President Hillery opens a Chirstian Adenture Centre at Ovoca Manor.
A house has stood here in Avoca for many years since 1919. Once a former private home and later an orphanage Ovoca Manor is now a Christian Adventure Centre. The centre, located at Avoca in County Wicklow, was officially opened by President Patrick Hillery.
This is a warm-hearted, welcoming centre, a happy home from home with its doors open to all youth.
There was an ecumenical gathering for the opening of the Scripture Union run centre.
Prayers and Bible readings will be offered side-by-side with adventure sports.
Kingsley Prescott says that in addition to enjoying physical activities, the centre hopes to challenge young people to develop a relationship with a God who loves them.
The Scripture Union is a worldwide body dedicated to promoting Bible reading and a Christian commitment. While many members are Protestant the centre is inter-denominational.
Catholic and Protestant children are very welcome here.
There are activities for children as young as ten and course for adults too. There are seventeen acres of grounds and sleeping accommodation for sixty five people.
Some of the activities on offer include hillwalking, cycling, riverbed walking, orienteering and canoeing.
Ovoca Manor was refurbished largely by volunteers over the past four years.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 September 1984. The reporter is Alasdair Jackson.
