tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53959732506106199272024-03-05T04:56:19.015+00:00Leicester Outdoor Pursuits CentreFifteen Acres of Adventure in the Heart of Leicester
Providing adventurous outdoor activity experiences designed to stimulate, educate and motivate young people and others at affordable prices in a challenging and safe environment.LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-13091525133902371602020-05-28T12:39:00.001+01:002020-05-28T12:39:13.721+01:00Identifying Plants during the Pandemic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Weeds- it's all a matter of perspective. By Chris Murnin</span></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Taraxacum or Dandelion</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Its Early May and Spring has well and truly sprung in Leicestershire The woodlands, fields and
boundaries are in full flow, bursting at the seams with different shades of green. As the old
adage goes, you can't see the wood for the trees and the same can be said by the hedgerows
surrounding our estate.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">These swathes of green shades and hues can seem like a blanket of growth rather than a get
together of different plant species. This can be a bit off putting for those getting into plant
identification and foraging. But what better time to learn than spring, and in the midst of the
Government advised “Lockdown”.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">I started self isolating mid March 2020, after completing my Level 2 in Survival and Wilderness
Living with Peak District Survival School. This was swiftly followed with being furloughed from
my full time employment. Not wanting to view this as a negative, like most people I created a
self improvement action plan which included ways to improve my plant identification. Primarily
with the </span><span style="background-color: rgb(100.000000%, 100.000000%, 0.000000%); font-family: 'Gautami'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"></span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">personal emphasis of foraging, which seems to be a bit of a buzz word during the
pandemic. As the shop's shelves started to dry up, nature's larder’s doors were opening. </span><span style="font-family: 'Gautami'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b><i>On a professional level this supplementary knowledge could be drip fed into most outdoor activity sessions, on the river, hill or at the crag.</i></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">With a bit of a mental archive already, my first step was to create a framework to aid my learning
(as </span><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;">I get distracted quite easily), so to aid some quick results my first point was:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>1. START WITH WHAT YOU KNOW
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">We should all have a handful of plants we recognise, as they probably appear in our locally
and/or we encounter them regularly. This makes them ideal to get the hang of identifying, as we
can probably recognise them in most seasons and stages of their life cycle.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>2. USE A RANGE OF ID FEATURES
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Basic colours and getting to grips with leaf and stem shapes along with petal arrangements can
really help you focus your identification process. These can also help make sense of the
descriptive language used in reference books. (I’ll list a few sources I use at the end of the
article)
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>3. CROSS REFERENCE
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Arial'; font-size: 11.000000pt; font-style: italic;">“One man’s meat is another man’s poison.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Gautami'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Initially how do you know what or who to listen to?
By using a few different reference sources, you can make an educated decision. I have found
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">professional level this supplementary knowledge could be drip fed into most outdoor activity
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">sessions, on the river, hill or at the crag.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">this particularly useful when I've been stuck with an “it's either A or B” situation, as some
sources may hold that little gem that sits perfectly with the specimen you have. True story; after
watching a video on Youtube of the merits and benefits of eating Dock Leaves, I finished off the
evening’s viewing watching a survival show where the host had a very crappy experience after
doing just that!
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>4. TELL SOMEONE (WHETHER THEY WANT TO HEAR IT OR NOT)</b><br />
My long suffering wife can now identify every Lime (Linden) tree in our village, as after first
finding out you can eat the fresh spring foliage we couldn’t leave the house without me stating
“Do you know what tree that is?”. Now I do it just for fun. But seriously, to be confident enough
to share your knowledge with someone else, will reinforce what you know, and could even spark
a deeper understanding as you may be questioned on what you're saying, or even learn
something in the conversation.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>5. PUT INTO ACTION/ USE</b><br />
Now this one comes with a public health warning. Before eating anything, you need to be 110%
sure you have positively identified the plants you wish to use. Mistakenly using Yew for your
Spruce in tea or putting Hemlock in your salad could have DEADLY effects. Luckily there are
many wild edibles that are very easy to identify and some are even quite tasty. By using what
you have picked it takes your learning to the next level as you get to understand what makes a
good specimen for the use you want. A long leggy nettle that has flowered can have great fibres
that can make some high quality string but wouldn't be as good as the spring fresh tops for
putting in a soup.
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<b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; text-align: left;"><i>This image was taken during our 1hr daily family exercise as we walked along the edge of our estate. Within this small patch there were at least a dozen different species, almost all of which we could use in some shape or form, even if just as “Pandemic Poo Paper”.</i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Once you have a few under your belt, you will start to notice them everywhere. And you should
challenge yourself to do so, as you will be starting to build up a mental picture and associate
environments with certain species or types.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Being aware of a few basic foraging guidelines is as important as identification. No plant can be
uprooted without Land owner’s permission, and some are even protected. But if you follow the 4
F’s you are onto a good start.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i><b>On common land you may gather moderate amounts of Fruit, Flowers, Foliage and Fungi for personal consumption. Other ethical considerations are for the wildlife that are dependent on the plants and other foragers. Never pick all what you see!</b></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Other than the ethics there is the consideration to personal safety, so I like to remember
<b>W.E.E.D</b> when i'm out and about:
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>W- Water</b>, is the plant growing in, or nearby water? My area regularly floods, so ensuring what
you harvest is above flood zones to prevent contamination is a good idea. Some of the U.K
most deadly plants grow near the water’s edge (Hemlock Water Dropwort). Also disease
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">On common land you may gather moderate amounts of Fruit, Flowers, Foliage and Fungi for
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">personal consumption. Other ethical considerations are for the wildlife that are dependent on
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">the plants and other foragers. Never pick all of what you see!
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">carrying animals use riverbanks as highways. Last summer I watched a rat (Known carriers of
Weil's disease) merrily munch away on a bramble patch that we visit often on canoe trips.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>E- Emissions</b>, Consider where your plant is growing. Is it on farmland that could be exposed to
chemicals, or next to a bin compound that could have seepage? I have found a tomato plant
growing on the site of a burst sewage pipe. No guesses how that got there!
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>E- Exhaust</b>, Similar to the previous, whilst collecting from the road side consider that plants next
to a traffic light will have had more exposure to exhaust fumes than those half way down the
lane.
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>D- Dogs</b> and other animals excrete outdoors. My Mum always warned me of picking berries
below my belly!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Crataegus or<i> </i></span>Hawthorn.</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;">INTERMEDIATE 3- Sticky weed (Goosegrass/ Cleavers) Hawthorn, Blackberry
ADVANCED 3- Rosebay Willowherb, Plantain, Hedge Garlic</span></div>
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Bonus Points. Wood Avens, Thistle, Hogweed
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjRvFtz2BMjKfXpFJPXPNjPTx9jw04S_9c1cg5UcEbrxXgFh_z9BYcY288MPdsyHn2yxfvKM_TMYjhUBR6nRFFeo0iSUJ8H01WwIneT7yoRNXKnFiZwTCWcgpA7sSQYQ9PKq4dBoVM60/s1600/100X0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjRvFtz2BMjKfXpFJPXPNjPTx9jw04S_9c1cg5UcEbrxXgFh_z9BYcY288MPdsyHn2yxfvKM_TMYjhUBR6nRFFeo0iSUJ8H01WwIneT7yoRNXKnFiZwTCWcgpA7sSQYQ9PKq4dBoVM60/s320/100X0335.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">Lamium album</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">, commonly called<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">white nettle</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">white dead-nettle</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i>Sources of Reference;
</i></span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; list-style-type: none; text-align: left;">
<li>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i>● Food For Free .......
</i></span><br />
</li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i>● Wild food Uk, have produced a sturdy field guide, but also have information on their
</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">website, plus countless videos on Youtube.<span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Gautami'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;">https://www.wildfooduk.com/wild-plant-guide/
</span></span></i><br />
</li>
<li>
<i><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">● Robin Harford is a wealth of knowledge </span><span style="font-family: 'Gautami'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"></span><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/plants
</span></span></i><br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i><br /></i></span></li>
<li>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i>● Plants for a Future. Google any plant followed by PFAF for a brilliant fact rich resource
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i>This is just a tip of the iceberg, the information is out there for you to take in, in whichever
medium suits you. </i> </span><br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></li>
<li><h3>
<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;">Stay safe.</span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: ArialMT;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">For more information about Bushcraft courses </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: ArialMT;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>https://www.lopc.co.uk/training-courses/bushcraft-and-wilderness-skill/</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-35653102098630160632019-11-13T11:44:00.000+00:002019-11-13T11:44:41.472+00:00The Woodland Wanderers Guide to plant remedies. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">or </b><b style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Five plant remedies every Outdoors person should know.</b></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"><span style="font-size: small;">by Chris Murnin.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">APIOL</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Since 2006 I have been based in the Midlands, and as with anywhere you spend a lot of time, you start to become familiar with the surroundings. I started to see the seasons pass, and recognised plants flourishing, or re-appearing in the same spot each year. As my interest in bushcraft grew, so did my thirst for knowledge. What was the plant that filled the bottom field with a beautiful scent signalling the start of the summer, and what was sprouting, and encroaching on the paths in the shade?</span></span><br />
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">In today’s society medical supplies are readily available. Pain killers in the check out at the super market, cough sweets at the news agent or plastic gloves and wound dressings at the petrol pumps. We have never had it so easy... or have we? As with most conveniences nowadays, our ancestors had equivalents that were derived from nature.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In this article we will explore a few easily identified plants that are not intended to replace a simple first aid kit, but in the absence of one, or for longer term, can ease a few common ailments.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Firstly we need to look at a few ways to work with the materials we find whilst out and about. To be most practical to be used on the move, it should involve minimum kit or processes.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><b><u>Poultice:</u></b> Take the material and mash it all up. This could be done between two smooth (cleanish) rocks or with a spoon in the bottom of a mug. This process loosens up the fibres, releases the juices and gives you a nice mushy lump that can be moulded around a wound. If working with dried material, add a little water, a wee bit at a time until the correct consistency is achieved. In haste I have grabbed a few leaves and chewed them up to produce a usable dressing. Cover with a large leaf and secure with a bandage or cordage if you need to keep mobile.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><b><u>Infusion:</u></b> Place the mashed up material in a container and pour over boiling water, allow it time to steep to produce a medicinal tea. Straining the liquid through a sieve (T-Shirt) will save you getting bits stuck in your teeth, or choking on a twig. Without access to fire or a suitable metal container, well worked material left in a small amount of liquid in direct sunlight for as long as possible will create an alternative brew. Or you could just rough it out, chewing the material, swallowing the juices and spitting out the fibres.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;"><b><u>Decoction.</u></b> This is the most involved process of the three. Bring the macerated material to the boil, then simmering it to reduce the volume of liquid making a more concentrated, potent treatment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">Knowing how to take the material you have found and turn it into the treatment you require is a useful skill, but it is irrelevant if you cannot confidently, positively identify the plant in the first place. Also there is potential conflict if you are currently under other medication, pregnant or breast feeding. If this is the case, please <b>seek medical advice before using any of these remedies</b>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>Greater Plantain- Plantago major, also Ribwort Plantain –Plantago lanceolata.</b></span><span class="s3"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1ioM-zz_KdXlnaz2ha8mGgVSAR524_d9x-9JKS4v4KM8d7_mR9rYV7pqq_zr6vBtUvpHEr6h15PBF2O6rg3aPpy_befB98zscVuSUwWyNysWkD6bmjLVh3IufGqINO3BG89CV_wRS-0/s1600/broad+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1ioM-zz_KdXlnaz2ha8mGgVSAR524_d9x-9JKS4v4KM8d7_mR9rYV7pqq_zr6vBtUvpHEr6h15PBF2O6rg3aPpy_befB98zscVuSUwWyNysWkD6bmjLVh3IufGqINO3BG89CV_wRS-0/s320/broad+4.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Plantain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtkOH6yMhW6F5q-23DW2af3oJ-nlfWDLtERqtiOvYdTEYq8i8BqpFSNJHdyez7N2VBPgqlc4HZ68bxZFc6iZDN2SADrTD4dLbIwWOQ7pvREvQoXrY6HEdBrbsta5GrDqmvD2gdp5zzR0/s1600/Ribwort+4+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtkOH6yMhW6F5q-23DW2af3oJ-nlfWDLtERqtiOvYdTEYq8i8BqpFSNJHdyez7N2VBPgqlc4HZ68bxZFc6iZDN2SADrTD4dLbIwWOQ7pvREvQoXrY6HEdBrbsta5GrDqmvD2gdp5zzR0/s320/Ribwort+4+%25282%2529.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ribwort Plantain</td></tr>
