yha conwy group leader guide 2012

Group Leader Guide V3 Sept10 YHA Conwy 0845 371 9732 [email protected] - 1 -

Welcome To

YHA Conwy

Group Leader Guide


Group Leader Guide

Contents Page

Welcome to Conwy 3 Facilities 3 Free Planning Trips 4 Free Leader Places 5 Prices 5 Study Facilities 5 Making Your Visit More Affordable 6 Conwy For Free 6 Health & Safety and Security 7 Eating & Drinking At YHA Conwy 7 Attractions In and Around Conwy 9 Further Afield 10 Transport 12 How to Find Us 12 How to Book 14 YHA – A Membership Organisation 15 Payment Details 16


WELCOME TO CONWY Conwy town in North Wales is renowned for its medieval castle and almost complete town walls. The town, at the north east edge of the Snowdonia National Park, has a picturesque harbour and overlooks the estuary of the River Conwy. The castle itself is one of the most impressive examples of medieval military architecture and offers spectacular views of both the estuary and the foothills of Snowdonia and has been awarded World Heritage Site status. The circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World. Once an English bastide town that would bar the gates to the Welsh, today Conwy is a bustling little Welsh resort that welcomes visitors from far and wide. Ancient buildings sit comfortably among more recent dwellings and there is an abundance of places to visit. Top of the list is the magnificent castle built by the English King Edward 1 in the 13th Century, but there is much more to visit including Plas Mawr, an architectural gem, said to be the finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain.

YHA CONWY Visit North Wales �� 4 Star Graded Youth Hostel

Conwy YHA, Larkhill, Sychnant Pass Road, Conwy, North Wales,LL32 8AJ Tel: 0845 371 9732 Fax: 0845 371 9733 E-mail: [email protected] Conwy Youth Hostel opened in July 1996. It was originally built as a TGWU conference centre and has an ideal layout both inside and out for all sizes of groups. The hostel is set in large, lawned grounds with ample free parking for cars and coaches. There are fabulous views from the hostel in all directions, taking in the castle, the Conwy estuary, Llandudno and the sea and then down the Conwy Valley towards the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. This resource pack attempts to give you a brief insight into life at the hostel and our facilities. There’s also information on our educational ideas, our links with outdoor activity centres and useful contact details.

GENERAL INFORMATION � Visit North Wales �� 4 star graded accommodation � 84 beds split over 2 floors(2x double bed with single top bunk, 8x2 and 16x4 bedded

rooms)Extra beds available in some rooms on request � Each floor can sleep 42 (Extra beds available) Special rates for exclusive usage of

one floor available on request � All bedrooms have en suite facilities, cupboards for storage, individual bed lights and

are lockable with keys provided � Bedrooms serviced daily � Bed linen included � Substantial Buffet Breakfast – group bookings are accepted on a minimum of Bed &

Breakfast basis � Central heating throughout � Postcards, souvenirs, stamps and basic toiletries available at reception � Drinks and confectionery Vending machine


� Classroom seating up to 30 people � Overhead projector, screen, flipchart, TV & DVD/video. Also available interactive white

board. � 2 Comfortable lounge areas, one with large screen TV � Observational lounge on top floor with panoramic views and roof terrace � Bar/Café area – Our bar is open from 8.00am to 12pm, then again from 2pm to

10.30pm serving teas and coffees throughout the day, as well as our excellent selection of Welsh Ales and carefully chosen wines. Soft drinks are also available.

� Restaurant serving evening meals at great value prices � Games room with pool table and table football. Board games also available � Public coin operated telephone � Wifi available � Indoor & outdoor games � 2 Large carparks in the hostel grounds (both covered by CCTV) � Secure luggage storage � Secure Cycle shed � Lift and accessible facilities and areas � Large enclosed garden with summer house � Well laid out and spacious dining room with superb views � Drying room and coin operated laundry facilities � Garden tables and chairs on the patio for sunny days � BBQ area � CCTV � Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Health & Safety Policy available on request � Access Statement available on request.

