venue information - Education Destination

VENUE
INFORMATION
An Inspirational venue in Bonchurch, IOW
Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd., 35, Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LG
East Dene
A beautiful Victorian stone built mansion set in around 10 acres of woodland,
gardens, and play areas, with superb sea views and direct access to Monks
Bay. Initially built in 1800, the Mansion was extended in 1848 at which time it
played a leading role in the growth and development of the delightful village
of Bonchurch. For some years the home of the Swinburne Family including
Algernon Swinburne, the Victorian Poet, it was visited by the Czar of Russia
and many eminent literary figures including Charles Dickens. The next owner,
John
Snowden
Henry,
MP for South Lancashire
clearly left his mark as he
spent
fortune
£90,000
of
his
made
in
the
Cotton Industry. Later a
Convent, then a Guest
House
for
the
World
Travel Association, East
Dene has a rich and
fascinating history which
is still unfolding.
East Dene is a leading residential outdoor learning and activity
centre.
Outside of term times East Dene provides an excellent venue for many other
types of group travel.
Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd., 35, Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LG
VENTNOR AND BONCHURCH
Bonchurch lies in the Undercliff to the east of Ventnor and is notable for its lovely
Mediterranean weather and for the many famous and distinguished writers who came here.
It is said that Algernon Swinburne who lived at East Dene as a child, found much of his
inspiration in the beautiful wooded gardens which overlook the sea. Today it is a village
where time seems to have stood still for its Village Pond,
one Pub and two Churches! However, through the
forces of nature East Dene has witnessed a great deal
of coastal erosion, and there is access to Monks Bay
where a massive coastal management scheme was put
into place in 1991 ensuring the safety of East Dene for
many years to come. There are excellent opportunities
for meaningful field study work both here and at the
nearby Landslip whilst the tiny church of St Boniface is a
special place for prayer, creative writing, meditation
and personal space. East Dene has its heart in the
community and each year hosts a number of Village
events.
ACCOMMODATION
There are two separate accommodation
blocks: the Mansion House and the Coach
House. The majority of our rooms are bunk
bedded with single and twin bedded rooms
nearby. Many of the rooms have breath
taking sea views. There are showers and toilets
on every floor. In each building there is a
lounge with unlimited tea and coffee for
adults on catering packages and a fridge to
chill your wine, a meeting room and WiFi. In
the Coach House there are two rooms which
specialise in information on the seashore,
coast
and
local
Bonchurch
History.
The
Mansion Rooms are stunning with magnificent
ceilings and oak panels which give a great
sense of Victorian grandeur and yet are
comfortable and relaxing. The Coach House
Hall has recently been re-roofed and is a
lovely light room which can be accessed from
Bonchurch Sweep. It is ideal for exhibitions,
concerts and meetings. Each building can be
booked independently although the catering
options are more limited in the Coach House. When full, the whole venue will accommodate
200 people. For bigger events we use a marquee which connects to the Mansion.
Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd., 35, Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LG
CATERING
We pride ourselves on the diversity of
catering services which we can provide.
From 180 hungry children for three meals
each day, to top class Wedding Receptions
and intimate Dinner Parties. We have very
happy customers, a stack of testimonials
and our reputation is growing rapidly by
word of mouth. There are three traditional
dining rooms in the Mansion and up to 100
can be served on one sitting when using
them all. Two of these can be converted if
required to break out rooms or other
requirements. We generally operate
a
servery where there is a choice at each
meal for adults, children and vegetarians.
Special
diets
are
no
problem.
For
Celebrations and Special Events, we take
pride
in
table
service.
Mealtimes
are
unrushed and a very important part of the
East Dene experience.
We are also
licensed for the off sales of alcohol.
The venue may be booked during some
weekends for self catering groups.
LEISURE
The heated swimming pool which overlooks the sea is always popular. Within the grounds are
places to explore, sun bathe, walk, and play hide and seek. There is direct access to Monks
Bay and the Coastal Path.
We have maps of the Island, leaflets on the main attractions and Island Events, DVDs, a giant
screen and directions to the best pub and ice cream shop. You won’t be short of things to
do whatever the age.
Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd., 35, Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LG
TEACHING PROGRAMMES and ACTIVITIES
Our core team is highly experienced and well qualified to teach a wide range of activities to
all ages. Our ethos is “Education, Inspiration and Play” as we help children to develop and
adults to play and all to have fun. The superb location cannot be beaten and we naturally
specialise in the seashore, coast and adventure in the woods. We have archery,
orienteering, water sports, tree climbing, bushcraft, themed team building, walks and talks on
the fascinating history of East Dene and the Village of Bonchurch.
FLEXIBILITY
We pride ourselves on our flexibility and desire to
provide the right support and atmosphere for the
needs of each individual Client. We cater for School
Groups, Church Retreats, Overseas Groups, Music
Groups, Birthday Celebrations, Wedding Receptions,
Exhibitions, Christmas Parties and more. East Dene is
rapidly establishing itself as a major Isle of Wight Venue
for Festival and Entertainment, skilfully weaving this
around Outdoor Education which remains at the heart
of our business
“From the first view of the sea, the space and ambience of East Dene create
