Justin Tomlinson MP with Centre Manager Glyn Lloyd
Justin Tomlinson MP this week visited PGL Liddington, an outdoor residential activity centre just south of the M4.
PGL was established in 1957 and provides activity courses and holidays for schools and young people. Whilst predominantly the activities PGL provide are about fun, they are also about challenge, teamwork, and outdoor education. PGL has been at Liddington for 3 years and the centre is rapidly growing to be one of the largest in the country.
The centre employs 175 people over the peak season, dropping down to 30 full time through the winter. Recent expansion takes the capacity up to 620 young people a week, with scope to expand further. The activities available at Liddington include: Abseiling, Aeroball, Archery, Ball Sports, Bridge Building, Canoeing, Climbing, Crate Challenge, Fencing, First Aid, Giant Swing, Initiative Exercises, Jacobs Ladder, Low Level Ropes Course, Mountain Bike Trail, Nature Trail, Orienteering, Quad Biking, Raft Building, Sensory Trail, Survivor, Trapeze, Tree Top Study Trail, Tunnel Trail, Vertical Challenge, Zip Wire. The site is also home to the training ground for Swindon Town FC and the players are often around to say hello to the centre's young residents.
Looking around the 150 acre site, Justin Tomlinson MP said "I am very impressed by the huge range of activities available here. In Parliament I am a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Learning Outside the Classroom and I am a firm supporter of opportunities like PGL. It is clear from speaking to Glyn, and from seeing the activities in full swing, that alongside the fun that the kids are obviously having, they are also building on their skills, whether it be knowledge of the outdoors, confidence or teamwork.
"PGL Liddington is a real hidden gem in Swindon, employing local people, boosting the local economy, and above all, providing challenge and adventure to over 600 young people a week."