Who we are
At White Dragon Activity Centre, we only work with interesting, fun people. From a former marine biologist to an ex-Royal Marines Commando, a paddleboarding serial adventurer to a writer and horticulturist, we each bring our own skills and knowledge to every experience we run.
What unites us is a great sense of humour, a love of all things imaginative and fun, and an utter passion for the outdoors.
What do you do?
A close-knit team, we love helping people discover hobbies that are a little off the beaten track. Archery, axe throwing, airguns, survival skills, exploration and more – have a look around the website!
Why “White Dragon”?
White Dragon is named after the chalk dragon that adorns a nearby field. The story goes that in the Middle Ages, the people of Bures fought off a ‘dragon’ with bows and arrows. It is said to have fled into the river towards Wormingford – and may have been an alligator from a lord’s menagerie!
Core Team
-
Director and Head Coach
The mastermind behind White Dragon Activity Centre... or Toxic Archery, as it was first called back in 2015!Mark can often be found leading any of our activities (which is only fair, since they're all his fault) and brings a funny, warm feel to his sessions. He's been a keen archer since 1987 and boasts an utterly bonkers string of previous careers, from soldier to marine biologist. If that's not enough, he also makes bespoke traditional arrows.
Outside work, he... er... thinks about work, because he loves it! In spare moments he likes a bit of quiet time in his 'lair' making models.
Reviews say:
"Mark was such a good guy and very patient"
"Mark's teaching is excellent, activities are varied, and he has an eye on safety as well as fun"
"Mark was fantastic, really engaging and very good at explaining activities to the children!"
-
Coaching Team Leader
Jess joined us in 2021 and never looked back (so she says). Since then, she's led outdoor activities for thousands of people and even been persuaded into fancy dress for events!
Equipped with airgun, bow or axe, she has keen aim and a great ability to keep everyone safe while having fun. In the rare times that we let her escape, she's a keen paddleboarder and pet-parent. She's a new allotment gardener, she's learning to surf, and she's even tried foraging and wild cooking... this woman never stops!
Reviews say:
"Jess was really easy going, extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher. She made our whole experience so much fun."
"Jess, our instructor, is helpful, funny and has endless patience"
"Jess is a credit to the centre"
-
Marketing Manager
Sam’s varied role includes marketing, website management, coaching archery/axes/survival, and taking care of the ranges and garden.
Sam joined us many years ago as a have-a-go archery coach at events and still travels the country in summer, bringing the joy of the sport to crowds at festivals and historic properties. Her previous careers include PR, copywriting, catering and tutoring, but being outdoors is her favourite!
She's also recently married to Mark, which accounts for her ever-growing list of duties.. In her spare time, Sam loves history, hiking, gaming, reading, paddleboarding and gardening. She has a frenemy thing going on with her cat, Polly.
Reviews say:
"A great day out with Sam our instructor."
"Jess and Sam, the instructors, were so knowledgeable, friendly and fun"
"Great experience and something different kids all worn out after running around all afternoon"
Fancy joining us?
We’re often looking for fun, responsible people to join our team as seasonal casuals.
If you’re based near Bures, have experience working with young people and an interest in the outdoor industry, drop us a line.