Small sites gets big awards

CARAVAN site Birch Hill in Shropshire has been named winner in The Caravan Club’s Certified Location of the Year Awards.

The club’s 2,500 Certificated Locations are small, privately-owned five-pitch sites – often in idyllic rural locations on farms, country houses and even pubs.

Minister for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism Margaret Hodge MBE presented the awards at a reception at the Palace of Westminster hosted by Mr Illsley and his parliamentary colleagues David Amess and Lembit Opik.

As well as the three national winners, the awards recognised six regional winners and a further five winners of specialist categories.

Birch Hill is run by Ian and Janet Kelly, both keen caravanners who have operated the CL since 2002.

Janet said: “Winning the prize is a great compliment and has made us reflect on what our visitors find special about Birch Hill. Our winning formula is a great location with a warm welcome, and we take pleasure in sharing what we have with others.”

Runner-up Keal Lodge is based near Deeping St James, near Peterborough, in Lincolnshire, and third place was Leadketty CL, which boasts a two-acre pond and two islets - home to a variety of birdlife.

At the presentation, senior Labour MP Eric Illsley said ongoing chaos at Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 was a boon for British caravanning – see story here.

CL of the Year 2007 winners:

1st: Ian and Janet Kelly, Birch Hill CL, Ellesmere, Shropshire
2nd: Keith and Alison Rogers, Keal Lodge CL, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire
3rd: John and Iris Lamb, Leadketty CL, Perth & Kinross

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