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<span class="s2"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">A great wayside remedy, as it’s very often found on paths and trails where it populates well travelled ground. This earned it the common name of Cart Track Plant or White Man’s Footsteps. A perennial so can be found all year round in the UK. Both varieties sport tough internal ribs that can remain intact when the leaves are stretched and split. They sprout tall seed bearing stems (May- October) that act as flags for the observant forager. This plant is a standalone treatment for skin ailments, excelling in easing bites and stings. Renowned forhaving antibacterial, antimicrobial, antitoxic and anti-inflammatory properties ensure any broken skin will benefit from a plantain poultice. I have had great results by refining this plant a bit further and creating a salve from infused oil and bees wax, which a colleague of mine swears by!</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>Yarrow- Achillea millefolium</b></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">An ancient remedy whose many names infer its medicinal uses. Soldiers Woundwort,</span></span><span class="s5" style="font-size: small;"> Nose Bleed, Staunchweed, and if your wood work is anything like mine, Carpenter's Weed. If it’s good enough for the warrior demi-god Achilles it’s good<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>enough to treat cuts and grazes we experience out and about. Its astringent properties staunch blood flow, its antiseptic properties reduces the chance of infection whilst its analgesic effects lessen the pain. It’s said that dried and powdered yarrow leaves are the most effective (They may sting a bit!), but in a pinch, a rough poultice of fresh growth will do the job.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">Whilst working in Inner Mongolia, in the build up to winter we were given teas containing Yarrow, as an immunity booster. A tasty tea infusion of Yarrow, 1 tsp dried leaves (or 2 large leaves) in one cup of boiling water is a recognised cold and flu remedy, which once cooled can also be used to wash out cuts and grazes.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">It has also been noted that fresh leaves can be directly applied to relieve tooth ache.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s2"><b>Meadow Sweet- Filipendula ulimaria</b></span><span class="s6"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iU4kCrsUSJcYiZAyNLRJ4W7Wutwlepuce6lGpgH0BmEVoQH3coLtYPqUqPSYaLKx1wZ1-WKQBWdVeV-QfMJ9hg4epa44U8INe-faB_lh7RYV6sRVg6lhMVqFBQZUXUZg-kE-sJM0ekI/s1600/Meadowsweet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iU4kCrsUSJcYiZAyNLRJ4W7Wutwlepuce6lGpgH0BmEVoQH3coLtYPqUqPSYaLKx1wZ1-WKQBWdVeV-QfMJ9hg4epa44U8INe-faB_lh7RYV6sRVg6lhMVqFBQZUXUZg-kE-sJM0ekI/s320/Meadowsweet.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;">This misnomer could potentially have you seeking this plant in the wrong habitat, rather than rolling meadows, it favours the damp soils of marshes and river edges. The name actually refers to the honey based alcoholic beverage “Mead” in which the flowers were used as flavouring. </span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">A potent anti-inflammatory, an infusion of the flowers is said to remedy heartburn, gastric complaints and nausea. Records state that meadowsweet may have been the original Aspirin with uses recorded back to the time of Hippocrates 400BC. High in the compound salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid, this pleasant drink will relieve headaches whilst out on the trail. 4 tsp fresh flowers (or 2 tsp dried) in 250 ml boiling water will make a tasty tea once it’s been steeped for 10 minutes.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">As a quick fix without too much processing, a few roots cleaned up can be chewed to release the healing juices, as long as you don’t mind that TCP/ Germoline taste.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>Willow- Salix family </b></span><span class="s3"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfKuCmSHSVDMU57PXi_Lj5noYwP__9ZGqPaubG0ZgZx6QNKByp-Ph1C-kBs7W9xBaRw9uCqwvaIW2xERFJ5JkcVqPG7x7FTYK7yCEWlZFZy-ir7hS3vNvmLWNP-Dl3pxX3s8P1mwuihI/s1600/willow2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfKuCmSHSVDMU57PXi_Lj5noYwP__9ZGqPaubG0ZgZx6QNKByp-Ph1C-kBs7W9xBaRw9uCqwvaIW2xERFJ5JkcVqPG7x7FTYK7yCEWlZFZy-ir7hS3vNvmLWNP-Dl3pxX3s8P1mwuihI/s320/willow2.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">A prevalent tree in the British isles, found near water, Willows also contain salicin, White Willow-Salix alba, has some of the highest concentrations, easily identified by its long pointed leaves, with a lighter (white ) hue underneath. Its anti inflammatory properties can aid joint and muscle pains.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">An infusion of the leaves has been recognised to have a calming effect, and can be used to remedy insomnia.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">As a pain reliever, an infusion of willow bark (1 tsp steeped to 1 cup water) can relieve headaches and other pains. Again in the absence of equipment, chewing on the inner bark would give some pain relief. Often compared to Aspirin, willow is reported not have the stomach-irritating or blood thinning side effects.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>Bog Moss- Sphagnum Recurvum </b></span><span class="s3"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzQQJxUQXSdDIors6Vs9RJWm1v7dWskiVLZ47W8BxPQ6xisovxdWn3_KgCPPQnfVa4UVaEvdyReXoOF24MXsuBSyAULhQxNyC1PkKy7x2p12FfF13MHmyVdOBz-16M0hHiecKEWwjFdw/s1600/moss+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzQQJxUQXSdDIors6Vs9RJWm1v7dWskiVLZ47W8BxPQ6xisovxdWn3_KgCPPQnfVa4UVaEvdyReXoOF24MXsuBSyAULhQxNyC1PkKy7x2p12FfF13MHmyVdOBz-16M0hHiecKEWwjFdw/s320/moss+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyone who has spent in the hills has misjudged a patch of green as a safe haven and ended knee deep in a bog, often thanks to a clump of bright green moss that blankets our peaty uplands and boggy lowlands. Once dried, bog moss can absorb over 20 times its own weight before becoming saturated. This married with its antiseptic properties made it an invaluable medical commodity over the ages. Other than a dressing to cover battle wounds, it has been used to line baby’s nappies and as sanitary towels.</span><span class="s2"></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">This plant became so heavily revered during World War 1, that in its final year over 1 million moss dressings were being produced each month! The labour intensive task of collecting the moss was mainly carried out by volunteers such as the Boy Scouts. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">For best results use ground up naturally dried moss, this increases the surface area of the material, fully utilising the antiseptic and absorbency properties. This bound under a cloth bandage will see most casualties off of the hill.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A rough field dressing can be made from a hand full of moss which has been squeezed and wrung out.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">These plants can aid us when we really need them, but at that stage we don’t want to be wary of our identification. Learn to identify these plants in all seasons, and you will have access to an array of medicines for a variety of ailments.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;">New Bushcraft Courses for 2020</span></span></h2>
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/training-courses/bushcraft-and-wilderness-skill/introduction-bushcraft/" target="_blank">Introduction to Bushcraft</a><span id="goog_684138230"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_684138231"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/training-courses/bushcraft-and-wilderness-skill/bush-crafter/" target="_blank">Bush 'Crafter</a></span></span><br />
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/training-courses/bushcraft-and-wilderness-skill/primitive-skills-and-techniques/" target="_blank">Primitive Skills</a></span></span><br />
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/training-courses/bushcraft-and-wilderness-skill/campfire-cooking/" target="_blank">Campfire Cooking</a></span></span><br />
<span class="s2"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/training-courses/bushcraft-and-wilderness-skill/canoe-camp/" target="_blank">Canoe Camp</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">For details of other courses at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.</a></div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-13597710386722569042019-01-31T12:39:00.004+00:002019-01-31T12:39:58.318+00:00Apprenticeships at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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An interview with Stephen Granger, one of out past apprentices. by David Robinson.</h2>
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<span class="s1">With our new apprenticeship having been launched I decided to talk to Stephen Granger, who has gone through the whole apprenticeship scheme, about his time as an apprentice and ask him to reflect on his adventure into a new career.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Q) Stephen how did you become an apprentice?</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>A)</b> First of all I volunteered at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre for a summer, having a passion for the outdoors this was an opportunity close to where I lived, a place I’d been kayaking before and loved it. I also thought volunteering would be a good way to get my foot in the door having known LOPC takes on apprentices. At the end of the summer there was a vacancy so I applied.</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Q) Looking back do you think the apprenticeship was a good thing?</b></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>A)</b> Yes, it allowed me to meet and learn from some very experienced people with lots of knowledge of the outdoors. The apprenticeship helped me to find my passions (rock climbing), and helped me to learn about myself - working with a variety of clients whom some I never thought I’d be working with. Some of the challenges I’ve faced both from work and getting out on my own adventures have helped shape who I am today.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Q) So you would say the apprenticeship scheme was right for you?</b></span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">A)</b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> It was perfect for me and I’d certainly suggest it to other people. I was learning every day.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Q) So if you could turn back time you would still do it or do something else?</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>A)</b> 100% yes</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Q) What parts of the apprenticeship worked and helped you develop?</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>A)</b> The reviewing and reflection I did, particularly at the start, helped me to think about how I was presenting myself and performing as a professional instructor. I also looked at my organisation skills and kept picking out what I needed to do to be a good instructor.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Q) What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming an outdoor instructor apprentice?</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>A)</b> I would say do you see yourself working with a huge range of people? Are you a people person? Do you enjoy working with young people, getting to know them and developing them? Do you see yourself giving up your time to work on your personal skills? You’ll need to spend time going out climbing or paddling, for example, in order to progress to the higher qualifications. So what are your aims, where do you want to be?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Q) And what advice would you give them?</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>A)</b> Find out early on what you’re good at or what you love, and focus your time and energy on that, in your personal life as well as work life. If you can find people to do that with it will also help – learning from each other and coaching each other to improve.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Stephen Granger has emerged from our apprenticeship scheme as a brilliant instructor who we rely on every day. We’ve had great feedback from a variety of different customers about the quality of his service, an asset to the centre. Having little experience and no qualifications when he started, this is someone we may not have employed if it wasn’t for the apprenticeship scheme. Therefore the apprenticeship has been a win win, with Stephen clearly benefitting from the development and us the employer benefitting from his great service.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/about/get-involved/working-lopc/apprentice-instructor/" target="_blank">For more information about the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre Apprenticeship Scheme</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">For more information about the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.</a></div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-75624875828440365432018-11-23T14:20:00.000+00:002018-11-28T10:13:40.294+00:00Kayak Launch Appeal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We need to Reconstruct the kayak launch area, which will enable safer and easier access for both able-bodied and disabled users to enjoy paddle sports on the River Soar in Leicester.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 30px;">We need your Help.</span></div>
