Welcome to our web-site

This web-site was developed by working in conjunction with UWIC's Cardiff School of Art and Design

Sara Melvin, a second-year student on UWIC's Graphic Communication degree course created the design for our network design. Following development by Neil Angove Limited, Sara's design 'went live' at 12:00 noon on Monday 3rd April 2006.

The site is now maintained by a volunteer at the Centre with occasional help from Neil.

September Bar-B-Que

It was great to welcome back our friends from Rhondda Cynon Taff Asperger Support Group for an end of Summer Bar-B-que. On a lovely Indian Summer afternoon, the group which is led by Christine Jenkins enjoyed their outdoor meal prepared by Jill, Mary and Hannah as well as their mission to discover two geo caches hidden in the vicinity of the Centre. Using their GPS they navigated their way around the forest to find the caches - something that was enjoyed by both children and parents. It was a lovely end to a summer programme and the absence of the dreaded midges added to the pleasure. We have enjoyed working with this delightful group and look forward to working again with them in the near future.

Thank you also to our dedicated volunteers who turn up without fail to ensure such events take place.

Congratulations also to the staff of Llantrisant Primary School who took part in a teambuilding day at the Centre and who also navigated their way around the Centre but with nothing as fancy as a GPS but good old fashioned compasses! Well done to you all.

 

A Splashing Time at Bank Holiday Weekend

Rain did not not stop play at Daerwynno at the annual Bank holiday camp-over and open weekend. As soon as the tents had been put up, the junior members were taken to visit the flower festival at St Gwynno's Church. Whilst there, the children admired the many displays which this year celebrated Church Festivals. The theme for Daerwynno was Pentecost and our volunteers combined the idea of the flames with that of the olympic torch and the speaking in tongues by using the word 'peace' in many different languages.

Back at the centre, the children enjoyed an early lunch before being kitted out in safety gear in readiness for an afternoon of kayaking on the nearby reservoir. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and even the occasional splash and capsize did not deter their fun. Many thanks go to our kayak instructors on the day - Hannah, Richard and Paul. A big thank - you also to Hywel and Luke, who opted out of the kayaking but took part in a lesson on throwing a safety line and then did a fantastic job of litter picking around the reservoir.

Back at the Centre the children took part in pond dipping at the three new scrapes, comparing the pond life that was in each one. Amongthe interesting catches were darter dragonfly nymphs, mayfly nymphs, baby newts, very large back swimmers and very small water boatmen, not to mention the water spiders and diving beetles.

After a chip shop supper, the children played football and then took part in the evening adventure - a trip to the waterfall - where their outdoor gear received a fantastic clean as they stood under the cascade of water that falls at the Pistyll Goleu waterfall. On their way back the adventurous crew were radioed news of an advanced cache left by an unknown party in the forest. Following cryptic clues relayed via radios, they ventured into the forest to find the cache and were eventually successful in finding a hidden store of drinks and crisps.

Back at the Centre, the newly cleaned outdoor gear was much admired and the crew retired to bed after a warming drink of hot chocolate.

Sunday saw the children cooking their own breakfast of eggs, bacon and beans which was enjoyed with relish by these amateur chefs. Re-energised, the crew took up arms(water pistols with coloured water) and in two parties, set off to ambush each other, returning twenty minutes later very wet and very pink! The stay ended with the challenge of filling the didgeridoo - a very wet challenge indeed. After drying off, the children boarded the mini bus for their return to the village. Many thanks to the children who took part this weekend, for their excellent behaviour towards each other and to staff.

Sunday afternoon was spent doing various chores around the Centre - the pond was cleared of some intimidating weeds and new belay points were put up at the climbing wall.

The day finished with the volunteers attending the Songs of praise at St. Gwynno's Church.

On Monday, the wood store was replenished and the house thoroughly cleaned - the chores were interrupted by great excitement at the sight of a previously unseen visitor at the Centre. The newly weeded pond had attracted a very rare sight - a kingfisher - we are not sure which of our pond creatures met its doom - but the sight of such a beautiful bird actually diving into the pond and returning with a catch was a very special moment for the volunteers and a reward for all their hard work.

Working with Mentro Allan

Earlier this Summer, Daerwynno in partnership with Mentro Allan worked with three local groups over a 10 week period. The three groups thoroughly enjoyed their outdoor experiences with members gaining confidence and the ability to work together as a group. All participants received a certificate at the end of their course which were presented on the final day. Many thanks go to Wynford and the dedicated band of volunteers who ensure the success of these activities.

The volunteers have all had a short break and are now back in harness.

Height of Ayres Rock successfully climbed at the Open Day at Daerwynno Centre June 28th 2008