Yes, new from the UK’s biggest Activity network, comes the Activity Passport This clever little gift gives the lucky recipient access to 882 activity locations in the UK – yep 882!

So, which one of your friends or family will wake up to the best gift ever on their birthday of Christmas morning. You choose – but make sure you get it right – click here

The company has been around for 15 years and is the chosen activity provider for Visit Britain, Go Outdoors and many of the companies that provide activities under their own brand. So go direct and buy into the best adrenalin activity gift voucher experience in the UK.

Activity Passport – the gateway to activity heaven

On 7 April, people all over the globe celebrate World Health Day, but if puffed rice cakes have taught us anything, it’s that healthy doesn’t always equal fun.

But there are plenty of ways to have a blast while burning that unwanted bulk.  That’s why The Activity People have put our heads together to produce a list of activities guaranteed to make both you and your ticker exceedingly happy.

1. Combat Sports

You don’t have to fighting fit to play paintball, airsoft or laser combat. They’re fun sports that are accessible to the majority of people. But the best thing about combat sports is you’ll be getting a nice little workout without even realising it. While you’re busy playing soldier and dodging enemy fire, you’ll benefit from a great cardio workout. Plus with so much emphasis on planning and strategy you’ll be training your brain too.

2. Water Sports

For full body fitness mixed with pure exhilaration our range of water sports experiences are hard to beat. Choose from surfing, wakeboarding, wind surfing and many more. Water sports promote balance, skill and general fitness. You’re guaranteed to have a blast and flex those muscles (not least when climbing back on the board every time you fall off).

3. Climbing Sports

Like water sports, climbing will work all of your major muscle groups as well as some you might not have known were there. The Activity People offers indoor, outdoor and high rope climbing experiences all over the UK. Whether testing yourself against a purpose built climbing wall or a rocky cliff face overlooking spectacular views of the country, you’ll be flexing body and mind as you navigate your way to the peak.

These are just a few of the awesome activities you could get stuck into with the UK’s number 1 activity provider. For a list of all of the sports we offer and facilities nationwide which offer them, just visit our official site.

Here we go again, activity fans: time for clovers and flags and silly green hats, as well as a certain dark beer.

But how much do you really know about this age old and worldwide celebration?

If the answer is “not much” then today is your very lucky day, because The Activity People have made a list of their ten favourite St Patrick’s Day factoids, and placed them handily one after the other, right here.

Enjoy them almost as much as the day itself.

St Patrick, Monster Slayer

Ok, this article is all about facts, but that’s fine because I’m sure that the following is true.

Apparently, St Patrick had his hands full from time to time with an Irish beastie or two. It’s said that he rid Ireland of snakes by ringing a great bell from the top of the Croagh Patrick, a 2500 ft tall mountain. His slithering assailants then drowned in the sea.

But he didn’t rest on his laurels, oh no, because he also rid the place of a fierce lake monster too. The kick-ass saint did slay the creature right there on its own turf, turning all the water red with its blood. To this day the lake is known as Lough Derg, or Red Lake. Surely, that’s all the proof we need to assume that this is definitely true.

In all seriousness, the purpose of folklore is not that it be taken literally as a documentation of fact. Many believe the legend of St Patrick and the snakes was a figurative depiction of his championing Christianity in Ireland, and the decline of druid and pagan religions in the country. So the snakes represent those religions.

But the fierce lake monster was definitely a fierce lake monster. That had to have happened. Why? Because we say so!

Anger Management

By all accounts, St Patrick had a bit of a temper, and wasn’t averse to dishing out the odd curse. Some of his curses even seem to have worked, with only the slightest helping hand from Mother Nature and the good old British weather.

This combination was effective when SP cursed a field to sink beneath the sea after his oxen were refused permission to graze there.

Far from abusing his power, however, the saint had a strong sense of justice; once curing a blind man, while making somebody who’d laughed at the unfortunate soul go blind himself.

Girl Power

St Patrick was something of an ideas man, and it was a thought-bubble from that very saintly bonce which initiated the practice of allowing women to defy convention and propose marriage to men on a leap year.

