Langdale in the Lake District was the beautiful setting for the inaugural Phil Davies Memorial Weekend. The event, attended by nearly 40 Entec staff plus partners and children, was centred on the High Close Youth Hostel. With its extensive grounds and nearby woodland, it made it an ideal setting for the weekend’s activities which, in true Phil Davies fashion, involved four teams competing against each other in friendly rivalry.
After a Friday night spent getting to know each other, Saturday morning involved a Nigel Crowe-devised orienteering event mysteriously called The Snake Maze, which included a Harry Potter Treasure Hunt! As with all the weekend’s activities, the theme was something for all ages and abilities.
After a free afternoon with groups fell walking, mountain biking or just lazing by the river, Ian Patterson and Dave Philips started up the barbecue while Simon Armes-Reardon and Doug Morton got into training for the Entec football tournament with around fifteen four to ten year olds! Phil’s wife Nicola and daughter Hilary had joined us in the afternoon; and as the sun went down over the Langdale Pikes we raised our glasses in memory of Phil, particularly his legacy to Entec of teamworking and love of the outdoors.
Sunday morning; and most of us struggled up for the full English YHA breakfast. The morning’s activities consisted of team games in and around the hostel’s grounds, followed by a “short” fun-run down to Loughrigg Tarn, with just about everyone taking part either as a participant or steward.
The whole weekend was a great success, perhaps summed-up in a letter sent to me by Nicola. She says “I really enjoyed the company and felt that people were relaxed and making the most of the opportunity to cement friendships and to get to know each other better. We both felt very welcome. Philip would have enjoyed every minute.”
We’re delighted that Simon has given his
personal commitment that Entec will hold a Phil Davies Memorial Weekend every
year. By no means just for people
that knew Phil, but for everyone who shares his values and wants to see them
continue in Entec.
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