GROUP LEADERS GUIDE Hampshire Mountain Centre

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This guide endeavours to provide information on the use of our centre to enable your visit to run smoothly.

Priority is given to groups with young people and applicable to clients of Children’s Service Establishments, member of Youth Groups and to participants in Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Hampshire. For groups from outside of Hampshire please contact the booking office for more detailed information on availability and safety requirements.

This guide endeavours to provide information on the use of our centre to enable your visit to run smoothly.

The Hampshire Mountain Centre Booking Office address is: Argoed Lwyd, Libanus, Powys LD3 8EN. The combined telephone and fax number is 01874 622914. Telephone and leave a message during working hours including your office and home telephone numbers. Website address:- hampshiremountaincentre.co.uk.

Office hours: Mon 9.30 – 4.00pm Tues 9.30 – 2.30pm Wed 9.30 – 2.30pm Thurs 9.30 - 2.30pm Fri 9.30 - 3.00pm

At other times, leave a message on the answer machine, send a fax or an e-mail: [email protected]

Booking

Hampshire Mountain Centre is part of the Hampshire Outdoor Service and is managed by the Recreation and Heritage Department of Hampshire County Council. To make a booking Children’s Services users should:

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1. Contact the Centre by telephone or email to confirm availability and appropriate accommodation. 2. Proceed to the booking form and complete with all relevant information. 3. You will be asked to confirm that you have read and understood the Hampshire Mountain Centre Booking Conditions. 4. When we receive your booking we will send you an invoice for the £200.00 non- refundable deposit, unless you advise that you would prefer to pay by cheque. If you would prefer to pay without an invoice please mention this on your booking form and send payment immediately. 5. We will also confirm your booking by email, and put together your activity programme, if required. 6. Prior to your visit the relevant authorisation forms, as detailed in the terms and conditions, must be submitted to your governing body and a copy sent to the Centre. (Please note the Centre no longer arranges this on behalf of the groups)

If you have any queries whilst completing your booking form and are unable to find the information please do contact us by email or telephone 01874 622914.

Activities

The Brecon Beacons National Park, apart from the natural beauty of a variety of mountainous country, is rich in history and legend. The area offers historic buildings, museums, nature reserves and a wide choice of field study projects. Some of the more popular activities include hill walking, mountain camping, expeditions, caving and pony trekking. Nearby facilities exist for canoeing on river, canal or lake; hiring of pleasure boats and fishing. There is some rock climbing in the area and there are indoor climbing centres at Llangors and Merthyr Tydfil.

The Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains are recognised at Wild Country areas for the Expedition Section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The area is suitable for a variety of geographical fieldwork, human and physical, and for creative arts projects, together with many aspects of the National Curriculum. See Appendix B for more details. The Centre is also suitable for residential courses for all ages and abilities, without involving any designated hazardous pursuits.

The Director and his staff are qualified for all activities offered (Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations, registered number R0361) with thorough knowledge of the area. It is a condition of the Centre hire that instructions from our staff must be followed. Advice about the Centre can be obtained from the Hampshire Mountain Centre Booking Office. Assistance in programme planning can be obtained from the Hampshire Mountain Centre Director or the County Inspector for Outdoor Education.

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Location

The Hampshire Mountain Centre is situated in the picturesque Brecon Beacons Nation Park, South Wales. The two sites, Argoed Lywd and Birchgrove are six miles apart south west of the small town of Brecon, some 150 miles from Winchester.

The most convenient route from Winchester is take A34 to the M4 junction and head west to Wales. Alternatively turn off A34 onto A303 to Andover, A342 to Marlborough and onto M4 at Junction 17. Leave the M4 at Junction 24 and use the A449 to Raglan, the A40 to Brecon. Continue round Brecon on A40 then take A470, signposted Merthyr Tydfil and Cardiff. After 4.5 miles enter Libanus Village.

For Argoed Lwyd (GR987262, Outdoor Leisure Sheet 12) turn right at a telephone box by the church. Drive slowly through the village and ascend a narrow winding mountain lane. Argoed Lwyd is at the end of the tarmac after half a mile. Drive slowly and take great care (10 mph) as there are many blind bends in this lane with few overtaking places. You may meet farm vehicles and pedestrians.

