Rustington woman takes ‘staycations’ to a new extreme

Deborah Chase (centre) is pictured showing the poster designed by her niece, Charlie Matheson, to Les and Jean Rutherford, the owners of Daisyfields Touring Park PHOTO: Liz Pearce

STAYCATIONS became the holiday of choice for austerity Britain, as seaside trips in the UK proved a cheaper option than jetting off to warmer climes.

But a Rustington woman and her niece have taken the idea one step further – or maybe that should be nearer – by going away just a couple of miles, to a camping and caravan site at Littlehampton.

And now Deborah Chase and her niece, Charlie Matheson, 12, who lives even closer, in Littlehampton, are encouraging others to follow their example.

Charlie has designed a poster they have put up around this area, giving directions to ‘Littlehampton’s best-kept secret’, Daisyfields Touring Park, off Cornfield Close.

Tents and caravans at the Daisyfields Touring Park in Littlehampton

It shows caravans and tents, with happy visitors enjoying the facilities and playing games. Wildlife, including foxes, rabbits and bats, can be seen on the edge of the semi-rural setting.

Deborah, of Harsfold Close, said: “We love going there, it’s like being somewhere else completely. You feel like you have gone away properly. There are lots of European tourists and everyone is very friendly.

“Holidays away can be very expensive and hectic. Likewise, the new school term can be quite exhausting for kids, so Daisyfields would be a good place for a ‘wind-down’ weekend, or to have a camping meet-up with friends or visiting relatives.

“Not many people around here know it even exists, but it’s a great place to stay and we want more people to know about it. My niece and I have visited several times a year for the past five years.”

She added: “I find travel can be quite stressful, but it’s very relaxing just going to Daisyfields. And if you have any problems, it’s not far to go home and sort them out.”

The site, owned by Les and Joan Rutherford, is part of a green space between The Littlehampton Academy and the A259 road, with the A700 bus route running past for those without a car, a burger restaurant/take-away and a garage shop close by.

Les said: “Deborah and her niece have been coming her for years and obviously enjoy it. I thought the poster was excellent.”

Deborah and Charlie aren’t the only locals pitching up at Daisyfields. Les explained: “We get quite a lot of local people trying out a new caravan or motorhome, tent or trailer tent, seeing how the electrics work.”