News and Media: Centre Improvements for 2010

23 February 2010

After we close the centres to guests each year, we keep busy with improvements and refurbishment - some work goes on at every centre, but some of the projects are more ambitious than others!


This year our biggest project has of course been preparing to open our newest centre Liddington in Wiltshire (above). As it was previously a hotel a lot of the infrastructure was already there, so we have been setting up the accommodation and activity bases ready for our opening in Spring!

Barton Hall
We have continued to focus on the chalet accommodation - redecorating some chalets, replacing doors and windows or refurbishing bathrooms.

Boreatton Park
Winter works were focused on the Mansion House infrastructure - a new boiler and improvements to the water system. We're also putting in a new lake to ensure that everyone can get onto the water during their stay!

Dalguise
We've put in additional zip wires, a trapeze and another brand new lodge accommodation block - see below for the picture of work in the snow!

Little Canada
Improvements have been made to Victoria and The Ranges as well as the pool. Additional zip wires and more sailing boats will increase the activities available.

Osmington Bay
In response to great feedback from the improvements we've made over the last few years, we have continued to focus on refurbishing the accommodation blocks and improvements to the teacher lounge.

Windmill Hill
Space in the sports hall above the bar is being converted to provide a new shop, two classrooms, teachers lounge/coffee area with view of the activities, and indoor evening entertainments space. (see below for the work in progress!)

Winmarleigh Hall
Increasing the activities available with additional zip wires and two new vertical challenges.

In addition to all of this, there have been less exciting but no less important works on kitchens, drainage, resurfacing works, replacement equipment and staff accommodation!

New Lodge at Dalguise  Converting the loft at Windmill Hill

News

Keystage 2 SATs Dates
Michael Gove announces KS2 SATs date.

Helen Barnes Update
PGL sponsored athlete Helen Barnes has achieved her second Guinness World Record!

Great Value Activity Weekends for Groups
Great value activity weekends for Uniformed Groups - save on brochure prices!

Flash floods in southern France
Update on floods in southern France - how does this affect PGL?

2011 Brochures - What's New at PGL?
Our new brochures are out now and we've got lots of exciting new things to tell you about!

French Travel Trade Awards
PGL wins Best Youth Tour Operator 2010!

Jai Geyer Update
Our sponsored skier Jai Geyer has been selected for the GB Team!

Our Marathon Runners!
Anna, Fiona and Moyra - the PGL Marathon stars tell their story!

Caythorpe opens doors to stranded Mexicans!
PGL Cathorpe Court in Lincolnshire dealt with an unexpected group during the recent volcanic ash chaos!

Netball - New Developments
New and improved courts and tournaments for VI Form students!

Motivate the girls at PGL!
New dates & prices for our Dance, Netball and Cheerleading weekends for girls - improving confidence, skills and team spirit.

Centre Improvements for 2010
We've continued to invest in our centres to improve your experience with us each year!

St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year
St John Ambulance cadets compete for National Cadet of the Year title.

PGL Sponsors YST Award 2010
Congratulations to Failsworth School for winning an award at the 2010 Innovation & Recognition Awards.

Cooking Up a Storm!
PGL's chefs met up, prepared and tested the new season menus.

Minister for Schools and Learning visits PGL
Vernon Coaker visited PGL's Head Office in Ross-on-Wye to discuss the Learning Outside the Classroom initiative.

PGL Sponsored Athletes for 2010
We'll be keeping you posted on the progress of our sponsored athletes for 2010.

Christmas Winner!
Christmas card competition winner announced.

New - Dance Weekends for Boys!
New mixed dance workshop weekends for girls and boys.

PGL Star Leaders
The PGL ‘Star Leaders’ awards have just been revamped and re-launched!

Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badges Awarded to our Adventure Centres!

The Big Brownie Takeover
Girls take over PGL Boreatton Park in celebrations 100 years in the making!

Reclaiming VAT Update
Clarification on reclaimable VAT on UK school trips.

