Cymraeg    

Newsletter 18

June 2011

AGM

Readers should by this time have received previous notice of our fifth AGM which will be held in the village hall at Llanddewi Brefi on Saturday 18 June at 1100 hrs. We appreciate attendance may mean a long journey for many of you but it is hoped that those who are able to attend will do so. The event will be followed by an open afternoon at Ty'n Cornel Hostel when a buffet meal will be provided.

George de Roe

A name that will be familiar to many. George was Dolgoch's first and very long standing warden, in fact its only paid warden. A great survivor, he finally succumbed at the age of 93 to the call of the grim reaper on the 20 April in his own bed and in the dwelling built by his own hands. His cremation took place at Aberystwyth on the 11 May. Helen Maurice-Jones, YHA trustee and one of George's executrices, is arranging a short ceremony at Dolgoch on Sunday 19 June (the day following the AGM) when his ashes will be scattered. Helen would like to see a seat in George's memory, placed overlooking the hostel, and wishes to express her thanks to those who, we understand, have sent donations.

If ever a photograph truly portrayed its subject matter surely this must be it. Volunteer warden Roger Kidd's superb photograph was probably the last taken of George.

No doubt numerous people have their own memories of and stories about George but until his death little seems to have been known of his past. However, to the surprise of many, his obituary appeared in the 'Other Lives' section of The Guardian submitted by an acquaintance residing in China. It gives us a small insight into his past - a Yorkshireman, born George Roe (but later added 'de' to make his name more interesting!) of parents who kept a corner shop in a suburb of Leeds where he spent some of his earlier life as a shop assistant. His musical talent saw him playing the piano for the Methodist Church. George was a pacifist. His job during the second world war was, as he put it, collecting body parts from bombed out buildings! Gardening and grave digging seem to have provided employment before he first came to the notice of youth hostellers. Having been assistant warden at Dover Youth Hostel he subsequently became warden of Nant y Dernol, a former mid-Wales Hostel. Dave Matthews, YHA South Wales regional secretary at the time, recalls it was in 1972. Visiting the hostel in the autumn of that year he happened to mention to George that there was the possibility of Dolgoch being acquired by the YHA. George persuaded the farmer owner of Nant y Dernol to take him over to Dolgoch on a reconnaissance trip. A short time later Dave received a letter from him saying he wanted to be warden. It was two years later before the hostel opened and so began George's reign as warden of Dolgoch.

This newsletter could be doubled in size but still be nowhere near large enough to recount all that has been recalled of George during that period. Readers will have to be content with the following memories, the first related by Dave Matthews and the second by Helen Maurice-Jones...

1. I took him to meet Cassie Jones, warden of Blaencaron, who lived on a nearby farm. She invited us in for tea and cakes and no sooner than inside George spotted the front room door ajar and a glimpse of a piano. Before we knew it he was sitting on the stool playing in a very accomplished manner. Cassie was delighted. Not long afterwards George acquired a ('the') harmonium and, later on, his pride and joy piano.
2. Some years ago a prisoner considered dangerous escaped whilst being moved. It was believed he was 'holed up' in the hills between Tregaron and Builth Wells. George was at that time living in one of the many caravans he has owned over the years. During one afternoon a number of policemen turned up convinced that their convict was in the caravan at Dolgoch. They hammered on the door and gave instructions to 'Come out with your hands up'. To which George replied, 'The hostel's not open until 5 o'clock!'

Helen has suggested readers who have particular memories of George which they would like to pass on may wish to send them by post or email to the editor.

News of our hostels

Ty'n Cornel

Usage of 318 bednights to the end of May is regarded as satisfactory - not as many as some previous years but greater than others. Significantly we have found that comparison with previous years' usage at this stage does not necessarily reflect what the final figure might be, so hope for a substantial one is very much alive. However we cannot emphasise how much it all depends on you out there using the hostels or persuading others to do so.

The very dry spring weather brought return of a problem experienced in 2010 - shortage of water. Thanks are due to the wardens who coped with this situation. The installation of a new larger capacity tank and work on the source of supply should ensure a continuous flow in the future. For the present the recent rains have fulfilled all needs.

Minor but necessary electrical work is being professionally dealt with as is maintenance and testing of the fire alarm system. Ty'n Cornel always seems to have that 'up together' look about it, all due to keeping up with routine maintenance and spotting faults before they become disasters. The man to thank for that is eagle-yed volunteer manager Richard Hollins, though Richard is quick to sing the praises of those who help preserve the pleasing appearance.

We would remind supporters that the Ty'n Cornel Appeal is still very much ongoing and we shall be pushing this hard in the year ahead.

Dolgoch

A year ago we were bemoaning the delay in completing the Dolgoch Project work. Whilst the intervening year, as some of our wardens will testify, has not been entirely plain sailing - will matters ever be so? - our visitors are now experiencing the luxury of warm/hot water in the dormitory wash basins and, more importantly, in the shower cubicles.

