Used by cave explorers all over the world, our new 'Duo' headlights are proving a great success. Taking advantage of the latest Light Emitting Diode technology, these torches are much brighter, and more reliable, than the traditional "coalminers' type" lights.

Field tested by Buckden staff as far afield as Russia and Mexico, these new caving lights have another great advantage of being durable, long lasting, and surprisingly light. This is especially beneficial for our younger clients, who don't like to carry heavy torches on their heads for more than a few minutes. Another advantage is that they can be easily removed from the caving helmets and used as normal head torches for night walks and the like.

Sadly for us, they aren't cheap! However, as caving remains a massively popular activity at Buckden, as well as having great positive impacts on self esteem and team building, we think it is imperative to ensure that the safety kit we provide is still the most up to date, and best available, in outdoor education circles.

    Our chef Stuart is never one to rest on his laurels. Having created a menu described by one group leader as "best ever - thanks to chef" he just keeps improving it! As well as extending our range of halal evening meals, he has also introduced an old favourite - chips, pie, and mushy peas. Not just any chips, though - he has sourced a new type of chip which has a dramatically reduced fat intake when it is fried. Not exactly an option favoured by 'size zero' supermodels; but healthier, and just as tasty as the old ones!

We are also looking to provide a savoury option for our supper time. We welcome your feedback on this idea, and any recipe suggestions too.

Our new Staff Room has been opened up to visiting staff. Freshly decorated, it comes with an en suite kitchen with microwave, fridge, toaster and kettle. For those occasional late night quiet moments, it also has a TV and DVD player - so remember to bring your old favourite movies along!

We are the proud owners of two new Peugeot Boxer minibuses. As well as being powerful and comfortable, and well thought out for using with young people, they are also wheelchair accessible. They have removable seats to make space for up to two chairs a vehicle, and come with ramps - due to the nature of the roads we drive, externally-fitted powered lifts would not survive for very long!