© (h) Roger Kidd, 2006

Newsletter 7

October 2007

Cylchlythyr 7

Hydref 2007

Dolgoch

The date for completing the purchase of Dolgoch, 31 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, 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

Mae'r dydd pan ddaw Dolgoch i'n heiddo yn prysur agosau - 31 Hydref 2007. Mae digon o arian ar gael, ac ychydig dros ben - achos i ddathlu yn wir, yn arbennig pan ddaw tywydd braf y Gwanwyn a'r Haf nesaf. Cyn hynny mae gwaith i'w wneud.

Adnewyddu

Diolch i Pearl Chalk yn arbennig, gyda chymorth gan Colin Francis a David Davies, mae cais am grant yn nwylo Cyngor Sir Ceredigion ar hyn o bryd. Mae llawer o gystadleuaeth felly gobeithiwn am y gorau.

Cynlluniau

Gwella'r lon sy'n arwain at yr hostel fel mater o frys, cawod ychwanegol, ail drefnu'r toiledau, ystafell newydd i'r Warden, mynediad addas i'r anabl i mewn i ystafell bresennol y warden, twll dwr, gwella'r goleuadau nwy lawr llawr, trydan 'gwyrdd' lan lloft. Dylai rhain i gyd wella profiad y gwesteion heb amharu ar gymeriad a naws arbennig yr hostel.

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 (with only 600 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.

Ty'n Cornel

Dolgoch gafodd y sylw blaenaf eleni ond heb amharu ar lwyddiant Ty'n Cornel fel ein hymgyrch cyntaf fel Ymddiriedolaeth i redeg hostel a fyddai fel arall wedi cau. Gobeithiwn gyrraedd 1000 o 'nosweithiau' (600 arfaethedig) - ond mae lle i wella eto.

I'r rhai sy'n gyfarwydd a Ty'n Cornel fel yr oedd, peidiwch a phoeni - nid grwp crefyddol sydd wedi ymgartrefu mewn capel newydd a welwch wrth agosau, ond ein cysgodle dydd/sied beic newydd. Mae cyflenwad trydan yno felly cewch wneud paned. Dylai fod o fudd mawr i'r hostel.

Wrth gwrs, ac yn groes i ddisgwyl ambell i ymwelydd, nid yw Ty'n Cornel yn rhedeg ei hunan. Rhaid diolch i bob warden gwirfoddo ond yn arbennig i Richard Hollins, y rheolwr swyddogol, a'i dim o weithwyr. Mae Richard yn cadw golwg ar bob peth; yn trefnu, arolygu a chymryd rhan ym mhob penwythnos gwaith er mwyn cadw'r lle mewn cyflwr da.

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:   £400
• 29,30,31 December:   £400

If block bookings are not received by 24 November the hostels will be available for normal individual and group bookings. Block bookings for these periods should be made through Richard Hollins. Normal bookings should be made through YHA Central Reservations.

Trefnu aros

Mae Dolgoch a Thy'n Cornel ar gael drwy'r gaeaf ac yn arbennig o addas ar gyfer grwpiau gan nad oes warden yno. Mae'r Ymddiriedolaeth yn gwahodd ceisiadau grwp am y dyddiadau canlynol:

• 24,25,26 Rhagfyr:   £400
• 29,30,31 Rhagfyr:   £400

Cysyllter a Richard Hollins. Os na cheir ceisiadau grwp erbyn Tachwedd 24, derbynnir ceisiadau unigol fel arfer trwy law YHA.

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 7 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. 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.

Tro nawdd

Fel yr hysbyswyd eisioes, bydd Jeffrey Matthews yn trefnu cyfres o droydd nawdd eto yn ardal Elenydd. Bydd manylion yn y Cylchlythyr nesaf ond am y tro, nodwch y dyddiad sef: Dydd Sadwrn, Mehefin 7fed 2008. Codwyd swm teilwng iawn eleni (tua £3,500), a gobeithir am gystal, neu well cefnogaeth y flwyddyn nesaf.

Rhaid talu teyrnged arbennig i ymdrech unigol Bronwen Lee a gerddodd o Lanwrtyd i Ddolgoch i godi arian i ni. Mae'r fath yma o gefnogaeth tuag at ddyfodol yr Ymddiriedolaeth yn galonogol iawn - clywsom eisioes am syniad aelod arall i gerdded o Land's End i John O'Groats ym 2008. Derbyniwyd rhoddion eraill gan grwpiau cerdded a beicio ac (yn arbennig o hael0 oddiwrth un aelod a wahoddodd cyfeillion i wneud cyfraniad tuag at yr Ymddiriedoleth yn lle prynu anrhegion penblwydd iddi.

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.

Bywyd yn Nolgoch

Mae Huw Jones, ffermwr lleol sydd wedi ymddeol, wedi cyhoeddi hanes am ei fagwraeth a'i fywyd fel bugail yn Nolgoch - 'Bugail Olaf y Cwm' gan Wasg Carreg Gwalch am £5.50 - yn Gymraeg yn unig am y tro, ond gobeithiwn am gyfieithiad maes o law.

Treasurer

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 5 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.

Trysorydd

Bydd Colin Francis yn ymddiswyddo am resymau personol yn y dyfodol agos ond yn barod i gadw llygad ar bethau tan benodiad ei olynydd felly dalier i ddanfon materion ariannol ato am y tro. Serch hynny, o Dachwedd 5 am fis, danfoner unrhyw beth pwysig at ein Cadeirydd, Marilyn Barrack. Rydym yn chwilio, felly, am drysorydd newydd ar hyn o bryd.

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 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.

