Four student nurses from 1957 were the main celebrities at PGL's special anniversary party day on August 29th. They were members of the very first canoeing group that founder, Peter Gordon Lawrence, led down the River Wye, with his sister as canoe cook. The retired nurses joined in the day's fun and unveiled the anniversary plaque to great applause. Since those humble beginnings, the Ross-based company has developed into the market leader in children's activity holidays, as well as outdoor adventure courses and study tours for schools. They now employ 170 staff in Ross, as well as 2500 nationwide, and they recently secured the future of employment in Ross as part of Holidaybreak plc. From the base of Ross Rowing Club, the day consisted of a canoe trip from Hole-in-the-Wall, a tour of the PGL centre at Court Farm, followed by an alfresco lunch accompanied by a jazz quartet. Well-wishers packed the marquee in the afternoon for the speeches, awards and presentations. PCC Sarah Carr said, "I am delighted that PGL is celebrating its 50th anniversary with its headquarters firmly rooted in Ross-on-Wye. Martin Davies, PGL's Chief Executive, expressed his pride at leading the company. He praised Peter Lawrence's vision, drive and enthusiasm and regretted his premature death before these celebrations. He also paid tribute to the thousands of staff who had contributed to PGL's success over the years. Davies said PGL should celebrate the past, but also embrace the future. As the education division of Holidaybreak, he saw lots of potential for the future. Finally Davies announced the expansion of the Peter Lawrence Bursary scheme - a fund to help children whose parents couldn't afford otherwise to send their children to PGL. The directors read out letters of congratulation from Jim Knight MP, Minister for Schools; Sir Chris Bonington, world famous explorer and mountaineer; and Dame Kelly Holmes, the Double Olympic Champion who is now working with PGL in spearheading the government's drive to get more children involved in healthy exercise. PGL presented sports bursaries to three canoeists who had started canoeing with PGL and are now competing at national level. Four teachers were honoured for their commitment to bringing their youngsters on school trips and investing so much of their energy and time for the benefit of their pupils. Finally Judy Stone, Chairman of NSPCC Herefordshire, presented PGL with an award from the Trustees of the NSPCC for raising £30,000 for the charity over the past decade. The day ended in evening sunshine with a barbecue and pig-roast, disco and live band on the banks of the River Wye, where it all started 50 years ago. • Paul Keetch MP and Sarah Carr Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, recently visited the PGL headquarters and Court Farm adventure and congratulated PGL Chief Executive Martin Davies and Court Farm Manager Kris Shipway.