Forty nine of the leaders of the Oakley Holidays met at an excellent new venue, Barnes Close, a conference and retreat centre on the western outskirts of Birmingham, over the weekend of February 15th to 17th.

The Conference, chaired by Russel Bailey, reviewed the 2007 holidays, began to plan for 2008 and debated a number of issues in the wider world. Lewis Kent, Kathy Sealy and Vicky Thomas introduced profitable workshops, role plays and discussions on the differing leadership tasks at an Oakley Holiday.

These were particularly welcomed by those 17 members present who will be working as leaders for the first time at the 2008 holidays. Topics included leadership in a dormitory, speaking in public and ways of resolving personnel dilemmas.

Julian Wilde led an opening quiz session about the Holidays and other Oakley events in 2007.

The answers showed that there had been completely fine weather both at Easter and Summer, effective organisation of the large number of members attending and increased involvement by all our leaders in organizing very successful special events such a bonfire, balloon race and water sports.

The regional reunions and the charity bike ride in July had been well supported, Lewis Kent had received his MBE from the Queen and the magazine, The Oakley Ciren', two newsletters sent by Email and the “Time to Think” collection of readings had all been popular. This session continued with discussion of feedback received from the leaders on the 2007 summer holiday.

Jenny Thorne, Caroline Derbyshire and Julian Wilde respectively introduced topics on the advantages and drawbacks of Facebook, our response to fundamentalism and the creation of a special Oakley directory with contacts and methods, of volunteering, supporting charities and protecting the environment. Each of these sessions was followed by smaller group discussion and then the chance for everyone to practise their speaking skills in reporting back.

Saturday afternoon was spent by many in outdoor activities, enjoying the grounds and surrounding countryside.

Lewis Kent led a walking trip into the adjacent Waseley Country Park which has magnificent panorama views over Worcestershire.

James Cousins succeeded in organising a series of enjoyable and energetic team games on a 40 degree grass slope.

The well-appointed bedrooms which accommodated 2 to 5 people were comfortable, the food was first-class and plentiful and the conservatories were popular rooms for discussion and relaxation.

Andrew Marshall's 167 evening charades and a new version of the talking game “Matthew, Mark..” provided highly entertaining.

Before members departed by car or by taxi to Longbridge station for their homeward journeys, a presentation was made to Russel Bailey for his skilled chairing of the busy programme and warm thanks were expressed to the House Warden, Ian, and his team for making Conference members so welcome.

More images from the Conference

Useful links for this page:

Previous Conference reports

Barnes Close website