 Feeling the home office isolation? Craving connection with fellow local business minds?
Mark your calendars because the Woodstock Huddle is happening next week on Wednesday, June 4th! This is your friendly reminder to step away from the screen and join a vibrant community of homeworkers and business owners from Woodstock and the surrounding areas. The Woodstock Huddle is designed to help you connect, share experiences, and find fresh inspiration to supercharge your work week. Kick things off at 8:00 AM with an energising "Walk & Talk" starting from The Woodstock Town Hall, followed by a scenic stroll through Blenheim Park. It's the perfect opportunity for informal chats and to get those steps in! Alternatively, join us directly for "Coffee & Connections" at 9:00 AM at The Back Lane Tavern in Woodstock. Grab a coffee, enjoy meaningful conversations, and build valuable relationships in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Expect practical networking, a chance to share your wins and challenges, and to leave feeling re-energised and ready to tackle the rest of your day. The Huddle wraps up around 10:30 AM, giving you plenty of time to get back to your commitments with a renewed sense of focus and community. Ready to join us? It’s easy! Simply fill in the short form on this page at least 24 hours before the event. Don't let another week go by in solitude. Invest in yourself and your business by connecting with your local peers. We can't wait to see you at the Woodstock Huddle next Wednesday!
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There are holidays, and then there are adventures that resonate deep within your soul, long after the tired muscles have recovered and the photos are uploaded. These are the journeys that shift your perspective, fill you with a profound sense of aliveness, and connect you not just to incredible landscapes, but to incredible people.
At Project Active, I have witnessed this magic firsthand. That's why we're thrilled to give you a very early heads-up: Project Active is charting a course back to the breathtaking, soul-stirring landscapes of Norway in 2026! An Immersion in Untamed Beauty To say Norway is amazing feels like an understatement. Our past journeys there weren't just a series of activities; they were an immersion into a world of such profound beauty it often left us speechless. From the moment you first lay eyes on the dramatic, glacier-carved fjords, it’s clear this is something special. Towering cliffs, often streaked with the silver threads of waterfalls, plunge into impossibly blue waters. The air itself feels different – crisp, clean, and charged with an ancient energy. Kayaking through these majestic waterways is like gliding through a living postcard, each paddle stroke bringing a new, breathtaking vista. Then there's the hiking – challenging, yes, with trails winding upwards, testing your legs and lungs. But with every upward step, the views become more expansive, more rewarding. Reaching a peak, breathless and triumphant, to be greeted by a panoramic tapestry of mountains, fjords, and sky, is an unparalleled thrill. And as twilight lingers, camping under the stars, miles from the clamour of everyday life, brings a profound sense of peace and connection. More Than Scenery: The Power of Shared Experience What truly elevates these adventures is the shared experience. As one past participant beautifully put it, our Norway trip was "a masterclass in laughter, a celebration of stamina, and an exhibition of collective fortitude." The camaraderie is palpable, whether navigating an interesting obstacle, encouraging each other up a steep incline, or simply sharing stories around a crackling campfire. These weren't just fellow travellers; they became fellow adventurers, bound by shared effort and an unspoken understanding. Don't Just Take Our Word For It... The feedback from our 2025 adventurers speaks volumes:
An Investment in Yourself This Norwegian adventure is more than stunning scenery and physical activity. It’s about the infectious joy of discovery, the humbling "wow!" factor of nature's grandeur, and the deep, surreal sense of being part of something truly epic. It’s an investment in your well-being, an opportunity for personal growth, and a chance to create truly lasting memories. You’ll return with tired muscles, yes, but also with a rejuvenated soul. Save the Date: Norway 2026 Awaits! So, consider this your official early call: 1st - 5th May Norway 2026 with Project Active. We're in the early stages of planning, but we promise another journey filled with breathtaking beauty, rewarding challenges, and the incredible spirit of shared adventure. Beyond the Four Walls: Finding Your Strongest Self in the Heart of Oxfordshire at Blenheim Park5/22/2025 If the thought of another session in a sterile, windowless gym leaves you feeling uninspired, I get it.
