On July the 7^th we celebrated Ghyll Heads 40^th anniversary. Two coaches full of families and friends arrived from Manchester around 11 o'clock and joined many other guests who had made their own way to the Centre.
It was lovely to see lots of regulars to  Ghyll Head and many faces from the past including old instructors, teachers and course members. It was a great day for those who have been over the past 40 years to remember and talk about their experiences. Thanks to Les Jones and Jon Haves we have managed to capture many of these memories on video and are hoping to put them online soon.

There were a number of activities on offer around the grounds including the Zip wire, ropes course, orienteering, team building activities as well as an art project that produced an amazing memories tree that will hopefully be displayed in libraries and community centres in the city. There were displays showing the centre past and present and an exhibition of work from this years science courses.

Down at the boathouse it was none stop with activity and I am sure we set a record for the Centre with the amount of people we managed to get out on the water. Even though it was a wild day on the lake people were still up for it and willing to have a go. using canoe rafts, sailing boat and our motor launch.

Speeches and a tree planting were conducted on the lawn by Kath Fry secretary to the Friends of  Ghyll Head, the Head of Centre Dave Rogers and the first Head of Centre Ken Ogilvie.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Glynn Evans then gave a highly entertaining and supportive speech and it is good to know that we have the backing of yet another elected member, representing and hopefully reflecting the views and support of Manchester residents.

Musical entertainment was kindly provided by Kalinka a Manchester Music Service Russian ensemble, a Soul Choir from the Music Service and Cedar Mount High School steel band all of which did themselves proud and were very well received.

The day would not have been such a great success if it was not for the help and dedication of many people, the Ghyll Head domestic, administrative and instructional staff who had put a lot of time into preparing the Centre for the day. A special thanks must go to the Friends of Ghyll Head who gave up their own time to organise the day which involved  many meetings in Manchester, erecting marquees, setting up displays, running the stalls, helping direct traffic and at the end of the day helping to tidy it all away. There is no doubt in our mind at the Centre of how important the support of the FOGH is to the continued existence of Ghyll Head providing a voice and support at grass roots level within the city.

Overall the day was a superb success

Thank you to all involved