homes & property
a voice from the country Tom Hudson of Middleton Advisors explores the importance of philanthropy in the year ahead and explains why their chosen charity, Camp Mohawk, is so vital
‘They learn to cook, build and to care for the forest around them’
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t’s the time of the year to look into the crystal ball and make wise pronouncements. Well, here’s the only prediction that I’m willing to make this time round: 2013 will bring yet more unpredictable behaviour in the property market. For every trend in 2012, there was a countertrend. Exceptions failed to prove or disprove rules. For advisors such as ourselves, the good thing that comes out of such a turbulent world economy is that our advice becomes even more important. There is no prevailing wind that is simple to spot and easy to follow, so expertise becomes more specific and every transaction has its own dynamic. So, rather than stray beyond the one undeniable fact — that this year will be as unpredictable as the last — we’re going to do the same with this column as we’ve done with a percentage of our profits this year, and hand it over to Middleton’s chosen charity for 2013, Camp Mohawk. Camp Mohawk is a multi-functional day centre for special needs children, set in five acres of beautiful Berkshire countryside. The centre provides activities, facilities and natural space to encourage children with a variety of special needs to play, socialise and learn in a secure and caring environment. The day centre has its roots in a Scout group —
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which started, in 1973, to take disadvantaged children from the East End of London on trips away from the ‘concrete jungle’. In the woodland outside Wargrave, where Camp Mohawk now sits, they learn to cook, build and to care for the forest around them. Wonderful experiences for both the Scouts and the children evolved into a registered charity and the current camp, which provides holiday activities for special needs children and a venue for special needs support groups and schools in term-time. There is an outdoor swimming pool, playrooms, sensory rooms and garden, a camp fire circle, an adventure playground, art room and a wildlife area. If you would like to know more about Camp Mohawk and get involved in their activities, you can read about it online (www.campmohawk.org). With running costs of £200,000 per year and no direct government funding, despite providing special needs care across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, support from companies and individuals is always required. n
‘A voice from the country’ is a series of articles by Middleton Advisors, who act on behalf of private clients looking to purchase country houses and estates in the UK (01235 436 271; www.middletonadvisors.com)