The view from Caernarfon to Snowdonia
One of best activities we did at Avery hill was the outdoor pursuits trip to Plas-y-Brenin.The trip was designed to give aspiring P.E teachers the chance to experience outdoor education ,something that was entirely new to most of us.Those of us that did the course ,I know ,went on to lead trips for students around the country and abroad.The course was one of the final events of year one, a real treat.
The centre then was pretty basic but the instruction was first class and pushed many of us to the limit,of endurance.Activities included: rock climbing,abseiling,canoeing,hiking,map reading,orienteering ,skiing, wild camping caving ,swimming and optional activities included walking to the pub and drinking beer .We were all issued with basic equipment such as boots,waterproofs and climbing helmets.
Sadly I can’t remember the hills and rock climbs(some severe) around Plas-y-Brenin,so if anyone knows them add them to the comments and I’ll add them later. On my second visit I left my climbing helmet at the centre ,the instructor was not very happy.Another valuable lesson learned.
The hike we went on was about a day.Warm enough to take in some wild swimming.
I remember one particular hike .Some of our group had trouble with blisters so along with the instructor,we had to hike to get the centre mini bus.It was a fast hike, so that the rest of the group didn’t have to wait too long.We took a short cut across a field with cows.Up on a hill was a bull which we pointed out to the instructor.”No problem ” he said .The bull disappeared ,my friend and I retreated back over the fence.(It was more of a dive)The instructor saw what we had done .He turned, only to face a charging bull.It was hilarious to see him sprint towards the fence and dive roll over.(you had to be there)
Wild camping
Somewhere in Snowdonia a great experience.
If you have any experience of Plas-y-Brenin please share.Hard to believe it was 40 years ago.These blogs are mainly for recording my experiences for my family as I get older so no names have been added.
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Comment on your PYB photos….In the last group photo…..far left is my wife of nearly 40 years.She was medivaced out of PYB…..25 years later following open heart surgery for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (SADS)…..She was told that the PYB incident was related to her condition….move forward to 2012 and a further mitral valve replacement, she still managed her 20 year Headship and retired in July 2021 after 40 years of teaching……..Her name at AHC was Susan Dean.
Regards Ian M
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First of all Merry Christmas Ian and Sue, that is an amazing catalogue of events.Congratulations on your 40 years.Sue trained in primary so we came across each other less frequently than the secondary group.However it looks like Sue had a great career and I am so pleased she survived such poor health it’s that job! I hope Sue remembers AH fondly best wishes.Dave Evs.
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