Operations Manager welcome
What a start to 2025!
My name is Martin, and I took over as Operations Manager at Beaudesert Activity Centre in January 2025.
I’ve been an admirer of Beaudesert for many years, occasionally visiting for work or with groups, and always hoped the opportunity to work here would come up. When it did, I jumped at the chance!
And what a ride it’s been so far. From my very first day on a snowy January morning, through the last heatwave of spring, to the current rainy May Bank Holiday, I’ve had a real “trial by fire” in my first few months, learning and growing to love the place even more.
The setting is beautiful! The people - staff, volunteers, and customersare amazing, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the centre. We’ve already made quite a few changes and improvements, with many more to come.
It seems that everyone I speak to about Beau has a story, a memory, or a loving anecdote about years gone by - someone they knew or an adventure they had.
I feel privileged and honoured to be the current “guardian,” for want of a better word, of Beaudesert. I’ll do my utmost to live up to the history, the passion, and the memories of so many people who have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy, this fantastic place.
All the best, and I hope to see you soon!
Martin Kirby
Operations Manager - Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre
Beaudesert Park, Cannock Wood, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 4JJ
www.beaudesert.org 01543 682278
Info@beaudesert.org.uk Charity number 522603
New Climbing Wall! Summer 2025
It’s here! We’re excited to announce that our brand new Climbing Wall has arrived.
The trailer is now on-site, with final installation underway - we’re nearly ready to launch our climbing sessions for groups.
Get ready to reach new heights!
Our international volunteers!
We welcome our international volunteers for the 2024/2025 season!
We honestly couldn’t have done this season without the support of our amazing volunteers. We have Tim, Calvin, and Zoe from Germany, and Caridad and Daniel all the way from Ecuador.
From studying Law and Psychology to Maths and Computer Science, these incredible individuals have taken a gap year to experience English culture by living and working at our busy outdoor centre. We partner with New Ventures Worldwide to facilitate their travel and right to work, while providing them with training in a wide varietyof qualifications and experiences.
The current group is here until August, and we hope to welcome another group for the new year in September.
Sincerest thanks to our wonderful volunteers!
Zoe Calvin Tim, Daniel and Cari
Maintenance and improvements!
Our fantastic facilities team has been hard at work improving the site in preparation for the busy summer period.
This has included decoration, lighting upgrades, fencing, signage, and general repairs, along with more improvements planned for the winter. It’s a long-term project, and we’re committed to constantly enhancing the centre.
The Beaudesert history walks
2025 has marked the “re-launch” of the Beaudesert history walks!
We’ve successfully planned and delivered our first walks, with improved access on the route.
Interest has been huge, our June Walk sold out all 30 places within just one hour of the dates being announced.
It’s essential to book in advance, with tickets priced at just £5 per person. The event includes a talk, a showcase of old photos and plans of the hall ruins, and a 90-minute walk around the ruins and grounds. (Note: There are a few tougher sections down to the quarry and cascades.)
Our guides are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions. Donations are welcome, and refreshments are provided.
If you’re interested in joining the History Group, please contact the centre for more information.
Some donations to mention
We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donations we’ve received recently from foundations, groups, and corporate sponsors:
Titanic Breweries – Donation toward our Climbing Wall
Co-Op – Donation toward our Climbing Wall
Tesco – Stronger Starts – Donation for our Archery Equipment
Edward Cadbury Foundation – Donation toward our new Tented Village
Hedley Grant – Donation toward our Tented village Beaudesert Park, Cannock Wood, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 4JJ
New Tented Village for 2025
We’ve purchased 30 brand-new tents for our 2025 Tented Village, an exciting upgrade generously funded by grants.
This setup gives groups or schools the opportunity to experience the great outdoors under canvas, without the hassle of bringing, pitching, and drying their own tents. We provide all the tents and equipment, and the package is especially popular when paired with our residential options including catering and activities. A popular choice – providing adventure for a great price.
Bookings are going fast for this summer! We’re also now offering standalone tent hire - contact reception for details
We’re grateful to Cannock Chase District for the generous donation of four canoes to support the delivery of our sessions - thank you very much!
Beaudesert Park, Cannock Wood, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 4JJ
PP Control and Automation –Volunteer group
We’re thrilled to welcome a volunteer group from local company PP Control and Automation.
They’ll be joining us in June to help with maintenance tasks including painting, tidying, and other essential work around the centre. We truly appreciate their support and look forward to hosting them, with hopes of welcoming more volunteer groups in the future.
BattleTag
We’ve recently tested out BattleTag, a local company offering laser quest-style games for group bookings.
Interested? Get in touch for more details!
M3 Agency - Marketing day
We had a brilliant day with the team from M3 Agency in May. They took part in lots of activities and got stuck into centre life, helping us gather marketing materials to help spread the word about Beaudesert.