Until then, society decreed that ladies had to wait for a proposal from an interested suitor; a proposal which may never have been forthcoming. St Paddy’s leap year concept gave women the power to control their own destiny.

Of course, it only gave them that power for one day every four years or so, and what’s more he couldn’t stop the proposed to guys from saying ‘no’. But at least it was a start.

You’re Welcome, Shamrock

As if killing monsters, curing the sick and giving hope to single ladies wasn’t enough, St Patrick put the shamrock on the map!

He used a three leaf specimen to illustrate the holy trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost to King Laughire of Tara. Nobody knows if the king understood, or whether he was just being polite. But we do know that from then on the shamrock went from strength to strength and has become a universal symbol, synonymous with all things Ireland, all around the globe. The four leaf variety are, perhaps, most recognisable and are believed to signify rebirth and life. The four leaves are said to represent faith, love, hope and the world famous luck of the Irish.

Once St Patrick’s Day rolls around, you’re likely to see more than a couple of them hanging around the place.

Sorry, Blue

Just like the Shamrock itself St Patrick’s Day is a completely green affair. By that we mean that green is the colour draped across pubs, parades, shops and revellers themselves. It is a colour inextricably linked to Ireland and once the time comes to celebrate St Patrick, it’s the colour that steals the show.

So it may come as a surprise to discover that St Patrick’s favourite colour was blue. What’s more, the whole of Ireland was less than enamoured with green for much of its history. Green was believed to be the colour of immortals, fairies and leprechauns, not a great crowd to be falling in with; and by wearing green you were seen to be doing just that.

Once upon a time, the flag of the nation was blue itself, and adorned with a golden harp, and military men wore ‘St Patrick’s Blue’ in their uniforms.

Not until the 19^th Century did green become the official colour of Ireland. Now, the colour and its Irish connotations are recognised world over. In Chicago, they dye the entire Chigaco River green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Of course, dyeing a river blue would hardly have had the same effect.

Everybody’s Favourite (Scottish) Irishman

Like many an Ireland international footballer, St Patrick wasn’t even Irish. The man that would become a saint was actually from Scotland, and went by the name Maewyn Succat (which, admittedly, doesn’t have the same ring to it).

Young Maewyn didn’t set foot in Ireland until the age of 16 when he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Not a great first impression, but things would eventually get better. Many years later the man became a Priest under the Bishop of Auxerre and took the name Patricius (as in Patrick, do try to keep up).

The rest, as they say, is history. A history we celebrate every year on the 17^th day of March.

Taking This Show On The Road

It isn’t known exactly when St Patrick’s Day was first celebrated outside of Ireland, but the first written account of the event occurring in England comes from Mr Gulliver’s Travels himself, Jonathan Swift.

He mentions celebrations taking place in London, circa 1713. According to him Westminster Parliament took a day off and all public buildings were adorned with green (not blue) decorations.

Similar celebrations have been taking place in the Caribbean since the 17^th Century. The island of Montserrat is where the party started, thanks in part to Oliver Cromwell, although only because many Irish fled to Montserrat to get away from him.

Tonight We’re Going To Party Like It’s 1737

The guys across the Atlantic have enjoyed a good St Patrick’s shindig for a long time now; and they generally don’t do things by halves.

The first St Patrick’s Day Parade to be held in America took place in Boston on the 17^th March 1737. New York followed suit in 1762, and Chicago just one year after that. The customary dumping of vegetable dye into the river in order to turn it green didn’t start until 1962, but is now one of the many traditions observed in honour of St Paddy and his adopted homeland.

Now celebrated all over the States, it is the longest running civilian parade in the world. 274 years young and still going strong!

Fashionably Late

Dublin, itself, has only held a St Patrick’s Day Parade for less than a century, and even then the event was far from being all about partying hard and drinking Guinness (other alcoholic beverages are available).

It wasn’t until 1995 that Dublin’s pubs even opened on the national holiday, because that’s precisely what it was: a ‘holy day’. Many still honour the event with religious observance, while for others drinking and revelry are as much a part of St Patrick’s Day as the colour green and the man himself.

Slice of Luck

We’d all like a little loving from Lady Luck. On St Patrick’s Day, it is believed that finding a four leaf clover, wearing green or kissing the Blarney Stone will bring good fortune.