For more than twenty five years, I've been immersed in the world of health and fitness, guiding people towards their goals. And if there’s one profound truth I’ve witnessed repeatedly, it’s this: the space in which we move has an incredible impact on our motivation, our results, and our overall wellbeing. That’s why, as Ben Scurr of Project Active, I'm passionate about what I believe is Oxfordshire's most extraordinary fitness setting – not a conventional gym, but the awe-inspiring, living landscape of Blenheim Park. My connection to Blenheim is deeply personal (read more here). Growing up in Bladon, literally a stone's throw from this majestic estate, it was the backdrop to my childhood, my space for adventure and reflection. Now, it's the heart of my professional life, my "office" where I see transformations happen daily. While traditional gyms certainly serve a purpose, I've seen firsthand the remarkable, almost magical, uplift that occurs when people connect with nature during their workouts, especially in a place as uniquely powerful as Blenheim. Imagine this: your workout begins not with the metallic clang of equipment, but with the gentle rustle of leaves and the sight of sunlight dappling through ancient trees. Envision your run or walk taking you past the serene Queen Pool, with its famed views, or along trails that wind through historic woodlands where every vista tells a story. Blenheim Park isn't just a pretty place; its 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown's genius offers an endlessly varied natural playground. From the sweeping formal gardens to challenging off-road paths, it’s an environment that naturally invites movement and invigorates the senses. The physical advantages are undeniable. The undulating terrain, the long stretches perfect for endurance, the natural obstacles – they all contribute to comprehensive fitness, building cardiovascular strength, stamina, and agility. Whether you join one of our Project Active bootcamps, engage in a one-to-one training session, or simply take my advice to explore Blenheim’s renowned "wellbeing walks," there’s a perfect challenge here for every fitness level. The sheer variety ensures that no two workouts are ever alike, keeping things fresh and fighting off the monotony that can derail even the best intentions. However, as a coach dedicated to a holistic view of health – where mental and emotional wellbeing are as crucial as physical prowess – Blenheim's true distinction shines. The scientifically-backed benefits of exercising outdoors are amplified here. The palpable sense of peace in the Secret Garden, the sheer grandeur of the Palace backdrop, the expansive skies – these elements work together to significantly lower stress, elevate your mood, and sharpen your mental focus. This isn’t just about burning calories; it's about nourishing your mind and recharging your spirit. My philosophy at Project Active is built around harnessing this incredible outdoor resource. I firmly believe that fitness should be a source of joy and energy, something seamlessly woven into the fabric of your life, not another task to be endured. By situating our workouts within Blenheim Park, we tap into something primal – our inherent connection to the natural world. My role is to understand your unique aspirations, provide expert, supportive coaching, and cultivate an encouraging atmosphere where you can thrive. Drawing on my extensive experience and qualifications in health & fitness, sports coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and behaviour change, I aim to empower you not just to reach physical milestones, but to foster a resilient, positive mindset and a genuine enthusiasm for an active lifestyle. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing my clients flourish in this exceptional setting. Seeing them surpass their own expectations, discover hidden strengths, and end a session tired but visibly energised, all framed by the magnificent Blenheim Palace, is the best part of my job. We build camaraderie, we push our limits respectfully, and we share a deep appreciation for the privilege of using this world-class "gym." So, if you're in Oxfordshire and seeking a fitness path that offers far more than just physical conditioning, I warmly invite you to experience the revitalising power of Blenheim Park with Project Active. Let’s step beyond the confines of traditional gyms and explore how this unparalleled environment, married with truly personalised coaching, can help you forge a stronger, healthier, and altogether happier version of yourself. Blistering Sunshine, Unbreakable Spirit: Yesterday's Cumbrian Challenge TriumphThe fells of the Lake District witnessed an extraordinary display of determination yesterday, as hundreds braved blistering sunshine for the Cumbrian Challenge. This annual event, now in its 13th year, is a powerful testament to collective spirit, all aiding the incredible charity, Walking With The Wounded, and the veterans they tirelessly support.
