White Mills Marina wins top national award
JUST four years after opening for business, the family-run White Mills Marina has been named Towergate Inland Marina of the Year 2020.
It was the first year that the marina on the River Nene in Earls Barton was eligible to enter the annual national awards, which were hosted virtually because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Presenter Jon White from The Yacht Harbour Association said: “White Mills Marina is a very popular location on the River Nene; customers commented that it has a very friendly team and is a well maintained, clean site which supports its local community as well as the boating community.”
Clearly overjoyed with the marina’s new title, Debbie Skinner, who owns the marina on the family farm with husband John, said: “We knew we were on the shortlist but never dreamt we would actually win. Ever since we first opened, we have aspired to be an award-winning marina and now we are! It is absolutely brilliant news and we are all thrilled.
“As with all these things it’s not about individuals but about having a team of fantastic individuals on board, which we know we have. And of course, we must thank all our lovely supporters who made the effort to vote for us; after all, without the votes we would never have come out on top. We are so pleased and incredibly proud.”
White Mills Marina is a 141-berth marina and last year it was awarded four gold anchors from The Yacht Harbour Association. In addition, the marina’s boathouse cafe which has become hugely popular with walkers and cyclists was voted Northamptonshire Coffee Shop of the Year.
Committed to providing first class facilities and services combined with a personal approach, White Mills has established itself as an essential stoppingoff point for boaters and campers visiting the River Nene.
The marina works closely with the Friends of the River Nene as well as the local community to help promote the River Nene and surrounding Nene Valley.