The postal address of the Centre is Argoed Lwyd, Libanus, Powys LD3 8EN. The telephone numbers (payphones) are: Farmhouse 01874 611947, Longbarn 01874 623485 , Office 01874 622914.

For Birchgrove, Heol Senni (GR927234 Outdoor Leisure Sheet 12) continue through Libanus on the A470 for half a mile then turn right onto A4215 signposted Defynnog. Follow signs to Heol Senni. The postal address is Birchgrove, Heol Senni, Sennybridge, Brecon Powys. LD3 8SU and the payphone number is 01874 636464

Location Map can be found on:- www.Hampshiremountaincentre.co.uk

Accommodation

Argoed Lwyd The Centre is a converted 19th century traditional stone built Welsh farmhouse with an attached Annexe and Longbarn. There is parking for five minibuses. There is accommodation for 46 people between the three units.

The Centre at Argoed Lwyd is let in two separate self contained units. The Annexe is between the Farmhouse and the Longbarn and attached to both, so it can be let to either of the groups.

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Room Sleeps Farmhouse 1 8* 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 4*

Annexe 6 6* 7 4 Longbarn 8 2 9 4 10 8*

* Suitable for a single folding bed

The Centre has central heating throughout. Both kitchens are fully equipped with gas cookers, fridges and freezers, microwave, large toaster, electric kettle, hot water urn, crockery and cutlery.

There is a landscaped garden. We have suggested designated areas which go with sole access to the users of the Longbarn or the Farmhouse. Access to the main garden and barbecue area can be arranged with our staff. This will depend on the type of use etc. There are orienteering and picture orienteering courses available.

Disabled facilities

There is wheelchair access to virtually all of the ground floor with a bedroom and en-suite bathroom available with prior notice. Please bear in mind when planning a programme Including a person with disabilities, whilst they can be catered for in the Centre, the nature of the adventurous activities and sites available make it extremely difficult and hazardous to access for wheelchair users.

Use of Mynydd Illtyd Common

– (Adjacent to National Park Visitor Centre) Mynydd Illtyd Common is situated to the north of the Centre and is convenient for Centre users, who are able to walk from Argoed Lwyd up the track to the Common. However, the use of the Common, by our groups and by members of the public, is a very sensitive issue. One of the planning conditions imposed on us when the National Park agreed to the opening of the new Centre was that the Common could only be used with permission from the Director of the National Park Visitor Centre. Obviously, we do not wish to jeopardise local relationships. To this end, we require that any group wishing to use the Common must inform Centre staff who will seek formal permission.

Heol Senni (Birchgrove)

There is accommodation for 18 people in four rooms. Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 5 -

Room Sleeps 1 6 2 6 3 4 4 2

All are bunk beds and the building is centrally heated.

Showers, hand-basins and toilets are located upstairs and there is an additional toilet outside.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a large cooker, fridge freezer, microwave, large toaster, hot water urn, crockery and cutlery.

Camping

There are flat areas of the garden which can be used for camping, either for D of E groups or additional accommodation for groups larger than 18.

Charges

Charges are per block, depending on the most suitable accommodation to suit the group’s need. Please note there is no longer a per person per night rate.

There is a separate scale for the use of the Centre’s minibuses and for the hire of certain equipment.

There is a 1:10 free ration for Hampshire group leaders. Up-to-date prices may be obtained from the Hampshire Mountain Centre Booking Office.

You will be charged for the activity sessions requiring instructors according to the instructor ratios necessary for your booked numbers. It is in your interest to confirm these numbers early! (See the Programming section). . Final Account

Before departure from the centre please ensure that you sign a copy of your booking form which is your confirmation of group numbers, instructing staff and activities taken. Please hand to the Director or leave for the Mountain Centre Booking Office. The final account is based on the information on this form. It is very important that you sign this form.

