News and Media: Helen Barnes Update

25 June 2010

June Update
Helen Barnes achieved a new Guinness World Record after she completed 100 eskimo rolls without a paddle in 3 minutes and 46 seconds, breaking her own record by 15 seconds.

At a swimming pool in West Bridgford, hundreds of pupils waved banners as they watched their teacher get into the record books for the second time.

Helen achieved her first world record for the fastest 100 eskimo rolls in a kayak using a paddle. To achieve her second world record, she had to complete the 100 rolls without a paddle in under five minutes.

If you want to see how determined Helen was in her challenge to claim a new world record, follow the link below to the BBC website:
Video footage of Helen achieving her Guiness World Record

Helen's next target is concentrating on her training for the 2012 Olympics.

Congratulations Helen on your new World Record and we wish you the very best of luck in your training for the Olympics.



May 2009 News
Helen Barnes - International Slalom Canoeist - has just been selected to race in the European Championships at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham. She will race on Thursday 28th May and Saturday 30th May and races will be broadcast live on BBC. 

Helen took up canoeing when she was 16 years old, after first sitting in a boat on a PGL Adventure holiday, and has represented Great Britain in World Cups and Pre World Championships. Four years ago she switched nations to Ireland and now combines her training with work as a Primary School Teacher.

Helen suffered an injury leading up to the trials which prevented her from paddling for 3 weeks, so she is really thrilled to be back on form and selected for the event. 

Good luck Helen – we look forward to hearing the next instalment!

For more information about Helen check out her website

News

Keystage 2 SATs Dates
Michael Gove announces KS2 SATs date.

Helen Barnes Update
PGL sponsored athlete Helen Barnes has achieved her second Guinness World Record!

Great Value Activity Weekends for Groups
Great value activity weekends for Uniformed Groups - save on brochure prices!

2011 Brochures - What's New at PGL?
Our new brochures are out now and we've got lots of exciting new things to tell you about!

French Travel Trade Awards
PGL wins Best Youth Tour Operator 2010!

Jai Geyer Update
Our sponsored skier Jai Geyer has been selected for the GB Team!

Our Marathon Runners!
Anna, Fiona and Moyra - the PGL Marathon stars tell their story!

Caythorpe opens doors to stranded Mexicans!
PGL Cathorpe Court in Lincolnshire dealt with an unexpected group during the recent volcanic ash chaos!

Netball - New Developments
New and improved courts and tournaments for VI Form students!

Motivate the girls at PGL!
New dates & prices for our Dance, Netball and Cheerleading weekends for girls - improving confidence, skills and team spirit.

Centre Improvements for 2010
We've continued to invest in our centres to improve your experience with us each year!

St John Ambulance Cadet of the Year
St John Ambulance cadets compete for National Cadet of the Year title.

PGL Sponsors YST Award 2010
Congratulations to Failsworth School for winning an award at the 2010 Innovation & Recognition Awards.

Cooking Up a Storm!
PGL's chefs met up, prepared and tested the new season menus.

Minister for Schools and Learning visits PGL
Vernon Coaker visited PGL's Head Office in Ross-on-Wye to discuss the Learning Outside the Classroom initiative.

PGL Sponsored Athletes for 2010
We'll be keeping you posted on the progress of our sponsored athletes for 2010.

Christmas Winner!
Christmas card competition winner announced.

New - Dance Weekends for Boys!
New mixed dance workshop weekends for girls and boys.

PGL Star Leaders
The PGL ‘Star Leaders’ awards have just been revamped and re-launched!

Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badges Awarded to our Adventure Centres!

The Big Brownie Takeover
Girls take over PGL Boreatton Park in celebrations 100 years in the making!

Reclaiming VAT Update
Clarification on reclaimable VAT on UK school trips.

Beachwatch Weekend
PGL staff joined the Marine Conservation Society's Beachwatch Weekend at Osmington Bay beach in Dorset.

New PGL Centres for 2010
Presenting Liddington in Wiltshire, Winmarleigh Hall in Lancashire, Windmill Hill in Sussex, Lou Valagran in the Ardèche and Albatros on the Atlantic Coast!

Charity Dragon Boat Racing in Ross
PGL sponsors the Dragon boat racing for Mayor's charity at Rowing Club on 29th August

Josh Wedgwood Sponsorship
Update on the progress of PGL sponsored athlete Josh Wedgwood - look out for his interview with Canoe & Kayak!

Film Sponsorship!
PGL have recently sponsored pupils from a local school in a film project for their work experience.

PGL Statement regarding A/H1N1v
A statement from PGL regarding A/H1N1v (Swine flu)

LotC Schools Photo Competition
Win a camera in this schools photo competition organised by the NAHT and Outdoor Education Centres.

Steffan Griffiths Sponsorship
PGL's newest sponsorship - semi-professional rugby player Steffan Griffiths. 

PGL Liddington - opening in 2010!
PGL Liddington - new centre opened in April!

Our Summer Camps Reviewed!
PGL Summer Camps were recently reviewed in the Times - see what they had to say!

LOtC Quality Badge Scheme
PGL Ski have been awarded the Quality Badge by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Going to the World Championships!
PGL sponsored athlete Lowri Davies has made it to the 2009 GB Freestyle Kayaking Team!

PGL Centre investments
We've had a very busy Winter with our centre improvements programme!

Sports Colleges Innovation and Recognition Awards 2009
Park High Sports College wins the PGL award for engaging families, parents and carers.

Good Snow & Great Fun!
A big thank you to the fantastic teachers who attended our Christmas and New Year Ski Previews!

Launch of the Quality Badge Programme
The Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge Programme gives confidence to schools in choosing a school trip provider.

Ready, Steady, Win - Sporting Bursaries
PGL were delighted once again to sponsor the Herefordshire ‘Ready Steady Win’ bursaries.

Curriculum Changes and Your PGL Educational Trip
What effect do the changes to the National Curriculum have on the content of PGL study courses?

National School Sports Week
Dame Kelly Holmes and 'Spartan' from Gladiators meet the PGL chicken at the Grantham School Sports Week events!

PGL Sponsorship of Helen Barnes
One of our sponsored canoeists has been selected for the Irish Olympic team for Beijing 2008!

RFU announce PGL Club of the Year
Paviors RFC have been named PGL Club of the Year in the Rugby Football Union's Seal of Approval awards.

Dance Workshop Weekends - New Dates
PGL teams up with FitPro™ to offer Dance Workshop Weekends to schools and groups for girls in years 7 - 11.

Kelly Holmes & Norwich Union GirlsActive at PGL
Dame Kelly Holmes is back at PGL with Norwich Union GirlsActive - inspiring girls to get active and enjoy exercise!

Congratulations to the Scouts on their 100th Anniversary!
PGL were at the Scout Jamboree - thanks to all the Scouts who made us feel so welcome!

PGL purchased by Holidaybreak PLC
We are delighted to announce that Holidaybreak PLC have now purchased The PGL Group.

Youth Sports Trust Innovation Awards
PGL @ The Youth Sport Trust Innovation Awards ceremony for Sports Colleges across the country.

Kelly Holmes supports the School Sports Initiative
Kelly Holmes revives girl power for the School Sports Initiative 

Sponsorship for Olympic hopeful
PGL have agreed a three year sponsorship for aspiring Champion Canoeist Andrew Hadfield.

Teacher Preview Dates for 2010
Come and see your preferred centre, course or destination in action and try out the adventure activities for yourself!