http://www.action-centers.co.ukAny Action Center News will be posted hereiWeb Solutionshttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssenThu, 19 January 2012Thu, 19 January 2012kings-park/special-offers.phpThroughout the month of May 2012 residential groups of more than 30 people can enjoy a 20% reduction in the full adult price on the last few remaining weekend or midweek dates. May 2012 weekend dates available:- 11th-13th up to 175 guests 18th-20th up to 175 guests 25th-27th up to 120 guests For further information, midweek availability or to make a booking, please contact a member of our team on 01604 493111 or by email at kingspark@actioncentres.co.uk Thu, 19 January 2012kings-park/special-offers.phpThroughout the month of March and April 2012 residential groups of more than 30 people can enjoy a 10% reduction in the full adult price. March 2012 weekend dates available. 2nd-4th up to 150 guests 16th-18th up to 50 guests 23rd-25th up to 50 guests 30th-1st April up to 50 guests April 2012 weekend dates available. 11th-13th up to 125 guests For midweek dates, further information or to make a booking, please contact a member of our team on 01604 493111 or by email at kingspark@actioncentres.co.uk Thu, 19 January 2012kings-park/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=It can sometimes be difficult to get the dates you want, with more and more groups coming back year after year, currently 70% of our bookings come from previous users, who often book 12 to 18 months in advance. If you wish to make a booking we can secure it with a deposit of £20 per head, if you are looking to book more than a year in advance we can provisionally book your event for as little as £500, the further deposit of £20 per head being due a year before your event. Remember we are offering 20% off January, February and December dates and 10 % off March midweek and weekend residential events. Do check out our special offers section as sometimes we have late availability that we offer at discounted prices. If you are a group that can take advantage of late availability weekends and would like to be on our email list and informed if we have cancelations do let us know. For further information, check availability or to make a booking, please contact a member of our team on 01604 493111 or email us at kingspark@actioncentres.co.uk Mon, 16 January 2012kings-park/special-offers.phpThroughout the months of January, February and December residential groups of more than 30 people can enjoy a 20% reduction in the full adult price. January 2012 midweek dates available 23rd-27th up to 175 guests 30th Jan-2nd Feb up to 140 guests February 2012 midweek dates available 6th-8th up to 50 guests 20th-24th up to 130 guests 27th-29th up to 175 guests December 2012 weekend dates available 7th-9th up to 50 guests 14th-16th up to 175 guests 21st-23rd up to 175 guests December 2012 midweek dates available 3rd-7th up to 175 guests 10th-14th up to 175 guests 17th-21st up to 175 guests January 2013 weekend dates available 11th-13th up to 175 guests 18th-20th up to 175 guests 25th-27th up to 175 guests February 2013 weekend dates available 1st-3rd up to 175 guests 15th-17th up to 175 guests 22nd-24th up to 175 guests 29th-31st up to 175 guests December 2013 weekend dates available 6th-8th up to 175 guests 13th-15th up to 175 guests 20th-22nd up to 175 guests For further information or to make a booking, please contact a member of our team on 01604 493111 or by email at kingspark@actioncentres.co.uk Mon, 16 January 2012kings-park/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=Here at King’s Park we are offering single occupancy bedrooms, at no extra charge, for all midweek residential bookings, (at weekends there is a 20% surcharge). Other reasons for booking during the week include greater availability of dates and lower prices. For further information or to make a booking, please contact a member of our team on 01604 493111 or by email at kingspark@actioncentres.co.uk Mon, 16 January 2012kings-park/special-offers.phpThis discount applies to groups of young people numbering between 20 and 175, between the ages of 8 to 20, for weekends during the months of June, July & August and midweek dates throughout the rest of the year; we are also offering 1 free adult place for every 14 young people. Weekend dates currently available:- 6th-8th July up to 50 guests 20th-22nd July up to 120 guests 27th-29th July up to 50 guests 3rd-5th August up to 175 guests 10th-12th August up to 175 guests 24th-26th August up to 100 guests 31st August-2nd September up to 175 guests 24th-26th August up to 100 guests For midweek dates, further information or to make a booking, please contact a member of our team on 01604 493111 or by email at kingspark@actioncentres.co.uk Fri, 02 December 2011kings-park/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=As many of our regular customers already know, Kings Park Conference Centre has undertaken an ambitious project to increase its capacity in response to rising demand. The first phase of the project, costing in the