Overstone News
As we approach the start of the new Scouting term, I wish to give you all some information about Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre. This information will also be uploaded to Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre Website which we try to keep up to date with all the latest information. News | Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre.
Overstone Bookings
The Overstone Management Team (OMT) are already looking at the budgets for 2024 / 25, unfortunately there is likely to be an inevitable increase to prices. We will endeavour to keep these to a minimum and obviously we will try to remain competitive with other Scouting Campsites. There is also considerable interest from outside District Scout Groups and other Youth Organisations with reference to bookings for next year.
With this in mind, the OMT with support from the Trustees have decided, no outside District bookings for 2024 / 25 will be taken until the 1st November 2023 to allow District Groups and Sections to plan and book their camps. We will also be offering weekend bookings for Knights Lodge to District Groups and Sections at this year’s price if you book by the 31st October 2023 and pay the non-refundable deposit of 25%.
Knights Lodge, Camping & Activity availability can be found on the Overstone Scout Campsite website Bookings | Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre.
Pricing can be found at Price Lists – April 2023 – March 2024 and further information can be sought from the Booking Secretary [email protected]. It is hoped the 2024 / 25 Price List will be published by 1st November 2023.
For clarification, Family Camps bookings will only be accepted from Groups in Northampton District and Groups will be required to book both fields. This is to provide additional parking and alleviate issues due to the extra cars remaining on site.
Please note that bookings for Knights Lodge and Campsites are from 16:00 on first day of booking until 16:00 on last day of booking. Please do not assume you can arrive before or leave after these times; other users may still be using the facilities and work, or cleaning may be taking place. Any requests for arrival and departure outside of these times should be made to Booking Secretary
Vehicles
A bulletin has been previously issued regarding use of vehicles at Overstone which is on the website, Bulletin-6-Vehicle-Use-and-Parking-V1 but this is a reminder to keep vehicle movements to a minimum when on site. Vehicles can be used to drop trailers and equipment off to the campsites (subject to weather) but should not be driven on to the campsite and must be returned to the car parks when unloaded. Vehicles must not be driven to the campsites when YP are on site.
Notification must be given to the Booking Secretary if Caravans, Campervans and Motor Homes are going to be used as part of any camp. Caravans can be used on the fields (subject to booking) but Campervans and Motor Homes should be parked in the top car park.
Fires
If you are having a fire at Overstone, please use the main Campfire Circle, Altar Fires, or the small campfire areas on the campsites. Most of the campsites have areas for campfires. Please do not use the open areas around the rest of the woods for fires. Although there is an abundance of wood at this moment, in log piles near the campfires, it will not last forever, so please be respectful how much you use. A lot of the wood is still in large logs so you may need to put into practice your skills with saws and axes.
If you feel you need to bring in your own wood to burn, please ensure it is suitable, completely used and cleared away before leaving. A recent campfire on Elm Site has resulted in lots of nails being left in the ashes which is a danger to the next users, as well to the local wildlife and the environment.
Tuck Shop
A Tuck Shop is available on site and subject to volunteers availability can be opened for a short while over a weekend on request.
Rubbish
There are four rubbish bins at Overstone, three with black lids, in the bin store next to the entrance to Blackthorn Woods, are for general waste. The fourth bin next to the bin store with a red lid is for mixed recyclable waste. There is a label on the outside of this bin with information of what can be put in this bin, but for the avoidance of doubt, this bin is for Empty Cans, Empty Plastic Bottles, Cardboard, Paper & Magazines, and Empty Food Containers. Ideally waste put into this bin should be clear plastic sacks. Please do not use this bin for food or drink, glass, paper towels or serviettes, plate scrapings, and black plastic sacks.
To cut costs at Overstone we have a reduced the regular collections to once every two weeks for general waste and once every four weeks for the recyclable waste. This is manageable providing the bins are used appropriately. Please do not bring rubbish from home to dispose of and take your old camping equipment, tents, inners, blow up beds, kitchen equipment etc and large cardboard items such as the large produce boxes home and dispose of them at the local recycling centres.
Leaving Site as Found.
The Overstone SASU spend lot of time clearing up after events and camps, whether it is sorting out bins, cleaning campfires, removing logs left on sites and putting equipment away like chairs and tables under the shelters. Please consider these individuals but more importantly think about the next group of campers and leave everything the way you would wish to find it.
And Finally
Overstone is still work in progress, I welcome your questions, comments, and queries about the site. I am happy to talk on the phone, show people around even supply a cup of coffee, so please get in touch. We look to forward to seeing you all at Overstone.
Malcolm Dyer – Scout Active Support Unit Manager
Overstone Scout Campsite & Activity Centre – Northampton District Scouts