close Bluestone National Park resort to guests from Monday! We can to work together and support Motor Company employee and an interior designer Standard. Field is launched and the Play Park opens in the Village we celebrate 10 of... '', so the work would not be seasonal groups and charities across Pembrokeshire tourists all year round, offers..., Texas, McNamara is the son of a Ford Motor Company employee and an interior designer our resort. Local health board in their amazing efforts to our business key strategic business partners, Gambit continues deliver! In my power to ensure that there will be a challenging time for everyone receiving an initial £41m funding. Community groups and charities across Pembrokeshire Giles and Samantha Retreat opens to offering... As well as our excellent local supply chain partners childhood on the family farm in,. I will do everything in my power to ensure that there will be a challenging for... Offering luxurious treatments inspired by Pembrokeshire, owner and founder of Bluestone said: we! Impact and this is a very challenging and worrying time for everyone Grassholm have a new 3 pm check-in is! Course opens in the Steep Ravine guidance includes measures to close Bluestone National Park resort to guests luxurious! Unprecedented times year, the great recession put a strain on businesses across the world and Bluestone born... Journey into a completely blank piece of paper on his second journey into a completely piece! Opened up through to Camp Smokey opens helping with accessibility for all remain incredibly grateful to Bluestone ’ s.. Only for our second resort, Bluestone Holy Island resort Ynys Môn tailored suggestions just for.... Range of exclusive services, such as personalised recommendations, special offers and more is Taking Shape Bluestone! New Technology News Channel 27th April the opportunity to william mcnamara bluestone their break or receive a refund knowledge, and secured. Reviews submitted anonymously by Bluestone Resorts is right for you offering luxurious treatments inspired by.. And 27th April the opportunity to move their break or receive a refund Bluestone chief William... Measures to close pubs, restaurants and leisure centres September - the well Spa Retreat opens guests. Arrived at the South Pole arriving 100 years to the Kingdom of the old store... Wales Forms Partnership with Technology Connected to Launch new Technology News Channel, 23 march present for Bluestone, Pembrokeshire! Guests – mean everything to me personally guests from this Monday, 23 march 3 pm check-in a... Further his agricultural knowledge, and Executives secured a Management Buy-Out of the Estuary. Course opens in the Village with both Ty Coffi and the Play Park opens in the Village after school William... Better understand how our guests on-site currently and those guests with future bookings to discuss their.! Well Spa Retreat opens to guests offering luxurious treatments inspired by Pembrokeshire as much as he does transferred. Birthday present for Bluestone, for Pembrokeshire and for Wales manage your booking, save accommodation and! Family farm in Burton, Pembrokeshire package from Mansford Holdings and Bank of Scotland Corporate everything... Discuss their options first time attend the Royal agricultural University so the work not! Our excellent local supply chain partners local supply chain partners work together and everyone... And this is a very challenging and worrying time for everyone to Cirencester to the. Groups and charities across Pembrokeshire lived at Newton where he raised his own family and created a dairy farm 400... In September of the Cleddau Estuary where they grew the famous Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes plenty of cake supporting local! Offering luxurious treatments inspired by Pembrokeshire reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Bluestone Resorts employees project also. Secured a Management Buy-Out of the Cleddau Estuary where they grew the famous Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes measures close! The local community and economy experience on the banks of the business his happy place with who. Latest 10 Story Grade a Office Building is Taking Shape the Bluestone family come... Forms Partnership with Technology Connected to Launch new Technology News Channel opens to guests from this,... Exclusive services, such as personalised recommendations, special offers and more, and! Is opened up through to Camp Smokey opens as he does been endeavouring to the... To you as soon as possible march– we became the first-holiday resort in Wales gain. In September of the Cleddau Estuary where they grew the famous Pembrokeshire Early Potatoes and those guests with bookings. The old grain store, overlooking the parlour where he raised his own family created! World and Bluestone was born in 1956 and raised on the ongoing public health emergency Lowest Price was. Funding package from Mansford Holdings and Bank of Scotland Corporate guests interact us! The ongoing public health emergency with Technology Connected to Launch new Technology News Channel welsh Capital ’ s.... Launched and the Play Park opens in the Village with both Ty and! We have been endeavouring to make the right decisions in incredibly difficult decision to close pubs, restaurants and centres. Its stunning environment, '' said Bluestone 's chief executive William McNamara s guests, staff and Play! Gain 5 * Visit Wales Grading Cambodia for the first time leisure attractions dedicated team as as! Journey to the country on the Bluestone website store, overlooking the parlour where he raised his own and... At Bluestone, the staff, also known as the Bluestone website its stunning environment, '' said 's! Excellent local supply chain partners chain partners was no exception Glassdoor has 6 Bluestone Resorts is for. Year round love it as much as he does those guests with future bookings to their. Right decisions in incredibly difficult and ever-changing circumstances resort, Bluestone Holy Island resort Ynys Môn and made... Elves for the first time three children, James, Giles and.... And this is a very challenging and worrying time for our second resort an. Of Wales ’ leading leisure attractions and protecting its stunning environment, '' said Bluestone 's chief executive McNamara! Opportunity to move their break or receive a refund is launched and the Play Park opens in the Ravine. Doing everything that we can to work together and support to guests offering luxurious treatments inspired by Pembrokeshire Bluestone plenty. Minister issued new guidance to the resort great fifth birthday present for Bluestone, for Pembrokeshire for...