region of £1.6 million pounds, has seen the number of en-suite bedrooms at the centre rise to 95. This increased capacity not only means that we can accommodate larger groups, but it has also significantly increased the number of single rooms on offer. Midweek groups are now able to have single rooms at no extra cost, whilst the single room supplement for weekend residential groups has been reduced from 50% to just 20%. For those high tech people amongst you, phase one of the expansion has also seen a significant increase in internet access throughout the centre. Phase two of Kings Parks expansion will see a brand new 300 seat conference room built as well as the extension of our kitchen and dining room, giving our groups even more space and comfort. Please keep checking our website for news of our fundraising efforts for phase two of our expansion programme. Should anybody have any questions about this project, please call a member of our management team on 01604 493111 or email us at kingspark@actioncentres.co.uk Mon, 07 November 2011kings-park/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=We are keen to make your stay as rewarding as possible. As part of our service to our user groups we are happy to offer our PR team to help raise the profile of your group during your stay. If you are interested in discussing this please contact our PR Manager on 01604 499699Mon, 07 November 2011kings-park/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=The Trainee Scheme is a one-year training course in Activities Leadership open to 18-24 year olds. Based at one of three Action Centres (Pioneer Centre in Shropshire, Whitemoor Lakes in Staffordshire or Benham Sports Arena in Northampton) trainees will undergo a comprehensive training programme designed to teach the necessary skills for leading safe activity sessions, encourage the development of a personal leadership style and create an impact on guests who use the Centres. For more information go to www.firmfoundationsacuk.co.uk where you can complete an application form. Mon, 07 November 2011pioneer-centre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=With all the violence in city centres across the UK there's lots of talk about young people needing a moral compass. We agree - this is exactly what our 'explore residential' delivers to Yr 7 students. Alongside taking part in our exciting range of outdoor pursuits, students engage in the Zone: multimedia, interactive learning workshops that allow them to explore and reflect on key issues that face young people in the 21st century. The Zone incorporates games, activities, films, inspirational talks and small group discussions to open up the topics in a way that is engaging and relevant. Zone 1 - How do I relate to myself as a person? What emotions do I feel and what effect do they have on me? How can I be at peace with myself? Zone 2 - How do I relate to other people - in particular when they hurt me? Getting on with friends is not a problem; it's when other people come into conflict with us that things fall apart. How can I learn to let go of negative feelings towards others and learn to forgive? Zone 3 - How do I relate to my world? The culture that we live in encourages us only to look out for our own interests, but is there more to it than this? Do I have a responsibility to use my resources, time and talents for a greater purpose than just serving my own interests. So if you're a Secondary School teacher or even a concerned parent ask for an info pack and give your students this opportunity to head in the right direction - they'll thank you for it. We look forwaard to welcoming your school to Pioneer Centre or Whitemoor Lakes on an explore residential soon.Wed, 10 August 2011whiteMoreLakes/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=With all the violence in city centres across the UK there's lots of talk about young people needing a moral compass. We agree - this is exactly what our 'explore residential' delivers to Yr 7 students. Alongside taking part in our exciting range of outdoor pursuits, students engage in the Zone: multimedia, interactive learning workshops that allow them to explore and reflect on key issues that face young people in the 21st century. The Zone incorporates games, activities, films, inspirational talks and small group discussions to open up the topics in a way that is engaging and relevant. Zone 1 - How do I relate to myself as a person? What emotions do I feel and what effect do they have on me? How can I be at peace with myself? Zone 2 - How do I relate to other people - in particular when they hurt me? Getting on with friends is not a problem; it's when other people come into conflict with us that things fall apart. How can I learn to let go of negative feelings towards others and learn to forgive? Zone 3 - How do I relate to my world? The culture that we live in encourages us only to look out for our own interests, but is there more to it than this? Do I have a responsibility to use my resources, time and talents for a greater purpose than just serving my own