In this the second year of "publication" our book takes on its more or less permanent form.  It will be revised annually, and for this reason any constructive criticisms, suggestions and comments will be welcomed and carefully considered.  New ideas for excursions and games are particularly wanted.  Address them to Mr Bridge or myself please.

There is considerable additional material in the book this year.  The Sections "Mountain rescue and General First Aid", ; "A brief History of Plas-y-Nant"; "Notes on the C.E. Holiday Homes" and "Notes on the Comeradeship" are all completely new, while most of the other sections have been enlarged.  The book has been rearranged into what I hope is a more convenient order, and the thumb tabs added.

A number of acknowledgements are due.  First to the ladies who typed most of this book.  They are Miss Barbara Hayes - who typed most of it - Mrs Jean Brett, Miss Nina Bellis, Miss Betty Haggity and Miss Margaret Jones.

Then to a number of "Plasites" - both leaders and guests - whose innovations and ideas have been recorded here.  For most of them this is their only acknowledgement.

To several authors whose material has bene lifted straight from their books - without their permission.  In particular, Showell Styles and his "Mountainers Weekend Book"; Messers Carr and Lister whose "Mountains of Snowdonia" is the authority on the district, and Jack Barfords "Climbing in Britain"

To my good friend Harry Bayley for his "Notes on the C.E. Holiday Homes.

To my other good friend - yes, I have two - Mr Geoffory Heath for his permission to reproduce some of the lyrics he composed for the "Plas Pantos".  These unfortunately will not appear until next year.

To Auntie Lena who has always been such a great help to leaders in so many different ways.

Finally to Mr Bridge, often referred to as "HJB".  He has grown from a set of initials on a guest "pink slip" to be a very good friend.  The worries of the vast amount of clerical work involved in being Honorary Correspondent is rarely appreciated, and HJB's informality never reveals it.  I think he is to be applauded on his perspicacity in taking me on as a Leader a few years ago thus ultimately making this book possible.  Various other people disagree about this, but I can only describe it as a stroke of genius.

That all, except to state that although this book has been endorsed by Mr Bridge, the opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.

SJP, Manchester, June 1952

Post Script - 2005

The initials SJP refer to Stanley Joseph Phillips. The lady coyly referred to as "Miss Barbara Phillips" - who did much of the typing of the original Plas-y-Nant Excursion Leaders Book - was in fact engaged to Stanley Phillips at the time he wrote the second edition.

They married on 16 May 1952, and have four sons, including Tony Phillips who now owns the Plas-y-Nant (and this web site!!).

Barbara and Stan retiredin 1995, and moved into The Lodge, by the main gate of Plas-y-Nant in June 2005 !! Sadly they both passed away in December 2005. A memorial seat in the grounds of Plas-y-Nant comemorates ther lifelong love for the place.