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Following years of flooding and riverbank erosion, the kayak launch is at risk of collapsing into the river. Used by up to 10,000 people per year, the kayak launch provides the access point for individuals, families, schools and a variety of community clubs to get onto and off the River Soar in Leicester, supporting the development of paddle sports. </div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: lexia, Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 20.25px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a Registered charity number 1074671</b></div>
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The proposed project would involve placing pilings into the river, back-filling the space behind, adding a new concrete launch area and access from high ground down onto the launch area. This would future-proof this important facility, which is used every day that we are open. </div>
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We need your help with Ideas and Actions to Fund Raise to make this project happen.</h3>
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The Centre now attracts visitors and users from across the UK and we anticipate demand on this facility to grow in the months and years ahead. This makes it really important to carry out this reconstruction sooner rather than later.</div>
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Our goal is to raise £34,000 Please will you help us make this happen?</h4>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-3301959655820720212018-03-15T12:32:00.003+00:002018-03-15T12:33:53.401+00:00Proving that neither age nor disability is a barrier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Proving that neither age nor disability is a barrier to new experiences, with her 2 daughters & grandson, 85 year old June Jones from Wigston, Leicester was one of the participants on the Zip-line at the LOPC (Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre) in March. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">June, who will be 86 in June this year is totally blind in one eye and has only partial peripheral vision in the other eye.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Speaking to a family friend who had been on a zip-wire whilst on holiday, June told her family that she would love to have a go, to have that feeling of flying through the air.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Her family contacted the LOPC who arranged the experience as a private booking for a Christmas present.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">After her 1</span><span class="s2"><sup>st</sup></span><span class="s1"> go, June said ‘Oh I loved it and it was so quick.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was twirling in the air & could feel the wind rushing past me, do we get to have another go’?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNeMOVMrg44WTF1k1kBjm638UCDXDRxrOjr44o1jA1v1cCpsLcenn1feHGkTJDJ0wgQlWBZZet0nJMEAOjcxnoMKa4VepL2vq4pXJ8LXAbp9ykl-12XZ2ZVuqutlMJX9zkq7sjQLLONY/s1600/June+Zipwire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNeMOVMrg44WTF1k1kBjm638UCDXDRxrOjr44o1jA1v1cCpsLcenn1feHGkTJDJ0wgQlWBZZet0nJMEAOjcxnoMKa4VepL2vq4pXJ8LXAbp9ykl-12XZ2ZVuqutlMJX9zkq7sjQLLONY/s400/June+Zipwire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">The family were led back up to the top of the tower with greater confidence to have another go.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>June said ‘I’m going to tell all my friends at the Deaf & Blind Society & see if they want to come & have a go’</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="s1" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The LOPC provide Outdoor Adventure Activities for almost All ages & groups of people, with a range of experiences designed help stimulate, educate and motivate people at affordable prices.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The LOPC is an Independent Charity based in 15 Acres of land at the Heart of Leicester.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space">For more information about the <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">e-mail: </span><a href="mailto:enquiries@lopc.co.uk" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span class="s3">enquiries@lopc.co.uk</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>Tel: 0116 268 1426 <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-10258890965713302482018-03-15T11:51:00.001+00:002018-03-15T11:51:17.449+00:00It was as if we had stumbled through the wardrobe and landed in Narnia.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes the stars align, freak weather conditions sweep
the nation and events build up from a normal Saturday bimble in the peaks to an
epic winter experience that ballads shall be sung about for generations to
come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s a rare event
working in the outdoors to have a free weekend, even rarer for my partner in
crime Steve also to be free, so queue a fortnight of planning what to do with
the 10 hours of release from work and family. We were adamant that “It didn’t
matter what we did, just being out is good enough”, this of course was purely
lip service as we both had our own agenda “to fit in as much to these precious
hours as possible”.<br />
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Watching the forecast build we were treated with a solid
days snow in the Peaks on the Friday, so as Saturday morning hit we bundled
axes and crampons into the tiny Fiesta and tore off towards the Edale Valley.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The drive was dreary with little or no snow. “It will be
fine once we clear Chesterfield.” I said with mock confidence, the building
feeling of pre emptive disappointment. The prospect of trudging through slush
or being knee deep in chilled bog was far from appealing. Rolling past
Birchen’s Edge the streams were pouring out along the road and Stoney Middleton
did nothing to appease the building frustration at the thought of a wasted
trip. As we pulled into Hope there was a margin of white on the skyline, but we
both struggled to differentiate between cliff and cloud. Along the Edale valley
the jury was out, as tops were covered in clag and without a window.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkFkx8M_CnH0kEoKOLYI9gXOrfyQ2-rP2nLMYdQSMq3yIja47l2wJiO1kYoUNvpuEBWWl30ghNYGOkns0LtyGM53V4hjS_FzBT3dCjl8LmeCgkmBm_88uEVz6LZREEAOTk85dlP37M6A/s1600/DSC_2213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkFkx8M_CnH0kEoKOLYI9gXOrfyQ2-rP2nLMYdQSMq3yIja47l2wJiO1kYoUNvpuEBWWl30ghNYGOkns0LtyGM53V4hjS_FzBT3dCjl8LmeCgkmBm_88uEVz6LZREEAOTk85dlP37M6A/s320/DSC_2213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were the second car in the Barber Booth lay bye. As we kitted up a few others arrived, but there was a hushed feel of muted excitement as we exchanged nods and hellos. From this point we could see that winter had touched the hill, but had no idea what conditions would be like one we got up there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk6huKm4WCIA6c0xPRO-x9sU9Rq4kPBlZdkZoWbjl2lJbP6k7wmJFWS91-2vbLuCSV-6WWJf0GnSZ6qvh_9Nyjay0LO07ZxcmznelXmgO_59TEdH7Hz6EYwxF63u2TAlSWB7-mtpcBQM/s1600/Steve+V_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1600" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk6huKm4WCIA6c0xPRO-x9sU9Rq4kPBlZdkZoWbjl2lJbP6k7wmJFWS91-2vbLuCSV-6WWJf0GnSZ6qvh_9Nyjay0LO07ZxcmznelXmgO_59TEdH7Hz6EYwxF63u2TAlSWB7-mtpcBQM/s320/Steve+V_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We headed up a swollen Crowden Clough, the route is a winding one, with small patches of woodland at the lower end, when we emerged from the last patch as the snow began to fall we got the first glimpse of the Kinder Plateau, and it didn’t disappoint. </div>
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It was as if we had stumbled through
the wardrobe and landed in Narnia. The stream has carved a steep path off of
the plateau and other than the most perseverant rocks; everything was covered
in ankle, knee to waist deep drifts.</div>
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Without a defined path, care had to be taken not to end up
in the stream, hopping from rock to rock, clutching at heather tufts to gain
headway. Then it gets steep!</div>
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We catch up with a man we had been seen in the car park.
“There was too much water coming down the other day, it was impassable.” We opt
for the steeper left hand bank and carve a trail, hugging the rock and making
the most of natural gullies. That amount of snow can be extremely deceptive,
nothing can be assumed, especially that the next foot hold is going to take
your weight. After working around the main falls the ground flattens out into a
frosted icicle garden.</div>
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We lunch at the edge of the Pennine Trail, enjoying the
muffled silence aided by the blanket of snow. Barely a soul about. That is
until a walking group of around 40 members march through, swiftly followed by a
group of trail runners. We finish up and move on; just before the local dog
walkers come tearing through.<br />
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The day takes a turn from this point on, as we work our way
along the edges towards Jacobs Ladder. It’s apparent that everyone this side of
Sheffield (Actually there were quite a few Liverpudlian accents about) had
decided to hit the hills. We follow the massive furrow carved out by the
walking group, and can’t go 2 minutes without greeting someone coming the other
way. The conditions were perfect for a good days walk. And it was great to see
so many people enjoying the hills, and not being put off. Everyone was having
their own adventure. Us included. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsIeJ18bNHnZTD2fBaxFeRIbytItfy6ctxDmOAObgpriwXoxZjDjd0QFtkJnia-n-oK_omDHZG93g4Ex4gwp0BucC4EF12E8upYd9xWcl7BMkJeNR76tK4wxJFK6bu4ZiuyQwdAD-EvA/s1600/DSC_2258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsIeJ18bNHnZTD2fBaxFeRIbytItfy6ctxDmOAObgpriwXoxZjDjd0QFtkJnia-n-oK_omDHZG93g4Ex4gwp0BucC4EF12E8upYd9xWcl7BMkJeNR76tK4wxJFK6bu4ZiuyQwdAD-EvA/s320/DSC_2258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What is normally a long knee jarring trudge down the steps
of Jacobs’s ladder was actually quite fun, partly watching a pair of dog
walkers slide down on their bums whilst chasing a giant snowball they were
rolling down the hill. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once back at the car we see a few of the faces we met
earlier. All smiling and satisfied. Well worth getting out of bed for.<br />
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Post by Chris Murnin.<br />
For More details about the <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.</a><br />
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-84664072827830802802018-02-16T12:07:00.000+00:002018-03-15T11:52:13.928+00:00Advanced White Water Leader Course<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Advanced Leadership</b></h2>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>by David Robinson of Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ma7qUKS1EFC6B6PWUT7krp3xDhe5W7EZDI2_CucvSuGoPZIHxaQEHIUZeVnko-JtRxlWP79FnnH8iEO0bs8YxzmIt-9jL4UNvjvd0mf9dzRhh_T3W-kpSbD8_1JwJaobIskXz4VxLmE/s1600/whit+water+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ma7qUKS1EFC6B6PWUT7krp3xDhe5W7EZDI2_CucvSuGoPZIHxaQEHIUZeVnko-JtRxlWP79FnnH8iEO0bs8YxzmIt-9jL4UNvjvd0mf9dzRhh_T3W-kpSbD8_1JwJaobIskXz4VxLmE/s320/whit+water+3.png" width="320" /></a>As part of my own CPD I recently enrolled on to an Advanced
White Water Leader Course. It was great to get some paddle sport training again,
as a coach I’m often the one giving out coaching advice but rarely receiving
it. The course was fantastic with a real emphasis on professional guiding and
professional leadership.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One thing we looked at was being able to adapt our leading in
order to ensure the group were all part of the adventure. What do I mean by
that? Quite often, and especially when we are in challenging environments, if
we take the lead we can easily become the autocratic captain assuming
responsibility of the group. Whilst there is a responsibility for the leader to
look after the group, there is still a responsibility for the other teammates
too - to look after each other. </div>
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They need to be an active part of the team. Otherwise,
in a white water environment you can easily create a dynamic whereby the leader
is carrying the group down the river.<br />
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A good analogy that was given to us referred to being in a
car. When you’re a passenger you switch off and let the driver do all the work,
you don’t start reading the signs and judge the stopping distances (well
usually we don’t anyway). You switch off and let the driver concern themselves
with all that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The same can happen on the river, whereby the group just
rely completely on the leader and then simply follow them like ducklings behind
their mother. If this is happening you have to question how much they are part
of the adventure and how much they are simply following a kayaker. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkWts6kW9-piInZ6V3ZcDDGGA6pRMmXuT-5ZHeN8otS5YFjguG8A768p4hUYd9TipS4n16AZDzz3_B0kPtHS0yTODxCoUuW1J6pKBkvexjn3YrziIJwoGKuDxTcEmiGg-XP2MbvWoDS4/s1600/white+water+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkWts6kW9-piInZ6V3ZcDDGGA6pRMmXuT-5ZHeN8otS5YFjguG8A768p4hUYd9TipS4n16AZDzz3_B0kPtHS0yTODxCoUuW1J6pKBkvexjn3YrziIJwoGKuDxTcEmiGg-XP2MbvWoDS4/s320/white+water+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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When we’re on advanced white water we need everyone to be
drivers. So you need to make sure your clients are active in the adventure, and
not just your passengers as you paddle down the river. This means adapting your
leadership and moving yourself around the group, if the river eases off for a
bit - put someone else at the front. If there are rapids where participants can
practice specific skills encourage them to challenge themselves. We’re aiming
for our participants to be more involved in the adventure making their own
decisions and thinking about where they are going.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3ktOW4hjbSJEqeLRze-2781z7KKkXqYUkbvdoDiFu6vvdvKxa10ONVg93FGVEtE5R1-NU008GD5vubD0vzYMKaTc8rtNwyw8TwZye6gZuOr89-Rncv3NsJyoTl64eI7MqT-EfEkvZo8/s1600/white+water+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3ktOW4hjbSJEqeLRze-2781z7KKkXqYUkbvdoDiFu6vvdvKxa10ONVg93FGVEtE5R1-NU008GD5vubD0vzYMKaTc8rtNwyw8TwZye6gZuOr89-Rncv3NsJyoTl64eI7MqT-EfEkvZo8/s320/white+water+2.png" width="320" /></a>I’ll be looking to adapt my leadership as I spend more time
on the river, and hopefully the result will be paddling with active engaged
paddlers receiving real paddling adventure, rather than passengers simply following
me from A to B.</div>
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The coach who delivered the course was Ross Montandon who
runs New Wave Kayaking, who mainly delivers white water training. I thoroughly
recommend Ross, very professional and great to learn from. </div>
