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Newsletter 7 from the Elenydd Wilderness Hostels Trust
October 2007
DOLGOCH
The date for completing the purchase of Dolgoch, the 31st October, is rapidly
approaching. The requisite funds are in place and there is even a small surplus. A
joyful moment and one which will merit a celebration worthy of the occasion when
glorious Spring/Summer weather appears (away doubters, it will you know!). In the
meantime there is work to be done.
REFURBISHMENT
With this in mind a Grant Application – the product it should be said of Pearl Chalk
burning the candle at both ends and ably supported by Colin Francis and David Davies
– is being lodged with Ceredigion County Council. However the pot is small and the
applications for a share in it are numerous, so ……… we wait and see.
PROPOSED WORKS
The refurbishment proposals include upgrading of the access track – an immediate
essential, an additional shower, rearrangement of toilets, a new warden’s room, wheel
chair access to the present warden’s room, a water borehole, improved gas lighting
downstairs and “green electricity” for upstairs lighting. All of which will, it is felt,
improve the comfort of a visit without in any way detracting from the hostel’s special
character and atmosphere.
TY’N CORNEL
Dolgoch has tended to hold centre stage whilst there existed the tension and doubt
over its acquisition, but Ty’n Cornel has throughout the year gone quietly about
showing what the Trust was set up for in the first place – to keep a hostel, arbitrarily
condemned to closure, open and run it successfully – really successfully with
bednights for the year now likely to reach 1000 (600 only projected at the outset)
but still with capacity for many more.
For those who knew the hostel of old be not dismayed on approaching it anew. It has
not been the subject of a takeover by some religious community, it is not a chapel you
espy presenting its proud front to the hostel, but our new stylish replacement dayshelter
and cycle store. This, with it’s own electricity supply (yes, you can have a brew
up there) should prove a distinct benefit to the hostel.
Hostels do not run themselves though the casual visitor might think this of Ty’n
Cornel. If he or she does, then let it be pointed out that they have our volunteer
wardens to thank and, in particular, the hostel’s manager Richard Hollins and his team
of helpers. Richard keeps an ever watchful eye on what needs to be done and
arranges, takes part in and oversees the working parties which attend to much of the
hostel’s maintenance.
BOOKINGS
Both Ty’n Cornel and Dolgoch are bookable throughout the winter. The winter months,
when there will be no resident warden, are particularly suited to group bookings. The
Trust is seeking block bookings for each hostel for the following holiday periods:
24, 25,26 December 29, 30, 31 December
£400 £400
If block bookings are not received by 24th November the hostels will be available for
normal individual and group bookings.
Block bookings for these periods should be made through
Richard Hollins tel. 01684 563097 email richard.hollins@virgin.net
Normal bookings through YHA Central Reservation 01629 592707
or online www.yha.org.uk
SPONSORED WALK
As mentioned in our previous newsletter Jeffrey Matthews is again organising a
series of walks based on our hostels. Full details will be available in the next
newsletter but please bear in mind the date when it will all happen – Saturday the 7th
June 2008.This year’s event made a very substantial contribution to the Trust’s
funds (around £3500) so it is hoped support for the 2008 event will match or even
top this figure.
Mention of the sponsored walk brings to mind Bronwen Lee’s individual effort in
walking from Llanwrtyd to Dolgoch in support of the Trust. The initiative shown by
this form of support bodes well for the future of the Trust. Already a member has
proposed doing a Lands End to John O’Groats walk in 2008. Funds have come from
both walking and cycling groups raised either by donation or sponsorship. Perhaps the
most original contribution to date derives from a member’s refusal of birthday
presents but with a suggestion that friends and well wishers might like to benefit the
Elenydd Wilderness Hostels Trust which they did, handsomely.
LIFE AT DOLGOCH
Huw Jones, a retired local farmer has had published an account of his upbringing and
life as a shepherd at Dolgoch – ‘Bugail Olaf y Cwm’ published by Gwasg Garreg Gwalch
at £5.50. For those of us not blessed with a knowledge of the Welsh language we
shall have to wait for a translation but it is hoped this will be forthcoming in future
months when details will be made available.
TREASURER
Our treasurer Colin Francis is for personal reasons unable to continue in the post
although he has agreed until a successor is found to keep treasurer’s matters ticking
over. Accounts for payment, cheques for donations or for any other purpose should
continue to be sent to Colin. He will, however, be out of the country for four weeks
from the 5th November so any urgent communication of a financial nature during this
period should be addressed to the Trust’s Chair Marilyn Barrack. The trustees are
actively seeking a new treasurer and members will be notified when an appointment is
made.