Setting the Scene in Stunning Grasmere Grasmere, a Cumbrian jewel, hosted an electric atmosphere from the early hours of Saturday, May 17th. The event showground buzzed with anticipation as over 850 individuals, making up more than 200 teams from across the UK and even further afield, gathered. They were ready to test their limits on one of three demanding routes – ranging from the 14-kilometre ‘Peak’ to the formidable 27-kilometre ‘Tougher’ option, which involves a significant ascent of over 1,400 metres. The clear blue skies and bright sunshine promised stunning views across the fells but also hinted at the arduous day of hiking that lay ahead for these dedicated fundraisers. A Gruelling but Immensely Rewarding Challenge And arduous it was. The routes, with the ‘Tougher’ option stretching to nearly 17 miles (27km), pushed participants to their physical and mental boundaries. Under the relentless glare of the sun, which certainly lived up to the "blistering" description, walkers navigated the notoriously beautiful yet often treacherous terrain of the Lake District. Steep inclines, rocky paths, and the cumulative effect of distance and elevation gain made for a significant undertaking. Yet, what shone through even brighter than the sun was the unwavering camaraderie amongst the teams. Laughter, encouragement, and a shared sense of purpose were evident on the trails. Teams spurred each other on, buoyed by the common goal and the stunning, hard-earned vistas that greeted them at every turn. Adding a splash of colour and pure fun to the day, some participants even tackled the challenging course in imaginative fancy dress – a testament to the brilliant spirit of the event. Reports from the course included sightings of wizards and even a knight in shining armour amongst the determined hikers! More Than Just a Hike: Supporting Our Veterans But the sweat, aching muscles, and perhaps a few blisters, were all for a profound and vital purpose. The Cumbrian Challenge is the flagship fundraising event for Walking With The Wounded. This remarkable charity is dedicated to providing life-changing support for veterans who have struggled since their military service. They offer crucial help with mental health, support veterans back into employment, and provide essential care coordination, enabling our ex-servicemen and women to regain their independence and thrive in civilian life. Each determined step taken on those fells, and every single pound raised, contributes directly to these vital services. This year’s event has already, phenomenally, raised over £400,000 for Walking With The Wounded. It’s a powerful and tangible way for civilians, corporate teams, and fellow veterans to walk, quite literally, in solidarity with those who have served our country. A Collective Triumph of Spirit and Generosity Yesterday was, without doubt, a true collective triumph. The enduring success of the Cumbrian Challenge lies not just in the impressive distances covered or the challenging peaks conquered, but in the incredible generosity and unwavering spirit of everyone involved. Heartfelt congratulations go out to every single participant who pushed their limits, to the dedicated organisers at Walking With The Wounded who work tirelessly to make this inspiring weekend possible, to the essential volunteers who supported everyone along the routes with smiles and encouragement. The buzz around Grasmere was palpable throughout the day – a shared sense of achievement for a truly worthy cause that will make a lasting difference to veterans' lives. An Unforgettable Day, A Lasting Legacy As the sun finally set on an unforgettable day in the breathtaking Lake District, the echoes of tired but triumphant footsteps faded. They left behind not just memories of a stunning day in the hills, but a tangible legacy of hope and crucial support for our nation’s veterans. The Cumbrian Challenge 2025 was more than just a hike; it was a vibrant display of humanity at its finest, proving that even the toughest climbs are surmountable when tackled together with spirit and a common goal. If you've been inspired by the efforts of these incredible teams, consider learning more about the vital work of Walking With The Wounded, or perhaps even lacing up your hiking boots to join us on the fells next year! Please get in touch. There are holidays, and then there are adventures. Our recent journey to Norway to hike, kayak and camp wasn't just a series of activities; it was an immersion into a world of such profound beauty and a testament to the incredible power of shared experience. To say it was amazing feels like an understatement. It was an experience of sheer joy, a constant barrage of "wow!" moments and a deeply surreal feeling of being alive in a landscape that defied imagination, all amplified by the company of truly great people. This trip was a masterclass in laughter, a celebration of stamina, and an exhibition of collective fortitude. From the moment we first laid eyes on the dramatic, glacier-carved fjords, it was clear this was something special. Towering cliffs, often streaked with the silver threads of waterfalls, plunged