Campaign grows to save Ardnabannon

Campaign grows to save Ardnabannon

16 November 2016

THE Castlewellan woman behind a petition to save Ardnabannon Outdoor Education Centre has urged education officials to cherish the experiences it provided young people.

Lisa Wells, whose children Áine and Conrad are among thousands who have enjoyed using the Castlewellan based facility over the past 49 years, said a price couldn’t be put on the value of the centre.

Ardnabannon in Castlewellan and Delamont Outdoor Education in Killyleagh, along with Killowen in Rostrevor and a centre in Bushmills are set to close within months under new Education Authority proposals. While staff had already expressed concern about the plans, the details were not confirmed until yesterday by the Education Authority who have now put the results of their Review of Residential and Outdoor Education officially out for consultation.

It is proposed that four other centres under review, including Killyleagh Outdoor Education Centre, remain open but a self-catering option is to be explored for the Killyleagh base.

Ms Wells, who has gathered 2,821 supporters so far in her change.org petition, said Ardnabannon had become synonymous with the term ‘outdoor education’ in Northern Ireland since opening in 1967.

“My two children have both stayed there with school and their dad works there,” she said.

“They had such a great time. It is quite central to a lot of activities and they particularly enjoyed the bouldering. The best thing for them was the sense of adventure. The challenges really help to build their confidence.”

Ms Wells said that while they enjoyed the convenience of such an excellent local facility, she was concerned about the impact on children who endured difficult circumstances and travelled, for example, on cross-community projects.

“What are the children from deprived communities going to have left?” she said. “For some of these children it is their only opportunity for a summer holiday. This is a game changer for them.”

Ms Wells said such value was “worth the investment” but that closing Ardnabannon also didn’t make economic sense considering recent major refurbishments at the site.

“It is a waste of money,” she said. “The facilities are there and a lot of money has been spent. It is an old building but modernised to a very good level.

“It will also have a negative effect on businesses in Newcastle, with coach loads of children coming to buy ice-cream and take their five or ten pounds into the town’s shops.”

Ms Wells acknowledged that there were several outdoor education centres in the Down area, but said they were making use of unique natural resources such as mountains, loughs and forests.

A new change.org petition calling for Delamont Outdoor Education Centre to be saved has also attracted over 1000 signatures to date.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Education Authority (EA) Director of Children and Young Peoples’ Services, Dr Clare Mangan, said: “The Review of Residential and Outdoor Education which is launched today provides a significant opportunity to seek the views of a wide range of stakeholders and the general public, especially our children and young people.  

“During the 12 week consultation it is anticipated that those who have an interest in this area will consider the recommendations and will provide the EA with their views in relation to the proposals.

“The Authority continues to value the opportunities provided by residential and outdoor education centres to make a significant contribution to the development of our young people and society; influencing their lives throughout and beyond their formal education. It also enables the EA to enhance the services provided through strengthening a collaborative approach between the statutory and voluntary sectors.”

The review report and supporting documentation can be viewed on the Education Authority’s website at www.eani.org.uk/consultations. The consultation closes on February 6.