Incidentally, there are no documented reports of people finding fortune at the bottom of a Guinness glass, but we’re sure that won’t stop most of us looking anyway.

Wherever it takes you, and whatever it holds, The Activity People would like to wish you all a memorable and fun-filled day of celebration.

Remember to drink responsibly and watch out for fierce lake monsters.

That’s right, it’s Pancake Day people.

It’s the time that we hurriedly whip up these brilliantly simple little treats, then stuff our faces with them until we’re ready to hang up the pancake mix for another calender year.

The Activity People will be frenziedly frying up plenty of the globular goodies, because all of the awesome adrenaline and adventure sports actions makes us pretty hungry. But we don’t want you guys to miss out on all the fun, so here’s a selection of recipes for perfect pancakes. There’s something for everybody here.

Enjoy! And try not to make a mess.

Classic Pancakes

1 1/4 cups all-purpose white flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Preheat pancake griddle to medium heat, or about 320 degrees.

Whisk together dry ingredients in medium bowl.

Whisk together liquid ingredients in another bowl.

Whisk liquid into dry, just till combined.

Pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto griddle. Let cook till bubbles appear, then flip and cook a minute or two longer, until golden.

Pineapple Upside-Down Pancakes

Drain can of pineapple rings, reserving some of the liquid to replace liquid in your pancake recipe. Set a pineapple ring on the heated griddle. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of the ring, then ladle about 1/4 cup of pancake batter on the fruit and cook as directed.

Almond Pancakes

Substitute 1 teaspoon almond extract for vanilla.

Banana Nutmeg Pancakes

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg with dry ingredients. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional). Once the pancake batter is poured onto the griddle, drop on small sliced pieces of banana and continue cooking as usual.

Blueberry Pancakes

Gently stir about 1 cup of frozen blueberries into the batter.

Choc Chip Pancakes

Simply sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the uncooked side of each pancake; continue cooking as usual.

Corn Pancakes

Substitute 1/2 cup cornmeal for flour. Stir in a cup of frozen corn kernels into batter. Add some chili powder and drained, chopped green chilies.

Eggnog Pancakes

Substitute eggnog for the milk, and add a dash of ground nutmeg to dry ingredients.

Gingerbread Pancakes

Stir following spices into dry ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Substitute 4 tablespoons of molasses for the sugar in your usual recipe, but be sure to add it to the wet ingredients.

Ginger Pancakes

Stir 1 teaspoon dry ginger into dry ingredients. Sprinkle finely chopped crystallized ginger over uncooked side of each pancake and continue cooking as usual.

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Stir 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest and 2 teaspoons poppy seeds into dry ingredients. Can also substitute 1/4 cup lemon juice for some of the liquid in the recipe.

Orange Cardamom Pancakes

Stir 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom into dry ingredients. Can also substitute 1/4 cup orange juice for some of the liquid in the recipe.

Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat a non-stick griddle to medium heat.

Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

In a small bowl, microwave the buttermilk and milk to room temperature, about 20 seconds. Whisk in egg, butter, and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry and whisk just until combined. (If batter becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or water.)

Pour batter by about 1/3 cup-fulls onto heated griddle. Cook 2-3 minutes, until bottoms are golden and tops begin bubbling. Flip pancakes and cook about one more minute, till golden.

Blueberry Sour Cream Pancakes

2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup fresh OR frozen blueberries
Note: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before adding to the batter.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, sour cream, and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just till moistened. Fold in the blueberries gently.

Pour batter by 1/3 cupful onto a prepared griddle. Turn when bubbles appear. Cook till golden brown. Serve with Blueberry Sauce (see recipe below).

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

1 1/4 rolled oats

1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1 cup flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla

In large mixing bowl, whisk together the first five ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together egg, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix just till combined.

Pour by 1/3 cupfuls onto heated griddle. Turn when bubbles form and cook about 1 minute longer.

Granola Pancakes

1 1/3 cup prepared granola

1 cup flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups sour cream OR plain or fruit yogurt of choice
2 eggs
1/4 cup cooking oil

Mix the first eight ingredients in a bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in another bowl. Combine the wet and dry and mix just till moistened. Batter will be lumpy.

