With so many individual places of interest within Sutton Park, it can be hard for the Sutton resident, let alone visitor, to keep track of all the names and what they represent. The Jamboree Stone is one such marker of which you hear, the significance of which becomes lost through over-use, or swallowed up by talk of different pools, entrances, or species.
The Jamboree Stone commemorates the 1957 World Jamboree - a gathering of scouts from groups across the world. Here were international boys in hundreds of tents under the night sky. It's a charming image. But while it may have a slight historical appeal, or even prove a point of fascination to any scout within your family - that sense that they are part of a larger and planet-wide collective - the monument, unto itself, is not particularly impressive. In sheer practical terms, it's best used as an orientating reference point.
You find it by entering Sutton Park at Boldmere Gate, via Monmouth Drive. From there to reach the stone, it's a walk, in a straight line, of around two miles. Psst, this is really the best means by which you stand a good chance of finding an ice cream van. The stone is a common parking point for the dispenser of Screwballs and 99s. It also marks a crossroads from where you can make your way to Wyndley or Town Gates. The area is pretty uncluttered here, so you also get a good impression of the size of the park, not to mention a few benches to help you take a breather. read more