FREE PLANNING TRIP An advance visit is an important part of the planning process for a successful trip. A planning visit gives leaders the opportunity to: � See the accommodation and become familiar with the location and layout � Conduct pre visits at attractions � Conduct risk assessments � Collect sufficient information in order to brief parents and participants � Plan activities � Ask questions

Please check with our reception staff in order to agree a suitable date. If you need more detailed assistance in planning your trip or with completion of your risk assessments please ask to make an appointment with the hostel manager. Day Visit If you are thinking about making a booking, please feel free to contact us to arrange a convenient time to be shown around and discuss your group's needs. We usually allow up to an hour to show you around and answer any questions you may have, leaving you plenty of time to complete your own paperwork or to explore the area. Overnight Visit When you have booked a full board residential stay at the Youth Hostel, you will be entitled to a free residential planning trip (Bed & Breakfast for one person for two nights, or Bed & Breakfast for two people for one night).

EXCLUSIVE USE Due to the layout of thi modern site, we are able to provide 'exclusive use' of one floor. We can also arrange to accommodate your group so that you occupy all of the bedrooms in a particular Section of a corridor, and that leader rooms are provided adjacent to student’s rooms. Very large groups can request exclusive use of the hostel when filling the majority of the beds in the Youth Hostel.


BEDDING We provide a freshly laundered bedding for everyone staying, which includes a fitted sheet, duvet cover and pillow cases. Guests are asked to make up beds on arrival. On departure, we ask you to strip the beds.

FREE LEADER PLACES YHA offers one free adult full board place for every ten paying participants to groups booking a full board residential visit. Your free leader places will automatically be accounted for on your booking and your invoice.

PRICES YHA operates a flexible pricing system with prices changing through the year. Indicative prices are quoted below for Full Board, Half Board and Bed & Breakfast. On booking you will be quoted confirmed prices for your chosen dates. YHA Conwy Full Board Half Board Bed & Breakfast Under 18 years *£26.40 £20.90 £13.95 Adults *£31.70 £26.20 £16.95 Exclusive Use Of One Floor start at £ 440.00 per night and can sleep up to 40!

You may be charged different rates for different nights. * Price includes standard picnic lunch for adults and junior picnic lunches for Under 18’s

STUDY/CLASSROOM FACILITIES The Youth Hostel has a number of rooms that are suitable for private use by your group.

1) The Classroom. On the ground floor the classroom is large enough to run activities for groups of up to 50 children. This room can be booked by the hour or for a half or full day. Complete with an IT area.

2) The TV Lounge. A small study room, which can seat upto 16 boardroom style or up to 30. However, as this room is the main TV room for the whole hostel we do not allow groups to book the room for their exclusive use for more than two hours per day.

3) The Restaurant. It may be possible for your group to use the Restaurant

after the end of evening meal service at 8.00pm. We do not take bookings for

this room, but if you wish to use it please discuss it prior to your visit.

Over head projector, white interactive board, screen, laptop and desk top

computer, Power point projector available.


MAKING YOUR VISIT MORE AFFORDABLE Breaks4Kids A scheme managed by YHA designed to provide financial support for disadvantaged young people who could benefit from a residential experience at a Youth Hostel as part of a group visit. Grants of up to 25% of the total cost can be made to support the group. Once you have made a provisional booking, visit www.breaks4kids.co.uk to find out more and apply for funding online. On the site click Schools & Groups, then How To Apply for Funding. Please ensure you make your application prior to paying your final balance. Visiting Out of Season Our overnight prices are much lower at quieter times of the year.(November to February). If you want advice on the cheapest dates to book, please contact our reception staff. We do run winter Promotion Packages so ask for details. Reclaiming VAT Most of the elements of the cost of your stay at YHA Conwy include VAT which you may be able to reclaim through your school bursar or local education authority. We can provide you with a VAT invoice when you need to pay your final balance. This will show the VAT included in the total cost of your visit. Once you have our VAT invoice, your bursar, LEA or finance department will be able to advise you how to proceed.

