Geckos, The Castle and Covid-19

Finally, finally Geckos is getting back to (some kind of) normal. It’s been a difficult few months for everyone. We are now taking bookings for personal tuition and taster sessions and the kids’ club will be reopening in mid-September. Hopefully climbing parties will return soon after that.

Not surprisingly, while the pandemic is still with us, things are going to look a little different. A number of changes have been made in order to limit potential transmission between anyone in the climbing centre. While evidence suggests that the overwhelming majority of children experience few, if any, serious symptoms, we are erring on the side of caution. After all, children interact with adults at home and at school who have a greater chance of becoming seriously ill, if infected.

The Association of British Climbing Walls, who publish a regular Covid update on their website, have been taking the lead and clearly both the Centre itself and Geckos will follow their advice. Their guidelines will probably need to remain in place until there is an effective, widely-available vaccine or treatment. Key changes include the following:

A limit on the maximum number of people in the Centre at any one time
Maximum numbers in specific areas
A one-way system within the building
2m distance between climbers
The use of face-masks for anyone not climbing, including belayers and instructors
A reduced number of courses
Smaller groups and shorter sessions
No cafeteria or communal water-fountains

In addition, all communal surfaces will continue to be cleaned regularly, particularly the rental and teaching equipment. While it’s clearly not going to be feasible to individually clean all of the thousands of climbing holds or even the ropes, antiseptic hand-gel is provided at reception and hand-washing facilities are available around the building. Efficient ventilation is also useful; fortunately The Castle Climbing Centre benefits from very high ceilings and a sophisticated aeration system.

If you have any concerns, comments or suggestions, please get in touch using the form below.

Garden Conditions of use

About

The garden is based on the principles of permaculture design. We reuse and recycle materials as much as possible, compost waste, use organic growing techniques and have created habitats to support wildlife and promote biodiversity. The fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden are used in the centre’s café.

Please take some time to wander around; you can find out more about the different areas of our garden by reading the information boards.

Use of the Garden

Please be aware that other people may be using the garden to relax and enjoy some tranquillity.

Please respect the plants, insects and animals.

It is your responsibility to monitor the safety of your group and make sure that they are aware of the hazards.

Please take into consideration

The garden is a working garden; please keep to the paths, do not pick or eat anything, either in the beds or other in areas of the garden.

There are trip hazards, there may be construction materials stored here and occasionally there is work taking place.

Children and animals to be supervised at all times. Dogs, in particular, must be kept on a lead at all times and away from the growing beds. Please don’t allow dogs to foul in our garden- but if it does happen, please pick up and dispose the poo immediately.

There is a bee hive located between the Engine House (Café) and Boiler House (ground level) entrances. Do not disturb the bees.

There is a small pond in the SE corner of the garden- take special care in this area with small children.

Do not climb the trees.

Visitors who haven’t checked in to climb at reception are not permitted to climb in the centre or on the outdoor boulders. Children who are attending a group climbing session are only permitted to climb during the session under their instructor’s supervision.

Do not drink from the taps- some of these are untreated rainwater used for irrigation.

Please dispose of all rubbish and used dishes in the centre. If you have a large amount of recyclable material please ask reception or a duty manager who will be able to provide you with a large bag for the recyclables to go in.

There are a variety of plants in the garden, including some that sting or can make you ill- don’t touch anything you are unsure of.

Staff regularly monitor this area. Please report any incidents, problems or concerns to the Duty Manager.

There are men’s and women’s changing rooms with toilets inside the building (the women’s and an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities are on ground floor, the men’s is on the mezzanine floor).

There are water fountains in the centre.

If there is an incident or you require first aid please go to reception and they will contact the Duty Manager.

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Garden Conditions of use