Insurance

The County Council only accepts responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its own negligence. Groups which are not Hampshire establishments are strongly advised to Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 6 -

obtain personal accident insurance cover or all of the party. For adventurous activities ask your insurance broker to contact British Activity Holiday Insurance.

Transport (Collection)

Two self-drive sixteen seater minibus is normally available to transport parties to and from the Centre and for authorised journeys in connection with the approved programme. There is an additional charge for the use of the vehicle. All drivers must have passed the HCC Midas Assessment(Valid for four years).. The centre will require copies of your Midas Certificate and Driving Licence, and copies of other members of your party who may drive the minibuses. There is sufficient parking space for five minibuses and several cars at Argoed Lwyd and space for 4/5 vehicles at Heol Senni. Details and application forms for the use of the Authority’s minibuses will be sent prior to your visit. The minibuses will normally be available for collection from:-

Hampshire County Council Totton Workshops Jacobs Gutter Lane Totton SOUTHAMPTON SO40 9TH Tel:- 02380 669120

The vehicle must be checked and signed for. Users should not book via the workshop direct. Any requests should be made through the Mountain Centre Booking Office. For mid-week bookings (Monday to Friday) collect the vehicle after 0900 hours on Monday. The vehicle must be returned by 1500 hours on Friday for a 45 minute safety check prior to use for the weekend booking. Please ensure that the vehicle is cleaned inside, ready for the next group as a charge will be made if it is not returned in the same condition in which it was picked up. For weekend bookings (Friday to Sunday) collect the vehicle no later than 1545 hours. The workshop closes at 1600 hours. If workshop staff stay because of any delay there will be an automatic surcharge of £100. Any variation to collection and return times of the minibus must be approved by the Mountain Centre Booking Office.

Programming

Hampshire Mountain Centre is inspected under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996 (AALA Registration Number R0361) and follows all the H.C.C. Hazardous Pursuits guidelines. All staff employed by the Centre have recognised National Governing Body qualifications or site specific assessment for the relevant activities.

Should you require activities led by Hampshire Mountain Centre staff, please tick the activities required on the online booking form. Our lead Instructor will contact you and put together a programme for you based on our staff availability and your requirements. Once you are happy with the programme, you must submit your Application for Approval to your governing body. For Hampshire County Council groups, this is Outdoor Education in Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 7 -

Winchester. An appropriate form is available from the Children’s Services website, or staff at the Hampshire Mountain Centre can send you a copy. Please note that the Hampshire Mountain Centre Bookings team no longer arrange this approval form on your behalf.

Once the programme has been approved, Hampshire Authority groups are covered by the County Council insurance. Also the Centre Director can book any additional staff required from of a pool of qualified and well-know instructors. If the programme is submitted after this time there is no guarantee that the necessary staff can be found. These programmes may only be changed through consultation with the Centre Director or upon advice in changing weather conditions.

Leaders using the Centre.

A minimum of two adult leaders in a minimum ratio of 1:10 must accompany each party using the Centre. In the case of a mixed party, there must be a leader of each gender. There are many potential hazards in the area and therefore, only leaders who have acquired recognised qualifications in outdoor work, or those that can be supported by the Centre staff, will be encouraged to use the Centre unless engaged in non-hazardous activities.

Instructor ratios

The qualified instructor to pupil ratios are:

Hill Walking – 10 to 1 Instructor Caving – 10 to 1 Instructor Canoeing – 8 to 1 Instructor Climbing – 10 to 1 Instructor Gorge Walking – 10 to 1 Instructors

Water based activities

Leaders requesting water based activities, such as canoeing and raft building, must ensure that they have written evidence of each group members ability to swim and water confidence from parents/person with parental responsibility.

Hazards unique to the area

The Brecon Beacons Nation Park covers an area of 514 square miles. The Park consists mainly of old red sandstone, limestone and millstone grit. The main hill walking area will cover all these types of rock. The sandstone rises to 886 metres and was mainly shaped by glacial action, giving rise to long sloping ridges with sheer faces which present serious problems in high winds (normal for this area) and poor visibility.. Most of the high sandstone is easily accessible by well-worn footpaths leading the unwary into mountain conditions.

