H
2
O Survival!
Saturday 1 October 2005 dawned rather cloudy, cold and damp. It looked decidedly uninviting. Despite this we had a super time at the Parish
Family Fun Day being held at
K. We were in groups of 8 including adults & children. Each group worked on different tasks throughout the day.
We tried our hands at archery, climbing nets, abseiling, H2O survival, orienteering and games which required a bit of thought as to how to go
about tackling them. We also prepared a huge picture based on Creation for exhibition in Church at the Harvest Festival next day. Our particular
theme was plants. Other groups created the sea, weather, animals, birds, etc. Different people managed the various tasks with their own particular
strengths. Most of the games were dependent on team work. The camaraderie & team building were good for all of us. We met new people,
attempted challenges which both surprised & pleased us when we were successful. The instructors were all patient & very helpful.
We broke for lunch at 1pm, having previously ordered either lasagne, jacket potatoes or a vegetarian alternative, followed by a hot pudding. It was
delicious & most welcome on this damp, cold day. Three cheers for the kitchen staff!
There were a lot of Broughton families represented during the activity day. We thought everyone had enjoyed themselves. What an excellent way
of getting local families spending time together & also using facilities & equipment on our doorstep. Thank you to all the organisers this was a
great day & we look forward to the next one!
by Rosie & Jasmine Read
Kepplewray Open Day
On a bright sunny Saturday morning I drove over beautiful Corney Fell, through the clouds and down into Broughton in Furness. My mission was
to attend the
K open day that was held for anyone interested in using their facilities. As I and other visitors arrived in the car park, we were
received by friendly, informative staff and directed through to the lobby. Following the new blue signs was to be the first of our team challenges,
which we just about passed, unless you deduct marks for overshooting the target! The group introduced themselves to each other and it was
interesting to see a wide cross section of visitors. Rev. John Libby, Chairman of the Kepplewray Trustees and Peter Sanders, Project Director gave
us an introduction to
K and its activities.
"Our activity programmes offer people with a wide range of disabilities the opportunity to participate fully, alongside their family and friends. The
centre is registered with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority to provide climbing, hill walking and water sports. Qualified instructors lead
all the activities. These currently include: climbing and abseiling, archery, canoeing and kayaking, orienteering, team challenge, disability
awareness and environmental studies. We have recently become an approved centre for the John Muir Award; this is already proving a popular
way of incorporating environmental awareness and conservation into our activity programmes."
Atour of the house followed and we were shown areas such as the main meeting lounge, chill out zone, accessible toilets, kitchen and dining
room. I was struck by how carefully thought out the facilities for disabled visitors were and the efforts put into making people feel at home was
very touching. Every type of disability had been thought of and it is obvious that the centre would bend over backwards, so that no one need be
excluded.
We were then led outside to where the team building activities are set up, on the premise of watching another group taking part in an activity.
However, when we arrived they had finished, so there was nothing for it but for us to have a go at one of the tasks! I believe we were given the
wettest task, and now know what to watch out for if I ever again get involved with string, drainpipes with holes and a water butt!
After this hands on look at what
K has to offer we proceeded to the abseiling ramp (via a tree which is designed for able climbers and wheelchair
users alike, yes really a wheelchair user can climb a tree). Our group leader asked for volunteers to try out the abseiling and all three children
within our party decided to have a go. After a moments pause I decided to stick with the adults, maybe they knew something I didn't. After a
successful landing by the three volunteers we ventured back inside for a final tour of the first floor where the sleeping accommodation is situated
and again attention to detail was noticeable.
Apresentation was shown in the main lobby, this gave us an insight into the organisation, which is essentially a Christian education and activity
centre set up specifically to challenge exclusion in our society. At
K people of all abilities and disabilities can share and enjoy together
opportunities for adventure, challenging activities,
learning and relaxation.
Lunch beckoned and a delicious 3 course meal was
served and choosing what to have was the final
challenge of the day! I chose homemade soup with
crusty roll to start followed by homemade lasagne
and for pudding I had that classic combo of
chocolate ice-cream with a jam roll sponge,
hummmmmm.
Kepplewray, I heartily recommend you!
by Sarah Hubbard of Cumbria Youth Alliance