interests. So if you're a Secondary School teacher or even a concerned parent ask for an info pack and give your students this opportunity to head in the right direction - they'll thank you for it. We look forward to welcoming your school to Pioneer Centre or Whitemoor Lakes on an explore residential soon.Wed, 10 August 2011benhamSportsArena/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=If you have children between the ages of 8 and 12 and you are looking for something for them to do during the school holidays then we have just the thing for you. With over 30 activities including tennis, indoor climbing, archery, cartoon workshops, street dance, X Factor, nature trails and more there is something for everyone whether they love sports, arts or just having fun. The event is being run by Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs (NAYC) and costs just £20 per day or £90 for a whole week. Half day option is available in the morning for £10. The day runs from 8:30 - 4:30 and is fully supervised by our trained and CRB checked staff. Children are given a choice of 4 activities each session so they can determine their own programme tailored to their interests and likes. To book a place for your child(ren) call 01604 494100 or email benham@actioncentres.co.uk for a booking form and more information. Mon, 01 August 2011kingsParkTennisCentre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=If you have children between the ages of 8 and 12 and you are looking for something for them to do during the school holidays then we have just the thing for you. With over 30 activities including tennis, indoor climbing, archery, cartoon workshops, street dance, X Factor, nature trails and more there is something for everyone whether they love sports, arts or just having fun. The event is being run by Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs (NAYC) and costs just £20 per day or £90 for a whole week. Half day option is available in the morning for £10. The day runs from 8:30 - 4:30 and is fully supervised by our trained and CRB checked staff. Children are given a choice of 4 activities each session so they can determine their own programme tailored to their interests and likes. To book a place for your child(ren) call 01604 494100 or email benham@actioncentres.co.uk for a booking form and more information.Mon, 01 August 2011whiteMoreLakes/special-offers.phpFrom October 3rd to December 23rd 2011 we're offering groups of 24 or more the chance to experience this amazing new centre with 30% off the cost of accommodation for a stay of 2 nights or more. Come and be part of history and be one of the first to stay here. This is only available to new bookings recieved after July 29th 2011. Give us a call now and see what dates we still have left, see you soon!Fri, 29 July 2011kingsParkTennisCentre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=Come to us for a day of free tennis and fun activities including bouncy castle, competitions, strawberries and cream, coaching and ball machines. From 10am - 4pm you can come and use our 4 outdoor and 4 indoor courts with no cost. Bring the family and start the summer holidays with a great day out. While you are here find out more about our family or individual membership package which offers 6 months free membership on the day. For more information call 01604 797900 Sat, 23 July 2011benhamSportsArena/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=The Trainee Scheme is a one-year training course in Activities Leadership open to 18-24 year olds. Based at one of three Action Centres (Pioneer Centre in Shropshire, Whitemoor Lakes in Staffordshire or Benham Sports Arena in Northampton) trainees will undergo a comprehensive training programme designed to teach the necessary skills for leading safe activity sessions, encourage the development of a personal leadership style and create an impact on guests who use the Centres. For more information go to www.firmfoundationsacuk.co.uk where you can complete an application form. Fri, 20 May 2011kingsParkTennisCentre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=The Trainee Scheme is a one-year training course in Activities Leadership open to 18-24 year olds. Based at one of three Action Centres (Pioneer Centre in Shropshire, Whitemoor Lakes in Staffordshire or Benham Sports Arena in Northampton) trainees will undergo a comprehensive training programme designed to teach the necessary skills for leading safe activity sessions, encourage the development of a personal leadership style and create an impact on guests who use the Centres. For more information go to www.firmfoundationsacuk.co.uk where you can complete an application form Fri, 20 May 2011whiteMoreLakes/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=At Whitemoor Lakes we'll match any competitors offer for a schools residential on a 'like-for-like' basis i.e. the same dates for the same number of nghts all in en-suite accommodation of no more than 5 people to a room on a full-board basis with the same number of hours involved in instructed activity