Treasuring The Past, Investing In The Future...

It's definitely archaeology week here in Blogland. Sue has a lovely post here. Some more about Dudsbury Camp. After obtaining a Heritage Lottery Grant, the Guides set about building their round house. They measured out the site, harvested wood from the trees, and erected the framework. The walls were woven, then daubed with clay. A roof structure was added and thatched. Every age group, from Rainbows [youngest] to Trefoil Guild [retired] took part. A clay bread oven was built inside the finished house, so food could be baked.

The site is beautiful during all seasons of the year - the aerial view in this collage shows Ann's field at the top, and the site runs down through the woods to the river, which winds along the bottom.

The guides make good use of the site, and it is very popular with groups who come to camp - the House and Chalet providing permanent facilities, plus a toilet block - as well as plenty of places to pitch a tent and build a campfire.

They have another hut [donated by a very wealthy family] which is used as a teaching/activity space. Dress up as a Celt, make a Celtic brooch - learn all about the history of Dorset...

And as well as the Guides, a much younger group comes here on weekdays. The Muddy Munchkins - a 'Forest Nursery'- have fun under the trees in the mud kitchen, hunting the gruffalo, sitting under a shelter to read stories...Rosie would love all this!

On Sunday at the Apple Fair, the manager, Kirsty, was providing activities for younger children. The display inside showed the activities and ethos of this group.
Eagle eyed readers will spot the Gruffalo in two pictures- the first taken at 12.30 - the second later in the afternoon, after the children had woven a boat for him and Mouse. Read more about Forest Nursery here. I was extremely impressed by what I saw.

So that was my first trip to the Dudsbury Hill Fort - I am sure it won't be the last. A place where ancient history is respected, and lessons are learned. A place where young people are given opportunities to grow and develop, in beautiful natural surroundings.  

This is a campsite - the brick buildings are all more than 70 years old and very basic in their contents [although I am happy to report loos, showers and kitchen facilities are  modern and efficient!] I think it is great that so many volunteers give their time and energy to help the younger generation. Passing on simple skills, cooking, foraging, working as a team, playing together, sharing stories and making music...

Those of us who have grown up through Girlguiding, Girls' and Boys' Brigade, Scouting and other such groups, owe a debt of gratitude to such generous people. And it is important that we pass such values on to future generations.