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After over six months of hard work by dedicated volunteers, involving many weekend visits
(and even longer planning) the new bathroom is finished at last! Hot water has been successfully flowing through the new system and intrepid groups have been discovering the delights of the new facilities.
The original room has now been entirely transformed: enlarged, new ceiling and floor, new walls now gleaming with tiles from top to bottom, a sealed floor, good lighting and heating.
Two new showers and individual changing areas, washbasins with vanity units
and the separate toilet cubicle, together with a much improved water supply allow the bathroom to be used simultaneously by several people, making all too familiar queues a thing of the past. Photos of all this can be found here
We are indebted to those who have helped to create these fabulous new facilities, in particular to our team of volunteer plumbers, the ‘men from Manchester’ – all past visitors to the Centre – who have given so much of their time and energy over the past few months: to Keith for his unrivalled plumbing skills, and for obtaining many of the
materials at low cost; to Dave for his unflinching head for heights (and seeming impartiality to immersion in cold
stream water); to Alex who, amongst his many talents excelled in plastering (didn 't they all?); to Barry, the cheerful
master of multiple skills; and to John for liaising, rounding up the team on so many occasions, and above all for his enthusiasm, perseverance, and his tireless energy in seeing this project through.
On behalf of the Association, thank you all! |
First to indulge in these five star facilities were new members Northampton Venture Scouts when a group of their leaders, led by Rodger Adams, stayed for a night in August after staggering off Snowdon, the final goal in their daunting 36 hour Three Peaks Challenge (well, nearly - the stairs proved almost too much for some). Well done, ‘big scouts’! The weary travellers, pampered by utter luxury and self indulgence in the pristine showers, soon regained enough strength to enjoy their night of sheer comfort at Gelli Iago. They look forward to returning with younger scout groups.
 We also welcome as new affiliated members Hartpury College, The Jersey Adventurers, and St Matthew's Walkers and Birchwood Church Youth Groups, who've all obviously been listening to bathrumours and are desperate for a shower...
We simply can't wait until the 50th Anniversary to see everyone again, so YIPPEE we're having a 45th! This will take place as an informal ‘gathering’ at Gelli Iago next May Day Bank Holiday weekend, 2nd – 4th/5th May 2008.
There'll be a daytime buffet on the Saturday, and an evening barbeque and social, with accommodation in the Centre for some (book early), outdoor fiends camping out, and hotels for the sedate (with Saturday transport arranged). Our aim is to bring together as many members as possible, and we'd like to celebrate this wonderful 45 years with a really happy and memorable occasion.
More details will be sent out in the New Year, but book the dates in your diary now!
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