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Photos were taken by
Ross during the course, thanks very much for letting us use them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For more information about <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</a></div>
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For more information about <a href="http://www.newwavekayaking.com/" target="_blank">Ross Montandon</a></div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-31278900468070227992018-01-09T16:57:00.000+00:002018-01-09T16:57:08.231+00:00Mixing business with teamwork<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Mixing business with teamwork. By David Robinson.</i></b></div>
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This month I had the chance to work with
Discovery Performance on one of their team development programmes. Coming from
an outdoor background it was interesting to see another way groups can be
tested and challenged. As outdoor practitioners we often get a bit of tunnel
vision forgetting that there are plenty of other ways people can be tested and
develop without necessarily taking them to the great outdoors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHX6HLaZqClapnlkhReSjvlGbp4p8QqqxGj9ZrPqav05jm-ytICLhC_Zzvn_iHWoGwu1ybjBwXDN1Nl4zsOXdEAeVKouC6CFyXasrPRzhQWQ9Sg6vytg2fx0re74ytILUiOzuWLJa7oo/s1600/opc16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHX6HLaZqClapnlkhReSjvlGbp4p8QqqxGj9ZrPqav05jm-ytICLhC_Zzvn_iHWoGwu1ybjBwXDN1Nl4zsOXdEAeVKouC6CFyXasrPRzhQWQ9Sg6vytg2fx0re74ytILUiOzuWLJa7oo/s320/opc16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Instead this time the groups were set up as a
business with one simple objective, make money. They needed to allocate roles,
Managing Director, Financial Director, Head of Operations and Sales Director
all of which had to be rotated in the team. They were then given their brief
and fictional bank account along with a list of expenses they had to pay and a
list of ways they could earn their money. I was to be their chaperone for the
day allocating them their credits as and when they earned them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I felt a lot like one of Lord Alan Sugar</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s right hand
people as I watched the whole thing play out throughout the day. The group were
all graduates on an 18 month progressive programme and they didn</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t do anything I
expected them to. No planning, no costing up, just on the hoof let</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s get out there
and earn some money. It was very much felt like an episode of The Apprentice as
I watched the group slowly realise they were haemorrhaging money and
desperately needed to raise cash before their new start-up went into
administration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">All the difficulties the team went through and
all the failures were important parts of the whole learning process. It created
plenty of discussion at the end where we were able to look at not just what
went wrong but also why it went wrong too. When the team split up what was and
wasn</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t
being communicated? How much planning took place and how would that have
changed things? How did they work with customers and what effect did that have
on their income?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">All in all I felt that the groups went through a
fantastic and well organised comprehensive team building experience. And just
goes to show with a bit of creativity you can mix business principles with some
outdoor and indoor challenges to come up with an alternative team building
experience to really build a stronger more cohesive team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">For more information about Team Building activities for Businesses </span>www.lopc.co.uk/corporate</div>
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To contact David corporate@lopc.co.uk</div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-45806671420533914422017-11-27T17:20:00.000+00:002017-11-27T17:20:42.389+00:002018 Instructor Vacancy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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2018 Seasonal Instructing staff Vacancy</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dTlcM32eXRyjG-W7ZYjJf3LKk-ECHcC1o6-6mPQuJC7CO-MDjybI1P0po9F3VA9MCASNvkJvHGY2Aa1-rBwIe5TdbwjoytvEJiZ-HumuUy_7Hh_mks2pELN4FXcjkMZMICDtoAExzgU/s1600/100X0656_ME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dTlcM32eXRyjG-W7ZYjJf3LKk-ECHcC1o6-6mPQuJC7CO-MDjybI1P0po9F3VA9MCASNvkJvHGY2Aa1-rBwIe5TdbwjoytvEJiZ-HumuUy_7Hh_mks2pELN4FXcjkMZMICDtoAExzgU/s320/100X0656_ME.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tucked away on the city boundary LOPC has 15 acres of land where we deliver exciting, inclusive adventurous activities on land, up our multi element High Ropes course, and on our own stretch of the River Soar. </div>
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We have 40,000 users per year, aged from 5yrs upwards of all abilities and backgrounds. Our users include:</div>
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o Schools and Colleges</div>
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o Scout, Guide and other youth based organisations</div>
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o Holiday Schemes & After School Club</div>
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o Families and individuals taking part in our Adventure Club</div>
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o Birthday Parties</div>
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o Corporate training. </div>
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o LOPC also provides a diverse annual coach education programme for land and water activities.</div>
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Due to the success of last season we are expanding our Instructor team for 2018. We look for Instructors who complement our enthusiastic, motivated and friendly staff team. Previous experience and qualifications in the outdoors or working with children will be beneficial, though not essential. All new staff will be put on a host of National Governing Body and in-house training courses. </div>
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What we are offering with the role:</div>
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• Thorough Induction process including nationally recognised qualifications</div>
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• Work with a diverse range of clients</div>
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• Opportunities to develop ongoing group programs</div>
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• Quality outdoor uniform and discounts on outdoor kit</div>
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• Pay ranges from £15,470 to £18,000 pro rata, dependent on qualifications and experience</div>
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• Professional development workshops</div>
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• Further opportunities to take different key roles within the organisation</div>
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• Potential for extended contracts over winter</div>
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LOPC is a non residential Centre so we cannot provide accommodation.</div>
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No C.V.s accepted. Successful applicants will be subject to 2 references and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.</div>
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<a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/about/get-involved/working-lopc/Instructor-vacancy/" target="_blank">For an application form</a></div>
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For an informal chat please contact Chris Murnin – (0116) 2681426 – deputy@lopc.co.uk</div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-66744490764796545422017-10-12T14:04:00.000+01:002017-10-12T14:04:18.736+01:00Ed Stafford, Adventurer and Star of Discovery Channel, said He is very proud to be a Patron of the the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Ed Stafford<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>was born in Peterborough and educated at Stoneygate School, Leicester; Uppingham in Rutland; and at Newcastle University. He then earned a position in the prestigious commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and was commissioned as a British Army Officer in July 1999.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Ed went on to command platoons in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, gaining his Northern Ireland medal in 2000 for his tour of Crossmaglen, South Armagh. Ed's happiest military years were spent as an instructor at RTC Lichfield where he oversaw several hundred recruits through their basic training, before leaving the military as a captain in 2002.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">After leaving the army, Ed used his leadership and outdoor skills as an expedition leader with the former charity Trekforce. He led groups of volunteers on community and conservation expeditions into the jungles of Belize, Guatemala and Borneo.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Ed’s next venture was an opportunity to widen his experience by taking a position as a UN contractor in Afghanistan, advising UN electoral workers on planning, logistics and security matters during the first ever presidential elections. Ed managed a team of similar contractors from Herat, in the western region of Afghanistan. During his time there, Ed’s election counting centre was rocketed by terrorists; his airport camp was mortared by improvised explosive devices that narrowly missed his un-armoured office; and the compound he was stationed in was burned to the ground when the warlord Ishmael Kahn was removed from office.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Returning to expeditions, Ed took on a new challenge – setting up extreme cold weather expeditions in Patagonia, Argentina, for the expedition company GVI. Ed was Director of Programmes in Argentina, carrying out scientific research projects and Northern Ice Cap traverses in Chile.</span><span class="s1">In 2007, Ed was offered work with the BBC's Natural History Unit. Ed was contracted to fly into Guyana and manage the construction of a filming base camp in the heart of the rainforest. He became the camp's logistics manager when the film crew arrived nine weeks later to film Lost Land of the Jaguar, in which Ed briefly appears.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">In Ed’s first programme with Discovery, <b>Walking the Amazon, he undertook an 860-day trek along the Amazon River.</b> This was the longest jungle expedition ever attempted, and the first time in history that anyone has walked this entire route. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>"His Guinness World Record-breaking feat made headlines the world over, and was described by Sir Ranulph Fiennes as "Truly extraordinary… in the top league of expeditions past and present." </b></span></blockquote>
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<span class="s1">It shifted Ed's focus from managing and leading teams in dangerous environments to using his expedition skills to educate people about environmental matters, and to inspire others to achieve the seemingly impossible.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Ed’s second series with Discovery, Naked and Marooned, saw him push his limits even further, spending 60 days alone on an island with only his bare hands to keep him alive. Now he takes on a whole new challenge with Discovery - Ed Stafford: Into the Unknown - in which he seeks the truth behind mysterious satellite images of Earth’s most remote locations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Ed returned to Leicestershire in 2015 and now lives in Hallaton with his wife Laura and baby Ranulph. </span></span><br />
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<b><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Ed said He is </span></span>very proud to be a patron of the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, because this was where he learned to kayak. Ed is also an ambassador for the Scouts Association.</b></blockquote>
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For more information about <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</a>.</div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-3966479837335382022017-05-05T14:36:00.001+01:002017-05-05T14:36:25.359+01:00The New Universal Changing Room<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ok we've done it! </h2>
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Over the last few weeks we have changed our inside Wide Access Toilet into a New Universal Changing and Wet Room for both Babies and Adults.<br />
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We are so grateful for the help of Sport England who donated £9,500 and the DCR Allen Charitable Trust who donated £6,000 we have been able to add a fantastic new facility at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Leicester.<br />
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We removed the original wall and extended the room allowing us to make the original wide access toilet into a wet room and toilet facility. It has also allowed us to add a baby changing area as well.<br />
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This room adds to our other new Changing Places facility which was opened last month.</div>
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For more details about <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</a>.</div>
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For more details about <a href="https://www.sportengland.org/" target="_blank">Sport England</a>.</div>
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For more details about <a href="http://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/d-c-r-allen-charitable-trust" target="_blank">DCR Allen Charitable Trust</a>.</div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-46885847114252420342017-02-03T17:00:00.000+00:002017-02-03T17:00:30.314+00:00Our After School Club are having an Open Evening<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Are you looking for Childcare with a difference?</h2>
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Come and visit our Open Evening at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre and see what we have on offer ...</h3>
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Wednesday 22nd February 2017 from 4.00pm until 7.00pm</h3>
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Presentations: 4:15pm, 4:45pm, 5:15pm, 6:15pm<br />Centre Tours: 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm</h4>
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Our After School Club is open to anyone aged between 5 (must be in year 1) and 16 years old, Activate Adventures is an OFSTED-registered After School Club with a difference! We offer a wide range of adventurous activities including Canoeing, Bell Boating, Raft Building, Team Games, Climbing, Zip Line, Archery, Air Rifles, and much more!<br /><br /><br />Your child can try something new, develop their skills and make new friends. The After School Club is run by fully qualified Instructors, who have all had enhanced DBS disclosures. </div>