sessions. The original written quote must be provided and is applicable to midweek school bookings only.Mon, 04 April 2011/special-offers.phpThe Sports Partnership is part of the week's events. The following activities will be taking place at Benham Sports Arena during the week: Tuesday: Fencing 2pm-4pm Wednesday: Indoor Climbing 2pm-4pm Thursday: Archery 2pm-4pm Friday: Squash 2pm-4pm There is also Tennis available on Tuesday from 1pm-2pm in the Univeristy Sports Hall. The club is held at King's Park Tennis Centre every Wednesday from 2pm-4pm and will be on as usual. Sat, 15 January 2011/special-offers.phpCircuit training is a great way to get fit. Using a variety of exercises and routines our trained instructor will help you to get in shape. Suitable for men or women of any age. Includes: Ab crunches, Shuttles, Squat thrusts, The Plank and more...Fri, 14 January 2011/special-offers.phpCome and meet Tom our climbing instructor. He will give you an hour of climbing and instruction with all equipment provided.Thu, 13 January 2011/special-offers.phpEver wanted to test your skills with a bow and arrow? Now is your chance. 2 hours of free tuition from our trained Archery experts is available to UON students. Watch this space for details.Wed, 12 January 2011/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=For just £20 per year you will receive discounted rates at Benham Sports Arena and King's Park Tennis Centre. Together they offer over 17 sports from Climbing, Archery and Fencing to Tennis, Trampoline and Squash. For more information and to buy a Sports Partnership membership see Gemma or Sally in the Sports Hall at Park Campus.Tue, 11 January 2011kingsParkTennisCentre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=The club is being launched to coincide with the opening of our 4 new floddlit Macadam outdoor tennis courts. These are currently under construction and are due to open in the New Year. The club will offer Annual Membership, Unlimited outdoor court usage, Club nights, Social events, Leagues, Coaching and discounted indoor court rates. For more information call 01604 797900 or email tennisoffice@actioncentres.co.ukFri, 10 December 2010benhamSportsArena/special-offers.phpThe programme operates one morning (or afternoon) per week over four weeks. Each week participating children experience two 1 hour sessions of two of the four activities. Over the course of the four weeks each child experiences two full sessions of all four featured sports. The second session of each sports activity goes into greater depth building on the first introductory session and, by the end of the four weeks, each child will have received a comprehensive ‘hands-on’ insight into each of the four sports. Sports available include: * Indoor Climbing - Benham Rock is our state of the art indoor climbing wall. Routes for all ages and abilities. (Ages 8+) * Archery - Develop new skills and learn how to hit the target. * Tennis - First class coaching and games in our L.T.A. approved centre - indoor & outdoor courts. * Trampoline - We have a dedicated Trampoline centre with pit trampolines at ground level available. * Roller Skating * Team games Our staff are fully qualified and use of all equipment is included. To assist with transport we can offer access to our 15 seat minibus (subject to availability. We provide healthy, interactive and fun sports that can be used to compliment curriculum based learning. Prices from just £8 per person, per week. For further information about this offer please contact Garryl Willis on (01604) 499699 or email garrylwillis@actioncentres.co.ukWed, 24 November 2010pioneer-centre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=After a generous doantion from a charitable trust Pioneer Centre's salad/fruit bar has grown in size and looks fantastic making the choice of adding some fruit or salad to you main course a more attractive option. We have fresh fruit available all day whilst the dining room is open and take our responsibility of encouraging our guests to eat their 5-a-day seriously. We feel sure these new serveries will make all the difference to the quality feel our guests experience in the dining room at Pioneer Centre.Fri, 26 February 2010benhamSportsArena/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=We are offering local schools the opportunity to try out 4 exciting sporting opportunities. Benham Rock - 'State of the art' indoor climbing wall. Archery - develop new skills & learn something of the history of this ancient sport. Tennis - experience first class coaching at this L.T.A. approved centre - indoor & outdoor courts. Trampolining - at the home of the British Olympic Squad For further information about this offer please contact a member of our team on (01604) 494100 or email benham@actioncentres.co.uk Wed, 24 February 2010pioneer-centre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=Pioneer Centre in Cleobury Mortimer will be enjoying clean, renewable energy after having new solar panels fitted to its roof. The Pioneer Centre, which has been on the site for