Kempez's Blog

A blog from a previous visitore to Back Dane http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/tkempton/entry/backdane/

From Fiona, a recent visitor to Back Dane

I just had to write to say how truly amazing Backdane is. My brother and his girlfriend, Iain and Lisa have worked for Derby kids camp as volunteers for the last few years and had told us about Backdane. We finally managed to have our family holiday this summer with 3 generations of family aging from 3 to 67. Backdane was perfect for everyone with the space and freedom to feel as though you’ve escaped from the real world while being warm and cosy as a unit within.Much food and wine were consumed and food tasted like heaven after hikes up The Roaches, kids and all. Many a song was sung around the roaring outdoor fire while Dad played his accordion as the stars shone down. The rope swing and climbing frame were a hit with those under 30 (why is it you feel sick on a swing after that age?) and the river and the views stirred even the youngest members senses.We were lucky to have wonderful weather for all 4 days at the beginning of September when we were there but I know whatever the weather Backdane would be a magical place, one that we hope to return to again and again to build again on never forgotten family memories.

A HUGE THANKYOU TO ALL WHO MAKE BACKDANE ACCESSABLE AND AFFORDABLE FOR ALL.

With fondest memories ...

From Jens, a past visitor to Back Dane

At first, sorry for my bad English. I?am one of the German carpenters who stayed in Back Dane for one week in 1982. The History forgott us. But we worked, slept on stony floors enjoyed the beautifull nature and I played the Saxophone that the Cottage shake. It changed a lot. It made me very happy to see the old Oven in the dining room. It was damm cold at night during our time, I thought I killed it. We came to that place for surviving. Now it?s place to stay. If the History forgott us, maybe Humans remember us. Jens.

From Phil, a past visitor and volunteer at Back Dane

Nice web site....
Hopwell Hall School, nr Ockbrook, Derby used to use Back Dane. Many weeks were enjoyed before the fire. Petrol water pumps and the very noisy outside generator were the best bit for some of the lads we took. After the fire. Hopwell students and staff helped to dig out and clean the shell, repaired much of the brickwork and spent more than a few weeks repairing the roof. The outside toilet was particularly interesting to one group. Ken Walters the ace technology teacher made the new windows and with a set of students, fitted them in. Didn't the crows and rooks love the putty? When Hopwell Hall closed in 1986, more than 150 boys had used the Cottage. Most of the time was spent exploring much of the local area (dawn spotting on top of Shuttlingslow, kayaking the Dane in flood, climbing on the Roaches) but there are many who discovered skills and developed abilities that have lasted them into adulthood.

From Martin, A past visitor to Back Dane

I remember my Mum (Celia - David Robinson's cousin) taking us to Back Dane to stay and having the freedom of the fields and river. I remember the most fantastic rope swing ever, leaping out of the tree was something else. The stream was also a great treat. Mum and Fred then spent time there painting the kitchen once and Fred did some electricals. Years later I had a few weekends with college reunions and walking trips, but the arguments about washing up got too much for us. 

From Wayne Taylor, A past volunteer at Back Dane

Hi my name is wayne taylor i was at Hopwell hall school Ockbrook near Derby. I was one of the lads who went to backdane from 1971 to 1981. I went meny times and enjoyed it every time. Then came the fire, I was one of the lads who was picked to help Ken Walters who was my teacher, We did the windows and frames and I think we did a good job and they are still in. I remember the water well the bunk beds the cows in the field. It was good and I still think about it now at 43. I forgot to say the only way to get to the cottage was to get out of the mini bus near the pub then walk down the lane for about half a mile which was great.

PS. i think u should be verey proud of backdane.and hope 1 day i can visit again many many thanks.