I mentioned a number of idiosyncratic problems with last years training event in my report upon it, little thinking that they could be prevented from occurring again. Well they were! Checking in, collecting room keys, registering for workshops all flowed smoothly.
The initial introduction started on time and Dame Pauline Green (from co-operatives UK) gave a very interesting talk about the size of the co-operative movement and the unique role it plays in communities. It's links with the woodcraft folk and shared values. The topic of shared values was to re-occur repeatedly throughout the weekend. Unfortunately traffic had delayed the creche and there was some disturbance from the children. Some of us had to stop their game and take them from the room. However the creche did arrive before we stopped for coffee, birthday cake and to register for the workshops. I should say that it was my daughter's birthday that Saturday. I'm not sure quite what she expected but I can report that she enjoyed all the attention.
I was not alone in regretting that I could not attend more than one workshop at once. Children under 9 were packed off to the creche and the older ones to a drama workshop. We had the choice of a presentation about the international camp, health and safety at camp and a workshop on the philosophy of why we camp, which I attended. In the event it proved more practical than philosophical with emphasis on democratic and co-operative management structures. How to assign roles or jobs and how we ensure that our values are put into practice. During this workshop I became aware of how many attending were not woodcraft folk but co-op members who were attending to find out more about the woodcraft folk and why the committee was investing the sums it has in our training. No doubt they will be writing their own reports, but I think that their concerns were answered over the weekend.
After an excellent lunch there were three more workshops to choose from. Managing the group co-operatively with Clive Belegone, Poetry and magic or Banner making. I attended the workshop on managing the group. It also seemed popular with the delegates from United. Naturally many of us felt that we have had difficulties from time to time and were seeking tricks and techniques to magically prevent these things happening. It soon became clear that while clever management can avoid some things, most of the difficulties that we suffer from time to time are not internally generated but external and simply have to be dealt with. We were split into groups and given the challenge of how we would respond to the situation of two brothers, one of which is disruptive when his brother attends with him.
A tea break followed and then a choice of another three workshops. Co-operative games, Working with the co-op and Banner making. I chose to attend the working with the co-op workshop. It was also popular with the United delegates. By this time I was convinced that they were following me around. The workshop was very interesting with a great deal being made of how we could and should involve ourselves in the democratic process. The active members benefit scheme was also mentioned. As well as the importance of contacting the nearest shop to where we intend camping to arrange in advance that they could stock supplies for us. This is obviously important, as sales will exceed normal stocking levels.
After collecting our room keys and dinner there was a ceildlhi. Everyone, including many of the co-op delegates danced into the night. Around about midnight, or shortly after, I realised that due to the hour change it was actually 2am! There had been no singing session, as happened last year. Sensible people, having realised that the clocks were due to go forwards had gone to bed.
As far as I know, nobody overslept. Certainly there were no empty spaces at breakfast. The morning workshops consisted of the history of the woodcraft folk, health and safety at camp and a wide game. I elected to help with the wide game, playing the part of a capitalist "Fat Cat". For those who don't know "wide games" are simply games or adventures that cover a wide area. This one dealt with fair trade issues and globalisation. Milk, banana, coco and wood producers being exploited, seeking a voice, finally obtaining a better deal from the fat cats. Needless to say the children had a great time.
After tea and coffee we held a plenary to evaluate the weekend. We formed a circle and sang the traditional "link your hands together" before lunch and the return journey home. As I said at the beginning it's unfortunate that it's impossible to attend more than one workshop at once. I wish that I could also report on the health and safety workshop, the co-operative games one and how the "history of the woodcraft folk" was received by the United delegates.
Jon Spence
Rochdale Woodcraft Folk Group