As with Ty'n Cornel, usage and future bookings appear satisfactory with approximate bednight figures of 500. This includes usage to mid April and future bookings.

Problems have arisen over the firedoors, but these are now fitted and operate satisfactorily - no mean task in doorways which did their best to defy health and safety regulations. Our larger-than-life volunteer warden, member, supporter and former safety officer Russ Johnson took it upon himself to ensure this work was finally completed and without cost to the Trust. Thank you Russ.

Horse riders

In furtherance of our obligations under the Dolgoch Project grant it was suggested facilities for horse riders be provided at our hostels. We are pleased to say that these are now in place at Dolgoch. The Forestry Commission has allowed us the use of an adjoining paddock which the Trust has had fenced, strimmed and cleared. There is a saddling enclosure with tethering rails. Saddle poles have been affixed in the barn. Buckets are available and two hosepipes for connection to the standpipe. We now await the riders and their mounts.

David Lukes

Now Dolgoch has its wood burning stove, priority has had to be given to securing an adequate supply of suitably dry wood. Two people have principally been involved in this exercise, but in this instance one name only will be mentioned - that of David Lukes. David has put heart and soul into helping the Trust in a number of ways. He took on the duties of Trust Archivist. He researched many walks in the area of our hostels and then produced detailed descriptions of the walks with accompanying sketch maps for use by visiting hostellers. To judge by our visitors' reactions they have given great pleasure to many. Finally David has expended considerable energy and time planning the acquisition, drying and storage of firewood and in constructing drying and storage shelters. Undoubtedly, David being David, there are other contributions he has made. His tremendous input has been summarily suspended by a serious illness for which he is receiving treatment. The Trustees, and we are certain everyone of our members and supporters, are rooting for you David. We thank you for all you have done for the Trust and look forward to a future visit from you whether it be to continue where you left off or simply to review subsequent attempts to keep up your good work and to meet up again with familiar faces. We wish you well.

Wardens information (training) weekend

This will take place at Dolgoch on the 04-06 November and will include time at Ty'n Cornel. There are still one or two vacancies. Anyone interested should please contact Marilyn Barrack.

Wardening slots at our hostels

Anyone on our wardens' list wanting to fill a gap has only to contact Frances Passey (telephone 01189 676 129) or Joan Meek (telephone 01283 537 440). The following are available:

We hardly expect the winter vacancies to be filled but we should be most grateful for offers of weekend coverage during this period. Apart from hostellers receiving a friendly welcome, a presence at this time will benefit the Trust when inclement weather can cause problems - freeze ups, etc.

Publicity

We desperately need photographs for inclusion in next year's publicity leaflet, particularly those showing young people and children making use of our hostels or enjoying the outdoor activities associated with the area. If you can help please do submit any photos you think might be suitable to Marilyn Barrack.

We should also love to hear from anyone who managed to capture last winter's snowy scenes in the Elenydd with a view to their being used for Christmas cards.

Permission to make use of the photographs should please be given and also the consent obtained of people appearing in them or, in the case of children, that of their parents.

Dates for your diary

Sat 18 Jun 2011, AGM (1100 hrs, Llanddewi Brefi) + Open Afternoon (Ty'n Cornel)
Sun 19 Jun 2011 (1000 hrs), Scattering of George's ashes, followed by refreshments (Dolgoch)
Fri-Sun 09-11 Sep 2011, Working party (Dolgoch)
Sat 10 Sep 2011 (1000 hrs), Open Meeting (Dolgoch)
Fri-Sun 04-06 Nov 2011, Wardens' Information + Training Weekend (Dolgoch)

Contacts

Previous newsletters

English    

Cylchlythyr 18

Mehefin 2011

Cyfarfod Blynyddol

....ein pumed. Cynhelir ar ddydd Sadwrn 18 Mehefin am 11.00 yn Neuadd y Pentre, Llanddewi Brefi - ac i ddilyn, lluniaeth ysgafn a phrynhawn agored yn Ty'n Cornel. Croeso i bawb a all ddod.

George de Roe

Enw cyfarwydd i lawer ac unig warden cyflogedig Dolgoch. Hunodd, yn 93 oed, ar 20 Ebrill yn ei wely ei hun yn y lloches yr adeiladodd a'i ddwylo ei hun. Bu'r angladd yn Aberystwyth ar 11 Mai a bydd cyfarfod coffa i wasgaru ei lwch yn Nolgoch ar ddydd Sul 19 Mehefin (yn dilyn y cyfarfod cyffredinol). Gobeithir codi sedd er coffa amdano a diolch am gyfraniadau a ddaeth eisioes.

Diolch i Roger Kidd am dynnu'r llun gwych hwn - yr olaf ohono mae'n siwr.