The limestone forms its own unique systems, both above and below ground. The surface Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 8 -

areas are deeply scarred by erosion with small and large sink or potholes, indicating the collapse by water penetration below ground. These sink holes can be from a few metres to well over 30 metres wide and deep. These conditions give rise to navigation problems and traps for the unwary in bad weather conditions. The millstone, combined with the limestone, has formed many attractive gorges and subsequent waterfalls. These are very popular with visitors but have an element of danger and many accidents have occurred in these areas from falls from unstable riverside paths and waterfall viewing. In all these areas good planning, briefing and control are a priority.

Weather conditions play a vital role in any type of activity from the Centre.

Adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, torrential rain or snowfall in the mountains or high water levels in caves and rivers may result in the cancellation or change of activities. Such changes will be made in consolation with the Mountain Centre staff. Their advice should always be followed, as they know the area.

Education opportunities

The Hampshire Mountain Centre is ideally situated to access suitable curriculum study sites for many subjects, from a variety of natural habitats to industrial South Wales (see table below). All of the adventurous activities have education opportunities. These are very suitable for Primary School groups as well as GCSE and A’ level biology, geography and history field study courses. There are many opportunities to link activities to the Trailblazers Scheme. Please discuss you requirements with Centre staff. The Resource Barn at Argoed Lwyd is available as a classroom/study area for groups using the Centre. It contains a suite of 10 networked computers, including internet access and field study equipment suitable for a variety of projects. A digital camera is also available for groups to use. Various teacher resources are being accumulated. The computer suite currently runs a wide range of DTP, data and image processing software for young people to generate work, diaries, photographs, etc. Leaders are responsible for sanctioning the use of the system by their groups and for supervision at the time of use. These are an example of what is available. Other topics, particularly within history, can be developed in discussion with the Centre staff.

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Topic KS2 KS3 KS4 A/AS Level Biology River Ecology Moorland Ecology Coastal Ecology Woodland Ecology Geography River Mountain Town Study Tourism Limestone Industrial South Wales Glaciations

Physical/Environmental demands encountered whilst participating in adventurous activities at the Hampshire Mountain Centre All adventurous activities require some degree of dexterity, co-ordination and stamina. Please consider this in the light of the young people in your group when making your booking. Please speak to us about the special needs of any of your young people. POSSIBLE CONDITIONS RISK ABILITY TO Hill walking/Waterfall Walk

Steep, rough ground Trips Walk Uneven surfaces Slips Lift and carry rucksack Waterlogged ground Falls With weight in it Cold Balance Long Distances Caving

Uneven surfaces Trips Support own body weight Wet – running water Falls Crawl, crouch, bend Small spaces Slips Pull, lift Cold Sit Muddy Twist, bend Wet

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Canoeing/Kayaking

Deep water Falling in Water confident Moving water (river only) Swim Cold Balance Climbing Uneven surfaces Trips Balance Falls Pull, lift Slips Flexibility

Field work/studies

Rough ground Trips Walk Uneven surfaces Falls Crouch, bend Wet Slips Lift and carry rucksack Cold with weight in it

Leader responsibilities

-NB: Please read our Risk Assessment for Centre Buildings and Grounds (under separate attachment with this.) The leader should be fully conversant with the Hampshire County Council document ‘Safety and Hazardous Activities’. Leaders operating from the Centre should display empathy with access and conservation.

Leaders are encouraged to set high standards when organising the community living at the Centre. A rota for washing up, preparing meals and cleaning the premises each day should be posted on the notice board. The menu and programme should also be available for group members. Leaders are reminded that all equipment at the Centre is for use in the building of origin and must not be removed. Groups engaged in expedition work will require their own cutlery, plates and mugs for use on the hills. Additional information for leaders using the Centre will be displayed on the notice boards.

Role of group leaders and their assistants relating to activity sessions

We are a small team at the Mountain Centre and rely on the assistance of visiting staff to ensure the smooth running of the activity sessions. Our expectations of this assistance are outlined below.