into impossibly blue waters. The air itself felt different – crisp, clean, and charged with an ancient energy. Kayaking through these majestic waterways was like gliding through a living postcard. Each paddle stroke brought a new, breathtaking vista, a vista that often left us speechless, communicating instead through wide eyes and knowing smiles. There's a unique silence that settles in such vast wilderness, broken only by the dip of our paddles, the occasional call of a seabird, or, more frequently, peals of unrestrained laughter. Laugh we did. Oh, how we laughed! Sharing this adventure with a group of individuals so full of life, humour and unwavering support was the golden thread that wove through every experience. Whether it was navigating a particularly interesting obstacle, encouraging each other up a steep incline, or simply sharing stories around a crackling campfire under the glow of the lingering Norwegian twilight, the camaraderie was palpable. These weren't just travellers; they became fellow adventurers, bound by shared effort and an unspoken understanding. The hiking was, at times, undeniably challenging. Trails wound upwards, testing our legs and lungs, demanding that extra ounce of stamina. There were moments of fatigue, of questioning whether the summit was worth the burn but with every upward step, the views became more expansive, more rewarding. Reaching a peak, breathless and triumphant, to be greeted by a panoramic tapestry of mountains, fjords, and sky, was an unparalleled thrill. It was in these moments of shared exertion, of pushing our limits together, that a quiet fortitude emerged within the group – a collective resilience that turned every challenge into a shared victory. Camping under the stars, miles from the clamour of everyday life, brought a profound sense of peace and connection. The simplicity of setting up tents, preparing meals together and sharing the quiet of the evening fostered a bond that city life rarely allows. We learned to read the weather in the clouds, to appreciate the warmth of a shared fire and to find joy in the smallest details – the taste of freshly brewed coffee in the chill morning air, the sight of a goat at the edge of the woods, the incredible silence of the wilderness. That surreal feeling often crept in when we least expected it – perhaps while watching the sun paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, refusing to fully dip below the horizon or when you break that perfect mirror reflection in the cold water. These were moments that felt plucked from a dream, a reminder of the raw, untamed beauty our planet holds. This Norwegian adventure was more than just stunning scenery and physical activity. It was about the infectious joy of discovery, the humbling wow factor of nature's grandeur and the deep, surreal sense of being part of something truly epic. It was about the laughter that echoed across the water, the quiet strength found in shared challenges and the incredible spirit of the people who made every moment unforgettable. We returned with tired muscles, yes, but also with rejuvenated souls, a treasure trove of memories and a renewed appreciation for the wild, the challenging and the enduring power of human connection. Norway, you were a dream and to the incredible souls who shared it – thank you for the laughter, the stamina and the fortitude. This one is etched in our hearts forever. Now, give me a shout if you would like to come next year!
Don't Just take my word for it!
Project Active – Norway Fjords Edition 2025 From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, everything was perfectly planned and ran so smoothly-it honestly felt effortless. Huge shoutout to Ben Scurr at Project Active for organising such a flawless experience. His attention to detail made all the difference, and it was clear he put his heart into crafting every part of the adventure. Norway trip 2025 - Just back from an outstanding trip with Ben Scurr’s Project Active to hike and kayak around the stunning Norwegian fjords. From start to finish the trip has been truly remarkable and an unforgettable experience. Norwegian Fjords – May 2025 I have just returned from Project Active’s 2025 Norway trip, and what an experience it was! I was originally quite apprehensive but the training hikes to the Malverns and Wales hosted by Ben, were ideal preparation. Once on the trip, which was expertly organised by Ben, the Kayaking, Hiking and camping, with breathtaking views, will be something I will never forget. The Hiking was challenging but Ben ensured no one was left behind and that everyone enjoyed the experience, which I am grateful for.  Just a quick nudge to remind you about the Woodstock Huddle happening next week!
We're really looking forward to bringing together local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for a walk of connection, collaboration, and growth - followed by coffee!! It's a fantastic opportunity to:
Here are the details again:
We can't wait to see you there and create some positive connections together! More details at - https://www.project-active.co.uk/woodstock-networking.html |