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Prices start from as little as £6 for the After School Club and £35 for Holiday Scheme Days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z5jYYpG0RG_R5pOoT57sjrwPvTxRjM0I62cvBjJIh5xPaD36xGnfb3bbyK6vuBDPbDaeLdyw9uzVQKUdA6HSyCA6cTywwSnEzu_d-FL2qMKzJCVyupHUevcjHEBbMhdygjHQdc2o_YA/s1600/Open+day+images+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Children on the High Ropes Course" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z5jYYpG0RG_R5pOoT57sjrwPvTxRjM0I62cvBjJIh5xPaD36xGnfb3bbyK6vuBDPbDaeLdyw9uzVQKUdA6HSyCA6cTywwSnEzu_d-FL2qMKzJCVyupHUevcjHEBbMhdygjHQdc2o_YA/s320/Open+day+images+017.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you would like to come along, please register your interest by email asc@lopc.co.uk </div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-31938390277771306492017-02-02T12:30:00.001+00:002017-03-30T15:14:55.338+01:00Changing Places, Changing Lives.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i>Sometimes you just need to change one thing to open up a world of possibility ...</i></b></blockquote>
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Here at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre we are having some building work done, <br />
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We started work in November building a New Changing Places Toilet that is going to make a difference to so many people who face a daily challenge just leaving their homes.</div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">The Changing Places Consortium launched its campaign in 2006 on behalf of the over 1/4 of a million people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, as well as older people.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>What are Changing Places Toilets?</b></span></h3>
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<span class="s1">People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs are met by Changing Places toilets. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="s1"><b>Each Changing Places toilet provides:</b></span> </h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="s1"><b>The right equipment</b></span></h4>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- a tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible.</span></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #3696d5; font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 18px;"> </span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="s1"><b>Enough space</b></span></h4>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- a centrally placed toilet with room either side </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- a screen or curtain to allow some privacy.</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="s1"><b>A safe and clean environment</b></span></h4>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- a large waste bin for disposable pads</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">
<style type="text/css">
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span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
</style>
</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="color: black;">- a non-slip floor.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: black;">Why are Changing Places toilets important?</span></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><b>Thousands of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well other disabilities that severely limit mobility, cannot use standard accessible toilets.</b></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">People may be limited in their own mobility so need equipment to help them or may need support from one or two carers to either get on the toilet or to have their continence pad changed.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">Standard accessible toilets (or "disabled toilets") do not provide changing benches or hoists and most are too small to accommodate more than one person. </span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">Without Changing Places toilets, the person with disabilities is put at risk, and families are forced to risk their own health and safety by changing their loved one on a toilet floor.</span><br />
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><b>This is dangerous, unhygienic and undignified.</b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">It is now accepted and expected that everyone has a right to live in the community, to move around within it and access all its facilities. Government policy promotes the idea of "community participation" and "active citizenship," but for some people with disabilities the lack of a fully accessible toilet is denying them this right.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><b>Although the numbers are increasing, there are still not enough Changing Places toilets across the country.</b></span></div>
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Tahoma; color: #3696d5; -webkit-text-stroke: #3696d5}
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p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Arial; color: #444444; -webkit-text-stroke: #444444}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
</style>
<br />
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">Providing these toilets in public places would make a dramatic difference to the lives of thousands of people who desperately need these facilities.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: black;">Who are they for?</span></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"><b>Research has found that over a quarter of a million severely disabled people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, do not have access to public toilet facilities that meet their needs. </b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">In the UK the number of people who would benefit from a Changing Places toilet would include approximately:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li2"><b></b><span class="s1"><b>40,000</b> people with profound and multiple learning disabilities</span></li>
<li class="li2"><b></b><span class="s1"><b>130,000</b> older people</span></li>
<li class="li2"><b></b><span class="s1"><b>30,000</b> people with cerebral palsy</span></li>
<li class="li2"><b></b><span class="s1"><b>13,000 </b>people with an acquired brain injury</span></li>
<li class="li2"><b></b><span class="s1"><b>8,500</b> people with Multiple Sclerosis</span></li>
<li class="li2"><b></b><span class="s1"><b>8,000</b> people with Spina Bifida</span></li>
<li class="li2"><b></b><span class="s1"><b>500</b> people with Motor Neurone Disease</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">We also know that the number of people with complex disabilities is growing – we are all living longer, meaning many more people are likely to need access to a Changing Places toilet in the future.</span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1">
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Tahoma; color: #3696d5; -webkit-text-stroke: #3696d5}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Arial; color: #444444; -webkit-text-stroke: #444444}
li.li2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 15.0px Arial; color: #444444; -webkit-text-stroke: #444444}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
ul.ul1 {list-style-type: disc}
</style>
</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1">These figures come from a report by Professor James Hogg, at the University of Dundee.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZFexFAFg1MwXbHWjsvHzyfAqN-68EUHt5K3aQVhmieis3HAvICOc1Y2nizfxR8Q1sVc8Ad1L4mq4KH_gi7eKMZsDEZqekqEXViMvQM-oLadch4M2ls3_UOdZ6vtbgUTENPvkaNw_t0s/s1600/changing+lives+page+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZFexFAFg1MwXbHWjsvHzyfAqN-68EUHt5K3aQVhmieis3HAvICOc1Y2nizfxR8Q1sVc8Ad1L4mq4KH_gi7eKMZsDEZqekqEXViMvQM-oLadch4M2ls3_UOdZ6vtbgUTENPvkaNw_t0s/s400/changing+lives+page+4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
The work was completed at the beginning of March 2017.</h4>
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For more information about <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.</a><br />
<br />
For more information about <a href="http://www.changing-places.org/" target="_blank">Changing Places</a><br />
<br /></div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-71869472966556833672017-01-04T15:32:00.001+00:002017-01-04T15:32:17.965+00:008 Top Tips To help Keep Your New Year’s Resolution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every New Year’s Eve I ask the question “Do you have a new
year’s resolution?” And I’m often met with a mix of grumbles, sometimes the odd bit
of sarcasm and then the occasional enthusiastic announcement of a change
someone is making in their life. It is common knowledge that these are rarely
kept to, and have often fizzled out of memory by February. However, there are
exceptions to the rule! And I am living proof!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some years have been more successful than others but I have
found I’ve been able to make real changes in my life through New Year’s
Resolutions. I like to think of them as a time to refocus my life and start
working on something new that I really want to achieve. Past resolutions have
included gaining new skills, qualifications and then the hardest one was having
a go a stand up comedy on front of a crowd of strangers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So here are my top 8 tips to making that New Year’s
Resolution stick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>#1 Make sure it’s something you really want<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7yTYvYs_z4tnf2TJhyphenhyphenhqMCcPdL1xNUreydxLfU8XR7Gv4M8x_fgRbMj19hL9Utc-Lv8lsNgLkA9DgNREOiZs5sUIh4ynzkR_YWmFUEZnuNUzMisiKew0WBn32YgxhpSnudegoFSh7nA/s1600/think.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7yTYvYs_z4tnf2TJhyphenhyphenhqMCcPdL1xNUreydxLfU8XR7Gv4M8x_fgRbMj19hL9Utc-Lv8lsNgLkA9DgNREOiZs5sUIh4ynzkR_YWmFUEZnuNUzMisiKew0WBn32YgxhpSnudegoFSh7nA/s200/think.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
I think many people make up a resolution because they <b>think </b>it’s something they <b>should</b> do. Classic ones include giving
up chocolate or alcohol, not saying they aren’t perfectly good resolutions but
if you don’t really want to do it you won’t. Generally all my resolutions have
been something in the back of my mind that I just haven’t had the time to carry
out. The change into the New Year allows me to think about how I can change my
habits to allow time for a new project.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>#2 Set goals<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GnXTYgEt81IQc9iCrqfJhg0gcL2uFCIzSQJ-rbCN0XdgOPr-5r6HKC4dajzA4mFMi4MSmZ4U0ctgvDgoF_FrwWgounqZXwK5op6DshFF2lek-_BBNc8RmrA6L6zMrh3G9ylQd9TrBO0/s1600/goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GnXTYgEt81IQc9iCrqfJhg0gcL2uFCIzSQJ-rbCN0XdgOPr-5r6HKC4dajzA4mFMi4MSmZ4U0ctgvDgoF_FrwWgounqZXwK5op6DshFF2lek-_BBNc8RmrA6L6zMrh3G9ylQd9TrBO0/s320/goals.jpg" width="212" /></a>Having something to aim for is a great way to keep to your
New Year’s Resolution. It’ll keep you focused and on track. Then when you’ve
hit your goals you’ll get that feeling of satisfaction and be ready to set the
next goal. When I wanted to change my eating habits I used a simple goal – ‘cook
from a recipe book at least once a week’. When I wanted to try stand-up comedy
I set myself a goal to take part in an open mic night once a month and to have
started by February, (giving myself some time to prepare). The goals were
simple and they were realistic. There is no point in setting your sights too
high, think about what you can really achieve. If you smash it then great - move
your sights a bit higher.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
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If you’re trying to quit smoking you could try setting your
goal to continually reduce the amount of nicotine you take. If you’re trying to get fit
you could have a goal at how far you want to be able to run. Then make sure you
give yourself a deadline.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>#3 Create a chain<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is all about changing your mind set and your lifestyle,
if you can pull this off you may end up seamlessly making a big change in your
life. When I want to increase my exercise and fitness I keep planning the next
workout. For example, I go for a swim, then straight away afterwards I pick up
my diary and plan the next time I'm going swimming, and then after the next swim
I plan the next and so on. This is how I went about gaining my rock climbing
qualifications, every week I’d go out rock climbing, and then immediately after
I would be organising the next rock climbing trip. Keep to this and soon you’ll
have changed your mentality and lifestyle. What you’re doing here is avoiding a
situation where you go to the gym, congratulate yourself on making that first
step, and then two weeks later think to yourself “I was meant to keep going to
that”. Keep looking at the next action.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>#4 Find a partner<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINPpsL4oukfHgLvefpL_gDlt_-Yn6CUGonvcmjVm02vivelIn6dup7lqfSL3td2crFfGbFFHlpTdcSecny-iwQwdcS4L0tjAnX3T7ylRb13ubfBxPsCSj0a7z9REK5wAC6PT-5RxlKso/s1600/8707_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINPpsL4oukfHgLvefpL_gDlt_-Yn6CUGonvcmjVm02vivelIn6dup7lqfSL3td2crFfGbFFHlpTdcSecny-iwQwdcS4L0tjAnX3T7ylRb13ubfBxPsCSj0a7z9REK5wAC6PT-5RxlKso/s1600/8707_0.jpg" /></a></div>
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While I was at university one of the biggest motivators for
me was having someone to go running with. I remember plenty of times when my
running partner would be ready to go and I couldn’t be bothered, but there was
no way I was going to let him go without me. And then the same worked the other
way around. Having that person to spur you on and also work with you will make the
difference, particularly if you are both working to the same goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>#5 Invest some money<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is a bit of a funny one, I think it works better for
some people than others. Anyone who knows me well knows I’m quite careful with
my money. So if I’ve spent some money on something I’m going to make dam sure
that money isn’t wasted. Therefore if I’ve paid for gym membership I’m going to
the gym (even if it’s the crack of dawn or quarter to midnight). And likewise
if I’ve just invested in some expensive running shoes I’m going running. This
doesn’t just have to be for fitness, you might pay for a new training course to learn a
new language or a new skill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>#6 Set up reminders<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9SgNtjleyp1sGMaCqbUvnen2LxE8-sLIAfcCsC9vhtgpNljwsXKD1lJ-XYrf3MRuEzx1oaiC24__f4cZ4qgRiElrvF_CZZqi3U3oTrWOmnDBHKzdmNlxkUZDUcCYVI1-cRa36uegIx8/s1600/reminder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9SgNtjleyp1sGMaCqbUvnen2LxE8-sLIAfcCsC9vhtgpNljwsXKD1lJ-XYrf3MRuEzx1oaiC24__f4cZ4qgRiElrvF_CZZqi3U3oTrWOmnDBHKzdmNlxkUZDUcCYVI1-cRa36uegIx8/s1600/reminder.jpg" /></a>This goes a little bit hand in hand with setting up a chain.
