Saving Downe Activi...
 

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[Closed] Saving Downe Activity Centre

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I know there are a few Scouters and others who use outdoor activity Centres on here so thought i'd share this -

Last last year The Scout Association (TSA) announced their intention to sell Downe Activity Centre near Biggin Hill in North Kent/SE London.
The site has been owned and operated by TSA since the 1930s and its loss will be a huge blow to people of all ages both in the local area and internationally.

TSA have pledged to honour the Heritage of the site and not sell it to the first property developer who rocks up with the £2m asking price.
My wife is chair of a new, hastily formed Charitable Incorporated Organisation who intend to try and raise the £2m + a significant figure needed to bring the site back to useable condition. The intention is to operate it as an independent charitable foundation for use by a diverse range of community groups and schools.

Their website went live at 1pm today - https://downeactivitycentre.org.uk/

They do have some serious conversations in play with potential corporate donors and other stakeholders, some of which are very promising.

There are a number of different ways people can help on the website - if you can spare 5 mins to have read of what they're doing, or even better, share the website with other interest parties we'd really appreciate it.

On a personal level, my great Uncle camped at Downe as a scout in the 1930s, my Dad dragged a trek cart full of camping kit there in the 1950s from Bermondsey, I first visited there as a cub scout almost 40 years ago, and I met my wife there in 1992.
My kids have both stayed there and i really don't want this to be the end of the story...

Thanks in advance.

Matt.


 
Posted : 28/05/2021 3:01 pm
Posts: 15692
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When I was growing up in inner London my scout troop (25th Clapham) went there regularly. I've got a lot of fond memories of Downe Scout Camp.

These days living in Croydon I regularly ride past on road rides up on the North Downs.

But only about 3 weeks ago out on a bluebell walk we stumbled across it and walked through it. It was the first time I'd been in it since my childhood. Bought back a lot of nostalgia.

I'm gutted if it means that kids from inner London won't have the same opportunities to enjoy it as I did.

I will try to put the word out locally about your campaign. Good luck!


 
Posted : 28/05/2021 3:57 pm