From a mayoral fundraising campaign in the 1970s to today’s group accommodation centre in the Lake District, Bury Jubilee Outdoor Pursuits Centre has been shaped by volunteers, local organisations and generations of visitors.
Registered Charity No. 512292
Our History
Before 1977
Raising the funds
The earliest funds were raised through activities including a car raffle, lotteries, raffles and prize draws.
1977
The idea takes shape
Mayor Councillor Fred Spurr raised £10,742 through a sponsored walk called Beating the Bounds of the Borough. A fund-management committee was formed and several possible locations and ideas were considered, including sites in North Yorkshire, the Peak District and Blackstone Edge, as well as a narrowboat for use on the canals.
Greenside Mine near Glenridding was eventually selected as the future home of the centre.
1981-82
Purchase and Conversion
The initial trust deeds were prepared and a management committee was established following a meeting at Bury Town Hall in September 1981.
The Greenside property was purchased for £30,000 at the beginning of 1982. Significant support included £47,000 from the Ragged Schools Trust and £2,500 from the Queen’s Jubilee Funds.
After the site was surveyed, the decision was taken to extend and modernise the former garage and workshop. Local stone was collected from nearby ruins, and the building plans were adapted to meet Lake District planning requirements.
1983
The first visitors
The converted building was handed over in 1983. A group from ROBOT—Rector of Bury's Own Troop —became the centre’s first users.
Open days were held over two weekends in July, and Doreen Allinson became the first caretaker. She continued in the role for more than 20 years, supported by her husband, who carried out many minor repairs.
1984
Official Opening
The centre was officially opened by television naturalist and Durham University professor Dr David Bellamy.
Guests included the Mayor of Bury, the Chair of Eden District Council and more than 20 people from the Bury area who had contributed to the planning, administration and construction of the centre.
1985-93
Learning and Planning
The centre’s early years involved learning how to manage and maintain a remote Lake District property. Damp was a recurring concern, and the stove and chimney were rebuilt in 1992.
In 1993, architect Malcolm Stewart was commissioned to investigate improvements to disabled access.
1994-1996
A more accessible centre
Plans were developed for a substantial refurbishment of the ground floor, including building work, fittings and new furniture.
The accessibility refurbishment was completed in 1996, and the centre was reopened by wheelchair user Roger Dyer.
1997-2000
Further Improvements
The surrounding mining area received recognition as a site of national heritage, although the designation applied to the historic mine workings rather than the converted centre buildings.
A further refurbishment programme followed, including a major improvement to the kitchen completed in 2000.
2002–2004
Supporting young people
Planning began for a Golden Jubilee programme designed to give young people from Bury experience of outdoor activities.
Funding from Awards for All helped support training and accommodation. Across the programme, 45 young people took part, with three going on to achieve nationally recognised leadership or instructor qualifications.
Present day
The story continues...
Today, Bury Jubilee Outdoor Pursuits Centre continues to provide exclusive-use accommodation for youth organisations, community groups, families and other visitors wishing to explore the Lake District.