Thursday 0700 hrs Gethin eventually gets round to his driving test - trying out the new company car!

Ashford U17's RFC & Havant Rugby Academy

Morfa Bay Adventure welcomed Ashford U17's RFC & Havant Rugby Academy over the Easter weekend to take part in separate sport's breaks programmes combining both fixtures and adventurous activities.

Off the field the teams took part in activities such as surfing, body boarding, coasteering, sumo wrestling and the mud assault course which all made for an action packed weekend. Playing against local opposition, Havant turned out victors against Carmarthen Athletic RFC, whilst Ashford lost narrowly to Narberth and Llangwm RFC Youth which we thank for their hospitality and fulfilment of fixtures.

Further activity photos can be accessed at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=254716808404

Sandfields Comprehensive Gower Climbing Experience

As part of their GCSE PE syllabus Sandfields year 11 students took part in a four day climbing/abseiling programme down the Gower Peninsula from Monday 15th March 2010.
Over a period of two days (boys & girls split) students visited the locations of Three Cliffs Bay & Rhossili (Devil's Truck) in order to experience a diverse climbing environment in which they learnt new skills and developed an appreciation for the sport/activity.
Various elements were covered such as bouldering, equipment, safety, fundamentals of climbing, risk assessments, abseiling and much more
The response from all of those involved was fantastic and following an exhausting four action packed days instructors were pleased to remark on how the students of Sandfields were a pleasure to work with and most importantly a credit to their school and accompanying staff.

further photos of the four days can be accessed from the following link; http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=254716808404&ref=mf

LINKS TO PICTURES

VIKING CHALLENGE -http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/teddypenllew/Viking#

Thanks everyone for all your support - please feel free to download any pics.

THE VIKING CHALLENGE 2010

What a weekend! Today saw the staff at Morfa Bay Adventure in Pendine holding the 2nd annual Viking Challenge in aid of Diabetes UK Cymru for The Two Fat Cyclists.

However, the weekend started on Saturday for many who arrived early at the centre to watch the rugby internationals, have a few drinks and party the night away with music from John Wright, The Two Fat Cyclists and Spam Dagger aka Uncle Lydon and Ginger Gareth from Narberth.

Many of the teams taking part spent the night at the centre along with friends, and family support and a number of the South Wales Transporter Club (VW).

The evening ended fairly respectably at around 12.30 for most although some continued to sing for a short while longer.

Sunday morning dawned and after an early breakfast for all the 7 viking teams took to the challenge.

Events included Axe Throwing, Archery, Welly Wanging, Wall Climb, Sumo Relay, The Quest for the Golden Egg and after lunch the infamous Morfa Bay Naval muddy assault course.

Several highlights in terms of performance included Hassan Redmore from the Liquiorice All Sorts team at the Sumo Relay, Derrick Wyke (Wyke's Warriors) and Ginger Gareth (Volks Vandals) Axe throwing (5 and 4 consecitive 10's respectively),

Laugharne Youth Club (Wall Climbing), Kimberly's Girls team (Muddiest Assault Course traverse ever) and Hagar's Wenches who won the event's 1st inagural Best Endeavour award for the best worse ever performance, coming a respectable 7th out of 7 and screaming louder than anybody at every event undertaken. They are still believed to be out on the assault course at time of writing some 4 hours later.
The Worms Head Warriors Won the overall event and in the words of Team Captain Dave Collins `we weren't over competitive but its all about wining really`

Unfortunatley Wayne Hurley from Wyke Warriors aggravated an old shoulder injury and while trying to fall from the climbing wall gracefully. Wayne refused to let go with his bad arm and popped a shoulder out which staff at Glan Gwili kindly popped back in for him later. Also young Lauren from Laugharne Youth fell from an obstacle on the assault course and injured a knee which required a call to medics who treated a very brave girl and managed to put the knee back but took Lauren off to hospital for a thorough check up.

The day ended with a presentation at the Crows Nest conference facility at Morfa Bay with Joe Cuff from Diabetes UK Cymru recieving a cheque for £3000 from Andy and Phil (The Two Fat Cyclists) from recent fund raising events.

A massive thanks to Staff at Morfa Bay for hosting the event and also of course to all our friends old and new who either took part, raised money and came along to support our event.

DVD's of the day will be available from rhys@morfabay.com and more photos will be posted shortly.

Many, many thanks all - Phil

See you all in 2011 if not before

Merv time at the Viking Challenge

RCT Youth Forum proves a success

Last weekend saw the arrival of the RCT Youth Forum, a group combined of different youth services and organisations throughtout the Rhondda Cynon Taff. With over a hundred participants on-site the weekend was packed full of both activity and workshop sessions allowing the youth from differents areas to work alongside one another for the first time.
Activities on the programme included the mud assault course and team strategy which were greeted with entusiasm and endeavor by all those involved.
Morfa Bay looks forward to welcoming the RCT youth once again in the near future.

