Back to alumni stories
Denise Calladine - Rhowniar, Wales, 1966
04/08/2010
I am 58 years old a Self Employed Accountant and live in Lancashire.
Originally from Nottingham, and brought up on what is now termed a " Sink estate " at the tender age of 13 I was one of two children in Nottingham that won a scholarship to attend Rhowniar for a month.
I had never been away from home on my own before and it was extremely daunting at that age.
I had already developed a love of the great outdoors and it was wonderful to be in such lovely surroundings, the centre and of course Wales.
I enjoyed the 'Dormitory' living and soon made friends with the rest of our group.
The activities were second to none, awesome, and included Rock Climbing, camping, pot holing, canoeing to name but a few, it was fantastic.
The month passed so quickly, I still have my Log to this day though it has been slightly vandalised by little brother, I couldn't bear to be parted from it, especially since my young bros died last year.
I learnt so much from the course as well as enjoying the activities, mainly self confidence and how to live and work with other people.
I went on to a career in the WRAC and then the TA, and continued to enjoy outdoor pursuits and some extreme sports, even at the age of 50+ I had a go at White Water Rafting!!!!
I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in Outward Bound, it really did shape my life and it's a pity it can't be part of the school curriculum so that all children could benefit.
Thank you so Much
Denise Calladine
I am 58 years old a Self Employed Accountant and live in Lancashire.
Originally from Nottingham, and brought up on what is now termed a " Sink estate " at the tender age of 13 I was one of two children in Nottingham that won a scholarship to attend Rhowniar for a month.
I had never been away from home on my own before and it was extremely daunting at that age.
I had already developed a love of the great outdoors and it was wonderful to be in such lovely surroundings, the centre and of course Wales.
I enjoyed the 'Dormitory' living and soon made friends with the rest of our group.
The activities were second to none, awesome, and included Rock Climbing, camping, pot holing, canoeing to name but a few, it was fantastic.
The month passed so quickly, I still have my Log to this day though it has been slightly vandalised by little brother, I couldn't bear to be parted from it, especially since my young bros died last year.
I learnt so much from the course as well as enjoying the activities, mainly self confidence and how to live and work with other people.
I went on to a career in the WRAC and then the TA, and continued to enjoy outdoor pursuits and some extreme sports, even at the age of 50+ I had a go at White Water Rafting!!!!
I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in Outward Bound, it really did shape my life and it's a pity it can't be part of the school curriculum so that all children could benefit.
Thank you so Much
Denise Calladine