Thirty-six of the leaders of the Oakley holidays met at an excellent new venue, St. Mark’s College near Saffron Walden.

Over the weekend of February 11th-13th they reviewed the 2004 holidays, began to plan for 2005 and debated an number of issues in the wider world.

Beccy Buck chaired the Conference which included profitable workshops and discussions on the differing leadership tasks at an Oakley Holiday. These were particularly welcomed by those eleven members who will be working as leaders for the first time at the 2005 holidays. Topics included leading a dormitory, running an evening sing-song , preparing and delivering a talk, as well as organising your time during a busy week.

Discussion sessions were held on recruiting new members for the holidays, on the central values and message of the organisation, on the need to ensure that our activities are free from unnecessary risks and on a new system of CRB checks on all leaders.

Russel Bailey helped members consider the responsibilities of Oakley leaders away from the holidays.

Successes of 2004 included high levels of recruitment to two very enjoyable holidays, strengthening of good relationships with the school authorities at Bilton Grange, a series of successful special events including a celebration of 85 years of the Oakley Holidays and the further development of the use of email to keep members in contact with each other throughout the year.

2005 will begin with a very well attended holiday at Bilton Grange starting on 25th March, including 17 new members from schools all over the country, and plans for the summer holiday include an improved bonfire, more cycles being available and an evening barbecue.

Members also discussed the possibility of a fund-raising walk and picnic for the Tsunami Appeal in late June in locations in Lancashire, Oxfordshire and Sussex in which all Oakley members would be invited to participate.

Peter Downes, Kathy Sealy and David Derbyshire introduced topics on the “generation gap”, practical environmental actions and our reaction to disasters such as the recent tsunami. Smaller group discussion was followed by the chance for everyone to practise their speaking skills in reporting back. We also heard recommendations from members about books, films, DVDs and CDs.

Saturday afternoon was spent by many in outdoor activities organised for us by the very helpful staff of the college. These included archery, trampolining, an assault course on which the monkey bars proved too much for some and, more sedately, outdoor chess.

The well appointed two-level bedrooms for 4 or 6 were popular, the food was first-class and plentiful and the rooms for relaxation were comfortable.

Jenny Thorne, Chris Lakin, Isobel Trask and Tom Cousins talked in our four “Quiet Times" (which were held in the attractive college chapel) on the theme of “Making the most of”……Opportunity, Talents, Time and Knowledge.

At the end of a hectic but relaxed conference, warm thanks were expressed to Beccy Buck for her excellent chairing and to college warden, Jon Wayper, and his team for their hard work and hospitality.

Following the Conference, all attendees were invited to provide feedback on the weekend to assist in future Conference planning.

Useful links for this page:

Tsunami Appeal Link to secure BT website for appeal donations online.		Gallery Link to picture gallery of the Conference
We Are What We Do Link to the Community Links charity project website. This site provides many suggestions for practical ways to contribute in a local community.The ideas are based around the book, 'Change The World For A Fiver' (opposite).