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Elenydd Wilderness Hostels Trust Newsletter 12
April 2009
Another AGM is approaching and all members should receive with this Newsletter a formal notification of the date and venue, also a letter from our secretary. The letter contains details for booking accommodation at Ty’n Cornel Youth Hostel for those wishing to make a weekend of their visit to the area. Anyone wishing to stay at Dolgoch should book through the YHA or, in the week prior to the AGM, Chris Mason – for details see end of Newsletter.
NEW TRUSTEES
Nominations for the appointment of new trustees would be welcomed. Proposers should bear in mind that election of a person as trustee at the AGM can only take place provided prior notice is given which
- is signed by a member entitled to vote at the meeting
- states the member’s intention to propose the appointment of a person as a Trustee
- is signed by the person who is to be proposed to show his or her willingness to be appointed.
Notices should be sent to the Trust’s secretary Janet Hollins.
NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION
Whilst we hope all members have received past newsletters either by email or hard copies by post we are aware that a number of non-members on our mailing list may not have done so recently. We have on this occasion endeavoured to mail everyone. However, we ask any non-member to please notify Derek Edwards by email, post or telephone that he or she wishes to continue to receive the newsletter - NO NOTIFICATION NO NEWSLETTER.
Some recipients of hard copies of the Newsletter by post may now have an email address. If so it would be appreciated if you would inform Derek of your email address thus saving the Trust time, labour and importantly money. This applies to both members and non-members.
NEWS OF OUR HOSTELS
DOLGOCH
Steve Griffith, despite his deep involvement and work for the Trust, has volunteered to take over the additional role of Hostel Manager. However, he would be grateful for help. Offers to Steve please Tel. 02088337409
The Track Our contractors the Forestry Commission have transformed access to the hostel – ten culverts constructed, a continuous “V” ditch on one side, a passing place and small level parking area above the hostel. The final dressing has yet to be laid but this will be done after phase 1 of the building work at the hostel is completed.
The Hostel
No one we are sure could fail to be impressed by the sight of the new hostel roof. Previously stepped on the rear elevation where the pitch of the roof changed to cover the lobby, shower and office area, it now runs smoothly to its lowest level. Old buildings often produce unpleasant surprises and our Dolgoch clearly felt tradition must be followed. It was discovered that the chimney was being held in place by the roof which once removed could have led to disaster so we have a brand new chimney. Extra unwanted expense but very necessary!
Timber work to the barn roof has been completed, the roof felted and battens fitted, and will be tiled once the gable end of the hostel has been rendered, probably before this newsletter is distributed.
Hopefully the end of April will see completion of Phase 1 work which will mean a repeat of the efforts of the small band of members who worked so hard to get the property prepared for an Easter booking. Anyone prepared to help should contact Marilyn for date and times.
Please note Dolgoch will be closed from the 12th October when work under Phase 2 of the Project should begin.
Above the hostel, trustee Bill Hine has spent three days planting small deciduous trees grown from local seed. In all some 400 trees have been planted. A very pleasing sight Bill. Many thanks.
Help needed Bill will be cutting and raking grass at both hostels on the weekend of 24th – 26th July. Two volunteers required. If you are able to help please contact Bill on 0117 9531698.
TY’N CORNEL
Bookingswise, a very encouraging start for the hostel with 340 bednights booked and paid for by the end of March.
Our grateful thanks are extended to the Permaculture Group who have completed the laying of the hawthorn hedge above the parking area which was planted around the year 2000. This should now develop into a fine ‘fit for purpose’ hedge.
We are also grateful to Worcester YHA Group who spent a weekend at the hostel painting the hall, staircase and 2 bedrooms.
Out of season usage of the hostels is encouraged. For those wishing to do some weekend wardening during the winter months there may be availability at Ty’n Cornel. Please enquire of Hostel Manager Richard Hollins. Tel. 01980 629259
WARDENS’ TRAINING WEEKEND
Timing of the Worcester Group’s visit was most appropriate giving the hostel that
extra sparkle for the arrival the following weekend of people attending the Wardens’
Training Course. Fifteen attended what was generally agreed to be a very successful
course. It seems all were keen to follow their qualification with a wardening stint
at one of our hostels. This disclosed an anomaly of timing. Most of this year’s wardening
slots have already been taken up and it is regrettable that the obvious enthusiasm
might be dampened for lack of opportunity. Although it will not benefit the recent
qualifiers the trustees have decided to stage the next training course over the weekend
of 7th /8th November which will give an early and equal opportunity to apply for
slots. It is of course essential that all prospective wardens attend a Trust Training
Weekend.
During the course both participants and others enjoyed a fascinating illustrated talk by local historian John Morgan describing the old farms and dwellings in the area. It is hoped John will agree to follow up his talk with a walk taking in some of the old buildings or sites mentioned in his talk. Watch this space.
SPONSORED WALK
This will again be based on Dolgoch and will include the two walks which proved so popular last year. Full details can be found on the Trust’s website www.elenydd-hostels.co.uk Entry and sponsorship forms can be downloaded or obtained direct from Jeffrey Matthews (telephone 0136 7241380). It had been hoped to include a shorter walk suitable for families with young children but this will not be possible this year. However the Trustees are anxious to promote participation of the younger generation and will have this very much in mind when organising a future event.
