Sandy Balls facts for kids
Sandy Balls is a large area of woods and parkland, about 120 acres (0.49 km2) big. It's located near the famous New Forest in Hampshire, England. You can find it between the village of Godshill and the town of Fordingbridge. The River Avon flows along its western side. Today, Sandy Balls is a popular place for holidays. A company called Away Resorts bought it in 2017.
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What's in a Name?
The name "Sandy Balls" might sound a bit funny today! But it's actually very old. People have called this place Sandy Balls since the time of King Henry VII. On old maps and papers from that time, it was written as "Sandyballas."
This name describes the natural hills found there. These hills are made of sand and gravel and are shaped like domes. Many of these sandy hills are still there today. Some even have special names, like Good Friday Hill and Giant's Grave.
Because the name sounds humorous in modern English, Sandy Balls has sometimes been mentioned in jokes and comedies. For example, on the TV show Have I Got News For You, a comedian once made fun of the resort's name.
A Look Back in Time
In 1919, the Sandy Balls estate was put up for sale. This happened after Sir Edward Hulse passed away during the First World War. A person named Ernest Westlake bought the land. He was an anthropologist, which means he studied human societies and cultures. Ernest was inspired by the ideas of Ernest Thompson Seton, who was a famous writer and artist.
Ernest Westlake wanted a place for his new youth group, called the Order of Woodcraft Chivalry. After Ernest died, his son, Aubrey Westlake, continued his father's work. They started what would later become Forest School Camps, which are outdoor education programs. Aubrey's cousin, Cuthbert Rutter, was the first head teacher there.
In the 1930s, Sandy Balls also provided a home for a group called Grith Fyrd.
Becoming a Holiday Spot
In 1934, twelve simple huts were built for camping at Sandy Balls. The next year, the first brochure was made. It was called "Sandy Balls for the Beauty Spot Holiday." Aubrey Westlake wanted to offer simple, affordable holidays for families. So, the first cabins were placed among the trees.
During the War
During World War II, Sandy Balls helped people in need. It became a temporary home for children who were sent away from cities for safety. It also housed families whose main earners were away fighting in the war. A large air raid shelter was built, and a Red Cross post was set up to help people.
Growing and Changing
Through the 1950s and 1960s, the Westlake family kept developing Sandy Balls. They added many more places for people to stay. A restaurant and a shop were also built. The shop even sold food grown right on the estate!
In the 1980s, Richard Westlake, another family member, made big improvements. He modernized the holiday center a lot.
In 2007, Sandy Balls had a major makeover. The main area was turned into a piazza, which is like an open public square. They added a bistro restaurant and new shops, including a bike hire shop. A new reception building was also built. Its roof was covered with sedums and other plants, which is a cool way to be eco-friendly!
Finally, in 2017, the Westlake family sold Sandy Balls. It is now owned by Away Resorts Limited.
Nature at Sandy Balls
Sandy Balls is a wonderful place for nature lovers. It has a wide variety of wildlife. About 75% of the area is covered with plants. These plants are carefully looked after. This helps native species (plants and animals that naturally live there) to grow well. A steep path leads down to the beautiful River Avon.
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