Each year, International Women’s Day gives us a moment to pause and reflect.
It is an opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of women across our business and beyond, but also to reflect on the experiences, perspectives, and ambitions that continue to shape our workplace and our future.
As we have said before, progress is not defined by a single day, it is defined by the everyday actions, conversations and commitments that create an environment that everyone can thrive in.
At Tingdene Group, International Women’s Day is not just about recognising success stories, it is about recognising people. It is about acknowledging the diverse journeys, challenges overcome, lessons learned, and contributions made by women across every part of our organisation.
We invited colleagues from across the company to share what International Women’s Day means to them personally and professionally, in their careers, in their lives, and in the progress, what they hope to see for future generations as well as what their experience has been being a woman and working with Tingdene Group.
Their reflections highlight the importance of opportunity, confidence, and support. They remind us that empowerment is not a single moment, but something built over time through encouragement, inclusion, and trust.
Their voices reflect the strength and diversity of our community. They also reinforce something simple but powerful which is when people feel valued, heard, and supported, they are empowered to do their best work and to inspire others to do the same.
We are proud to share the thoughts and reflections of some of the incredible women across our business:
Charlotte Knights, Assistant Manager at Waveney River Centre
“Being a woman working within the Tingdene Group means feeling confident in who I am and the value I bring. It’s about showing up each day with professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose, knowing that my voice is respected and my contributions matter. I take pride in being part of an organisation that recognises hard work and encourages growth, allowing me to develop both personally and professionally. Within this environment, I can learn, contribute, and move forward with confidence in my abilities.”
The women in my personal life are the foundation of who I am today. Through their strength, honesty, resilience, and unwavering support, they have shaped my values, my confidence, and the way I see the world. Becoming an auntie at just 13 years old changed me in ways I didn’t expect. From the moment I held my nephew, something instinctive took over, a natural, motherly approach rooted in protection, care, and unconditional love.
Again at 19 years old, supporting my sister through the birth of my second nephew and welcoming him into the world was one of the most powerful and grounding experiences of my life. Witnessing her strength, vulnerability, and sheer determination in that moment connected me deeply to the resilience of women and the quiet, unstoppable power we carry.
Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. Were strongest when we cheer each other on!
Wendy Kalra, Park Manager at Kirkstead Park and Marina View Park
“Having worked in a very male orientated Hospitality management industry for many years, I was in the unenviable position of being expected to do the same job as my male counterparts for a fraction of the salary they received. When I brought suggestions to the table, many a time I got the feeling my contributions were not relevant as I was a female.
Working with Tingdene Parks has shown none of this discrimination. My suggestions are taken on board, my opinion is often sought and as such this has made me feel a valued and appreciated member of the team.
We have Managers’ meetings where we are all treated equally and with the same respect which is very refreshing.
Tingdene as a company are inclusive, fair and caring which makes me feel supported and not belittled due to my gender.”
Kayleigh Conroy, General Manager at North Denes Park
“International Women’s Day gives me the opportunity to reflect on my journey, not only as a General Manager at Tingdene, but as a woman who has grown through challenges, opportunities, and life changing moments along the way.
My career began at Waterside Park & Hotel as a receptionist, where I first discovered my passion for working with people and being part of a strong, supportive team. From there, I spent the next 11 years relocating across local parks, gaining experience, building confidence, and learning how to adapt to new environments and challenges.
A defining turning point came in 2018 when I was relocated back to Waterside to help operate and drive forward the new hotel that had been built. That experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to step into greater responsibility and leadership. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with many strong, empowering women who inspired me daily, women who led with passion and resilience.
In 2022, my journey took a deeply personal turn with the birth of my first child, Carter. Becoming a mother is a life changing experience, one that at times, made me question whether I could balance both a career and motherhood. Like many women, I faced moments of doubt and vulnerability, wondering if it was possible to succeed in both roles. However, the support from senior management made that balance achievable and reminded me that strong workplaces recognise the value of supporting women through every stage of life.
Today, as a General Manager, I reflect with pride on every step that brought me here, from my early days on reception to leading teams while also embracing motherhood. My journey has taught me that leadership is about resilience, empathy, and supporting others as they grow. International Women’s Day is not only about celebrating achievements but also about recognising the challenges we overcome and the people who help make success possible.
I hope my story encourages other women to believe that they don’t have to choose between personal fulfilment and professional ambition, with the right support, determination, and belief in yourself, it is possible to achieve both.”
Hannah Hewitt, General Manager at Caldecott Hall
“I began my career with Tingdene as a receptionist at Waterside Park in 2013. I was then offered the opportunity of covering the Admin Supervisor role to cover maternity leave for a colleague. Following this, I was offered the opportunity to further my skills to become Park Services Manager at Rainbows End, proceeded by moving to oversee the running of both Waterside and Broadlands parks. From then, I became General Manager at North Denes and finally moved to Caldecott Hall when we first acquired the lease, to introduce Tingdene processes and visions, and begin facilitating the caravan park and site developments.
Throughout my time with Tingdene, I have taken time away to start my family. The company’s flexibility has enabled me to raise my two children and offer them a secure home through some personally challenging times. I have always been supported and encouraged by senior management and especially felt positivity and reassurance about returning to work following both periods of maternity leave. I am very grateful to have been able to continue my professional development alongside my family life.
National Women’s Day has a huge significance to me in relation to the sacrifices that were made historically to bring us to where we are today, because it has brought me to a mindset where I don’t consider that being a woman has had any effect on the opportunities that have been presented to me over the years within Tingdene Holiday Parks.”
Thank you to every woman within our business for everything that you do.