HOSTEL MANAGER
Once Dolgoch is ours it will need the watchful care that Richard has lavished on Ty’n
Cornel. In other words a hostel manager is sought. The duties: maintenance
co-ordinator, managing the bookings and other smaller matters that require on going
attention could be taken on by more than one person if the work load for one was felt
to be too great. Volunteer/s urgently needed. Please contact the chair or secretary if
you feel able or might be able to help.
MARKETING AND PUBLICITY
A proactive person preferably experienced in this field is desperately needed to
promote the Trust and all it stands for. If there is anyone reading this who feels
they can volunteer their services for what could play a vital part in the future
success of the Trust, or would simply wish to discuss the matter further,
please contact our Chair, Secretary or one of the Trustees.
VOLUNTEER WARDENS
Wardens are still required at Ty’n Cornel for some weeks in November. Anyone
interested should contact Joan Meek telephone 01283 537440 or email
jclift@8pineclose.totalserve.co.uk
In 2008 it is hoped both hostels will be wardened through from March to November.
Ensuring this happens is quite an undertaking for the Trust. Joan, who has kept the
wardens’ rota sheet for Ty’n Cornel and will do so for both hostels in 2008, would be
delighted to hear from anyone prepared to put themselves forward for what can be a
very rewarding experience.
WARDENS’ TRAINING COURSE
For those with no previous experience it will be necessary to attend a training course.
One such has been arranged for the 2nd/3rd February at Ty’n Cornel. The hostel has
been prebooked and anyone wishing to take part and stay at the hostel should contact
Richard Hollins on 01684 563097.
A CRB (Criminal Records Board) check which is free has also to be applied for.
Prospective wardens are reminded that anyone accompanying them has also to be CRB
checked. These are dealt with through our member Russ Johnson of 1 Gordon Road,
Horndon on the Hill, Stamford le Hope, Essex SS17 8NP. Telephone 01375 675999
Full names, address and telephone number are required as well as original ID
documents and the process can take from 6-8 weeks so early contact with Russ is
recommended.
MEMBERSHIP
A note concerning membership has been received from our membership secretary
Mark Willcock and we can do no better than incorporate what he says:-
The Elenydd Wilderness Trust has now been running for one year. In that year
we have achieved a huge amount, including
• securing Ty’n Cornel on a lease at a nominal rent from its owners, who
wish to see it remain as a hostel
• raising the funds to buy Dolgoch outright
• a range of maintenance work carried out by our working parties
• an official launch party in April
• a very successful sponsored walk in May
These achievements are testament to the hard work of dedicated volunteers
and, not least, to the much valued support from our members who now number
over 320 individuals and 9 groups. We sincerely hope that you will be able to
continue supporting the Trust in its work by renewing your membership when it
is due.
In order to boost the Trust’s income in its early stages, while at the same time
reducing administration, time and costs, we are pleased to offer you the
opportunity to take out extended membership at a discounted rate if you wish.
The rates for membership are now:
One year £10
Two years £18
Three years £25
Whichever you choose, your membership will be much appreciated. You will
receive a reminder prior to the expiry of this year’s membership by email or
post. By the way email saves the Trust considerable costs in postage, so if you
are able to provide an email address please do so. Thanks very much.
Mark Willcock
That says it all – no need for further comment.
SKIDDAW HOUSE FOUNDATION
Our August meeting at Dolgoch was attended by Bill Sellers, chairman of the above
Foundation and instrumental in keeping this former YHA hostel open as a hostel. He
was keen to learn about the Trust and its achievements to date and in turn gave an
interesting talk on how and what had been achieved by the Foundation which
paralleled in many ways what the Elenydd Trust has done. He felt that his Foundation
and our Trust could well work together to our mutual benefit particularly in the field
of fund raising. He outlined a proposal for making a joint appeal and the Trustees
expressed agreement in principle. Further discussion would be necessary once Bill has
researched the proposal more fully. To be in close contact with an organisation with
identical aims can be nothing but beneficial and we are grateful to Bill for making
what proved to be a not entirely uneventful journey to Dolgoch.
MEETINGS
The next open meetings when all are welcome to attend are as follows:
11am Saturday, 10th November at Ty’n Cornel
11am Saturday, 12th January at Dolgoch
For more information about the Elenydd Hostels Trust check out their website at www.elenydd-hostels.co.uk