Drop batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto a preheated griddle. Let cook about a minute or two, till bubbles start to pop on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about one more minute.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

1 cup flour

1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

Combine the first four ingredients in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix together the remaining four ingredients. Blend into dry ingredients just till combined.

Drop batter by 2 tablespoonfuls onto a prepared griddle. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side till golden brown.

Rolled Lemon Swedish Pancakes

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided

2 tablespoons finely grated lemon peel
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoons salt
8 eggs
3 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
whipped cream, for serving with

In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar with the lemon peel; set aside.

In a bowl, combine flour, salt and remaining sugar. Beat eggs, milk and butter; mix well with dry ingredients. Pour batter by 1/2 cupfuls onto a prepared, hot griddle. Cook until set and golden brown. Turn and cook 1 minute more.

Immediately sprinkle each pancake with lemon sugar, then roll the pancakes up and keep them warm. Serve topped with whipped cream.

Bran Pancakes, or “BranCakes”

1 cup flour

1/2 cup wheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
2 cups milk
(1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel, opt.)
1 cup bran cereal (such as All-Bran)

Stir together the first five ingredients in a bowl. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat egg till foamy. Stir in orange peel and bran cereal. Let stand 2 minutes, to soften.

Add dry ingredients to cereal mixture and stir just till moistened.

Cook pancakes on a prepared skillet, turning once to brown both sides. Serve warm.

Cheesy Baked Puff Pancakes

6 eggs

1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
3/4 cup shredded cheddar or cheese of choice

Beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add milk, flour, and salt. Stir till smooth. Pour melted butter into a 13×9x2-inch baking pan. Pour the batter into the pan.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or till a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with cheese and serve!

Spinach Potato Pancakes

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

2 cups shredded zucchini
1 medium potato, peeled and shredded
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg, beaten

In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Stir in egg and mix well.

Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot, greased griddle. Flatten with the back of a spatula, to form patties. Fry until golden brown. Flip and cook till second side is browned. Drain on paper towels.

Gluten-Free Pancakes

1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 cup rice flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Preheat pancake griddle to medium heat, or about 320 degrees.

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

Whisk together the liquid ingredients in another bowl.

Whisk liquid into dry, just till combined.

Pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto griddle. Let cook till bubbles appear, then flip and cook a minute or two longer, until golden.

Vegan Oatmeal Pancakes

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/4 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cup sour soy or rice milk
(simply add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the “milk” and let it sit a few minutes)
3 teaspoons of dry egg replacer beaten with 4 tablespoons warm water
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix the first five ingredients in a bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in another bowl. Combine the wet and dry and mix just till moistened. Some lumps in the batter are okay.

Drop batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto a preheated griddle. Let cook about two minutes, till bubbles start to pop on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about one more minute.

Allergen-Free Vegan Pancakes

1/2 cup oat flour

1/2 cup rice flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
(3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, opt.)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup rice milk
2 teaspoons egg-replacer, beaten with 4 tablespoons warm water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon vinegar

Mix the first five ingredients in a bowl. Mix the remaining ingredients in another bowl. Combine the wet and dry and mix just till moistened. Some lumps in the batter are okay.

Drop batter by 1/3 cupfuls onto a preheated griddle. Let cook about two minutes, till bubbles start to pop on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about one more minute.

For even more pancake ideas, pancake tricks, pancake facts and even pancake merch, head over to pancakelovers.com

For a selection of adventure sports, perfect for post-pancake health and fitness, visit theactivitypeople.co.uk

You may have noticed an upturn in the fortunes of Premier League football club West Ham United over the past couple of weeks. But did you know that their improvement in form coincided directly with a team kart race and clay pigeon shoot?

Early in February, the relegation battlers were beaten at home by Birmingham City, before scraping a late draw against similarly relegation threatened West Bromwich Albion.

That’s when manager Avram Grant decided to introduce a brand new tactic; but not on the football field, on the kart track.

Grant took his underperforming athletes to enjoy a day of high speed karting followed by clay shooting. In his own words, the manager told The Telegraph “we decided to take the individuals to be as a team together”.