CONWY FOR FREE Conwy Quay Have a look at the 'Lower Gate' part of the town walls. Take a trip on the explorer cruise around the bay with Conwy Boats or visit the Conwy Mussel Museum on the Quay. The Great Orme Summit Complex and visitors centre On the Summit of the Great Orme are two distinct groups of buildings dedicated to the needs of visitors, even if the day is a trifle damp or a little windy. On the slightly higher ground is the Summit Complex, bars, restaurants, cafes, amusements and gift shops .Clustered alongside the Upper Tramway Terminus is the Great Orme Visitor Centre.Free admission. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch A village and community on the island of Anglesey in Wales, situated on the Menai Strait next to the Britannia Bridge and across the strait from Bangor. The village is best known for its name, the longest place name in Europe and one of the longest place names in the world.

Moystyn Art gallery [email protected] Tel. +44(0) 1492 879 201

Behind an impressive 1901 terra cota façade in the strikingly beautiful seaside town of Llandudno is Wales’ leading gallery of contemporary art – MOSTYN. Topped with a landmark gold spire, in 2010 it completed an expansion in which old and new buidlings are integrated in a stunning design by architect Dominic Williams. Mostyn also has a very wide and highly imaginative programme of learning activities aimed at school, college, university, youth and special needs groups as well as individuals and lifelong learners. Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Free Admission. Welsh Slate Museum www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/slate Tel. 01286 870630 Is a minor museum in the workshops of Dinorwic slate quarry, one of the largest in Britain until it closed in 1969.The exhibitions is around 30 minutes and admission is free. Pre-booking is recommended for all of these activities (except shopping). Contact details are listed later in the guide.


HEALTH & SAFETY AND SECURITY The whole of our site and all activities likely to be carried out have been fully risk assessed. Copies of the YHA Health & Safety Policy and Group Risk Management document are available on request. You will be provided with a copy of "A Guide for Group Leaders – Safeguarding Young People From Harm" which outlines YHA's responsibilities towards safeguarding young people from harm and clarifies what we envisage from all groups during their stay.

EATING & DRINKING AT YHA CONWY To enable us to cater for all of our guests we require groups to pre-book meals at the Youth Hostel, as we may not be able to cater for groups on the day if advance bookings have not been made. We accept group bookings on a minimum of Bed & Breakfast basis. We do not have self catering facilities that are suitable for group use. YHA Conwy takes great pride in offering quality food and value for money, with our aim being to provide filling, nutritious meals using fresh local produce wherever possible. Groups are allocated a set time to eat together in the restaurant. Meal times are usually breakfast at 8am and evening meal at 6.30pm. However, meal times can be arranged to suit your group’s programme. If you require an earlier start to your day, we can provide wholesome picnic breakfasts for your group Picnic lunches can be provided to fill the gap between breakfast and dinner and to ensure that nobody goes hungry during an action packed day. Junior lunches include sandwiches, fruit, fruit juice, crisps and cake or biscuits. Standard lunches include two extra items for larger appetites. We will provide sandwiches with a range of fillings, which hopefully will enable everybody to get the filling of their choice. Alcoholic Beverages - As a licensed premises YHA does not allow guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages into the Youth Hostel. We do have our own bar which stocks alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and snacks.

SPECIAL DIETS We always offer a vegetarian option, which both adults and children can enjoy. Given prior notice we can cater for special diets made necessary by a medical condition. Although we can cater for most special diets we cannot accept responsibility for diets relating to conditions that are regarded as life threatening. Group leaders are encouraged to escort children with special diets through the servery to ensure that they receive the appropriate meals. A sheet requesting details of special dietary requirements will be sent to you prior to your visit. Please return this to us in good time, in order to allow us time to prepare for your groups needs.


SAMPLE MENU

BREAKFAST

Buffet Breakfast We provide a substantial buffet breakfast offering a range of cooked and continental items,

as well as toast & hot drinks.