Dyma grynodeb byr o fywyd George, llawer ohono yn anhysbys tan ar ol ei farwolaeth. Diolch i hen gyfaill a ddarllenodd goffad am George yn y Guardian.

• ganed yn Swydd Efrog yn fab i siopwr
• newidiodd ei enw bedydd o 'George Roe' plaen i 'George de Roe'
• yn bianydd talentog
• yn heddychwr
• gweithiodd fel torrwr beddi a garddwr cyn dod yn Ddirprwy Warden yn Dover, Warden yn Nant y Dernol a chyrraedd Dolgoch tua 1974.
• Prynodd yr Harmonium (sy'n dal yno) a phiano i ddifyrru ei hun yn yr hostel
• Diddordeb arall oedd casglu carafanau - daeth a nifer ohonynt i Ddolgoch

Os oes gennych atgofion diddorol o George, danfonwch nhw at y Golygydd.

Newyddion o'r Hosteli

Ty'n Cornel

18 noson tan ddiwedd Mai - sy'n dderbyniol (ac nid y cyfanswm am y flwyddyn gyfan) ond pwysleisiwn yr angen i ni gyd ddod i aros a lledu'r gair.

Eleni, fel llynedd, achosodd dywydd sych y gwanwyn ddiffyg dwr unwaith eto a diolch i'r wardeiniaid am oroesi. Dylai'r tanc newydd sy'n fwy a gwaith cynnal ar ffynhonell y dwr ddatrys y broblem i'r dyfodol ac mae'r glaw diweddar wedi diwallu ein hanghenion am y tro.

Trefnwyd gwaith trydan angenrheidiol, cynnal a chadw a phrofi'r larwm tan, gan Richard Hollins, y Warden (a'i wirfoddolwyr). Diolch yn fawr i Richard am ei ddawn i ragweld problemau a'u datrys mewn da o bryd.

Cofiwch am apel Ty'n Cornel - un o dargedau'r flwyddyn nesaf.

Dolgoch

Bu'n flwyddyn anodd ond o'r diwedd, rydym nawr yn mwynhau dwr cynnes/poeth yn y lloftydd a'r cawodydd.

Fel Ty'n Cornel, mae rhif y nosweithiau yn dderbyniol ar hyn o bryd - tua 500.

Diolch i Russ Johnson, ein Swyddog Tan, am osod drysau tan newydd safonol, ac yn rhad ac am ddim.

Marchogion

Erbyn hyn rydym wedi cydymffurfio a gofynion y grant a roddwyd i 'Gynllun Dolgoch' - diolch i'r Comisiwn Coedwigaeth am roi benthyg y tir, mae cae cyfagos yn barod ar gyfer cadw ceffylau a darpariaeth addas i'r offer yn yr ysgubor. Felly, dewch farchogion!

David Lukes

Ciolch yn fawr iawn i David am ei holl waith - yn bennaf fel archifydd, trefnydd teithiau cerdded a chasglwr coed ar gyfer ein stof newydd. Yn anffodus, cafodd ei daro'n wael yn ddiweddar ac yn derbyn triniaeth. Dymunwn yn dda iddo gan obeithio ei weld yn ol yn ein mysg yn y dyfodol.

Penwythnos Gwybodaeth (Hyfforddiant) i Wardeiniaid

Dolgoch - 4/6 Tachwedd. Cysylltwch a Marilyn Barrack os am le.

Wardeinio

Frances Passey (01189 676 129) neu Joan Meek (01283 537 440):

Byddwn yn ddiolchgar i gael presenoldeb dros benwythnosau yn ystod misoedd y gaeaf - fel croeso cynnes i hostelwyr ac yn fodd i gadw golwg ar broblemau tywydd oer.

Hysbysrwydd

Mae angen dybryd am luniau ar gyfer pamffledi'r flwyddyn nesaf - yn enwedig o blant a phobl ifanc yn mwynhau'r hosteli a'u cynefinoedd. Cysylltwch a Marilyn Barrack.

Hefyd, lluniau o'r hosteli yn ystod eira llynedd ar gyfer Cardiau Nadolig.

Cofiwch ofyn am ganiatad y rhai sydd yn eich lluniau yn cynnwys rhieni y plant) a bod yn fodlon i ni eu defnyddio.

Dyddiadau i'w cofio

Sad 18 Meh 2011, AGM (1100, Llanddewi Brefi) + Prynhawn Agored (Ty'n Cornel)
Sul 19 Meh 2011 (1000), Gwasgaru llwch George de Roe (Dolgoch)
Gwe-Sul 09-11 Med 2011, Dyddiau gwaith (Dolgoch)
Sad 10 Med 2011 (1000), Cyfarfod Agored (Dolgoch)
Gwe-Sul 04-06 Tac 2011, Gwybodaeth/Hyfforddiant i Wardeiniaid (Dolgoch)

Cysylltiadau

Cylchlythyrau blaenorol