Since then the Hammers have picked up two very impressing victories, thumping Burnley in the FA Cup before doing exactly the same to an in form Liverpool in their last league game. It’s widely thought that their 3-1 demolition of Kenny Dalglish’s reds ranks as their best performance so far in the season, and Grant is in no doubt that the club’s rubber-burning, trigger-pumping day out has played a vital role in their sensational resurgence.

“It was good for the team. It was very successful. It was nice to see them enjoying themselves away from everything.”

Action-packed away days are a great way for any team or company to escape the rigours of their daily workload, and recharge their batteries so that when they return to work, they’re ready to give their best.

There isn’t a better way to turn your ‘individuals’ into a ‘team’.

Don’t believe us? Just ask the nearest West Ham fan.

If you’re interested in organising a lightning fast go kart grand prix, a spectacular clay pigeon shoot, an all guns blazing paintball war, a skydive or more, there are hundreds of options available through The Activity People, and you can find them all right here.

Throughout this week, The Activity People have been counting down their Top 5 Movie Car Chases via our Facebook page. We’ve chosen the ones that make us want to get behind the wheel and burn some rubber just like our cinematic heroes.

It was a tough decision to make, because there’re just so many great scenes to choose from, and plenty of epic, big screen wheel-spinners missed out all together.

There was no place on the list for the awesome Vanishing Point or Smokey and The Bandit. In The Bourne Supremacy, Matty Damon manages a riveting chase, despite crashing his car around fifty times, and it still didn’t make the list. They made two whole movies full of gas guzzling, car smashing action and called them both Gone In 60 Seconds, but neither could accelerate into our Top 5; nor could any of the brilliant Fast and Furious franchise.

The movies which race onto our Top 5 list are there because we think they embody all of the reasons that everybody loves a good car chase: the thunderous engine noise, the screaming tyres, the shiny bodies zipping through impressive locations and, of course, the trail of destruction they leave in their wake. And these cars are responsible for plenty of silver screen carnage.

So sit back, strap yourself in, and enjoy The Activity People’s Top 5 Movie Car Chases. Is your favourite on the list?

5. The Blues Brothers

Jake and Elwood Blues are on a mission from God (apparently), and they’re not going to let anything stand in their way…not even a crowded shopping mall.

At the time of release, this movie held the record for most cars crashed. A total of 12 ‘Bluesmobiles’ were used throughout the film, including one built especially to fall apart.

To view the scene click here.

4. The Bourne Identity

His Supremacy chase didn’t make the list, but a chase from this equally great movie did. The Italian Job might be a little more famous for hurtling through a grand European city in a Mini Cooper, but the live action driving in this flick really puts the beloved little car to the test.

The release of the film had to be rescheduled, after director Doug Liman ordered a series of re-shoots, including this riveting chase. We’re certainly glad he did.

To view the scene click here.

3. Bullitt

The undisputed Daddy of the car chase and a title usually preceded by a Number 1 in lists of this nature, this exciting Steve McQueen vehicle only reached Number 3 in our list, but the iconic San Francisco streets and the unmistakable muscle car rumble will ensure that this movie lives forever in the annals of cinema history.

Director Peter Yates called for the chase to be shot at speeds of 75-80mph but the cars used managed insane speeds of over 110mph. Filming of the chase scene took more than three weeks and resulted in less than ten minutes of footage. But it’s great footage, indeed.

Two Ford Mustangs and Two Dodge Chargers were used to shoot the chase scene. All were expertly modified for high-speed chasing.  Both Chargers were junked after filming along with one of the Mustangs. McQueen attempted to purchase the remaining Ford many years later but the private owner refused to sell and to this day the car sits, un-driven, in a barn.

To view the scene click here.

2. The French Connection

Another all time classic at Number 2. This time it’s Gene Hackman’s iconic portrayal of tough cop Popeye Doyle behind the wheel. He’s pushing the pedal to the metal in pursuit of the bad guys. The trouble is they’re not in a car. They’re in a runaway train speeding by on an overhead track.

Like Bullitt, no music accompanies the scene, though director William Friedkin edited the sequence to the tempo of Carlos Santana’s Black Magic Woman. The only sound we get during the movie is the harrowing noises of the carnage that unfolds.