an atmosphere which is special and memorable. Knowing that your safety
and security are our priorities, we aim to provide an environment which is
relaxed and inspirational for both educational and recreational groups.”
FREEDOM FAMILIES
During the Summer Holidays, we organise very special weeks for “Freedom Families” where
families living with autism and related behaviours can be free to enjoy a holiday together
with support and without judgement, with an optional programme of appropriate activities
for all to enjoy.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay
at East Dene. The staff are relaxed,
friendly and extremely helpful. The
historical aspect of the Centre is
wonderful, walks and activities are
great. The food is quite magnificent!!”
Nigel Roberts
Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd., 35, Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LG
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Risk Management:
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The Venue has a detailed Health and Safety Policy and complies with all relevant
legislation.
The Venue has comprehensive risk assessments covering the site, use of
transportation, all activities and all locations used for activities. These identify the
hazards, who might be harmed, existing control measures and what needs to be
done to ensure a risk controlled environment. These are always available for
consultation on site.
Staff Training is comprehensive and on-going.
The Venue has detailed procedures in place in case of emergency. These are
explained in the Pre-Arrival Pack and again, on arrival.
Incidents, accidents and emergencies are reviewed weekly in Departmental Team
Meetings.
Risk Assessments and Emergency Procedures are reviewed annually by the Venue
Leadership Team.
The Venue is inspected by the Fire Officer and recommendations are acted upon.
All safety equipment is inspected and maintained by qualified staff.
There is a first aid trained duty person available 24 hours a day
Fire Safety and Security
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Groups are usually accommodated in self contained areas of the Venue and it is not
necessary to enter the accommodation areas of other groups. Bunk bedded rooms
do not lock because of fire risks to younger children. Any valuables can be kept in the
lockable single or twin bedded rooms or the Venue safe.
The main entrance doors are all fitted with keypads and are locked by the Duty
Manager at 9.30pm. Group Leaders are given the codes on arrival should they need
to go outside after that time.
All groups engage in a practical Fire Drill on the first evening; the particular problems
of a fire at night in a large unfamiliar building are clearly outlined during this time.
The Fire Alarm system, fire extinguishers, fire alarm points and smoke detectors are all
serviced regularly.
TRANSPORT
Getting to the Isle of Wight is simple to arrange. The journey across the sea makes an
exciting beginning to all visits to the Island. There are several routes to choose from. Coaches
can pick up your group and bring you to our door. Alternately you may arrange for your own
coach to drop you at the Mainland port and our local coach service pick you up from the
island port and bring you to our door. Foot passengers can come by Hovertravel (provided
they can carry their own cases!) Be sure to book on line to attract the best discounts.
Mainland
Port
Island Port
Vessel
Operator
Telephone
Crossing
time
Portsmouth
Fishbourne
Car/coach
ferry
Wightlink
www.wightlink.co.uk
08705827744
40 mins
Portsmouth
Ryde
Wightlink
08705827744
15 mins
Southampton
Cowes
Red Funnel
02380333446
20 mins
Southampton
East
Cowes
Fast Cat
passenger
service
Red Jet
passenger
ferry
Car/coach
ferry
Southsea
Ryde
Hovercraft
Hovertravel
Lymington
Yarmouth
Car/coach
ferry
Wightlink
Red Funnel
02380333446
01983811000
08705827744
Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd., 35, Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LG
1 hour
8 mins
30 mins
THE BOOKINGS PROCEDURE
Contact East Dene by phone (01983 852374) or email ([email protected]) to discuss your
requirements and to check availability.
Make a Reservation. We will then send you a Provisional Booking Form.
Send the Provisional Booking Form back within 14 days.
Arrange a date to visit East Dene or for a Parents' Presentation Evening, if required.
Send the deposit and Confirmation form within 4 weeks to ensure your booking is held.
6 weeks before your arrival date you will receive your Pre-Arrival Pack of detailed Information with
which to make your final arrangements. There will be a pre-arrival checklist for your final numbers
which must be sent back immediately. These numbers will be used for your room allocations and
invoice. Any drop in numbers from this time will be subject to the cancellation charges as outlined
in the Terms and Conditions.
4 weeks prior to arrival you will receive your Final Information. We ask you to check this carefully.
2 weeks before arrival, settle the invoice.
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Although we aim to provide user-friendly and efficient administrative systems, we always
endeavour to provide the personal touch, so never be afraid to phone us and ask any
questions you might have.
In summary, we are a well established organisation with a modern approach
to customer care, based on traditional values. We have a genuine desire to
provide just the right environment in which you can develop a group visit
which is excellent.
“Many thanks indeed to all of your team at East Dene for a lovely
few days of fun and great humour. We thoroughly enjoyed
ourselves but that was only possible because we have complete
confidence in all of you. I am always so impressed by how the East
Dene staff are so happy and enthusiastic.”
Gillian Lyne
There’s just something about East Dene which is very
special…..
Contact Us

@
East Dene Centre, Bonchurch, Ventnor,
Isle of Wight, PO38 1RQ
01983 852374
[email protected]

www.allnatt.co.uk
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Joseph Allnatt Centres Ltd., 35, Ulwell Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1LG