One New Year’s Resolution I really struggle to keep is to read more. I never
find the time and also I forget to make the time. But setting up reminders might just
help to keep your mind focused on what you want to do. This could be a poster
on the wall, reminders on your phone or entries in your diary. Anything that
just keeps your New Year’s Resolution in the front of your mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>#7 Reward yourself<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rewards serve two purposes. They give you that positive
reinforcement that helps to spur you on and they also play a part in that goal
you set. So if your goal was to go down two dress sizes, buy yourself a new dress.
If it’s to be able to run 3 miles, treat yourself to a some new sport clothes/
kit. As long as the reward doesn’t pave the way into the bad habit you were
trying to get out of. For example don’t reward yourself with a cigar because
you quit smoking – that’ll just set you back to the beginning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>#8 Set up a final outcome<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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If there is an end goal to all this then you’ve got a
purpose for everything you’re trying to
do. If it’s to get fit then maybe sign up to an event that you need to improve
your fitness to compete in (goes hand in hand with #5). If it’s to learn
French, book that France holiday now!<o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s it, just remember you don’t achieve anything without
a little hard work and persistence. And remember it’ll be worth it in the end.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Incidentally if you are looking to improve your health and fitness why not take a look at our Outdoor Exercise Sessions <a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/individuals-families-clubs/outdoor-exercise/" target="_blank">click here</a> for more information.<br />
<br />
Good Luck</div>
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<br />
David Robinson<br />
Corporate Development Officer<br />
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-69121018848366338352016-11-14T11:24:00.002+00:002016-11-14T11:33:02.415+00:005 Top Tips for Getting a Job in the Outdoors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Nearly every year we recruit new staff at Leicester Outdoor
Pursuits Centre, and we often get a great mix of personalities knocking on our
door - showing us what they have to offer. However there are traps and pitfalls
that so many young potentials just get wrong. Here are my top 5 tips to prevent
them happening to you.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Disclaimer, if you do
any of these - don’t panic. These are not ‘you’ve blown it’ moments, there
shouldn’t be any in an interview. Remember our objective is to try and find out
as much as we can about who you are, if you’re the right person for the job it
will come through. These tips will just help that process.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<u>1) Wear a suit<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh4_OEYjYmq1sOs1cakBBjygQlzOc8kfJ7Q56XJlZCIG0lSuSVP6cFFPKWarzP1OjS7-nPJTUGSJDWKu-itF1UlO4uLnxOWQaQSa8QRUyY4PA81bz_UQGXlO6qga-ECSnxkgKfIQ6HQQ/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh4_OEYjYmq1sOs1cakBBjygQlzOc8kfJ7Q56XJlZCIG0lSuSVP6cFFPKWarzP1OjS7-nPJTUGSJDWKu-itF1UlO4uLnxOWQaQSa8QRUyY4PA81bz_UQGXlO6qga-ECSnxkgKfIQ6HQQ/s320/Picture1.png" width="151" /></a>If you’re reading that and wrinkling your nose with
disapproval then I’m talking to you in particular. Unless you’ve been specifically
told otherwise this is a no brainer. I know the outdoor industry isn’t about
being smart and we all take a pride in getting away from the formal office environment.
We all love the RAB Jacket and the Mountain Equipment Trousers but this is an
interview and you need to consider what message you’re giving in how you
present yourself.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
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Nobody has ever been marked down for being ‘too smart’ and
chances are you’re not going to either. But if you turn up scruffy there’s a
very real chance that first initial impression isn’t going to be a good one.
I’d question how serious you’re taking this interview and how professional you
are as a colleague, and now you’re on the back foot before we’ve got started.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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<u>2) Talk is cheap – arrive with substance<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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If I had a pound for every time I was told about how a
candidate was ‘passionate’ about the outdoors and ‘loves’ to be out in nature
and has the ‘enthusiasm’ to spread that in others, I’d be a rich man. It’s easy
to say that and to be fair it’s probably true, but you need to evidence this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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If you say you love the outdoors we want to know what you’re
doing outdoors and why you love it. If you tell us you once went in a canoe and
liked it, that’s really not going to cut it. Maybe you belong to a club? Do you
volunteer with anyone? What experiences have you had? If you build a story of
your love for the outdoors then suddenly you’ve got a bit of substance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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<u>3) Tick the boxes<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6wlDOC4M7Es_3O2FVoI3-52xX0ivoM4ryawS2iOgIhmLFk1Iyi3vGoEuh7wavaSQ-rpqhIg7rOKq_dLnfGGWQYlNY67V1znhjymlr4nZkT8YlQKHz6Ro4EH6ym-YcCRQa0xodB_qUms/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6wlDOC4M7Es_3O2FVoI3-52xX0ivoM4ryawS2iOgIhmLFk1Iyi3vGoEuh7wavaSQ-rpqhIg7rOKq_dLnfGGWQYlNY67V1znhjymlr4nZkT8YlQKHz6Ro4EH6ym-YcCRQa0xodB_qUms/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a>On your application we’re looking at the person
specification and trying to decide whether you meet our essential criteria.
Read that essential criteria and make sure we know you meet it. Almost all
applications have that section to write about yourself and support your
application. Use it and abuse it! This is your chance to sell yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Remembering from lesson 2, try to evidence it too. You have
brilliant customer service skills…….prove it! Write about all those customers
who said they had a great time. Tell us about those letters from customers
commending your efforts that ensured they had a great time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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<u>4) Consider what you ask us<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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A lot of times in an interview you’ll get the chance to ask
us a question. This tells us more than you probably appreciate. Yes we’re
judging you and we’ll look at anything you do for clues as to what you’ll be
like to work for us and what you ask is a great opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We know you’ll ask about pay – everyone wants to know that –
after all it’s the primary reason you’re sitting in an interview. We won’t
judge you on that. But if you were to start asking us insightful questions
about our Outdoor Education provision we’ll know we’ve got someone who’s got a
keen interest in the right thing. Your questions tell us about what you’re
interested in, they also tell us how much you know and researched. For example
if you were to ask “How many NICAS Level 2 courses do you deliver?” I instantly
know you’re interested in delivering these courses and you’ve researched the
organisation and am aware we deliver them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>5) You don’t have ‘lots of experience’</u><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A lot of candidates seem to come to an interview having done
about 1 or 2 seasons. This is great we’re always looking for people with a <b>bit</b> of experience. That’s exactly what
it is, a <b>bit</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Please please please when telling us why we should employ
you don’t say it’s because of your experience. We know how much experience
you’ve got, you put it on your application. It’s ok to be inexperienced, it
means you’re a blank canvass ready for us to develop. You might look at things
differently with a fresh set of eyes. Use that rather than telling us you have
a lot of experience. Unless of course you do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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Finally don’t get disheartened too much if you don’t get the
job. I’ve turned down a lot of people I’d loved to have worked with but at the
end of the day we only have so many places to give out. Get feedback and learn
from it. If you really want the job you’ll get it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Good luck to anyone looking for a job in outdoor pursuits. It's a brilliant industry full of lots of interesting and enthusiastic people.<br />
<br />
David Robinson</div>
</div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-35744020190671661942016-07-16T13:02:00.000+01:002016-07-16T17:39:28.408+01:00British Canoeing HQ Team build a Trebuchet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Wednesday a group from British Canoeing Head Office came to the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre to take part in some Team Building activities.<br />
<br />
The plan was to build and fire a Trebuchet.<br />
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<br />
But first they had to find the parts of the Trebuchet, which we had hidden around our 15 Acre site. We provided 3 teams with a GPS each and gave them instructions on how to use them. Next we gave them the GPS co-ordinates to help them find the parts.<br />
<br />
There was a lot of fun and a little bit of competition between the teams, but they successfully completed the task.<br />
<br />
The next part was to build the <a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/about/activities/trebuchet/" target="_blank">Trebuchet</a>.<br />
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<br />
I gave them a brief history about the Trebuchet where and when it was used in the past (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebuchet" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)<br />
<br />
The same 3 teams started work to construct their own Siege Engine to attack a Castle made of Milk Crates!<br />
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<br />
First you make the base and make sure it is pointing towards the Castle Milkcrate.<br />
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<br />
Then you build the sides.<br />
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Then pose for a 'Caption Competition' photo!<br />
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Time to attach the throwing arm and the counter balance weights.<br />
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Ready!<br />
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Fire!<br />
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<br />
Meet the British Canoeing Team.<br />
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For more information about <a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/corporate/" target="_blank">LOPC Corporate Challenges</a><br />
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-25161397060990104942016-07-15T14:49:00.000+01:002016-07-16T10:33:07.615+01:00Goodbye to Children from our After School Club.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today we say goodbye to several young people who have been coming to out After School Club at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.<br />
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The Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre provide After School Care for children from nearby Junior Schools. https://www.lopc.co.uk/childcare/after-school-club/<br />
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It is the last day of term here in Leicester and the start of the school holidays, so today is both a sad and happy day for the staff of LOPC and young people who are leaving us today.<br />
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And in September they will start a whole new episode in their lives as they move from Junior School to Senior School.<br />
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Last Friday the staff offered that the After School Children could 'Camp Over' at the outdoor centre.<br />
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Some of the children had never camped in the Tent overnight before. Cheryl Taylor, one of the Instructors said 'They were brilliant and so well behaved.'<br />
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With the help of Instructors the put up their tents, cooked their own evening meal on Tranja Cookers and then cooked Marshmallows on a Campfire.<br />
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For those who are leaving us ... we will miss you.<br />
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And for those who are staying ... we will see you in September.<br />
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For more information about our <a href="https://www.lopc.co.uk/childcare/after-school-club/" target="_blank">After School Club</a></div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-31862193340887584282016-04-12T17:21:00.000+01:002016-06-29T17:20:26.917+01:00Scout Water Team have Fun on the New Stand up Board<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So we through down the gauntlet to the Scout Instructors could they have more fun?</h2>
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Well the answer was YES because they launched the New XL Stand up Board.<br />
