Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures, which was formed with 123 acres of land in 1937, is looking to create up to 10 sustainable 8-bed pods as part of ambitious expansion plans to offer overnight stays and longer retreats.
To do this it will need to raise more than £200,000 over the next eighteen months, an exciting challenge that was kick-started by His Lordship, The Eighth Marquess of Anglesey, officially unveiling the ninth and final Heritage Information board in front of 50 invited guests.
“Demand for our outdoor adventure activities is growing every year, as we continue to support local schools and community groups to give young people access to a truly magical place that boosts their education, health and wellbeing,” commented Martin Kirby, Operations Manager at Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures.
“The official unveiling of our Heritage Information boards was a great way to boost awareness of what we do and how we do it, not to mention underlining the fact we need to continue to raise funding to help even more youngsters.”
He continued:
“A new podded village - set in the picturesque setting of Cannock Chase - is
our next big project and will open up a different type of accommodation that we can offer.
“It was great to welcome The Eighth Marquess of Anglesey as our guest of honour, with his family playing such a vital role in the foundation and ongoing success of the centre.”
More than 50 guests were on hand to see the unveiling of the ninth Heritage Information board and to hear more about the history of the site and how it has evolved since it was opened in the 1930s.
The interpretation boards are now all installed and range from a ‘generic starter’ outside reception and the Lady Garden to the viewpoint, the ruins themselves and the East Façade. They then cover The Pond and Ice House bank, The Quarry and Gas Works, The Cascades and, finally, the Walled Garden.
All of them detail the history of the estate, providing additional info for Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures hugely popular history walks, whilst also allowing self-led groups to explore the grounds.
Charles ‘Alex’ Paget, the Eighth Marquess of Anglesey, was delighted to add his support:
“My family’s connection with Beaudesert dates back nearly 100 years and we are extremely passionate about promoting its history, whilst also supporting the essential work it undertakes with young people.
“Due to the marvellous work done by the trust, people will now be able to appreciate Beaudesert's history that is so marvellously explained by these well written and well- designed boards.”
Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, concluded:
“I have worked in education all of my career, so I am always very grateful of anywhere that offers experiences for our young people, especially when you hear about the disadvantaged and disabled children we are supporting - not only in Staffordshire, but also from further afield.”
For further information, please visit www.beaudesert.org.uk
Image: (l-r) Nick Lovett, Tony Hague, Beth Gumb, Jeremy Cotton,
Marquess of Anglesey, Elizabeth Barnes CBE, Carl Benbow and Tracey Chamberlain (all trustees of Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures)
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