Rhondda Schools U15's Tour Limerick, Ireland

Congratulations to the Rhondda Schools District U15's Rugby Team for their successful mid season tour to Limerick, Ireland.
The tour began with collection of players and coaches (Chris Jones & Neil Boobyer) from Shannon Airport on Monday 15th February 2010 which followed a training session in Limerick and settling in to accommodation at Sixmilebridge, County Clare.
The second day involved a morning tour of Munster's impressive Thomond Park stadium and an afternoon fixture against Young Munster RFC which the Rhondda convincingly won 39 points to 3. A visit to the University of Limerick and its fantastic facilities was to follow for some pool thearpy shortly followed by a return journey to The Jamaica Inn for an evening meal and relaxation.
An early start on day three due to a late morning kick off against Thomond RFC meant that the team were on the coach ready to depart by 10:00hrs. Unlike the previous day Rhondda were put to the test from the start and even though the 'Valley Boys' were the eventual winners, the 24 points to 22 scoreline would suggest that there wasn't much in it.
The boys tour finished with an afternoon in Limerick city centre with a visit to the Munster Rugby Store and further shopping.

Special Thanks to;
Noel O'Meara (Munster Development Officer)
Maurice Hartery (Thomond Park Stadium)
Tony Casey (Young Munster RFC)
Young Munster RFC for their welcome and hospitality
Thomond RFC for their welcome and hospitality
Jamaica Inn, Sixmilebridge for the accommodation & fantastic food
Taf Valley Coaches, Whitland (Lionel) for the transport during the tour

Mountain Bike Trail 2010

Purpose built 300 metre track, designed and built by 'Back on Track'. Mountain

biker Rowan Sorrell

with 16 years riding

experience, from racing

cross-country to

more recently downhill.

The skill of the designer

has enabled the

circuit to not only be

suited for Primary

children but can

easily challenge

secondary students

and will even excite top adult mountain bikers.

Archery Area

NEW FOR 2010 - The old venue for the archery has been landscaped to give a flat surface which will make the activity safer for all concerned.

As the winter goes on staff will

landscape the area with turf and netting.

Eventually there will be a

shelter so that archers can

shoot in the dry.

New for 2010!

Nyth Y Bran - The Crow's Nest

A multi purpose building that can accommodate visiting schools as a base for activities or as an evening venue for diary writing and reflection.

A meeting place for welcome and goodbyes.

Since it's opening in late 2009 it has been used for parties and

musical evenings.

It also has the facility for extra showering and it's own toilet facilities.

The Viking Chalenge 2010

SUNDAY MARCH 14TH

The Viking Challenge will be one of the most fun fundraising events that you will ever have been involved with. It will test your team’s skill, teamwork and sense of humor, whilst raising funds for Diabetes UK

Set at Morfa Bay Adventure on the golden coast of South West Wales, this 4-person team challenge will involve many adrenalin-filled challenges such as axe throwing, archery, team challenges, a muddy assault course and much more, all packed into a one fun filled day of adventure. Accommodation is available for teams on the Saturday evening.

The objective of the challenge is to gain maximum points for your team, and a minimum sponsorship of £200 per team for Diabetes UK (and more if possible!) The winning team will be presented with the Viking Challenge trophy

Included in your costs is:

§ Entrance fee to the event and activities including insurance for the activities

§ Accommodation on Saturday night if required (there is limited accommodation and will be offered on a first come first served basis to teams who book first. Accommodation comprises of shared rooms)

§ Evening entertainment Saturday night

§ Breakfast and lunch on Sunday

§ Safety and qualified instruction

Extra

§ There will be a small charge for teams requiring food on the Saturday night

Safety

Safety is paramount at all times during this event. All teams will be given a thorough health and safety briefing prior to the start of the event. There will be qualified instructors supervising each activity

Compulsory Kit

All safety equipment will be provided throughout the event. However, each person must bring suitable footwear for the events (walking boots are ideal but trainers are fine), waterproof clothes in case of inclement weather, old clothes for the mud assault course, including an old pair of trainers + towel etc. Bin liner to take muddy clothes home.

Food

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all teams on Sunday. There will be food provided on the Saturday evening at a small cost and there will be evening entertainment! There are no cooking facilities on the site but snacks and drinks can be purchased.

For further information please contact: Andy Edwards on 07815 823497 or Rhys Hughes (Morfa Bay) on 01994 452091

Email: play@morfabay.com

Bush Craft @ Morfa Bay

Following the generated entusiasm from the Bush Craft course and the ever desire to introduce new activities, Morfa Bay has decided to design and develop a session of their own targeted at both primary and secondary school level. Braving the elements Andy, Merv and Gethin have begun clearing an area within the confines of the assault course so that the activity can go on a trial period in preparation for the schools/youth season.

If successful a 'Bush Craft' activity could become a permanent feature on programmes to come!?

The Big Freeze! Brrrrrrrr!

Morfa Bay like most of the United Kingdom got covered in a white blanket last week with near to four inches of snow falling in places. This however did not prevent the centre from opening and so it was work as usual for all the staff following the welcomed Christmas break.