2022 found most things moving back pretty much to normality, we all breathed a sigh of relief. It was a busy year for Escot, with a fabulous mix of events and some great new additions to the Estate.
We welcomed many weddings to the house, and we were especially thrilled as a family to celebrate the nuptials of our daughter, Olivia, who married the lovely Dave. The partying went on well into the night! To all our happy 2022 couples, including Trudy and Alexander, Bianca and Ian, Emilie and Alexandru, Brad and Franchesca, James and Natasha, Catherine and Huw, Jan and Mike, Rachael and John, we wish you much happiness together.
In February The Outdoors Group launched its new Forest School at Escot. Based in part of Black Aller Woods, the group offers toddler groups, home education sessions, holiday clubs for children and birthday parties. All based outdoors!
April found the Tough Runners Exeter Sprint Duathlon on the Estate. Attracting both seasoned athletes and beginners, the bike course is flat and fast while the 5K run route takes in Escot’s scenery plus the local rural road. Always popular, this is set to run on March 11th next year.
June’s Rainbow Run for Children’s Hospice South West was held at Escot Park. The event was supported by Cavanna Homes and Wollens, whose staff helped man the paint stations and shower participants with coloured paint. Kate Romo, events fundraiser said: “Rainbow Run is one of our most popular fundraising events and after two years out because of the pandemic, it was incredibly special to see people back together again, having fun and raising money for our children’s hospices.”
Great weather helped when Escot hosted the Sparx Summer Party. The delegates enjoyed activities including axe throwing (thanks to our onsite activity partners Devon Country Pursuits) and much more besides. Music was provided by Jamduo.
In August, Beautiful Days was once again a roaring success. With its usual eclectic mix of music, something for everyone, from Fishermen’s Friends to Beth Orton and Billy Bragg, with Craig Charles in the Little Big Top – and so much more besides. The Specials performed and along with everyone else we were sad to hear of the passing of the amazingly talented Terry Hall in December. 2023 is the twentieth anniversary year for the festival and is bound to be one not to be missed! More info here.
In September the Foodies Festival came to Escot for the first time, with a mixture of food demos from local and celebrity chefs, and music from the likes of Scouting for Girls. We’re pleased to say that the festival will be returning next year.
Mud ruled with the Muddy Challenge in October, a chance for pooches and their owners to dash round a course featuring water and mud, all in aid of Battersea. It’s always a delight to see the fun that everyone has. 520 runners took part – well done for raising well over £55,000! Battersea’s Senior Challenge Events Officer, Jasmine Monk, said: “Our Exeter event has seen our participants raise a fantastic amount for Battersea and all the money raised will allow our dedicated staff to care for the thousands of dogs and cats everywhere that need our help. I want to say thank you to all those who participated, volunteered, and cheered on their loved ones. Everyone here has helped make this a really special day and without everyone’s support, we simply wouldn’t be able to do it”.
Also in October we welcomed new tenants to the Estate, with a barn conversion creating four self-contained offices. David Grimshaw of Exe Mortgages, one of the new tenants said: “The Old Milking Parlour has everything I was looking for, futureproofed for energy with an air source heat pump and underfloor heating, double glazing, LED lighting and an EPC ‘A’ rating. In addition, there’s the charm of the original building which has been retained, the brickwork and stunning high arched windows.”
In November a South West Cyclo Cross event came to Escot, hosted by Exeter Wheelers Cycling Club. The course is renowned for being one of the most exciting courses in the South West, a lumpy course, with grass, gravel and always mud on offer!
December is always synonymous with the Jolly Running’s event ‘The Extremely Jolly’. A totally unique trail race of 7.5 mile run featuring a 30 metre waterslide, plus a 1 mile version for ‘Little Elves’ (who can also enjoy the waterslide!). The event always raises funds for charity, as well as being a joyous occasion for everyone taking part, especially those in fancy dress. Well over 200 adult runners enjoyed the course.
Well, that’s a wrap for 2022. A wonderfully vibrant (hot in places, rather wet in others) year when everyone decided it was time to get on with things.
See you in 2023!