Packed Breakfast Croissant, bread roll, jam portion, marmalade portion, mineral water, cereal bar, piece of

fresh fruit, yoghurt, serviette, knife and spoon.

EVENING MEAL

Main Courses Bangers & Mash

Traditional Fish & Chips Homemade Vegetable Lasagne

Filled Jacket Potatoes ~~~

All served with vegetables & salad

Desserts Apple Crumble & Custard

Fresh Fruit & Yoghurts ~~~

And includes cordials & fairtrade tea and coffee

Picnic Lunch

Junior Picnic Lunch 1 Round of Sandwiches

Packet of Crisps Cereal Bar Fresh Fruit

Mineral Water

Standard Picnic Lunch 2 Rounds of Sandwiches,

Packet of Crisps, Cereal Bar Fresh Fruit, Plain Biscuits

Mineral Water


ATTRACTIONS IN AND AROUND CONWY Conwy Castle - www.cadw.wales.co.uk Conwy Castle with it's eight towers, is one of the most impressive castles in Wales. It overlooks the Conwy estuary and one of the finest examples of a medieval walled town in Europe. Aberconwy House - www.nationaltrust.org.uk A 14th-century merchant’s house that is the only medieval merchant’s house to have survived the turbulent history of this walled town over nearly six centuries. Furnished rooms and an audio-visual presentation show daily life from different periods in its history. Conwy RSPB Nature Reserve - www.rspb.org.uk Pools next to the Conwy estuary provide ideal feeding and roosting places for ducks and wading birds. Facilities include shop, visitor centre, binocular hire and birdwatching hides. Smallest House in Great Britain Built originally as a fisherman’s cottage on the quay front, its last occupant was 6’ 3” but amazingly it measures 9’ 9” high by just 6’ wide! Great Orme Country Park - www.conwy.gov.uk/greatorme Dramatic limestone headland renowned for its wildlife and history. Visitor Centre includes interactive displays, a video introduction to the Great Orme and a live camera link-up to enable viewing of one of the seabird colonies. Welsh Mountain Zoo - www.welshmountainzoo.org Set in North Wales, high above Colwyn Bay with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery, its beautiful gardens are home to this caring conservation zoo.Including a magnificent pair of snow leopards, Winged Wonders bird displays and a spectacular new haven for our Andean condors. Bodnant Gardens - www.nationaltrust.org.uk Situated above the river Conwy with stunning views across Snowdonia features huge Italianate terraces and formal lawns on its upper level, wooded valley, stream and wild garden below. Dramatic colours throughout the season. There is also Pavilion tea room that serves hot food and drinks. Plas Mawr or “Great Mansion”- Plas Mawr was built in 1576 and is possibly the best preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Great Britain. Built by Robert Wynn between 1576 and 1585, it dominates the town with its gatehouse, stepped gables and lookout tower. The interior with its elaborately decorated plaster ceilings and fine wooden screens, reflecting the wealth and influence of the Tudor gentry in Wales, has been almost entirely restored.

Conwy Suspension Bridge and Toll-keeper’s House. Designed and built by Thomas Telford, the bridge was completed in 1826. It replaced the ferry, which was previously the only means of crossing the river. The house has been restored and furnished as it would have been a century ago.


Other Leisures

Cineworld, Cinema -Llandudno Junction Tel: (01492) 580503

Dry Skiing - Ski Llandudno Tel: (01492) 874707

Go carting & Quad Biking- Tel: (01766) 810202 Parc Glasfryn, Y Ffor, Pwllheli

Ten Pin Bowling - Llandudno Tel: (01492) 871349

Riding Stables -Pinewood Stables, Conwy Tel: (01492) 592256

Leisure Centre and swimming pool- Tel: (01492) 860015 John Bright Sports Hall, Llandudno