Preparing for activities ● Some visiting staff should be present at the morning briefing to ensure that they know what equipment is required for the day. It would also be helpful if they could follow up our briefing with their own expectations of behaviour. ● Please could visiting staff assist with ensuring that each group member has all the clothing, food, drink etc that the instructor has specified for the day. ● At the activity site, it is often helpful for visiting staff to assist with setting Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 11 -

up the activity as directed by the instructor.

During the activity ● During some activities it is necessary for visiting staff to carry safety equipment eg. a rucksack containing extra clothing, first aid kit, water, etc for the hill walk.

Visiting staff are ● ultimately responsible for the behaviour of individuals in their group. Please support instructors regarding behaviour, particularly if an activity is paused due to inappropriate or unsafe behaviour, ● expected to encourage all young people to have a go at each activity and help individuals as much as possible. ● expected to be physically able to and prepared to take part in the activity programme as much as possible as an example to the young people.

After the activity ● At the end of a session, it is often helpful for visiting staff to assist with collecting in specialist equipment as directed by the instructor, before getting changed themselves. ● On our return to the centre, please could visiting staff organise their group to assist with emptying equipment from vehicles and storing it as directed by the instructor e.g. waterproof, caving suits or wet clothes hung up tidily in drying rooms; caving helmets etc to caving store.

Non-Centre staff led activities

As part of the Centre’s Health and Safety policy, it is a requirement of the group leader to contact the Centre staff member on duty when their hazardous activity has been completed. This will prevent the unnecessary call out of the emergency services. Each day the party leader should ensure that a daily programme showing places to be visited, estimated time of return to centre and where the bus will be parked, is placed on the Centre’s notice board.

Drying room

An adult should be responsible for ensuring that all items of outdoor footwear, waterproofs and wet clothing are hung up to dry overnight in the drying room. Each young person can be allocated to a peg number where they can hang their outdoor equipment. No wet items should enter the accommodation areas.

Supervision

It must be emphasised that young people may not be left in the Centre, at any time, unless accompanied by an adult leader. No minors use the garden unless the area is supervised or leave the ground of the Centre without adult supervision. Any group being inadequately Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 12 -

supervised, putting themselves and the Centre at risk, involved in taking drugs or alcohol, or wilfully damaging the Centre or surrounding area, will be asked to vacate the Centre immediately and would certainly be prohibited from any further bookings. A designated adult must sleep in and be responsible for:

The Farmhouse dormitories, The Long barn dormitories & The Annexe dormitories Supervision must be maintained during the day when students are allowed in their rooms. Emergency Procedure

Leaders, please ensure that the Emergency Procedures File is read as soon as possible after your arrival. This is the orange file found in Centre lounges.

Fire Precautions

The leader is responsible for ensuring that “action in case of fire” is know to all members of the party and that a fire drill is carried out as soon as possible after arrival and entered in the fire drill book. Details of all procedures and equipment will be found at the Centre. Leaders must familiarise participants with the use of fire escapes.

Fire Action

In the event of a fire or the alarms sounding, the fire brigade will automatically be called. The group leader in the Farmhouse is the designated Fire Co-ordinator for both buildings and must communicate with the group leader in the Long barn. Please call the person on Duty .

Smoking

There is a strict no smoking policy inside the buildings and grounds of the Centre. Staff need to designate areas outside the fence for their group if necessary.

Medical Forms

Leaders must ensure that medical forms and emergency contact numbers are carried with the responsible adult accompanying each activity group. Hampshire Mountain Centre staff should be alerted to any medical conditions. Copies of all medical forms must be given to the Mountain Centre Booking Office for our records. The new Mountain Centre Medical Form can be downloaded from the website. Please photocopy and distribute to your group, including the staff.

