Sadness as adventure centre could be sold

Colne Valley High School’s Peter Brook Centre in Snowdonia and, right, pupil Gillian Perry, 15, and teacher Phil Thomas featured in the Examiner at work on the extension in 1982 the next four decades.

But in recent years use of the Peter Brook Field Centre, which is run by trustees, declined and eventually it was closed on grounds of health and safety in 2016.

Following a meeting with two former teachers, a Colne Valley High School governor agreed to consult school staff in September about the centre’s future.

Claire said: “I know that the cottage has fallen into disrepair over the last 20 years but surely funds could be raised to restore this beautiful old building to its former glory to be enjoyed by generations to come.

“Other people are saying that it was from the raising of funds that the cottage was acquired, so shouldn’t it be kept going with the same philosophy in which it began?

“I personally would feel very sad Colne Valley High School pupils at the Peter Brook Centre in Wales in the 1990s and, below, staff and pupils in the 1980s to see it sold.”

Former staff and pupils, some of whom had originally funded the centre, have been campaigning for years to save it – possibly with more fundraising.

Around 40 people, including three local councillors, attended a meeting this week.

Paul Webley, who was head of rural studies at the school for 25 years, said: “There was a lot of enthusiasm and offers to work with the school towards repair and use – offers from health and safety inspectors, builders, architects, fundraisers and people who were prepared to run the cottage to save time and stress on staff.

“There is no shortage of people to help.”