The crash that takes place at the intersection of Stillwell Avenue and 86^th Street was unplanned but included in the movie because of its realism. The man involved was driving to work, oblivious to the fact that the chase was being shot. Producers later paid bills for the car’s repairs.

To view the scene click here.

1. Ronin

A gritty and intense, rocking roller coaster of a chase shot on location on the busy streets of Paris. Ronin mightn’t be the biggest movie name on the list, but with the unforgettable chase sequences director John Frankenheimer set out to create the textbook car scenes that all subsequent Hollywood speedsters would learn from and emulate. Everybody here at The Activity People thinks he definitely succeeded.

The film enlisted the crème de la crème of stunt drivers from all over the world, including former Formula 1 driver Jean-Pierre Jarier.

The chases in the movie are famous for being some of the most authentic ever committed to film, and one of the subtle tricks used to do this was a set of modified right-hand drive cars. In these impressive machines, the passenger side was made up to mirror the real controls. Robert De Niro and Natasha McElhone then mimicked the stunt drivers while the action played out.

To view the scene click here.

There you have it, The Activity People’s Top 5 Movie Car Chases in all their petrol powered glory. The films we can’t watch without wanting to leap behind the wheel and satisfy our own burning need for speed.

If you’re looking to burn some rubber, too, we offer a number of great activities that allow you to do so. Get behind the wheel in karting, rally driving and many more. They’re fast and fun adrenaline explosions, and they’re also perfectly safe.

Visit our website to find out more, then get out there and really floor it.

English actor Henry Cavill has landed the role of Superman in the latest Hollywood superhero blockbuster, and everybody here at The Activity People is sure that his career’s about to take off faster than a speeding bullet.

So, to celebrate, we thought we’d fill you in on 5 great ways that you can take to the sky…just like the guy in the famous red undies.

1. Skydiving

A tandem skydive is just about as flabbergastingly brilliant as extreme sports get, and you don’t need to worry about a laborious training regime because you’ll be attached to a trained professional who’ll take care of the technical stuff while you enjoy a 120mph free-falling, gravity-powered joy-ride.

It’s an adrenaline rush unlike any you’ll have felt before, and a completely new perspective on the world (directly above it, and approaching fast). This is far from a once in a lifetime experience, because once you’ve made the jump, you’ll want to do it again and again.

2. Hot Air Ballooning

Ok, so Superman could fly Lois over the Metropolis skyline in his arms, but you can go one better: soaring majestically above the breathtaking British countryside in the lap of luxury.

Fly by morning or evening, when the sky is at its most dramatic and beautiful. Take off over the tree tops and drift blissfully wherever the wind takes you. Hot Air Balloon rides can ascend as high as 4000ft, and that provides views to rival any on Earth. It’s both exciting and peaceful, and the memories will last a lifetime. Perfect for couples.

3. Microlight Flying

We can’t leap tall buildings in a single bound, but we can fly high with the wind in our faces and plenty of buildings far beneath us. Strap yourself into any of our two-seat microlights and experience the thrill of open air flying. You’ll be in the more than capable hands of a trained pilot with plenty of experience in light aircraft fliying.

Each pilot is a qualified instructor, who may even let you briefly take the reigns during your unforgettable flight.

4. Bi Plane Flights

An unbelievable day of aviation action is ready and waiting for you at any of our Bi Plane facilities in the UK. Strap yourself in and blast off for close formation flying and hair-raising aerobatics.

We employ some of the most trusted pilots in their field. It’s heart-pounding stuff, but it’s safe too. You’re thrown in the thick of high speed aerial manoeuvres, you might not have thought possible, until you find yourself, mid-air, and smack bang in the middle of them.

5. Body Flying

True, you won’t exactly be in the sky, but Body Flying is still the closest you’ll get to being a real life Superman. It’s the thrill and sensation of free fall…but without the falling part.

Leap onto a portable, vertical wind tunnel and learn to fly on wind speeds of up to 125mph in a safe enclosed area. You won’t need any previous experience, nor will you need a parachute, but you’re bound to have a blast. Make the leap then fly like the Man of Steel, himself.

