Stubbers Youth Camp Site In The 1960s

A Memory of Stubbers (Outdoor Pursuits Centre).

Stubbers outdoor youth camp is a far different entity than it was "when I was a gal". My good freind Monica Knapp and I borrowed Andrew Bloor's small, 2 man, canvas tent, caught the 370 bus that ran from Tilbury Ferry to Romford, passing through Chadwell St Mary and set off on our adventure. We pitched the tent and made ourselves comfortable. We had a little stove; well, we must have had as we took some eggs with us. I don't really remember much of what we did apart from going for walks and exploring the campsite, and some boys pitched in the field across from us, who didn't believe that we were 15. But most vividly I do remember the storm! We were safely tucked up at night when the weather took a very big turn for the worse. Thunder and lightning and of course torrential rain. In the attempt to secure the canvas tent flaps and ensure that our bedding didn't get soaked, somehow one of the tent poles snapped. Flailing about in the dark and wet the eggs got smashed and made an even bigger mess of the canvas. We salvaged what we could of our belongings and made our way to the shower block to bed down for the night on the very uncomfortable slatted benches. We were terrified that the warden would hear us and boot us out so we remained as quiet as we could, although in fits of giggles. I don't think that we should have worried; the warden, it being Saturday night was clearly enjoying a night off, and, judging by the noises emanating from above us, was enjoying a few bevvies. The next morning we tidied and secured the tent as best we could and walked home. Stubbers to Chadwell St Mary! We had fun. Would you be able to do that now? I don't know. Maybe, maybe not.

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