LOCAL EVENTS
On Thursday, 4th June a Volunteers’ Fair will take place at Lampeter between 11am and 3pm. This is being organised by the Ceredigion Association for Voluntary Organisations (CAVO) and is intended to give an opportunity to the various voluntary bodies in the county to publicise their work and interests. Our Trust will have a stand there when it is hoped to gain the interest of local people with a view to their becoming supporters and volunteers. Chair Marilyn and Funding Manager Pearl will be in attendance but would be delighted to see others join them and share the glad task of spreading the Elenydd word. It would too ensure a break during the day for these two dedicated Trust stalwarts.
The quatercentenary of the death of local folk hero Twm Sion Cati is being marked throughout the year in different ways. Saturday, 22nd August, the day prior to our next open meeting at Dolgoch, sees Rhandirmwyn staging a celebration which includes organised walks, craft displays and workshops, talks and poetry readings in the 12th century chapel Capel Peulin, with a hog roast and country dancing at Ystradffin Farm in the evening. Sounds like a rousing prelude for members before enduring the routine of next day’s committee meeting! Book your beds at Dolgoch now!
FUNDING MANAGER
As has been said before Pearl Chalk our present funding manager has done an incredible job in obtaining grants for the Trust and in particular that which made possible the work proceeding under the Dolgoch Project. Although she will see the project through to its completion in 2010 she will resign her position of Funding Manager at the AGM and the Trust is therefore seeking a replacement. Anyone interested in taking over this very essential post should please contact Pearl (tel. 01239 614806 ).
PUBLICITY
A new brochure has been produced. Those who feel they could usefully pass on one or more to prospective members/hostellers please contact Marilyn. Photographs provide one of the most important aspects of a brochure and member Sue Brown, who has spent time seeking these out, writes as follows:
Calling all photographers
The Trust would like to build up a library of photographs for use in the future and to keep as an archive for the hostels.
We need them for our publicity, for displays and for articles in the press. To date we have been fortunate to have been given some excellent images, and now with the spring and summer before us, would like to encourage all you keen photographers to take some photos for the Trust. When you are next at Ty’n Cornel or Dolgoch or out and about in the area and the sun is shining or the light is just right, perhaps you could take a few shots. For our publicity work we need photos with young people in them. Something eye-catching that captures the spirit of being in the Elenydd or of staying at one of the hostels. Take time to ‘pose’ your models to get the best picture. It is essential that permission is obtained from the people in your photos for the Trust to use their images and where children are involved that of the parents. Digital photos need to be of high quality to be suitable for printing.
Please send your digital images to photos@elenydd-hostels.co.uk with a maximum of 8 per photographer. If you still use film and have prints suitable for a display, these can be sent to: Susan Brown, Parc Manordeifi, Pontrhydyceirt, Cilgerrran, SA43 2PG. Thanks, and enjoy your photography. Sue
DOLGOCH HISTORY
Trustee Steve Griffith has been researching Dolgoch’s past and has come up with the following interesting nuggets of information from which it seems clear it is by far the older of our two hostels.
According to Francis Jones’ Historic Cardiganshire Homes and their Families (Brawdy Books 2000) Dolgoch is said to be the birthplace of William Williams (1698 – 1773) who was known as Brenin y Mynydd (King of the Mountains) for his astute business dealing in selling horses and sheep. His father David Williams was High Sheriff of Cardiganshire in 1725. The earliest record of someone being associated with Dolgoch refers to a John Williams who was born in Llanddewi Brefi and moved to Dolgoch in 1661 following his marriage. Dolgoch is marked on Bowen’s map of 1760 and the Colby map of 1831. More recent history can be found in Ruth Bidgood’s Parishes of the Buzzard (Goldleaf 2000). The farm was leased by a Hugh Jones in 1863 from Lord Lisburne’s Trawscoed Estate and then bought by his son John from the estate and sold to the Forestry Commission in 1948.
BOOKINGS
These can be made for both hostels through the YHA on 0800 0191700 or online at www.yhabooking.org.uk Bookings less than 7 days ahead for Dolgoch phone Chris Mason 0178 2253274 or Ty’n Cornel phone Janet Hollins 01980 629259.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Thursday 4th June Volunteers’ Fair Lampeter
Saturday 6th June AGM followed by
open afternoon at Ty’n Cornel Llanddewi Brefi 11.00am
Sunday 7th June Open Meeting Ty’n Cornel 10.00am
Saturday 18th July Sponsored Walk Dolgoch
Saturday 22nd August Twm Sion Cati Event Rhandirmwyn
Sunday 23rd August Open Meeting Dolgoch 10.30am
Sunday 4th October Open Meeting Ty’n Cornel 10.30am
Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th November Wardens’ Training Weekend
Contact Marilyn to reserve a place Ty’n Cornel
Chair: Marilyn Barrack, 7 Azalea Close, Cyncoed, CARDIFF CF23 7HR Tel. 02920 732289
Secretary: Janet Hollins, Newton House, 16 Amesbury Road, Newton Toney, Salisbury, WILTS, SP4 0HN
Tel. 01980 629259
Treasurer: David Bicker, 7 Hartlebury Road, Halesowen, WEST MIDLANDS B63 4PL
Tel. 0121 550 3814 or 07771763097
Newsletter: Derek Edwards, Gimble Porth, 6 Newleaze Gardens, TETBURY, GL8 8BY Tel. 01666 504393