Fun and Games

Sports

Early afternoon there is usually a game of football, rounders or similar on the large lawn leading down to the lake.

Volleyball

Late afternoon often sees people congregating on the fields near the lake to watch the volleyball tournament (and sometimes a little touch rugby). Bring a chair and your camera.

Swimming

One of the three lakes has a marked-out swimming area, and during the week we will announce afternoons when swimming will be allowed.  We will be seeking volunteers who are strong swimmers to supervise these times.  Swimming is not permitted at other times.

Lake restrictions

In some previous years, swimming, boating and fishing have been restricted because of the health risks of blue-green algae blooms found in the lake.  Ashburnham have taken advice on using a preventative technique involving rotting barley straw in the water.  We hope this will be effective for 2009 but we cannot guarantee that the lake will be open.

Canoes and boats

You may bring canoes and small boats and use them on Broad Water at the same times as swimming, provided all participants wear buoyancy aids.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in Broad Water for a maximum of six people who hold rod licences.  You must obtain a fishing permit from Ashburnham Reception.

Wheels

Ashburnham’s standard policy is not to allow bicycles, scooters, skateboards or skates on site.  This is due to the risks of collision: there are several blind corners on the roads, and frequent delivery and staff vehicles. However we have negotiated the following concession;

• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and skates may be brought to Ashburnham but please wear helmets; 
• Please cycle on the tarmac roads and paths or on the great cycle trails in the woods which are open when the weather is OK. This protects erosion on the grass and softer paths;
• Because of frequent delivery lorries and visitors we ask parents to supervise their children when they ride and their opportunities to do so are 7.30-8.30am and 2-6pm;
• Campers of secondary school age and above may use wheels to travel between their camp and other activities at any time.  Please ensure you have lights when the sun goes down;
• There is a cage - not for children or badly behaved speakers - but as a place to store bikes, scooters and skateboards so that innocent walkers don't get tripped up.

Games room

The basement games room contains table football, table tennis and pool.

Bookshop

The shop in the conference centre is well stocked with Christian books, music, gifts and cards.