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The Centre is often used by Scouts and D of E groups, as it's a perfect base for navigation training and expeditions. Andrew Down reports on Woodbridge D of E Group's latest visit, this October, with Farlingaye High School:
“16 students, three teachers from Farlingaye High School, co-leader Ollie and myself really enjoyed our stay at Nantmor. The programme included night navigation, and an acclimatisation training day before setting off on their four day practice gold expedition which took them south towards Barmouth. The three teams weaved their way across the Rhinog Mountains carrying all their equipment.
Three of the days were clear and bright, and therefore quite cool at night (one night the temperature dropped to minus 3C). We even had a view of Snowdon, a rare treat at this time of the year! The area behind the centre is ideal for micro navigation which stood the students in good stead over the remainder of the week. One day was particularly wet with all the rivers and streams in full spate and local 'flash flooding', making that day very challenging with a number of route changes as a result.
All 16 students succeeded – though there were some very strange walking styles at the finish – and are now ready to embark on their Gold Qualifying Expedition in the Lake District next Spring. We look forward to using the centre again, even if the drive from Woodbridge, Suffolk is rather long!”
...and here's what the students thought of 'base camp'...
“Staying on this idyllic Welsh hillside has been a perfect base for us to climb Cnicht and start our gold practice expedition... a warm bed and hot showers every night is much appreciated and certainly better than a soggy tent.”
“After a day of walking a hot drink and a burning fire was perfect to warm us all up.”
“Staying at Gelli Iago was much more comfortable than being in tents for an extra night.”
“Enjoyed making the fire at the end of an awe inspiring trip to the top of Cnicht.. rooms were comfy and warm and the Centre was the perfect start to our expedition across Wales.”
“...the comfy beds, drying room and hot showers were very much appreciated.”
“Thank you very much for letting us stay... it has been fantastic and a wonderful base for us... the showers were fantastic too, and bathroom so warm. It was nice to meet Jane at the top of Cnicht:
Love from Claudia, Ali, Ben, Alex, Ollie and all the others.”
“Now that it's Autumn, leaders please remember that the water supply inlet may need clearing during your visit, as fallen leaves can build up in the stream, blocking the pipe.”
Bob James
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Year 8 students Nicola Moss, Rosie Crumpton, Toby Hemming and Todd Williams report on their week at the Centre last June.
“The week went by in a flash! We set off from Redditch on the Saturday, and from then on every member of the party was buzzing with excitement. We were planning to climb four mountains during our stay at Gelli Iago, along with an array of different activities that everyone would enjoy.
Luckily for some, but not for the enthusiastic members of the group, we only managed to climb three mountains: Siabod, Snowdon and Cnicht, whilst not being able to fit in the hike up Hebog as there simply wasn't time. We also experienced night orienteering, the Go Ape course, the Beacon Climbing Centre and many more fascinating challenges.
We had a two night camp stranded between two lakes half way up Cnicht with no running water or kitchen facilities, apart from the ice cold lakes we (nearly) froze to death in, and the Trangia stove given to each group. Our shelter depended on the tents being put up correctly, which took some doing. The tents slept up to three people so some didn't stay particularly tidy or organised!
On the last night the staff presented certain people with special awards for showing quality skills like teamwork, never giving up, or even just being the centre of attention throughout the week.
Sadly for everyone the week soon came to a close as by now the Centre felt like home for us all. We returned home on the Friday singing Mr James' favourite songs that we had just begun to like.
All the children would like to thank Daniel McEvilly, Lauren Clark, Toni Davenport, Edwin James, Sean Williams and Bob James for providing great weather, and this opportunity to have fun and create amazing memories that will last a lifetime.”.
David Tustin
It is one of life's truisms that we often do not fully appreciate quite how much someone contributes until we have to cope without that help. So it has been in the aftermath of the death of our Membership Secretary, David Tustin. David passed away suddenly in late August, a shock to his family and us all. It was a great and fitting tribute to Dave that so many were able to be present at his funeral in support of Isobel and Emily and to acknowledge Dave's contributions to this association and to the promotion of education in the great outdoors. Dave's legacy lives on in the efficient membership records he maintained so meticulously, but more importantly in the enthusiasm he shared with so many and the knowledge he imparted in the process of encouraging others to recognise the value and enjoyment available from facing the challenges to be found in wild country. Our memories of David will now join with those of other great contributors towards the realisation of the objective that lies at the root of the Gelli Iago story – memories that will no doubt stir a story or two each time we return to this wonderful place.
Tony Tatford, Chairman NMCA
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