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We have 12 normal size Paddle boards and 2 XL size.<br />
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So yesterday the Scout Water Team accepted the Fun Challenge by launching the XL board.<br />
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So once we put this in the water it will have to be more fun!<br />
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OK lets try levitation.</div>
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Too much jumping Guys!</div>
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So I think the Scout Water Team proved they can have lots of fun, and also spend lots of time in the water!</div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-18899196881950793552016-04-12T17:02:00.000+01:002016-06-29T17:22:24.421+01:00Stand Up Paddle Boards in Leicester<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Leicestershire Scouts and the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre have purchased some Stand up Paddle Boards or SUP's for short.<br />
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They were purchased for Leicestershire Scouts 'Charnwood International Scout Camp' to be held in August 2016, but the great news is ..... they are to be stored with us at LOPC!<br />
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So over the last to weeks we have been putting them through their paces.<br />
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First of all the Instructors needed to go through training. There is a SUP Module from Canoe-England that the Water Staff are all adding to their qualifications. The first of these was run for the Scout Water team. The LOPC water staff will have the same fun next week.<br />
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Then we tested them on the Easter Holiday Scheme Children because the Scout Water Instructors maybe were not having enough fun!</h3>
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First you need to put the fins on.<br />
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Do you have to stand like that?</div>
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What happens if you kneel on the back?</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I can stand on one leg!</span></div>
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So the challenge is on .... Scout Instructors can you have more fun than us?<br />
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For more information about LOPC <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/">www.lopc.co.uk</a><br />
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For more information about the Charnwood International Camp <a href="http://charnwood.org/">http://charnwood.org</a> </div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-25194309085913152502016-02-09T09:35:00.000+00:002016-02-09T09:35:07.630+00:0010 Steps to Successful Archery Shooting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">10 Steps to Successful Archery Shooting</span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stance</span></h3>
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The archer stands upright in a comfortable, relaxed position with feet at right angles to the target. The feet should be about shoulder width apart. When Shooting the body position should remain as steady as possible with no shifting of weight or leaning of the body. When instructed pick up the bow and hold in the table top position. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nocking the Arrow </span></h3>
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Nock the arrow by placing the nock of the arrow onto the bowstring at the nocking point. Make sure that the odd coloured fletching on the arrow is facing up and the nock is pushed firmly onto the bowstring listen for the click. The arrow shaft is placed onto the arrow rest. <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Which hand is which?</span></h3>
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<b>Drawing Hand</b></div>
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Index, second and third fingers are used. Curl the fingers around the bowstring so that the first joint of all three fingers sit on the bowstring. During the draw maintain an even amount of pressure on all three fingers.</div>
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<b>Bow Hand</b></div>
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Hold the Bow between thumb and index finger where it makes a V. During the draw, the force should be taken on the palm and directly into the wrist. The fingers should remain relaxed. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
Bow Arm & Pre Draw</span></h3>
Push out the bow arm towards the target so it is straight then raise the bow arm and drawing arm together, up to the position shown in the picture on the left. Keep the front shoulder in its normal low position. The shoulder must not be allowed to rotate up or back as this shortens the draw length. Keep the elbow of the drawing arm high, as this will help use the back muscles needed to draw the bow to full draw. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIJMACb6B9Y_fi65nkHd6WmqRiPodfhyphenhyphenD0KAumg_xuSx8sE3n5GLQyXM62v-DeVmvicFhN5jEBCCoFPCyLcqyMUxGLUEeJRGDkffOrGt01C6n7Uu8eiHahSFGz14OciGT6n1mU_TqKLQ/s1600/Draw+Bow2_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIJMACb6B9Y_fi65nkHd6WmqRiPodfhyphenhyphenD0KAumg_xuSx8sE3n5GLQyXM62v-DeVmvicFhN5jEBCCoFPCyLcqyMUxGLUEeJRGDkffOrGt01C6n7Uu8eiHahSFGz14OciGT6n1mU_TqKLQ/s200/Draw+Bow2_0050.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Drawing The Bow</span></span></h3>
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Draw the arm backwards in one smooth motion until the drawing hand is placed against the face, with a high elbow to make a T-shape. The position of the head and body should not move. An equal amount of push on the bow hand and pull on the drawing hand will keep the body balanced. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNeHXihHp2eSNBQ6mIHoxnHFLSgN_3ZbKvexdIQ6GvTmZ0vG6O6m0OqUib2fJKaUhw978-jPpP8pJ1NVYJwHVGYfntbUbA8EbXp96fp8wYeZ6cTPhZ9UWLybPs52vJCgNi-YgvMeuyyM/s1600/Anchor_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNeHXihHp2eSNBQ6mIHoxnHFLSgN_3ZbKvexdIQ6GvTmZ0vG6O6m0OqUib2fJKaUhw978-jPpP8pJ1NVYJwHVGYfntbUbA8EbXp96fp8wYeZ6cTPhZ9UWLybPs52vJCgNi-YgvMeuyyM/s200/Anchor_0051.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anchor</span></h3>
The Anchor is where the drawing hand is positioned on the face. The thumb is tucked away in the palm of the hand with the bowstring touching the face. <br />
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To ensure consistency in shooting your anchor should be the same. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aiming</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1wxUfFl5UcmB0kjJROwt8EaNC-gTbQO2nDSU0oCtzI8qaj2OlgMdnhjlCT8mhBedTfZ2eZfcmB-aaY3NaeW6fPgircfgkU8nrVs2O6xdDl9GadmDSft3h5NMEq97kZCn1OY1LXP5UxU/s1600/Aim3_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1wxUfFl5UcmB0kjJROwt8EaNC-gTbQO2nDSU0oCtzI8qaj2OlgMdnhjlCT8mhBedTfZ2eZfcmB-aaY3NaeW6fPgircfgkU8nrVs2O6xdDl9GadmDSft3h5NMEq97kZCn1OY1LXP5UxU/s200/Aim3_0056.JPG" width="150" /></a></h3>
Aim by looking down the line of the arrow and centring it to the target. It is natural for the bow to move around as muscles try to hold it steady this will improve with time and practice. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Release</span></h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3U9hmf7I-9LaaYDF2Is4OJ6L3M0RIFkY7yJLKXGzagvQ32ix6dY1j2xL-khGoGe33DPRCl4XQt3AcMo_qO7uQLwLLzkKCWc0L9wconhE-bZ3rCm1n5dI7c6zRp4ZcsXS_jZjJ7nxpJg/s1600/Release_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3U9hmf7I-9LaaYDF2Is4OJ6L3M0RIFkY7yJLKXGzagvQ32ix6dY1j2xL-khGoGe33DPRCl4XQt3AcMo_qO7uQLwLLzkKCWc0L9wconhE-bZ3rCm1n5dI7c6zRp4ZcsXS_jZjJ7nxpJg/s200/Release_0060.JPG" width="150" /></a>To release the arrow correctly, the fingers holding the bowstring must allow the string to slip off the fingers at the same time. This will let the bowstring pull away from the fingers with the least amount of deflection. When the release is done correctly, the hand should move backwards to rest behind the neck. Flexing the finger muscles will create a loss of power in the shot. <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Follow through </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoik1AaUnT803nxWJ5ycMW7pDzo0vX2atF02-5e-QXjGmMT2fwK2PdZx0sPW9XE_iAKwjiKfQjJyXp6D8Eu1j7eaVi5ZSmzQmfWTiP9sKOHn3zaAbeLFs6PPqLfBI2VfULfA56zDnWclE/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoik1AaUnT803nxWJ5ycMW7pDzo0vX2atF02-5e-QXjGmMT2fwK2PdZx0sPW9XE_iAKwjiKfQjJyXp6D8Eu1j7eaVi5ZSmzQmfWTiP9sKOHn3zaAbeLFs6PPqLfBI2VfULfA56zDnWclE/s200/IMG_0060.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
Stay in this position until the arrow hits the target.<br />
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As the arrow slides along the arrow rest any movement of the bow will affect the arrow.<br />
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Relaxing</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3GqTVg5oyYf2Q4oIF_ZDQgOEQ2c77gvI-9Yz3GHVi0hdW5-k7r_6WY4bKFZfcqEBRYsB9XrBacq37LpAG1aSucz4Yz8t2RWSNBfZeodkGrPfNQwjOjLf87hOIs2DaC73kBSWJAa7i-g/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3GqTVg5oyYf2Q4oIF_ZDQgOEQ2c77gvI-9Yz3GHVi0hdW5-k7r_6WY4bKFZfcqEBRYsB9XrBacq37LpAG1aSucz4Yz8t2RWSNBfZeodkGrPfNQwjOjLf87hOIs2DaC73kBSWJAa7i-g/s400/IMG_1284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The archer should relax after each shot to allow the muscles to recover from their effort. About 20 to 30 seconds should be enough time for the muscles to recover, ready for the next shot. If not enough time is allowed between shots, then the muscles will tire rapidly and may even become sore. Tired muscles will not be able to perform consistently.<br />
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Taster Archery sessions are available at the <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/adventureclub/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</a>.<br />
LOPC also runs <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/courses/shooting_courses/archery_gb_instructor_award/20/" target="_blank">Archery Instructor</a> courses in the East Midlands.<br />
<a href="http://euroarchery2016.org/home.php" target="_blank">24th European Archery Championship</a> which will take place 23-29 May in Nottingham, England<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0Leicester, UK52.6368778 -1.139759199999957752.4826958 -1.4624826999999576 52.7910598 -0.81703569999995773tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-43954036741634761722016-02-02T09:35:00.000+00:002016-02-03T10:33:33.419+00:00 Getting Started Paddle Sport<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So you want to be a Kayaker?</span></span></h2>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> By David Robinson BCU Level 3 Coach.</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">So you</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve always been a bit interested in canoeing and/or
kayaking but you don</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t know where to start. Well hopefully this guide will give you an
idea of what you can do and how to get started, and do it safely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><em><strong><span lang="EN-US">But isn</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span></strong></em><span lang="EN-US"><em><strong>t it an expensive sport?</strong></em> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Well it</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s as expensive as
you want it to be. You can spend lots of money on all the ‘</span><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD;">Gucci</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’ </span><span lang="EN-US">kit straight away, or
you don</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t even need to buy a thing, opting to hire what you need when you
need it. You can pay lots of money on lots of coaching to quickly build up your
skills, or gather experience slowly - paddling on trips and joining a club. And
with that in mind here is a step by step guide to getting involved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 1 – The Taster<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">It is always good to try something before
jumping in at the deep end, so best to have a taster session first. <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/courses/water_courses/childrens_canoeing_starter_course/57/" target="_blank">Why not try a taster session at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre?</a> Here you
will learn the absolute basics such as how to sit in a boat, how to hold a
paddle, how to move the boat, how to get in and out and what to do if you fall
in. You can do this at an outdoor centre or a canoe centre or possibly at your
local club. A good resource is the <a href="http://www.gocanoeing.org.uk/" target="_blank">Go Canoeing Website</a>. Here they list where
you can find ‘Canoe Starter</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’ </span><span lang="EN-US">session up and down the country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">*Note at this point you especially don</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t need to buy an
kit, as generally the safety kit is all provided.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Step 2 – Learning how to paddle<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Unless you have a friend to show you, there are
two options to go for. An Introduction to Canoeing Course will give you the
basics in paddle sport. By the end you should be able to move your boat with
some confidence from A to B generally in a straight line. You</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ll also be able
to manoeuvre your boat in a variety of ways and also capsize without panicking.
