BIG WEEKEND 2024
Kevin Sene takes a look at what ’ s in store
This year ’ s Big Weekend will be from October 11th – 14th , 2024 , near Shrewsbury
After a gap of more than 10 years , our next Big Weekend will be held in Shropshire , close to the England-Wales border . Shrewsbury is the nearest town , its historic centre almost encircled by a loop of the River Severn , the UK ’ s longest river . The two main bridges , the English Bridge and Welsh Bridge , hint at the town ’ s once strategic importance , and the many listed buildings include 16th-century timber-framed houses and the 11th-century castle and abbey . Popular viewpoints in the Shropshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty include the Long Mynd and the Wrekin .
FSC Preston Montford We will be staying at the Field Studies Council ’ s headquarters at Preston Montford , about six miles west of Shrewsbury . The centre is set in the grounds of a large estate , managed to preserve a rich variety of habitats , including an area of semi-ancient woodland . The River Severn passes nearby . The main house is an 18th-century listed building , but we will be staying in a modern annexe with a mix of twin bed and triple ensuite accommodation . We ’ ll have exclusive use of a large meeting room with a comfy bar area nearby seating 20 people or more . There will be a modest single room supplement as usual .
Programme for the weekend Planning has already started with the usual mix of workshops and outdoor activities plus the AGM , awards ceremony , and meal on the Saturday evening . The book table is now well established , and gives the chance to see what other members have been publishing and buy a copy if you wish ; feel free to bring examples of your own work .
The Shropshire hills offer several
8 outdoor focus / spring 2024