Newsletter - Autumn 2025
News from the Acting Chair of Trustees
by Helen Stephenson
Rolline has stepped down after twenty years as a Trustee, six years of which were as Chair. We are very grateful for her contribution to the Priory and wish her well in her new endeavours, although I understand that she will also continue her relationship with Marrick through the Friends. After Andy’s retirement in May, a new Deputy Head of Centre joined in July, just in time for the Strawberry Tea! New instructors have arrived to replace those who have moved on to further their careers, one to the Police and one into teacher training.
New Instructor
Toby is settling in well with us at Marrick Priory
Existing Instructors
Jake (C) left in July. Brynn (L) and Luke (R) remain with us
Primary School
Three of our guests in June 2025
Improvements to the facilities have progressed over the summer; a replacement boiler with modern controls has been installed to bring reliability and efficiency savings; the girls’ toilet has received a makeover, with new basins, counter tops and shelves; the old caravan has been replaced with smart new containers for storage; work is continuing on the various roofs and work has started on improvements to the low ropes course. Over the last year many lights have been replaced with energy efficient LEDs with additional controls to minimise energy use and this work will continue through the next year.
Removing Old Zip Wire
We now use the newer zip wire over the river Swale
Bathroom Makeover
New wash basins and decor in the girls' bathroom
Container for Storage
Jim supervising the arrival and installation of the container
In the 2024/25-year Marrick Priory welcomed over 2600 children from schools, youth organisations and Duke of Edinburgh candidates. The benefits gained from participating in activities in the countryside are indisputable but the economic environment is challenging for many. Consequently, the need for bursaries has been increasing and is likely to continue. The fundraising that the Friends carry out is essential to enable children to learn new skills and enjoy the very special place that is Marrick and the Trustees are most appreciative of the time, effort and goodwill the Friends contribute to the success of the organisation.
U15 Rugby Club
Whitecraigs Rugby Club played a tournament nearby and also enjoyed some activities and food at the Priory
DofE Expedition
Pupils from the SFX School doing their Silver Award. Navigating from Ingleton to Kettlewell
High Ropes
A primary school group enjoying the high ropes course in beautiful sunny weather
Friends of Marrick Priory
by Cathy Trewby
The Friends have had a busy year of events to raise money for the Centre.
Marske Choir Donation
In September 2024 we received a very generous donation from Lindsay Ibbotson and the Marske choir of £1,030 which they had raised from their performances of the Good Old Days at the Georgian Theatre in August. We are very grateful for her support and performance at Christmas.
Quiz and Curry Night
In October we held the Quiz and Curry night at Reeth Memorial Hall, compered for us by Frank Walsh. It was well attended and we were pleased to welcome a table of staff from the Priory. Frank finished off with “standup bingo”- the proceeds divided between the winner and the Friends. Unfortunately, Frank is unable to join us this year due to ill health. We wish him all the best and hope he can return next year.
Christmas at Marrick
Christmas at Marrick took place on December 1st. Passengers from the Richmond bus were greeted with mulled wine. The Marske choir provided musical entertainment of seasonal songs ending with a rousing communal rendering of the 12 days of Christmas. Everyone tucked into a fulsome buffet leaving with regrets on the bus at 9pm.
Newly Introduced Events
In March the Colin Bailey Band played for us Reeth Memorial Hall and we provided pie and peas.
At the beginning of May Helen Guy from the Keld Resource Centre gave a talk “Life of a Swaledale Woman”. She is an enthusiastic speaker and illustrated the arduous life of her forbears on a remote Swaledale farm which held the audience captivated. Tea and cakes followed.
In September Treble Clef, a choir based in Harrogate sang for us in the Chapel at the Priory publicized as “Songs with Scones”. They gave an inspired performance. They really appreciated the acoustic of the chapel and being able to sing at Marrick. Ruth and the kitchen staff provided an ample tea with scones and cakes.
Colin Bailey Band
A wonderful evening of music at Reeth Memorial Hall
Treble Clef Choir
Songs with scones in the Chapel at Marrick Priory
Strawberry Tea and Cake Stall
The annual Strawberry tea took place on July 20th an afternoon when heavy rain was forecast so we didn’t despair and put the Reeth brass band in the chapel. Terry the new deputy organized abseiling from the Prioress’ tower as well as archery and outside activities.
With the cake stall at Reeth Green the following Friday we raised over £900 for the bursary.
Archery
A fantastic afternoon of fun activities which included archery and abseiling from Prioress' tower
Reeth Brass Band
Reeth Brass Band provided musical entertainment in the shelter of the chapel
Refreshments
The afternoon was complemented with refreshments which helped raise funds for the work of Marrick Priory
Bursary Fund
With the cost of attending the centre for children increasing we have concentrated on supporting the bursary fund. Over the year we have been able to give £6,450 to the fund, in addition to £780.60 for wet suits.
We would like to thank our regular donors who have supported us over many years by direct debit.
Children who attend courses at Marrick really benefit from the experience. For some it will be their first taste of the countryside and staying away with a group. They are tested physically and learn a great deal about themselves in a safe environment.
The Friends are dedicated to continuing to support the Centre. If you would like to make a donation to the bursary fund please click here.
Future Events
Please visit the Marrick Priory events page to see our upcoming events. Here you’ll find The Friends of Marrick Priory events as well as events organised by Sandy, the Marrick Priory Development Officer.
Residential Guests
Residential guests with a visiting primary school. They enjoyed a fun week of activities and finished off with a gloriously sunny walk along the river Swale to Reeth