FURTHER AFIELD

Chester Zoo www.chesterzoo.org Tel: 01244 380280 UKs number one zoo, home to more than 7000 animals and over 400 individual species of rare, exotic and endangered wildlife. Chester Zoo is set in 110 acres of beautiful, award-winning gardens and promises a fun day out for everyone. Anglesey Sea Zoo www.angleseyseazoo.co.uk Tel : 01248 430411 There’s amazing marine life to see at the biggest aquarium in Wales! Enter an eerie shipwreck brimming with Conger Eels then dare to walk the Shark Pool grids and see a Kelp Forest full of huge fishes! With over 150 native species. The Great Orme Tramway [email protected] Tel. 01492 879306 This has been delighting visitors since it opened on July 31st 1902. An engineering marvel of its age, it's still the only cable-hauled tramway still operating on British public roads.At the Halfway Station exhibition, discover the fascinating funicular tramway - then enjoy the spectacular ride to the top. Caernarfon Castle http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Tel: 01286 677617 Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of the many castles in Wales. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest-and, to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder, Edward I.


Greenwood Forest Park Tel 01248 671493 Situated in the foothills of majestic Snowdonia is GreenWood Forest Park, the family adventure park like no other. All the rides and activities at this unique eco-attraction have been designed for fun with a difference – YOU provide the energy! From the famous Green Dragon – the world’s first people-powered rollercoaster – to the therapeutic BareFoot Trail, GreenWood is an all-weather family experience that you’ll never forget. With magicians and pirates, face painting and craft making, who knows what fun you’ll find at the end of the next leafy trail?


TRANSPORT Direction for coaches traveling to YHA Conwy Please pass this information to your coach driver Direction for Coaches:

From the A55 take junction 17, which is the first exit AFTER the Conwy tunnel.

Follow direction Conwy town centre on the A547 pass under viaduct (height restriction of 13’9”) until town Walls.

Turn right onto Mount Pleasant. At the "T" Junction turn right again. You are now on the Sychnant Pass Road.

The hostel is approximately 150m on the left. We have 2 car parks. Coaches must use the lower car park located 50m up along hostel drive on your LEFT hand side. DO NOT DRIVE ON TO THE TOP CAR PARK. We recommend that you park Front of coach in first into car park. The only way out for coaches is by reversing onto the drive upward and then drive down onto the Sychnant Pass road.

ACCOMMODATION FOR COACH DRIVERS Although we are able to offer accommodation for coach drivers on a twin share basis, we recommend that you plan to accommodate coach drivers off site, to ensure they are not disturbed at night. If you want coach drivers accommodated in the Youth Hostel, remember to include them in your group numbers. Please contact us if you would like us to recommend alternative suitable accommodation.

HOW TO FIND US The map on the following page will give you all the information you need to find the Youth Hostel.


HOW TO FIND US


HOW TO BOOK Once you have decided on the date of your visit, and the approximate number in your group, you can contact us to discuss your requirements, either by telephone 0845 371 9732, Fax 0845 371 9733 or email [email protected] We will then send you a Group Booking Form for you to complete and return with your deposit within 14 days.

THE BOOKING PROCEDURE AND PAYMENT Once you have made your reservation we will require the following deposits:

If your date of arrival is more than 6 months away, send £1.00 per head holding deposit. A further 25% of the total cost of your stay will then be due 6 months before you arrive. The balance will be due 2 months before you arrive.

If your date of arrival is less than 6 months but more than 3 months away, send 25% of the total cost of your stay. The balance will then be due 2 months before you arrive.

If your date of arrival is less than 3 months away, we require full payment.

BOOKING CONDITIONS The terms and conditions of booking are printed on the back of the group booking form, which will be sent to you once we have received a provisional booking. If you would like a copy of the booking conditions in advance of booking please ask.


YHA - A MEMBERSHIP ORGANISATION

YHA Group Membership – Schools & Groups of Young People £10.00 YHA Group Membership – Adult Groups £25.50

Groups using Youth Hostel accommodation need to hold a Youth Hostelling Group

Membership Card. With a Group Membership you will benefit in the following ways:

You will not need to pay the £3.00 per person per night supplement that applies to Non-Members staying in Youth Hostels

Discounts at local and national attractions - please ask the hostel staff for details.

