Twenty eight of the leaders of the Oakley holidays met at an excellent venue, St. Mark’s College near Saffron Walden which we were using for the second time. Over the weekend of February 17th to 19th they reviewed the 2005 holidays, began to plan for 2006 and debated an number of issues in the wider world.

Paul Batley chaired the Conference which included profitable workshops and discussions on the differing leadership tasks at an Oakley Holiday. These were particularly welcomed by those seven members who will be working as leaders for the first time at the 2006 holidays. Topics included leading and assisting in a dormitory, organizing sports, discussion and creative sessions and speaking in public.

Discussions were held on the strengths of the holidays in 2005 when successes included high levels of recruitment to two very enjoyable holidays, strengthening of good relationships with the school personnel at Bilton Grange and an increasedinvolvement by all our leaders in organizing the full programme for the week.

2006 will begin with a very well attended holiday at Bilton Grange starting on 8th April, including 9 new members from schools all over the country.

Beccy Buck and Chris Vernazza led us in consideration of what kind of welcome and experience we would offer to those attending for the first time.

Peter Downes, Vicky Thomas and Jon Vernazza introduced topics on life styles and patterns in the 21st century, body image and opportunities for voluntary work.

Each of these sessions was followed by smaller group discussion and then the chance for everyone to practise their speaking skills in reporting back. We also heard from all members with a two minute recommendation of their favourite current book, film or DVD.


Saturday afternoon was spent by many in outdoor activities organised for us by the very helpful staff of the college. These included archery, volleyball, trampolining and an assault course . The well appointed two-level bedrooms for 4 or 6 were popular, the food was first-class and plentiful and the rooms for relaxation (where we kept up with the Winter Olympics and Dancing on Ice) were comfortable.

Jenny Thorne, Andrew Marshall, Caroline Derbyshire and Imogen Lambourn talked in our four “Quiet Times" (which were held in the attractive college chapel) on the theme of experiences, ideas and people worth thinking knowing about.

At the end of a busy conference, warm thanks were expressed to Paul Batley for his 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.