37 of the leaders of the Oakley Holidays met at St. Mark’s College, a comfortable residential centre near Saffron Walden from Friday evening February 12th to early afternoon on Sunday 14th for their annual Conference, chaired by Chris Vernazza. The programme was designed to encompassed detailed thought and planning on many aspects of the Oakley Holidays as well as consideration of issues in the wider world.

Julian Wilde began with a review of the activities of Oakley Holidays in 2009. These included the holiday weeks at Bilton Grange in April and July, regional reunions, the development of the website including the Making a Difference Directory, magazines and newsletters and a series of very enjoyable and varied events to mark the 90th year of the Holidays. Feedback on the Holidays received from the teams of leaders was an important part of this session as ways of making improvements in 2010 were considered.


Caroline Derbyshire’s thought-provoking presentation illustrated in words and pictures the differences between the generations – from Baby Boomers to Generation Y and Russel Bailey presented members with a series of difficult personal and professional dilemmas to consider in discussion, each with the topic of honesty at its core.

Different aspects of the ethos and organisation of the Oakley Holidays were introduced by Lewis Kent, Jenny Thorne with Jon Vernazza, and Vicky Thomas as members thought particularly about their own leadership skills and the tasks they undertook at the Holidays.

The opportunity to lead discussions and report back was especially valued by the 15 members who will be leaders for the first time at the 2010 holidays at Bilton Grange.

On Saturday afternoon the college staff provided expert tuition in archery, outdoor trampolining and an assault course and Jenny Beake rounded off Saturday with a popular and demanding quiz. There was plenty of time to relax and talk too and members also followed up the opportunity provided by Chris Vernazza to write their MPs in support of a variety of national campaigns.


Quiet Times were led by Nina Walker ( on the subject of resolutions and goals ) , Chris Troughton ( setting goals ), Richard Heathcote ( taking risks ) and Liz Whitehead ( the pros and cons of social network sites ).

Peter Downes, the Chairman of the Oakley Trustees, and his wife Pamela, were welcome guests on Sunday. Peter introduced his session with a clip from the film “The age of stupid” and lively debate on environmental issues, especially energy consumption, followed.

The Conference concluded with a profitable decision-making time, chaired by Chris Vernaza, in readiness for the 2010 Holidays. Details will be circulated to all Oakley leaders.

Warm thanks were expressed to Warden Jon Wayper and the staff at St. Mark’s for their hospitality as members departed by car, train and plane after a very enjoyable, relaxing and profitable weekend of listening, talking and thinking.