Regular copies of our group member newsletter “Group Talk” - featuring special offers, seasonal discounts on accommodation, meals and attractions and up to the minute information about YHA centres and facilities.

Access to a network of 230 Youth Hostels located throughout England and Wales from coast and country destinations to historic towns and cities.

Access to a worldwide network of 4500 Youth Hostels. To enrol your group as a member of YHA simply complete the form below and return it with

your organisation’s letterhead and a cheque for appropriate fee (made payable to“YHA”)

If your group is travelling from outside England and Wales, please contact your home association.

MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT, YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION, DIMPLE ROAD, MATLOCK,

DERBYSHIRE, DE4 3YH. PLEASE ENROL MY ORGANISATION AS A MEMBER OF THE YHA. I WILL ENSURE THAT GOOD STANDARDS OF LEADERSHIP ARE MAINTAINED. I CONFIRM THAT l AM OVER I8 YEARS OFAGE. PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS NAME OF GROUP/ORGANISATION___________________________________________ CONTACT NAME__________________________________________________________ POSITION WITHIN GROUP__________________________________________________ ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________ POSTCODE____________________________TEL (DAYTIME)_____________________ GROUP MEMBERSHIP NUMBER (if already a member)___________________________ I ENCLOSE £10.00/£25.50 (delete as appropriate) AND OUR ORGANISATION’S LETTERHEAD (please make cheque payable to YHA”) SIGNATURE_________________________________________DATE:_______________


PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR UK GROUPS

CHEQUE PAYMENT Cheques should be made payable to 'YHA' and sent directly to YHA Conwy. Please quote your group name, date of stay and full invoice number or booking reference number.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS Visa or Mastercard payments can be made over the telephone by calling the hostel on 0044 1492 593571, quoting card number, expiry date, CVN number & full address at which the card is registered.

BACS Please send BACS payments and remittance advices to; By email: [email protected] By fax: 01629 592658 By Post: YHA (England & Wales) Ltd Finance Department Trevelyan House Dimple Road Matlock Derbyshire DE4 3JX VAT no: 856 4207 17 Please quote our full invoice number on your remittance advice to help us allocate your payment. If you do not have an invoice number, then please quote the name of the hostel that your payment is intended for. Bank Details; Bank: Lloyds TSB Bank PLC Branch: Ashbourne Sort Code: 30-90-25 Account No: 01101210 Account Name: YHA (England & Wales) Ltd – Direct Credits a/c.


PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS – NON UK GROUPS

Make all payments to:- YHA (England & Wales) Limited Currency of all payments:- British Pounds Sterling Methods of Payment

1. Direct Bank Transfers:- These are done through your bank. Send to either :-

IBAN No: GB28 LOYD 3090 2501 1012 10 BIC/Swift Code: LOYD GB21 449 Address: Lloyds TSB Bank PLC Compton Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 1DY UK Handling Fee £ 7.00

----Or----

IBAN No: GB91 ALEI 7200 0004 5820 63 BIC/Swift Code: ALEI GB22 Address: Girobank PLC

Bridle Road Bootle England GIR 0AA

UK Handling fee £6.00 2. Bankers Draft Available from your bank. 3. Credit Card Visa or Mastercard ONLY

Visa or Mastercard payments can be made over the telephone by calling the hostel on 0044 1904 653147, quoting card number, expiry date, CVN number & full address at which the card is registered.

4. Giro to Giro / EuroGiro transfers - Transfers may be made from overseas Giro accounts to our UK Giro account. Account Number: 4582063 Sort code: 72-00-00 Account Name: YHA (England and Wales )Limited UK Handling Fee: £2.50 (this service only)

NB Confirmation of any bank or Giro transfer must be faxed to the hostel concerned prior to your visit. Please quote the full invoice number on all payments.

yha conwy group leader guide 2012

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