Save The Towers Outdoor Education Centre

21/02/2020

Hope run out?

Wednesday the 19th 2020, was a very sad day for the 'Towers'; 12 Wolverhampton employees will lose their jobs, some with over 30 years dedicated service, and sadly Wolverhampton Council lost their own Outdoor Education provision.
In the Cabinet meeting the lack of acknowledgement for their valued contribution to Wolverhampton was palpable. This was also emphasised by the insinuation that Towers' was not valued by schools.
In the last moments of this saga it was hoped that a Wolverhampton based group could be set up to run the Towers and would be able to take over the Council's provision of Outdoor Education. However, time constraints and lack of capital investment mean that this is now very much in doubt.
If you think you could help with this, or know of an individual or a business who might be willing to help with sponsorship, then please get in touch and we can point you in the right direction.
Whatever happens to the building now, we are extremely grateful for all the unbelievable support and kindness shown over the last month, and hats off to the Towers' Staff past and present who have brought joy and happiness to thousands of Wolverhampton children over the years.



Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central ITV News BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM.. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Jaguar Land Rover Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Rolls-Royce plc

20/02/2020

Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central ITV News BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas

The activity centre in Betws-y-Coed needs "urgent repairs" in the region of £600,000, owners say.

20/02/2020

Not what we hoped for but maybe there's still a glimmer of hope!
Thank you everyone for all your help and support so far, its been unbelievable. It's not over yet!!!!



Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central ITV BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas

Controversial plans to shut an at-risk outdoor activity centre used by Wolverhampton teenagers have been approved by council chiefs – but it could yet be saved.

19/02/2020

As our final post we would like to share another 'open' letter that we received recently.

"Dear councillors

Those of us who have enjoyed, loved and appreciated all that The Towers has done make one final and heartfelt plea.

Please do not underestimate the impact that coming to The Towers has made on the young people of Wolverhampton over the last 60 years. There are many local families that do not have the resources to give their children a holiday. That they can come to the Towers and take part in activities that build their confidence and happiness should not be readily or easily dismissed. You have a sacred responsibility enshrined in the Health and Social Care Act for the well-being and education of the children Wolverhampton . And The Towers has played a crucial part of that role especially with disabled and vulnerable children. It is vitally important that this facility stays open to continue to help you in your responsibilities and to help guide and nurture future generations of young people from Wolverhampton."

Sign the petition here:
https://wolverhampton.moderngov.co.uk/mgEpetitionSignatureList.aspx?PageNo=1&ShowAll=1&Id=149&Type=0&RPID=3263045



Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central ITV BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas

19/02/2020

"Young people cannot climb mountains in Wolverhampton. Some of them have
never seen the sea, let alone swung on a rope over it. They deserve the opportunity to canoe on a lake with a view of Snowdon or to take a journey down a river. They need to try getting soaked and frozen in a gorge and to come out smiling. To climb, abseil and scramble on real rocks takes young people away from the pavements of the city. Let them step out of their comfort zone and grow as young people . Let them develop self confidence through real challenge and success. Give them the opportunity to work in teams and discover that everyone is not the same but brings something different and valuable to the team. Let them learn through real experiences about our precious and magnificent environment. How can we expect them to care for something they have not experienced? These are the citizens of tomorrow. They will make the decisions and they need the confidence and judgement to make those decisions. That is what high quality Outdoor Education is about. Please let it continue for the young people of Wolverhampton.
The cost is not high and the value is immense. The Towers Outdoor Education Centre could, with a dynamic business plan, some flexibility around staffing, some inward resourcing and a marketing budget , become cost neutral. It is as relevant now as when it was opened and with help and forward thinking could provide another 120,000 young people with opportunity for life enhancing courses."

An extract from a message sent to us recently

Sign the petition here:
https://wolverhampton.moderngov.co.uk/mgEpetitionSignatureList.aspx?PageNo=1&ShowAll=1&Id=149&Type=0&RPID=3263045



Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central ITV BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas

18/02/2020

Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas Kirsty Williams

The outdoor centre is not used enough to justify its subsidy, says is West Midlands council owners.

18/02/2020

Please can we think again?



Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas Kirsty Williams

A former teacher at a school has called on councillors to re-think proposals to axe an outdoor education centre.

17/02/2020

URGENT: Save The Towers Petition!!!



Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas Kirsty Williams

The Towers has hosted the children of Wolverhampton since 1961: a centre supporting the development, both physical and emotional, of thousands of individuals. The location of The Towers is unique and allows children, regardless of their background, to experience and be constructively challenged by t...

17/02/2020

Opening of 'Snowdon' the all accessible building

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rH0cFpty4/?igshid=1gr6vvazi5vib

17/02/2020

This is your LAST chance to write to save 'The Towers'
These are the Labour Councillors that you need to contact as they will decide whether to close its doors to Wolverhampton Youngsters for the final time.

Councillors:
Ian Brookfield (Chair) [email protected]
Harman Banger [email protected]
Steve Evans [email protected]
Dr Michael Hardacre [email protected]
(area of responsibility)
Jasbir Jaspal [email protected]
Linda Leach [email protected]
Louise Miles [email protected]
John C Reynolds [email protected]

The link to the Cabinet Meeting for the 19th of February with all the supporting documents can be found here:

https://wolverhampton.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=11872&Ver=4



Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Dafydd Elis Thomas

16/02/2020

Thanks to the BBC for spreading the word that the future of 'The Towers' is on a cliff edge!

Please keep lobbying Wolverhampton Council not to close it on Wednesday.....




Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Kirsty Williams

The outdoor centre is not used enough to justify its subsidy, says is West Midlands council owners.

15/02/2020

Becks has been coming to the Towers for 25 years. She helped open 'Snowdon' the all accessible accommodation in 2001 and has been coming with Mencap - Gateway ever since. She is without doubt part of the Towers family!
Please don't close the Towers.......




Express & Star BBC Midlands ITV Central BBC Wales News Stuart Anderson MP Pat McFadden Wolverhampton Today Wolverhampton City Council - Civic Centre Wolverhampton Conservatives Wolverhampton Labour Gavin Williamson North Wales Live WalesOnline Robin Millar MP Janet Finch-Saunders AM. Wolverhampton Mayor Andy Street Angela Rayner BBC News Birmingham Live Boris Johnson Jane Stevenson MP Kirsty Williams