Rheolwr yr hostel

Bydd angen rhywun i gymryd cyfrifoldeb am Ddolgoch (fel Richard Hollins am Dy'n Cornel). Mae angen un (neu mwy nag un i rannu'r gwaith) ar fyrder, y dyletswyddau i gynnwys: nodi a goruwchwilio pob angen cynnal a chadw, rheoli'r trefniadau aros dros-nos a man bethau eraill. Cysyllter a'r Cadeirydd/Ysgrifennydd os oes diddordeb gennych.

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.

Hysbysrwydd a marchnata

Mae angen rhywun sydd a ffydd yn y dyfodol (a phrofiad os bosib) i gymryd at y gwaith o 'werthu' yr Ymddiriedolaeth a'i hamcanion. Eto, os oes diddordeb gennych, cysylltwch a'r Cadeirydd, Ysgrifennydd/un o'r Ymddiriedolwyr am fwy o fanylion.

Volunteer wardens

Wardens are still required at Ty'n Cornel for some weeks in November. Anyone interested should contact Joan Meek. 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. 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. 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.

Wardeiniad gwirfoddol

Mae ambell wythnos yn Nhachwedd yn dal yn 'ar gael'. Cysylltwch a Joan Meek. Y bwriad yw cael Warden yn y 2 hostel o Fawrth i Dachwedd yn 2008, ymrwymiad yn wir. Bydd Joan yn cadw rhestr y Gwirfoddolwyr am y 2 hostel ac yn falch iawn o glywed oddiwrth unrhywun sydd a diddordeb mewn cael profiad buddiol dros ben!

Cwrs Hyfforddi Wardeiniaid

I'r rhai heb brofiad, bydd rhaid dilyn cwrs hyfforddiant. Trefnwyd un am benwythnos 2-3 Chwefror 2008 yn Nhy'n Cornel. Os hoffech gymryd rhan ac am aros yno, cysylltwch a Richard Hollins. Bydd angen cynnig am ymchwiliad CRB (sy'n rhad ac am ddim) hefyd. Cofiwch bod angen un ar bawb sy'n gwirfoddoli (ee cyfaill sy'n eich helpu). Am wybodaeth pellach, cysylltwch a Russ Johnson. Bydd angen prawf o'ch enw llawn, cyfeiriad, rhif ffon a dogfennau dilys, a gall y gwaith gymryd 6-8 wythnos, felly cysylltwch a Russ yn fuan os a diddordeb.

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   £10.00
• Two years   £18.00
• Three years   £25.00

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.

Aelodaeth

Derbyniwyd nodyn o'n hysgrifennydd aelodeth, Mark Willcock fel a ganlyn:

Mae Ymddiriedolaeth Elenydd mewn bodolaeth ers blwyddyn ac ers hynny cyflawnwyd nifer fawr o bethau

• sicrhau Ty'n Cornel trwy gytundeb gyda'i berchnogion newydd sydd am ei weld yn parhau fel hostel
• codi digon o arian i brynu Dolgoch
• llawer o waith cynnal a chadw gan wirfoddolwyr
• parti lawnsio swyddogol ym mis Ebrill
• tro nawdd llwyddiannus ym mis Mai

Dengys hwn waith caled ein gwirfoddolwyr a chefnogaeth ein haelodau ffyddlon (320 unigolyn a 9 grwp ar hyn o bryd). Mawr obeithiwn y byddwch yn parhau a'ch diddordeb drwy ail-ymaelodi pan ddaw'r amser. Mae'r ffioedd fel a ganlyn:

• 1 flwyddyn   £10.00
• 2 flynedd   £18.00
• 3 blyned   £25.00

Er mwyn codi arian angenrheidiol yn ystod y dyddiau cynnar, arbed amser ac arian a hwyluso'r gwaith gweinyddol, gwahoddir chi i ystyried ymaelodaeth hir-dymor am bris gostyngedig. Bydd eich cefnogaeth yn werthfawr iawn i ni prun bynnag yw eich dewis. Cewch eich atgoffa drwy lythyr neu e-bost (sy'n llawer rhatach i ni, felly defnyddiwch y modd hwn os bosib). Diolch yn fawr.

Skiddaw House Foundation

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.

Sefydliad Skiddaw House

Daeth gwr o'r enw Bill Sellers i'n cyfarfod ym mis Awst. Fe, fel Cadeirydd, sy'n llywio'r ymgyrch gadw Skiddaw House (gynt yn hostel YHA) ar agor fel hostel annibynol. Bu rhannu syniadau brwd, yn enwedig am godi arian. Cytunwyd yn fras ar lawnsio Apel ar-y-cyd, ond bydd angen gweud mwy o ymholiadau. Estynnwn ddiolch i Bill am ddangos diddordeb a gwneud yr ymdrech i ddod draw.

Meetings

The next open meetings when all are welcome to attend are as follows:

• 11am, Saturday 10 November 2007 at Ty'n Cornel
• 11am, Saturday 12 January 2008 at Dolgoch

Cyfarfodydd

Cyfarfodydd nesaf (croeso i bawb):

• Sadwrn, Tachwedd 10 - Ty'n Cornel am 11.00
• Sadwrn, Ionawr 12 - Dolgoch am 11.00

Contacts

Marilyn Barrack, Chair
Janet Hollins, Secretary
Colin Francis, Treasurer

Cysylltiadau

Marilyn Barrack, Cadeirydd
Janet Hollins, Ysgrifennydd
Colin Francis, Trysorydd

Previous newsletters

June 2007
January 2007
November 2006
September 2006
July 2006
May 2006

Cylchlythyrau blaenorol

Mehefin 2007
Ionawr 2007
Tachwedd 2006
Medi 2006
Gorffennaf 2006
Mai 2006