What is Woodlarks?
Situated in twelve acres of beautiful secluded woodland countryside, Woodlarks Campsite was established in 1930. Over the last 70 years it has provided accessible camping for people of all ages with all kinds of disabilities. Hard paths have made the woods and campfire areas more accessible to wheelchair users.
The Facilities
People enjoy sleeping (either in a bed or on a mattress) in pre-erected tents and eating out of doors in good weather, but with the security and comfort of ample indoor space should it be wet. Bathrooms, showers and toilets are easily accessible to wheelchair users. You are not going to go hungry; the cookhouse has a wood-burning range and oven under the care of two experienced cooks. There is a laundry with washing machine and drier. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool with alternative entry facilities.
What Is Woodland Music Camp?
It is a five day camp of special interest to physically disabled people who play musical instruments or just enjoy musical involvement, and would like to participate with others in folk music. Kitchen and other camping chores will be run by experienced helpers, but we hope and expect that campers and buddies will enjoy volunteering to assist with these.
The Buddy System
Situated in twelve acres of beautiful secluded woodland countryside, Woodlarks Campsite was established in 1930. Over the last 70 years it has provided accessible camping for people of all ages with all kinds of disabilities. Hard paths have made the woods and campfire areas more accessible to wheelchair users.
A Typical Day
Each day will include three meals and additional refreshment breaks, with time for chores and housekeeping. There will be an optional swimming session each day and two musicians’ workshops. There will also be campfires and less formal events such as singing and get togethers.
The Musician's Workshops
The aim is to gain enjoyment, experience and skills through playing music in a group with others. They are for those who can play a musical instrument at beginner, intermediate or advanced level. Beginners are people who can play a simple tune such as The Ash Grove (see below), or who can play the chords G, D and C. Non instrumentalists will be able to join singing and percussion sessions mentioned below.On the full days there will be two musicians workshops, each one hour long. There will be other opportunities during the day for less formal music making (e.g. at the swimming pool).
The musicians workshops will have all musicians playing together in a group, enjoying the experience and discipline of playing in a band. Each workshop will start using a simple tune played at a slow speed suitable for beginners, going on to material suitable for intermediate and advanced players. In this way everyone should be able to play for part or all of the workshop; all should benefit through contact with more experienced players, even if unable to join in with the more difficult material towards the end of each workshop. There will be guidance in group music making, but no individual instrumental tuition.
Musicians should bring their own instruments. Keyboards or other electrical instruments should preferably be used in battery powered mode so we can make music anywhere at Woodlarks, where we may be away from electrical sockets. Music readers should bring a music stand. Music for the workshops, including chord symbols, will be distributed beforehand if requested. Versions for transposing instruments can be provided if requested in advance.We will arrange other sessions if people wish them. These could include percussion using simple home-made instruments, recorder playing and singing. The timing of these, which will be alternatives to other activities, will depend on the availability of leaders. It is hoped musicians or singers will bring along a piece of music or song they are prepared to perform at a Campfire or other occasion during the week.
What Should I Bring?
Sleeping bag, clothing, personal wash things, torch, musical items.
When Is It?
11.00 am on Sunday 5th September to after breakfast on Friday 10th September 2010
How Much Does It Cost?
£55 per person.
How To Book
Contact the organisers on the contacts page and we will send you some forms to fill in - a booking form and a Child Protection declaration. Fill in these forms for yourself and get your Buddy to fill in theirs. Send these to the address indicated. Note: You may be in contact with children and vulnerable people so we need to be able to check you have no convictions on this score, so if you have, don't even think of applying.