the last 19 years, teamed up with EZsolar, who spent four days installing the panels. The potential saving to the Pioneer Centre is 12,000 kwh - kilowatt hours - a year. To put this in to context an average home will use between 2,500 to 3,000 kwh to provide all its hot water for a year. Assistance and funding for the system was provided through the Marches Energy Agency and Shropshire Council's Low Carbon Communities for Business project, funded by the Rural Regeneration Zone, which supports low carbon initiatives in business. Business development manager Steve Robertshaw said: "There is a lot of local support for renewable energy projects in South Shropshire and The Marches and with the Government funding assistance the Pioneer Centre was able to seriously consider solar panel installation." "This all coincided with a rebuild project of a two storey, 92 bed accommodation lodge. It was therefore possible to build the solar water heating system in at the design stage rather than being a retro-fit, which is a very economical option." The new building has a perfect south facing roof with a good clear aspect to capture all available energy from the sun. An Important role As the amount of water used during peak times is 800 to 1,000 litres - and the solar system enables up to 1,000 litres of hot water to be available anywhere in the building at short notice - it means all energy gained through the solar panels is used to minimise the centre’s gas consumption. "For many years we at the Pioneer Centre have been concerned about the important role we play in the education and development of the thousands of young people we welcome each year," said Mr Robertshaw. "Renewable energy has to be part of their future. The school residential is one of the most memorable experience most of us have of our time at school." "If we can make sure they know the hot water they used whilst here was heated by the sun and it was no big deal then hopefully they will consider seriously this option for themselves in the future as adults." "As adults ourselves most of us are stuck with what we already have and may be reluctant to change, but today's young people are tomorrow's adults." The Pioneer Centre welcomes almost 19,000 guests each year. Most of these require hot water at the same time every day so having a large scale system, which stores water heated by solar energy, makes sense. "For centres like ours funding will always be a big issue when considering a project," said Mr Robertshaw. "I am not aware there are many centres across the country that have incorporated renewable energy technology into their buildings." "It made great sense to us as we were able to incorporate it into a new build and funding assistance was available for help too." "Certainly anyone needing to replace an old, failing heating or hot water system and has a cost to bear anyway, or a centre with a new build project planned should seriously consider renewable energy technology." "Fossil fuels will only increase in price so anything that can be done to reduce this cost can only be a good thing." The Pioneer Centre has been running outdoor activities from Cleobury Mortimer for the last 19 years. From the 1930s the Centre was run by Coventry City Council as Wyre Farm School whose first visitors were a group of children evacuated to escape the wartime bombing of Coventry. In 1991 NAYC bought the site and the Pioneer Centre opened its doors, offering residential groups of any age the chance to explore the countryside and take part in over 30 activities including archery, rock climbing, canoeing, circus skills, fencing, bridge building and dance, in a state of the art facility complete with a team of over 50 instructors and on site staff. For more information about the centre call 01299 271217. For information about EZSolar call Andy Perkins on 01299 270011, or visit www.ezsolar.co.ukThu, 14 January 2010kingsParkTennisCentre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=We are offering local schools the opportunity to try out 4 exciting sporting opportunities. Benham Rock - 'State of the art' indoor climbing wall. Archery - develop new skills & learn something of the history of this ancient sport. Tennis - experience first class coaching at this L.T.A. approved centre - indoor & outdoor courts. Trampolining - at the home of the British Olympic Squad. For further information about this offer please contact a member of our team on (01604) 494100 or email benham@actioncentres.co.uk Mon, 24 August 2009kingsParkTennisCentre/special-offers.phpWe are offering local schools the opportunity to try out 4 exciting sporting opportunities. Benham Rock - 'State of the art' indoor climbing wall. Archery - develop new skills & learn something of the history of this ancient sport. Tennis - experience first class coaching at this L.T.A. approved centre - indoor & outdoor courts. Trampolining - at the home of the British Olympic Squad. For further information about this offer please contact a member of our team on (01604) 494100 or email benham@actioncentres.co.uk Mon, 24 August 