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Hydref 2007
We're sorry that this newsletter is in English
| 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 the toilets, a new warden's room, wheelchair access to the present warden's room, a water borehole, improved gas lighting downstairs and 'green electricity' for upstairs lighting. All of this will, it is felt, improve the comfort of a visit without in any way detracting from the hostel's special character and atmosphere. |
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 its 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.
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:
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 on +44 (0)1684 563 097 or tyncornel@yha.org.uk. Normal bookings should be made through YHA Central Reservations on +44 (0)1629 592 707 or online at www.yha.org.uk.
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 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.
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.
Our treasurer Colin Francis is, for personal reasons, unable to continue in the post although he has agreed to keep treasurer's matters ticking over until a successor is found. 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' Chair, Marilyn Barrack. The trustees are actively seeking a new treasurer and members will be notified when an appointment is made.
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 ongoing attention could be taken on by more than one person if the workload 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.
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.
| Wardens are still required at Ty'n Cornel for some weeks in November. Anyone interested should contact Joan Meek on +44 (0)1283 537 440 or by email. In 2008 it is hoped both hostels will be wardened through from March to November and 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 Those with no previous experience must attend a training course. One has been arranged for 2-3 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 (1 Gordon Road, Horndon on the Hill, Stamford le Hope, Essex, SS17 8NP, phone +44 (0)1375 675 999). Full name, 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. |
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
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:
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.
Our August meeting at Dolgoch was attended by Bill Sellers, chairman of the above foundation and instrumental in keeping that 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.
The next open meetings when all are welcome to attend are as follows:
| | Cadeirydd | Ysgrifennydd | Trysorydd | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marilyn Barrack 7 Azalea Close, Cyncoed CARDIFF, CF23 7HR | Janet Hollins 38 Summerfield Road, Malvern Link Worcester, WR14 1EA | Colin Francis 16 Berrells Road, TETBURY Glos, GL8 8ED | ||||||||
| +44 (0)2920 732 289 | +44 (0)1684 563 097 | +44 (0)1666 505 835 | ||||||||
| chair@elenydd-hostels.co.uk | secretary@elenydd-hostels.co.uk | treasurer@elenydd-hostels.co.uk |
| Previous newsletters: | 6 June 2007 20 January 2007 15 November 2006 20 September 2006 18 August 2006 18 June 2006 7 May 2006 |
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(h) Ymddiriedolaeth Hosteli Unigeddau'r Elenydd, 2007