Nominal Rolls

The party leader will ensure that a nominal roll showing names and addresses of all participants with room numbers and allocated minibus will be placed on the Centre notice board. It will be left on the board after final departure. Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 13 -

Security

Electronic keypads are fitted to external doors, which will automatically lock behind you. You will be notified of the four-digit access code prior to your visit. All members of the group should be told the code for the week, but young people should be asked to maintain security by not passing the code to those they do not know. Although the electronic locks will lock doors upon their closure, please ensure that all doors are firmly shut at night and when you vacate the Centre for any period of time. Please also ensure that all ground floor windows are closed and locked at night and when you leave the Centre. Gates must be shut. Do not leave property in minibuses parked in remote areas of the Brecon Beacons. Theft from parked vehicles does occur from time to time in the region. Late arrivals should please do their utmost to avoid noise and disturbance to neighbouring residents.

Cleaning and Breakages

All groups are expected to clean all the rooms and outdoor equipment they use before they leave. Any instructions given by the Centre staff regarding the cleaning and running of the Centre must be observed. Please refer to the list of cleaning tasks, which can be found on the fridge in each kitchen. Any damage or breakages should be reported to them.

Room Inspections

We recommend that a room inspection should be held each morning. Where appropriate a competition can engender high standards with enjoyment by the participants!

What to bring

A recommended list of personal items is included here as appendix” A”. Detergents, cleaning products, dishcloths, tea towels and wet wipes should also be brought for cleaning duties. Toilet rolls are the only consumable domestic items that will be supplied by the centre. Everybody must bring a pillowcase and sleeping bag (or sheets) and leaders should ensure that they are used. The group should provide all food and supplies. Supplies can be ordered from local shops by making arrangements directly with them. Addresses and telephone numbers – Appendix “B”.

Animals

No animals are allowed at either establishment.

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Electronic equipment

Group members should be discouraged from bringing radios, CD players and large music centres to the Hampshire Mountain Centre. Due to the close proximity of another group (or local people at Birchgrove) it is inappropriate to play loud music. Personal stereos, mobile phones and ipods should not be taken on activities for safety reasons and if any are left in a vehicle during activity session they are unlikely to be there on your return. Laptops are brought at the owner’s own risk. Young people should be discouraged from bringing their own such equipment unless they require it as part of their course at the centre. The centre has a range of computer equipment for use by groups, all files from which can be transferred home on floppy disc or CD.

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APPENDIX A Recommended minimum clothing and kit list It is essential that everyone participating in activities should be suitably clothed. You may get wet during activities, so please bring several changes of warm clothing appropriate to the time of year. Casual clothes for travelling and relaxing 3 pairs of THICK socks for inside boots Wool mix or thermal are best. Not shot trainer socks 4 pairs of lose warm trousers Fleecy tracksuits are ideal. Jeans are NOT suitable 4 warm sweaters Fleece tops are ideal or wool 2 old long sleeved shirt Warm for winter use T-shirts For an extra warm layer Long johns or footless tights For extra warmth in winter Underwear and socks Several changes Warm hat, gloves or mittens, scarf Extras are useful in winter Trainers Extra old pairs VERY useful for water activities Old Trainers for water based activities Well fitting walking boots with good tread (These need to be checked by Mountain Centre staff Waterproofs suitability before use. Do not by specially for this trip) 2 Towels Swimming costume Staff – you may also wish to consider bringing: Washing kit Digital or video cameras Sleeping bag and pillow case Useful for reviewing and recording your Pyjamas or nightshirt course/ We have VHS playback facility. House slippers or trainers for inside use Wellington boots Entertainment, videos and indoor games For late evening and wind-down sessions, Day sac/small back pack particularly in winter. There are some Indoor games at the Centre. There is a store of waterproofs and boots located at Argoed Lwyd which may be borrowed free of charge. Only Wellington boots will be used for caving. We have a small number to supplement those brought by individual in the group. In Summer – Shorts, Sun hat, Sunglasses, Sun cream Optional – Plastic water bottle or vacuum flask, camera. (please copy this list for your young people)