You can then follow the <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/courses/water_courses/one_day_introduction_to_canoeing_course/61/" target="_blank">British Canoeing Star Awards</a> that landmark your
progress as you develop in the sport.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alternatively Option 2 would be to <a href="http://www.canoe-england.co.uk/findaclub.aspx" target="_blank">join a club</a>
and learn off other people who are regular enthusiasts. Here you can make
friends with other paddlers and learn a lot just from socialising and talking
about paddle sport. Most clubs will also have qualified coaches and experienced
paddlers who are always keen to teach and coach new paddlers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personally I would recommend doing both. A
professional course will give you quality coaching set against a clear syllabus
helping you to progress effectively, and then the club will help you to
practice those skills in a safe environment and make friends with like-minded
soles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">*Note at this stage you still don</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t have to buy any
kit, you should be able to use the club</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s or centre</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Step 3 – Becoming a paddler<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After gaining your British Canoeing 1 Star Award
you may decide to improve those skills to paddle more efficiently. A 2 Star
course will improve those skills as well as teach the basics of how to perform
rescues, making you much more confident on the water and no longer feeling like
a beginner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">You may also want to start looking at trips on
the water, (after all this is why we got into it isn</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t it?). Again the Go
Canoeing website has ‘Guided Tours</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’ </span><span lang="EN-US">listed as well as ‘Trails</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">, which will give you
something more than just a quick splash about on the water.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">If your club is quite active then I</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">m sure they</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ll also have
organised trips you can enquire about too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Step 4 – Decisions<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By now you should know whether paddle sport is
something for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you have decided to carry on one question you
may want to answer is – What is it about the sport I like and want do I want to
do? There are many disciplines in paddle sport including: touring, flat water
racing, white water racing, slalom, sea kayaking, white water rivers, kayak
surf, canoe camping, freestyle and polo plus many more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Knowing what you want to do will help you decide
what to purchase. You don</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t want to spend £500 on an expensive dry suit if you</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">re going to be
playing Canoe Polo which mainly takes place in a swimming pool. And likewise
you don</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t want to be taking a Canoe Polo boat down a river with white water
rapids. With all the different disciplines there are a lot of different pieces
of kit on the market, so it</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s good to seek advice on what</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s the most appropriate kit for the paddling you
want to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">You generally get what you pay for in kit so it</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s up to you what
you choose to buy. There is always a lot of second hand kit on the market. I
would suggest taking your time and collecting items as you need them, buying
some warmer kit to wear in the winter and having your own buoyancy aid and
helmet will make things more comfortable on the water, followed by purchasing
your own boat once you</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">re satisfied with what type of paddling you</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">re most interested in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Finally – ALWAYS Remember safety<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Paddle sport is an inherently dangerous sport
that brings with it a risk that is always present. These risks can be easily
managed but only with experienced paddlers. I would strongly recommend not
going out paddling on your own while you</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">re picking up your initial skills. Once you</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve been paddling
for a while you can then start making your own assessments, but always seek
advice from other coaches and experienced paddlers.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">For more information about the <a href="http://www.lopc.co.uk/adventureclub/" target="_blank">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</a></span></span></div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0Leicester, UK52.6368778 -1.139759199999957752.4826958 -1.4624826999999576 52.7910598 -0.81703569999995773tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-69318900224974573762016-01-12T11:57:00.000+00:002016-02-06T13:10:57.476+00:00The Canoeists code.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Canoeists code,<b> </b>is intended to help people enjoy the river without reducing the enjoyment of others or damaging the environment. It is expected that canoeists follow the code on all river trips.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Care for Wildlife</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid disturbing nesting birds along the river banks, particularly in spring time.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid damaging beds of waterweed.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stop your activity if you are clearly disturbing wildlife.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; min-height: 14px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stay Safe</span></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bW_yf3plzgl-HCbWq_PdPMa_CFjSutmdAhXOWKFGZGkMtE1ZABGeZbJwaDjvCMzAxpHd6wYElo3N_o9HAEZvvK_AWSIFwCOmvSRxOCIIDkzJYUHuD7nlKoF9zQWVqC_Y4p65b926-10/s1600/APR_7536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bW_yf3plzgl-HCbWq_PdPMa_CFjSutmdAhXOWKFGZGkMtE1ZABGeZbJwaDjvCMzAxpHd6wYElo3N_o9HAEZvvK_AWSIFwCOmvSRxOCIIDkzJYUHuD7nlKoF9zQWVqC_Y4p65b926-10/s320/APR_7536.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use the river in a safe fashion and ensure that you have the appropriate safety equipment.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ensure that any groups of young novice boaters are led by suitably experienced responsible persons – preferably a qualified instructor.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t drink alcohol during and just prior to your trip on the river.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Follow instructions given to you by your canoe hire operator and/or group leader.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; min-height: 14px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Help Keep a Healthy River</span></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk_ihT9QTdxFCPySpOGSdyDpF1PLn0RcWytIN5pg0s5kMaEqePbPkrHaYR1DhgHo1ztytIAXd6KQR5fgzMn91wfl2ebBLYC-i1_9aPP59QgU02C8YfRmWHrmriKFpvzgL1sOOEjdABu0/s1600/APR_7562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk_ihT9QTdxFCPySpOGSdyDpF1PLn0RcWytIN5pg0s5kMaEqePbPkrHaYR1DhgHo1ztytIAXd6KQR5fgzMn91wfl2ebBLYC-i1_9aPP59QgU02C8YfRmWHrmriKFpvzgL1sOOEjdABu0/s320/APR_7562.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take your rubbish away with you.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid damage to banks, the riverbed and bank side vegetation - this can lead to erosion. You can help by only launching and landing at purpose made launch points.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid dragging boats and equipment over rock slabs and stones.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; min-height: 14px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be Fishing Friendly</span></b></h3>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pass anglers with as little noise and disturbance as possible.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep away from banks being fished and fishing tackle.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid loitering in pools if anyone is fishing.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Comply with reasonable directional requests.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; min-height: 14px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Consider Other People</span></b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9TghZQ2JAXXcBFd9f0i9YL1-LWxEkAUrTVcXB-vaAbUG1Ui8l80H_nvsBNHNHe0a79L10eLGgpIbLCQRF2m2M89M3YngpbVW0YSEpWIaiWt1NI0ZYbx7Y-dWpetJjc9yDS37s-Fv-9A/s1600/_PDT0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9TghZQ2JAXXcBFd9f0i9YL1-LWxEkAUrTVcXB-vaAbUG1Ui8l80H_nvsBNHNHe0a79L10eLGgpIbLCQRF2m2M89M3YngpbVW0YSEpWIaiWt1NI0ZYbx7Y-dWpetJjc9yDS37s-Fv-9A/s320/_PDT0762.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Park sensibly without causing obstruction, do not block gateways or load and unload vehicles in awkward places.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep noise to a minimum.</span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-align: left; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Get changed out of public view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #003400; line-height: normal; margin-left: 36px; text-indent: -36px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Whenever possible come ashore at recognised landing places; do not trespass on private property or moorings.</span></div>
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<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For more details about the <a href="http://www.lop.co.uk/">Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com1Leicester, UK52.6368778 -1.139759199999957752.4826958 -1.4624826999999576 52.7910598 -0.81703569999995773tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-84303344287175379812015-12-15T15:56:00.000+00:002015-12-16T17:48:38.233+00:00How safe is rope?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl854d5IZu6IXK21SnPT592SwYhjveJ3NADMhrtjM8Jkld_NGaTroH6cHIEocMK-kb-KXHssqPGdjXlsPf37b-iiM9hvuV_biaWFljLTicmjk_CJTRQWgnJaMjy2e1JdT5hINB6z9Hws/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl854d5IZu6IXK21SnPT592SwYhjveJ3NADMhrtjM8Jkld_NGaTroH6cHIEocMK-kb-KXHssqPGdjXlsPf37b-iiM9hvuV_biaWFljLTicmjk_CJTRQWgnJaMjy2e1JdT5hINB6z9Hws/s320/IMG_1207.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><em>written by Chris Murnin, Deputy Manager and Head of Ropes at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre</em></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">“What if the rope breaks?” is one of the most frequently
asked questions once you get a group onto the high ropes course, this is always
met with the answer of “It won’t”, but rather than using the classic cliché your
parents used time after time of “because I said so”, I thought I'd explain a
little bit behind the science of the ropes we use.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The most common rope used at LOPC is what is called
“Dynamic” rope of a thickness around 10.5mm. What makes this rope dynamic is
its ability to absorb shock by stretching a little bit, (around 10-15%, but it
is designed to be able to stretch up to 30%). </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fZJbmPEhOzXgHZDiJZmWliEiQyU2ZGDf3x-zfh31P34hcWZ3Li9URho7ICiv8Z3d1E6DjW69ykksvzRVam0ZPXj3CS3oyIEzzkKTm3Fe_Q42KVLFT15lU2IIUxK9vs4r5rYi1gC0rQg/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fZJbmPEhOzXgHZDiJZmWliEiQyU2ZGDf3x-zfh31P34hcWZ3Li9URho7ICiv8Z3d1E6DjW69ykksvzRVam0ZPXj3CS3oyIEzzkKTm3Fe_Q42KVLFT15lU2IIUxK9vs4r5rYi1gC0rQg/s320/IMG_0875.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">But what people really want to know is how strong the rope
is. Rather than spouting off numbers and statistics I like to put it into terms
of what it could lift. Well we know it can hold a full grown adult, but could
it hold 2? Yes. What about 5? No problem! In fact we could support an entire
group of 10 adults on one strand of the safety rope, but as you can imagine
this would be impractical and hugely uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The standard is around 22-30kN or 2200-3000
kg, that’s more than the weight of your average family car! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="border-image: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw6CLqbfbWATUVJbq3Un3e8kAPKVzX8mRN-k6kFCc9vIi38nhRval9OQV0ENiiU2te52FppQuV_xmjhwK2XPRR41PSzkRBZclVmpjTJeQHfIWON1Sbn7ggFDIprNFqNkT5cbYWd3ipIo/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw6CLqbfbWATUVJbq3Un3e8kAPKVzX8mRN-k6kFCc9vIi38nhRval9OQV0ENiiU2te52FppQuV_xmjhwK2XPRR41PSzkRBZclVmpjTJeQHfIWON1Sbn7ggFDIprNFqNkT5cbYWd3ipIo/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So now you are reassured by that knowledge, I'm going to
drop a bombshell, every time you put a knot in a piece of rope it makes it
weaker! The standard mountaineering knot- the figure of 8, reduces the strength
of the rope by 20-25%, the Bowline (not used at LOPC) by as much as 25-30% and
the clove hitch 35-40%!! </span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">BUT!!!! Before you start panicking, it’s worth noting that
even a 40% weakening on a 22kN rope leaves you with over a tonne to play with. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And it gets better, modern engineering practices dictate the
use of a 'Factor of Safety' of at least 2.0 for anything that it is designed
for, essentially, saving somebody’s life. This means that the ACTUAL design
strength of your rope is closer to 60kn. This translates to </span><strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6000
kilograms.</span></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So next time you get tied onto a rope, you can rest assured
it's UNLIKLEY that it will break.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdVbO5PGWDSKgl_JLO5gTUquo460L0xi_mCfPEokEoYW_LHTeD8QkqfizSQP3uWuomrgXQNGcESDvC_e31rnkrzif37gT-x8tLaw4aVACSu2FDrvvBt7x4SFlTOMKDzfaiHDdOmWYHuo/s1600/_O3A5030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdVbO5PGWDSKgl_JLO5gTUquo460L0xi_mCfPEokEoYW_LHTeD8QkqfizSQP3uWuomrgXQNGcESDvC_e31rnkrzif37gT-x8tLaw4aVACSu2FDrvvBt7x4SFlTOMKDzfaiHDdOmWYHuo/s320/_O3A5030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
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LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-71138691725924155232015-06-11T11:50:00.003+01:002015-06-11T11:50:38.455+01:00*PLAY to save the world* <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
“If we learn to enjoy being in wild places, we will look after them better.” Ray Mears<br />
<br />
Take a look at this nice article...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://naturalpathways.wordpress.com/category/benefits-of-bushcraft/">https://naturalpathways.wordpress.com/category/benefits-of-bushcraft/</a><br />
<br />
</div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5395973250610619927.post-20287181337757385492015-05-07T16:46:00.002+01:002015-05-07T16:46:42.260+01:00A whole weekend of fantastic activities one for all, all for £1!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is our 2015 open weekend next weekend 15th and 16th May - from climbing to kayaking to City Skylines Aerial Challenge, Olympics and much more! and it only costs a pound of which is fully refunded if you kindly complete a questionnaire!</div>
LOPChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15251677215742124087noreply@blogger.com0