CAMP REPORT 2000

One of the most significant aspects of the camp was our third annual Martial Arts weekend which promises to be even more successful in 2001. To our surprise visitors included the world silver medal Judo Masters Champion, the editor of Judo Magazine and family, the British Masters Champion and family plus about 30 other black belts! Aikido played a large part and was lead again by Megan Brebner 4th Dan. Aikido lends itself well to the camp being as it is suitable for both men and women of any age. In 2001 we have one of Britain's leading Aikido teachers attending, 7th Dan Gwynne Jones, also the World Judo Champion Neil Adams. Children were taught the basics to all Martial Arts with 3rd Dan Paul Mitton who is a school teacher from Bath. They all had a great time. Tai Chi was taught by our regular visitor Stein Vaaler who has practised Tai Chi for 15 years and Judo for 25 years in which he is 2nd Dan. (Dan means black belt by the way) The dancing Martial Art of Capoeira was taught by Adam Barker and will be again in 2001. Yoga was taught by Courtenay Tarr. Basically it was an amazing time with people tumbling about and stretching this and that and the other all over the place. We shall have Martial Arts every year from now on.

Nature, or helping it, is the main reason for the camp and an amazing talk about Barn Owls and their habitat was given to a packed audience by Rick Sweeney with live Barn Owls. Once again Dave Hare produced electricity from solar panels and wind generators.

Music always has been and always will be an important part of the camp and few singers have been more appreciated than Sarah Linstead who, with amazing versatility, sang a range of songs to an utterly amazed audience. Parents begged Sarah to sing because children refused to go to bed until they had heard her. Sarah also collected the camping money. Sincere thanks to her and the Blues Weekend Musicians and all others who helped make the camp work.