Beachwatch Weekend
PGL staff joined the Marine Conservation Society's Beachwatch Weekend at Osmington Bay beach in Dorset.

New PGL Centres for 2010
Presenting Liddington in Wiltshire, Winmarleigh Hall in Lancashire, Windmill Hill in Sussex, Lou Valagran in the Ardèche and Albatros on the Atlantic Coast!

Charity Dragon Boat Racing in Ross
PGL sponsors the Dragon boat racing for Mayor's charity at Rowing Club on 29th August

Josh Wedgwood Sponsorship
Update on the progress of PGL sponsored athlete Josh Wedgwood - look out for his interview with Canoe & Kayak!

Film Sponsorship!
PGL have recently sponsored pupils from a local school in a film project for their work experience.

PGL Statement regarding A/H1N1v
A statement from PGL regarding A/H1N1v (Swine flu)

LotC Schools Photo Competition
Win a camera in this schools photo competition organised by the NAHT and Outdoor Education Centres.

Steffan Griffiths Sponsorship
PGL's newest sponsorship - semi-professional rugby player Steffan Griffiths. 

PGL Liddington - opening in 2010!
PGL Liddington - new centre opened in April!

Our Summer Camps Reviewed!
PGL Summer Camps were recently reviewed in the Times - see what they had to say!

LOtC Quality Badge Scheme
PGL Ski have been awarded the Quality Badge by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Going to the World Championships!
PGL sponsored athlete Lowri Davies has made it to the 2009 GB Freestyle Kayaking Team!

PGL Centre investments
We've had a very busy Winter with our centre improvements programme!

Sports Colleges Innovation and Recognition Awards 2009
Park High Sports College wins the PGL award for engaging families, parents and carers.

Good Snow & Great Fun!
A big thank you to the fantastic teachers who attended our Christmas and New Year Ski Previews!

Launch of the Quality Badge Programme
The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge Programme gives confidence to schools in choosing a school trip provider.

Ready, Steady, Win - Sporting Bursaries
PGL were delighted once again to sponsor the Herefordshire ‘Ready Steady Win’ bursaries.

Curriculum Changes and Your PGL Educational Trip
What effect do the changes to the National Curriculum have on the content of PGL study courses?

National School Sports Week
Dame Kelly Holmes and 'Spartan' from Gladiators meet the PGL chicken at the Grantham School Sports Week events!

Sport Tournament Dates for 2009
Following the success of our Secondary School Football and Netball Tournaments, here are the dates for our 2009 tournament schedule.

PGL Sponsorship of Helen Barnes
One of our sponsored canoeists has been selected for the Irish Olympic team for Beijing 2008!

RFU announce PGL Club of the Year
Paviors RFC have been named PGL Club of the Year in the Rugby Football Union's Seal of Approval awards.

Dance Workshop Weekends - New Dates
PGL teams up with FitPro™ to offer Dance Workshop Weekends to schools and groups for girls in years 7 - 11.

Kelly Holmes & Norwich Union GirlsActive at PGL
Dame Kelly Holmes is back at PGL with Norwich Union GirlsActive - inspiring girls to get active and enjoy exercise!

Congratulations to the Scouts on their 100th Anniversary!
PGL were at the Scout Jamboree - thanks to all the Scouts who made us feel so welcome!

PGL purchased by Holidaybreak PLC
We are delighted to announce that Holidaybreak PLC have now purchased The PGL Group.

Youth Sports Trust Innovation Awards
PGL @ The Youth Sport Trust Innovation Awards ceremony for Sports Colleges across the country.

Kelly Holmes supports the School Sports Initiative
Kelly Holmes revives girl power for the School Sports Initiative 

Sponsorship for Olympic hopeful
PGL have agreed a three year sponsorship for aspiring Champion Canoeist Andrew Hadfield.

Teacher Preview Dates for 2010
Come and see your preferred centre, course or destination in action and try out the adventure activities for yourself!