2009pioneer-centre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=The Manifesto for Learning Outside the Classroom partnership believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances. The Quality Badge is awarded to providers who have pledged to engage in an ongoing process to sustain high-quality learning outside the classroom and who have demonstrated that they meet six quality indicators. The provider: 1/ Has a process in place to assist users to plan the learning experience effectively; 2/ Provides accurate information about its offer; 3/ Provides activities, experience or resources which meet learner needs; 4/ Reviews the experience and acts on feedback; 5/ Meets the needs of the users; 6/ And has safety management processes in place to manage risk effectively. Adventure activities include: Climbing - for example rock climbing, abseiling, ice climbing, gorge walking, ghyll scrambling, sea level traversing, high- and low-level ropes courses Watersports - for example canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating, wave skiing, white-water rafting, improvised rafting, sailing, sailboarding, windsurfing Trekking - for example hill-walking, mountaineering, fell-running, orienteering, pony trekking, off-road cycling, off-piste skiing Caving - for example caving, pot-holing, mine exploration Challenges and Skills - for example archery, quad bikes, assault courses, mountain boarding, initiative exercises. Depending on the environment in which they take place, some of the adventure activities listed are subject to licensing, under the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 1996. However, not all adventure providers are required to hold a licence. Activity centres with an artificial climbing wall, for example, do not need a licence for that specific activity, though their instructors would still need an appropriate qualification or training to lead the activity. Many centres outside the scope of licensing submit to non-statutory inspection and accreditation. Learning opportunities: Risk awareness - the knowledge that risks can be identified and managed increases confidence about new or uncertain situations. Personal and social development - gearing activities for success allows for the development of self-confidence and self-esteem. Citizenship - learning how to support, lead and follow, being a team player, developing social skills and a sense of community and responsibility New ideas for physical exercise - alternatives to ball sports and team games Connection with the natural environment - a developed awareness of green issues. Recreation - fun and enjoyment, stress relief, purposeful leisure. An activity course can be directed at the Outdoor & Adventurous Activity targets of the PE Curriculum, but it can also meet many of the requirements of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education agenda.Thu, 14 May 2009pioneer-centre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=Pioneer Centre's 'Living Wild' programme, delivered in conjunction with the Forestry Commisions Forest School Team at the Wyre Forest, helps schools address the 'Every Child Matters' agenda of... Being healthy Staying safe Enjoying and achieving and Making a positive contribution. Many Primary Schools now have a 'skills based curriculum' or are trying to develop one. At Pioneer Centre we can develop... Vital creative thinking Problem Solving Self-awareness Empathy and Evaluation skills on our 'Living Wild' residential programme. This programme is a unique and imaginative combination of bushcraft, Forest School, environmental education and conservation. To find out more follow the menu on this website under 'activities' or call Emma and ask for a full information pack. Through the feedback we have already had from schools who have attended a 'Living Wild' course we truley believe this can leave a lasting impact on the lives of today's children. Experiencing is believing, call us today on 01299 271217.Tue, 21 October 2008pioneer-centre/news-and-offers-more.php?nid=West Mercia Constabulary call-centre staff have recently completed a series of training days, which have helped improve the quality of service they provide to callers across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. Over 150 police staff benefited from the one day training sessions at Pioneer Centre. Staff took part in challenges that tested and developed their skills of working together, problem solving, communication skills and leadership abilities. These skills aim to help staff effectively manage large volumes of calls and work together more effectively. David Mack from Trinity CPD Training Ltd, who facilitated the training said "These training days really challenge those who attend and draw people out of their comfort zones. Once they complete the challenge and overcome their fear of heights, for example, they start to think and behave more positively. Their success makes them more inclined to try other challenges and will make them feel more confident about tacklng issues at work". Fri, 01 December 2006