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APPENDIX B Some of the opportunities available within the National Park ATTRACTION AND PLACE OF INTEREST Please contact Mountain Centre Booking Office for current details. Brecon The South Wales Border Museum Education packs available Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery Open plan – cater for all age groups A Look at Brecon Historical walk around Brecon detailing local History/places of interest through guided leaflet Brecon Cathedral and Heritage Centre and information boards. Monmouthshire Brecon and Guided tours by arrangement Abergavenny Canal Trust Brecknock Wildlife Trust Gives talks and tours to groups on the history of canals Wildlife education, lectures, field outings Brecon Beacons National Park and practical work parties are arranged. National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus Education on National Park for all ages – talks, guided Craig-y-Nos Country Park, Peny-y-cae walks, presentations by booking. Environmental activities for schools, colleges and Bargoed other groups – must book. International Climbing Centre Indoor climbing, high ropes course, artificial Llangors cave. Langors Climbing Centre Pony trekking, Indoor climbing - Phone to book. Upper Swansea Valley Dan –yr-Ogof Show Cave Numerous facilities-reduced booking rates available. Merthyr Tydfil Brecon Mountain Railway Travel through the National Park behind a Steam locomotive. Workshops, shop and Morlais Train walking trails available. Historical walk Welsh International Climbing Centre around the area used for climbing by Centre international Indoor Climbing Centre at Taff Rhondda Bargoed. New caving facilities. Heritage Park Educational visits linked to the National Curriculum, multi-media displays, thrilling ‘underground’ tour, artefact handling and art gallery worksheets. Blaenafon A real colliery – unique underground tours. Free- Big Pit book in advance..

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Caerphilly Caerphilly Castle Norman castle. Free – phone to book Llanccaiach Fawr guided tour. Living history museum. Elliot Colliery Winding House Group booking discounts. History of The South Wales coal industry. Group Booking discounts.

Cardiff Museum of Welsh Life A walk round Wales-from Celtic times to the present day. Guided tours available. National Museum and Gallery Displays of art, archaeology and earth sciences. Guided tours available. Cardiff Castle Dates back to the Roman occupation. Phone for Tecniquest group booking Science Discovery Centre - over 150 interactive puzzles and experiments phone for group bookings. Machynelleth Centre for Alternative Technology Wind, water and solar power, energy Conservation, building design, transport, Organic growing, recycling and much more. Phone to book – discount for educational Group. Curriculum linked. Rhayader Rhayader Dams Visitors Centre Cantref Riding Stables Pony Trekking Local Traders 1. Morrison’s, Brecon Groceries 01874 620063 2. Co-op, Brecon Groceries 01874 625257 3. P. J. Sweeney Butcher 01874 623428 4. Aldi Groceries 5. Westend Fish Bar Fish and Chips 01874 622509

APPENDIX C Large group organisation at Argoed Lwyd. Group Leaders Guide February 2010 - 18 -

Based on experience, the following elements of organisation may be helpful to party leaders using the whole Centre.

Catering

You may have an adult who is only responsible for the purchase and cooking of food leaving you with more time with the young people. Children may take part in the cooking and be responsible for laying and clearing the tables and washing up – obviously under adult supervision. Take care with the very hot water that comes from the hot taps.

Dining

You may like to concentrate all dining in the Farmhouse dining room. This would leave the Long barn lounge available for group meetings. Please check with us before moving furniture and equipment, which must be moved back at the end of your visit. Each table to be responsible for cleaning and clearing away their own space and filling the dishwasher.

Duties

It is helpful to have a clear list of duties for maximum involvement of the whole party. Duties to include: Laying tables and washing up Cleaning and tidying drying rooms Packed lunch preparation Removing rubbish to the dustbins Cleaning and washing minibuses emptying waste Cleaning stairs and bathrooms Cleaning outside area and picking up litter Cleaning dining rooms and lounges Brushing out boot store Recycling

Group’s responsibility on departure It is the responsibility of the group to ensure that the Centre is clean, tidy and secure before they leave. If the Centre is not in an acceptable condition on group’s departure, unfortunately, there will be an additional charge to cover the costs of cleaning. We are only a small team of staff and there is a great deal of work to do on Mondays and Fridays and your help in ensuring that the Centre is clean and tidy would be very much appreciated.