Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has praised members of the Caravan Club and fans of touring for their efforts in helping the economic recovery.
Speaking at the Caravan Club’s CL of the Year Awards, he noted how caravan holidays “create memories, friendships and contribute to local economies.”
Mr Pickles also spoke of the warmth and friendliness of caravan sites. “You get that closeness and experience that you perhaps can’t get in larger sites or in hotels.” He added “It’s something that will create memories that people will be able to look back on in childhood as you grow up”.
The Communities Secretary personally thanked those in attendance “for the effort that helps make the Caravan Club one of the biggest contributors to tourism. All power to you and here’s to the next hundred years.”
Certified Locations
Eric Pickles was in attendance with Tourism Minister John Penrose to present the award for Certified Location of the Year. Certificated Locations are small and privately-owned informal sites with 5 pitches available for booking. Over 2,500 CLs can be found in the UK, and many are in remote rural settings. Some are working farms or pub gardens, while there are even some to be found in stately homes. Certified Locations are for the exclusive use of Caravan Club members.
Blackpool illuminated
Mr Pickles presented the winner’s trophy to Jeremy and Sharon Haworth of Manor House Park CL in Blackpool. It’s the second time in three years that Manor House has taken top honours, while the well tended site was also named Most Picturesque Site CL in the network. 
After taking ownership of the site in 2007, Jeremy and Sharon have invested significantly in facilities and welcome guests all year round.
“We never realised just how many people are attracted to Blackpool” said Sharon at the awards ceremony in Westminster. “We’re very lucky with our location here, as it’s a great base for the bright lights and buzz of Blackpool, but also we’re only an hour from the Lake District”.
Caravan Club chairman Grenville Chamberlain added “We appreciate the welcome the CL owners extend, and also the care and investment that goes into running these small sites”.
