2024 has proved to be a very busy and memorable year for the site, which included events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the site as we know it today. Date stamps on the original conveyance shows that 18th March 1974 as the date of completion for the purchase of the site as we know it today. The Scout Association paid the sum of £1870 to acquire the site and the conveyance was signed by Robert Baden-Powell, 3rd Baron Baden-Powell, Chief Scout’s Commissioner and the founders grandson. I think it’s the best £1870 ever spent
The winter months were extremely wet, with areas around the campfire fire circle and lower sections of the woods resembling a bog for several weeks. Rainfall at times led to torrents of water running down through the woods and around the buildings. We were fortunate that we only suffered one instance for flooding into the Clarke Hut.
Our year got off to a flying start, with over 30 people and an assortment of dogs venturing out on a crisp morning for our annual New Years’ Day walk.
February saw our Rise and Shine Day, with a number of Scouts, Explorers and Leaders joining us for a workday, getting things done around site in preparation for the year head. This included planting out the remaining trees donated to us by the Woodland Trust, clearing ditches and endless pruning.
Birthday celebrations started in March with the release of our special 50th celebration badge, designed by Dylan, a Beaver from Loughborough District. These have proved to be very popular and are for sale in the site shop. The actual date of 18th March was celebrated by raising a commemorative flag, the badge design having been made into a flag to be flown on site for the year. The flag was raised by Janet Voce, the designer of the original Oaks logo and judge for the badge competition.
Our main celebration took place in August, when past and present supporters joined us for the afternoon to unveil a commemorative plaque, burying of a present day time capsule along with reburying of time capsules from Millenium and Centenary Camps. The afternoon finished with a hog roast, enjoyed by all.
The Spring and Summer months were very busy, with both buildings booked out most weekends, and campers out on the main field. Some weekends we’ve had 300 campers on site with us. It’s to the credit of our willing volunteers that we managed to fulfil most bookings, including those made for mid-week evening visits. We were pleased to welcome several groups from further afield, who chose to camp us for their annual week-long summer camps. All of the activities have been well booked, with the Jungle Trail proving very popular on summer evenings.
We suffered a major set back in August when a leak in the newly refurbished toilets caused extensive damage. This resulted in an insurance claim and unexpected expenditure, but we were fortunate there was no impact to campers, so business continued as normal. Reinstatement works have now been completed.
October saw the return of the Oaks Shooting and Archery competition. This was well supported, with Scouts, Explorers and Leaders taking part in the competition. The bad storms and winds in October had an effect and we had a very large oak tree come down near the Jungle Trail.
We have been fortunate to obtain grant funds from County, which were used to pay for fencing around the tomahawk range. This activity is now fully operational and is proving popular with visitors.
We have also been fortunate to receive a donation from Youth Fun Days, which has been used to fund the replacement of 3 obstacles on the much loved Jungle Trail. However, more work will be needed on this activity in the near future.
Over the year, our volunteers have been busy, doing the regular maintenance tasks needed to keep the site at its best and running the shop to keep our campers stocked with their goodies. The main field has been harrowed and regularly mowed over the summer, vegetation pruned, trees trimmed etc. The climbing tower repairs have been completed and the tower is now back in full use. Thanks to Pip and his team for their hard work.
The campfire now has a new stage, the Clarke Hut has new window shutters, we have a new mower and all doors have new locks. There is rarely an idle moment, and we enlist help from Explorers where possible, and are keen to continue to do so. We also hosted 2 corporate work days for local businesses arranged via Charnwood Forest Geopark. There is a never ending list of jobs that need doing, so we welcome any support offered.
The Monday Maintenance Team have been busy, doing maintenance and jobs around the site. They’re a friendly bunch and would welcome new members. If anyone has a couple of hours to fill on a Monday morning, and enjoys coffee and cake, then spread the word and join them. No skills needed, just a willingness to join in.
We’re already looking at plans for 2025 and beyond, the main aims being to maintain and improve where possible, to ensure the site and its activities remain safe, exciting, fun, challenging and suitable for young people. However, all will need time and additional people if we are to progress everything planned. Could I ask you all to spread the word, sell the site and let us know of any interests, so we can follow up. The campsite can’t operate without volunteers.
Finally, to all those of you that have or continue to give your time and support to the campsite, a big thank you and I hope to see you all in the New Year, ready for the new season.
I hope you and your families have a great Christmas and New Year.
Phil