A NEW era has begun at an outdoor education centre used by Malvern children after its new management team were officially handed the keys.
Llanrug Outdoor Education Centre, situated on the edge of Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, has new bosses at the helm – ending an uncertain period for the site when owners Worcestershire County Council asked companies to bid to take over the site so they could make much-needed savings.
Yesterday (Tuesday) saw Gareth Davies and Richard Link formerly take over the site after they were selected during a rigorous selection process by the county council.
Mr Link has worked at all three Worcestershire outdoor centres over the past twelve years and Mr Davies has over ten years of experience working in the outdoor industry.
The centre has helped young people in Worcestershire for more than 30 years and offers them a unique learning experience away from home with activities including climbing, hill walking, canoeing, kayaking and more.
With the centre’s future uncertain, schools in Malvern including The Chase, Dyson Perrins High School, Hanley Castle High School and Callow End Primary School were among a long list of others in the county who expressed their support to help save its future.
Under a new name Arete Outdoor Centre, Mr Davies said he was delighted the future of the centre is now secure.
“Everyone connected with Llanrug is both relived and excited that this important centre will continue,” he said.
“This is a great success not only for us but for all the young people and children who have benefited from challenging outdoor experiences.
“Both Richard and myself are passionate about outdoor education, which has stemmed from our own experiences, during childhood.
“We will be developing and rebranding the centre, introducing new activities and packages aimed at children, schools, organisations, families and other bodies.
“Worcestershire County Council has been extremely helpful and supportive throughout this transfer process, we are all looking forward to the forthcoming courses, and welcome all to come and see us at the centre.”
Coun Liz Eyre, responsible for Children and Families at Worcestershire County Council, added: “This is good news indeed for children and young people in Worcestershire.
“The process has been challenging and we were not sure how it would work out.
“This makes this an even more successful outcome, which will ensure the local community and Worcestershire’s children and young people will be able to benefit from the challenging experience offered at this centre for years to come.”