Finally, for those of you who aren’t aware of handsome Henry Cavill, here’s 5 quick facts about the latest dude to don the red cape and the big ‘S’.

1. He’s previously missed out on the roles of James Bond, Batman and…Superman! After being pipped to the post by Brandon Routh for the super hero’s last big screen outing, Empire magazine referred to Cavill as “The unluckiest man in Hollywood”.
2. He was author Stephanie Meyer’s first choice for the role of Edward Cullen in the movie adaptations of her Twilight series. Unfortunately for Henry, and the rest of us, it wasn’t her decision and the studio plumped for Robert Pattinson instead.
3. He’s fluent in no less than four languages, including Spanish, French and Italian. No prizes for guessing the other.
4. He probably smells good. After all, he’s currently the face of Dunhill, fragrances for men.
5. If Henry hadn’t gotten into acting, he’d have joined the armed forces, in order to fulfil his sense of ‘patriotic pride’. Ironic then that the proud Brit is about to become world famous for playing an American icon. Or should that be a Kryptonian icon?

Indoor climbing: super fun, super workout.

As we enter February some people’s New Year’s resolutions and best laid plans may have fallen by the wayside, while others might be starting to feel the pinch. The best ways to give your health kick a boost is to introduce some adrenaline and adventure.

Bobbing in place on a health club treadmill is one thing, but there are a number of action-packed activities to get your heart pounding, blood flowing and fat burning while having a lot more fun.

Indoor climbing is an exciting and hugely rewarding pursuit, and the low-impact nature of the sport means it’s perfect for just about anybody. It improves total body fitness, as well as problem solving skills. But that’s not all. Climbing exercises can also greatly expand your social circle.

You don’t need superhuman strength to enjoy your climb and ridiculously large biceps aren’t necessary at all. Your journey up the wall will engage every part of your body. You’ll develop coordination, strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and, most importantly, you’ll blast away as many calories as any other fitness program would. Plus, you’ll be flexing that big muscle known as your brain, because half the battle is mapping the most successful route for your ascent.

The Activity People offer a number of climbing experiences around the country, but if you’re based in the North Yorkshire area, why not test your skills upon our 14m high indoor walls in Harrogate?

The impressive facility boasts 66 indoor climbing lines with an average of 190 routes set in the centre at any one time. You’ll also find awesome feed and top roping areas set with routes graded from 3 to 8a and beyond. This means that there’s suitable climbing conditions whatever your level of skill.

This includes the complete beginner, who will undoubtedly benefit from one of our in depth Taster Sessions. The hour long exercise gets you onto the wall with a fully qualified instructor, who’ll teach you the basics and allow you to squeeze in as much climbing action as possible within the time. You’ll benefit a great deal from their tuition, and you’re likely to get hooked on the sport.

What’s more, even your little ones are invited too with the site regularly hosting kids climbing parties. The wacky wall-climbing action will keep the youngsters gripped for the whole of their 1 and a half hour session, and a range of party food can also be included in the package.

It’s a great way for them to have fun with their friends, and once you have caught the climbing bug, you’re likely to make a whole host of new friends, too. Through The Activity People and our various climbing centres, you’ll be introduced to an entirely new social circle. Many climbing endeavours require the partnership of a climber and ‘belayer’ and the development of an understanding between the two.

A new body, new activity and new friends: not a bad way to keep those resolutions going strong.

Airsoft is as close as you’ll get the intensity and drama of warfare, without packing your bags and joining the army. It’s also more than a little bit safer. So let The Activity People put together the perfect trigger-pumping campaign, at one of our premier venues.

Developed in Japan, as an alternative to Paintball, Airsoft is the evolution of team combat sports, fusing ultra-realism with enough adrenaline pumping action to put any videogame or movie to shame.

Like its paint-splattering cousin, competitors are divided into two teams and then compete in a variety of combat games. These games range from authentic military simulations composed of diverse and challenging mission objectives, to light hearted, free-shooting encounters designed for fast paced fun and plenty of close quarters combat with your mates.

During these heart-pounding skirmishes, the ammo that’s whizzing across the warzone will consist of small plastic pellets, 6-8mm in diameter and weighing a mere 0.2g. This is significantly lighter than a paintball, meaning less force is required to propel the bullet. This in turn means that they don’t hurt, and no lasting damage will occur.

