Woodcraft Folk is delighted to be welcoming two new staff starters who will be joining the youth organisation’s Centre Team.
The UK based charity runs four outdoor centres and campsites located across England, from Yorkshire to Kent with many of Woodcraft Folk’s groups also using two associate centres, Darsham Country Centre and Wimbledon District Woodcraft Folk Park Farm. Woodcraft Folk’s centres can be booked by both Woodcraft Folk groups and other groups for weekends or longer with a range of accommodation and activities on offer as well as school programmes allowing the charity to meet a range of needs.
New staff starters Hannah Mook and Clare Thompson are excited to be bringing outdoor residential adventures and tailored experiences to young people at the centres they will manage.
Clare Thompson has taken on the role of Centre Manager at Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, which consists of two converted barns and a farmhouse located in the stunning Peak District National Park. The centre offers breath-taking views of the Ladybower reservoir with a diverse mix of accommodation on offer to accommodate a wide range of groups from schools to Duke of Edinburgh participants. Exciting activities are on offer from crate stacking to rock climbing that leave those attending with unforgettable memories.
Clare brings a large amount of diverse and relatable experience to the role. Prior to Woodcraft Folk, Clare acted as Geography teacher and worked as a teacher in a special school, teaching outdoor skills such as gardening and bushcraft. Clare has also been a ranger for The Wildlife Trust, taken part in Moorland conservation projects in the Peak District (not far from Lockerbrook) as well as carried out work for the YHA and additionally, currently runs a large independent hostel in Liverpool.
Clare, Centre Manager at Lockerbrook says:
“I spent a couple of years working at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales as well as many other relevant roles and am keen mostly to use my knowledge to help improve the environmental performance of the centre. Decarbonisation and improving the warden accommodation are my main priorities to start with. It’s so important that we do our best to have a smaller environmental impact, so I will be gathering all the ideas from staff and volunteers about ways to do this. We are looking at insulation and improving the electricity supply so we can start to use renewables instead of fossil fuels. During COVID our volunteer wardens have had to make do with a very small room so I am committed to thanking them for their hard work by providing more suitable private accommodation in part of our onsite cottage.”
Clare would like to invite those who don’t know Lockerbrook, to a Volunteer Working Weekend from 17 -19 November at the centre which is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, explore the centre with time to relax and enjoy the views too!
“Lockerbrook Centre is in an absolutely fantastic location, I have stayed there with friends on a couple of occasions and when the job for Centre Manager came up I knew I had to apply. I am excited to work with the Woodcraft Folk and learn more about their aims and values which I feel align with my own especially in helping young people to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference. It would be great to see lots of people coming up especially to our working weekend to to help out. Save the date and keep your eyes peeled for further details and how to join.”
Hannah is equally as thrilled to get stuck into work at Woodcraft Folk’s Height Gate Centre. Hannah will be filling the role of Centre Co-ordinator at the centres 17th Centenary farmhouse based high above the Calder Valley between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, in West Yorkshire. The accommodation can house groups of up to 30 children and young people. There are a network of paths and delightful wooded areas to explore in the area with many wildlife to spot on the doorstep.
Hannah who is actually based in Todmorden, was looking for a role that could get her outside of her comfort zone that was largely based outdoors.
Hannah Height Gate Centre Co-ordinator says:
“I really admire Woodcraft Folks values and was craving a workplace that’s values aligned with my own. I live in Todmorden and was looking for something that could get me outside, out of my comfort zone which had sadly become behind a computer screen, and really give some energy to a community based project. Height Gate is such a beautiful spot and so much potential to be bustling with activity and life!”
Currently also working in Grant Management for Arts Council England, Hannah brings with her a strong skill set including lots of experience in fund raising, risk assessment and project management. As well as also working in events and having her own small Theatre company that’s toured the UK. Hannah says “These experiences combined mean I can bring some creative flare to Height Gate along with some new ideas on how to raise money, gain public interest and make HG a popular place to be. I can’t wait for the people in Todmorden and surrounding areas, and Woodcraft folk groups to start talking about Height Gate together, in the street – asking to use the space all sorts of fun activities.”
There are lots of exciting plans coming Height Gates way. Hannah notes “I am really excited to get stuck into some development projects for the HG.I am excited to work with Felix on creating some connections locally, hiring the Barn out in the day times for creative projects, arts events, musical festivals and much more. I want Woodcraft to band together and use Height Gate for more activities and give the public a view in on what we are all about – hopefully growing the community!”
If you are interested in working with Hannah, the centre is currently looking for an additional Co-ordinator who will be focusing more on the maintenance of the building. You can find out more and apply here. The closing date is the 18 September.
This is a really exciting time to join the charity’s staff team as Woodcraft Folk celebrates its 100 year anniversary in 2025.
