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Copley Scouting Centre |
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The site Situated adjacent to the River Great Ouse (a backwater of the river with access to the main river, forms one boundary), this is a small wooded site of 4 acres in a very attractive setting. The camping areas are grassed clearings of varying size. The site is suitable for all Scout activities particularly boating and canoeing as small craft can be launched from the bank of the backwater. Pioneering poles, pallets, milk crates etc. are available for use on the site. Each camping area has a permanent ‘barbeque stand’ fireplace and there is a dedicated backwoods cooking area on site. A good supply of firewood is available but campers are asked not to be wasteful. Cutting and felling of trees and scrub is not allowed unless authorised by the Warden. Because of the proximity to the river, neither wet nor dry pits are permitted. Ladies and Gents toilets and showers are situated in the HQ building, as are similar facilities for the disabled. All doors to the building have ramped access. The kitchen in the HQ building is fitted with 2 electric cookers, domestic fridge/freezer, water heater, microwave and kettles. A limited number of vehicles are allowed on the site car park and there is ample parking 100 yards away by the Recreation Centre. Arrangements for heavy vehicles, buses or coaches are to be made with the Warden. Caravans are not allowed on the site. Dogs are not allowed on the site. Local activities and facilities This is Cromwell country on the edge of the Fens and there is much of interest to see in the area. The historic riverside market town of St. Ives is only 3 minutes walk from the site with good shopping and a small museum of local history. St Ivo Recreation Centre with swimming pool and sports facilities is 2 minutes walk away. The Ouse Valley Way passes the site entrance and a 6 mile round trip hike route is available. Cambridge (13 miles) has the colleges, the famous Fitzwilliam museum and Scott Polar Research Institute. The Imperial War Museum at Duxford (20 miles) is well worth a visit with special rates and resources provided for Scouts working on Air Historian and other airmanship badges. All food supplies can be obtained from local shops in St. Ives. There are also laundrette, fish and chip shops, hardware store and tent repairer in the town. Location and Address O.S. Grid Reference: TL 307716 (Landranger 153, Explorer 225) Copley Scouting Centre, Thicket Path, Westwood Road, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 6DT Travel St Ives can be reached easily by road. Huntingdon Railway Station (1 hour from Kings Cross) is 6 miles from the site and bus services operate between St. Ives, Huntingdon, Bedford, Cambridge and Peterborough. |
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Every second Saturday morning of the month (see the District diary for exceptions to this) the Copley Service Crew meets from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm to maintain the site for use by all in the District and some very regular and grateful visitors There are plenty of jobs for all abilities Regular jobs include clearing the small stream of overhanging branches, trimming the trees, hedges and edges, sweeping the paths, mowing the grass and strimming the nettles. We always have some larger ongoing projects like a waterside quay heading and campfire seats to be built Regular attendance will earn you 'membership' of a happy band determined to provide the young people of Cromwell District with the best campsite available and, for adults, a Service Crew polo shirt
If you are a Beaver Scout, Cub Scout, Scout or Explorer you can earn a Junior Service Crew button badge by bringing along an adult for a work session. Also get your leaders to arrange a Section visit to help gain a Challenge or Activity badge Whoever you are, come along yourself, bring your Scouts, bring your Executive, bring your parents or just a couple of friends and help to make a difference |
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