Players may feel a brief stinging sensation immediately upon taking a hit, but this feeling will quickly disappear. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about the damage to your pride as you mope back to the safe zone for the remainder of the current game.

Another benefit of this ammo’s dimensions is the price. These pellets which are smaller, lighter and cheaper to make than paintballs are available in twice the quantity at half the price from the vast majority of centres.

Of course, ammo’s no good without a weapon to blast it from and these games excel for their weaponry. Book an exciting Airsoft experience and you’ll be armed with an identical, fully-automatic, working replica of a firearm used in real combat situations around the globe, not to mention your favourite Hollywood blockbusters.

An Airsoft arsenal includes M4, M16 and AK47 assault rifles, to name just a few, and these glorified BB guns mimic their real life contemporaries in appearance, weight and even operation. Unleash that inner action-man as you dive for cover, pull a spent magazine from your gun and smack another one into place before leaping back into the firing line and spewing bullets at the marauding enemy gunslingers.

Gun hire, ammo, protective mask and overalls will be provided at no extra cost. But it doesn’t stop there. Depending on the venue, players can also hire sniper rifles, silenced handguns and more. They can purchase grenades and pyrotechnics so long as they’re 18 or over. Some parks even run mission scenarios which involve gun turrets, heavy artillery and RPG’s.

Airsoft is your chance to leap out of your living room and directly into the scenarios that unfold in games like Call Of Duty and Medal Of Honour.  What’s more, apart from a sturdy pair of shoes, we’ll take care of everything you’ll need to take part.

There are venues hosting awesome Airsoft battles all around the UK, and each offers its own gaming style and level of authenticity. If you’re planning a stag do or day of general mayhem with your mates you might want a battleground which throws up lots of frantic action and chances to really go ballistic, while businesses may prefer authentic and tactical play in order to promote teamwork and strategy. Corporate and team building events are also enhanced at many facilities, by a range of conferencing, catering and hospitality options.

Visit www.theactivitypeople.co.uk to find information on all of our Airsoft providers around the UK, or give us a call on 0844 745 5005 and let a member of our helpful team find the perfect site and event for you. We’re happy to do the leg work so you can concentrate on your trigger finger.

Paratrooper, Ben Parkinson, is the most seriously injured British soldier to survive his wounds in Afghanistan. Yet on the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the lance bombardier, who lost both legs and suffered brain injures during active service, jumped 15,000ft in a charity parachute jump.

Inspired by the bravery of paratrooper, Ben Parkinson, in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday on November 14^th, The Activity People will be making a £1 donation to ‘Help For Heroes’ (http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk) with every group booking activity form now up until Remembrance Day.

Rebecca Rudkin, business development manager at The Activity People, said: ‘The real-life heroism of our troops in Afghanistan is inspiring to many of us. Parachute jumps, bungee jumps and the other extreme activities we offer are nothing compared to the day-to-day heroism of our troops on the frontline.

‘We hope to do our bit by raising some money for our brave troops,’ said Rebecca. ‘We will make a donation of £1 on every group booking an activity before Remembrance Sunday, they don’t necessarily have to do the activity before that date, just book it before then.

‘We are also hoping that many of the groups will take the opportunity to raise money for Help For Heroes, by sponsoring their activity or collecting money on the day. We have every possible activity for them to choose from, and each member of the group can book onto the charity event as individuals making organisation less of a headache. So, how about a parachute jump, paintballing, karting, rally or off-road driving, quad biking, dirt buggy racing – you name it we have the activity,’ said Rebecca.

With British Forces fighting in Afghanistan the money raised in the annual Poppy Appeal is more significant than ever before.  Since 2003 the Royal British Legion have provided financial help to 10,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan operations – and are currently investing £20 million in Personnel Recovery Centres to care for the wounded of current conflicts. In 2009, the legion raised £107 million – including a record £31 million for the Poppy Appeal – so well worth supporting.

The Legion spent over £110 million on its work in 2009.   If you want to book an activity, click here and quote HFH1.

The Activity People support Help for Heroes