by Chris Jefferies
The Camping and Caravanning Club has kicked off National Camping and Caravanning Week 2012 in style by setting a Guinness World Record.
More than 100 Club sites across the UK contributed to the world record attempt, which involved getting holidaymakers to wear a paper crown on Monday (June 4th).
Early estimates suggest that over 13,000 people took part in this ambitious event, and the grand total is due to be announced later this week.
The Club’s Sandringham site was used as the headquarters, with an official from Guinness Records on hand to verify reports as they came in from all across Britain.
Bathed in glorious sunshine, the Norfolk site played host to more than 600 campers and caravanners who were treated to a hog roast lunch, live music, competitions and entertainment, as well as a nature walk led by the Club’s president and famed TV botanist David Bellamy.
“I’m delighted to have celebrated with the Club by setting a new Guinness World Record,” he said. “I’m certainly going to keep my crown as a memento – carry on camping everyone!”
David’s enthusiasm was matched by the campers in attendance, many of whom wore custom-made crowns or Royal Family face masks throughout the day.
Week-long celebration
The world record attempt coincided with the beginning of National Camping and Caravanning Week 2012, which runs until this Friday (June 8th).
Now in its 12th year, National Camping and Caravanning Week was set up by the Club to encourage campers and caravanners to get out and enjoy the Great British countryside.
The week also aims to foster a community spirit through events such as the Woodland Trust’s Jubilee Woods project and the Big Lunch, as well as the Guinness World Record attempt itself.
Robert Louden, Director General of the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “The planning that has gone into putting on such a large event is phenomenal and I’d personally like to thank all of those people that have been involved in organising what has been such a brilliant day.
“As a Club, we will continue to encourage holidaymakers to get out camping and to enjoy our great British countryside.”
For more reports and videos from this record-breaking event, be sure to check back with CaravanTimes later on this week.
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