CYHA News

The Monthly Newsletter of Chelmsford YHA Local Group

August 2003

Summer's Here

I don't think there can be any doubt that summer is definitely here. Our trip to Blaxhall was an absolute scorcher, even out by the coast. Our walk from Waterbeach to Ely was so hot we were forced to spend an hour in the pub en route rehydrating ourselves, and from what I can gather the Youlgreave trip was much the same.

Along with hot weather this is also the season for exotic foreign holidays (please see the jealousy-inducing postcard from Marion and James in the grand Tetons). I trust everyone is stocking up with wonderful slide images of their hols to help see us through the long winter months ahead!

Double congratulations this month with Dave and Jane tying the knot and Lynn and Paul bumping up our membership numbers with the safe arrival of little Katie Jayne (see below for details).

Dave and I are off on our hols next week. I'm sure none of you will be having any fun while we're not here - I'd hate to miss out on anything! See you soon.

Ali

A Snake in the Grass

Our walk back from Snape Maltings to Blaxhall hostel resulted in an interesting encounter with some local wildlife. In the middle of the road, begging to be run over, was a beautiful grey snake, about 40cm long, with distinctive yellow patches at the neck. After much discussion we decided it wasn't an adder, but weren't quite confident enough in our diagnosis to try picking it up. Luck for us! This native grass snake may not have poisonous, but apparently can defend itself by emitting a foul smelling pong. A few pokes with John's walking pole sent it slithering back to the safety of the grass verge.

Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

The highlight of our Suffolk weekend was a visit to Sutton Hoo. The burial place of the ancient kings of East Anglia, Sutton Hoo now sports a fabulous interpretive centre and a very nice cafe. We started with a look at the displays of magnificent dark ages craftwork, gathered from all over the post-roman world. Next we wandered out into the blazing sunlight for a guided tour of the mounds themselves. Here we heard that most of the mounds had been looted in the 15th and 16th centuries and that it was only by lucky chance that the treasures of two of the mounds had been preserved - otherwise we might never have known what was buried on the Hoo above the Deben.

Bonzer Barbie

A sunny July Wednesday saw eight dedicated gardeners tripping over to Saffron Walden YH with our trowels unfurled. A little light weeding and pruning helped work up an appetite for a truly magnificent meat fest, courtesy of Dave "hot coals" Plummer. Several succulent sausages later we were pulling out the last few weeds as the sun went down. Splendid end to a wonderful evening.

Postcard from Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Dear CYHA, James and I are halfway through our tour. We are currently in Jackson, in the Tetons with some truly beautiful scenery. Walked around Jenny Lake yesterday, and today I persuaded James to come horse riding in the forest. We are now heading into town to enjoy the 4th July celebrations! Before heading to the desert. Weather holding out so far! Marion & James

Congratulations to Jane Lawrence and Dave Stearns were married at All Saints' Church, Melbourn on 19th July.

Most of us were away in the Peak District at the time, but we drank a toast to Dave and Jane on the hillside at lunchtime (cider supplied by Ian of course).

Jane drove Dave off in her beautiful new Morgan with ribbons attached (no room for a chauffeur!) and she explained that their vow to share everything didn't include the car!! Dave is departing for New Zealand shortly, and Jane hopes to follow soon. We wish the good luck in their new lives down under.

Congratulations Lynn & Paul are proud to announce the birth of their baby daughter Katherine Jayne Hawkins. Born Wednesday 9th July 00:11hrs, weighing 6lbs, 3½ ounces.

The Fen Rivers Way from Waterbeach to Ely

On the hottest July day since last time it was really hot, eight brave adventurers set out on an epic trek across the baking expanse of the fenlands. With Ian's bottle of wine and box of strawberries our only luxury, we strode on following the mighty River Cam and the River Great Ouse. Fighting our way through stinging nettles and dodging threatening bulls, eventually we spied our ultimate goal, Ely Cathedral, shimmering mirage-like on the horizon. "Can't be far now!", but for another 5 miles the cathedral continued to grow imperceptibly on sky-line until we reached the fabled city. Our journey was broken only by the oasis of The Fish and Duck pub. Sited on the confluence of three rivers, the Cam, Old West and Ely Ouse, the riverside terrace provided a wonderful place to relax in the shade with a much-needed drink.

Thanks to Ian for giving us a guided tour of Ely and the cathedral, magnificent in the evening sunlight. And of course since Ian knows everyone who works on the railways, we were entertained to a cup of tea at the station manager's office!

Dave P

A Weekend at the Co-op

Our weekend at Youlgreave near Bakewell in the Peak District was very good, nice hostel, fine weather, good walks, an excess of pubs and teashops... all the elements of a classic YHA weekend.

Youlgreave hostel is an impressive building, the 19th century Co-operative Stores, still advertising "Groceries and Provisions, Draperies and Clothing" in the window. The dining room was decorated with period artefacts, old fashioned scales, faded cereal packets and tins (We were tempted to take down a 1930s toaster since there wasn't one in the members' kitchen)

Andy B was the hero of the weekend, spending Sunday morning taking Brigitte to the hospital to have burns on her hands attended to - she came back bandaged like a mummy, but was still able to walk with us in the afternoon.

Dave J is rapidly recovering his fitness; his doctor told him to do a little more each day, so having walked 8 miles on Saturday and 9 on Sunday we reckon he'll be walking to John O'Groats before the end of the year. Dave P

The Saffron Walden Hostel Appeal

History

The Youth Hostel in Saffron Walden is one of the oldest collections of buildings in this historic market town. It comprises a medieval merchants house and store, the remains of a medieval hall house, and some 16th century cottages, together with a wagonway which leads through to the garden where once stood brewery buildings and stable. In the crook of the building is the 18^th century house of the brewer.

Shortcomings

The building is fragile and was deteriorating until a restoration programme started in 1994. This has ensured the physical integrity of the building, but internally it remains way behind contemporary YHA standards. Rooms lack privacy, it is a long trek to the washroom and toilet, heating is inadequate and several fine historic rooms are put to inappropriate use. The staff quarters are similarly poor with a great deal of wasted space.

Solutions

A plan has been drawn up which creates an entirely new managers flat in the barn. This releases areas for remodelling to provide more smaller rooms with en suite or adjoining facilities. Better use would be made of characterful rooms, and along with the renewal of wiring and other services the building will become more environmentally efficient and cheaper to run and maintain. The plan includes facilities for the disabled such as wheelchair access, tactile signage, hearing loops, and handrails.

Plans and Costs

An architect has drawn up plans with a provisional cost of £400,000. About £40,000 of this would qualify for building heritage grant. The YHA reserves were severely damaged following Foot and Mouth, and with commitments to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and other demands, the YHA does not have the funds to fully fund the work at Saffron Walden.

The Vision

Saffron Walden is a jewel of a town in attractive countryside within easy reach of London, Stansted Airport and major road and rail links. The aim is to provide good quality family accommodation and budget dormitory places with the experience of staying in a breathtaking building at the heart of a picturesque town. The hostel will also be used for local meetings and community events, and as a centre for sustainable tourism including cycling, walking and enjoyment of the countryside.

Support Group

YHA East of England Regional Group are trying to establish an active group of volunteers in support of the Saffron Walden Appeal. Key volunteering tasks include publicising the appeal, organising fundraising events and initiatives, researching history of the building and town, prepare displays for fundraising and interpretation, and practical work such as gardening, decoration and soft furnishing.

The objective is to start fundraising in September 2003, to allow building work to start in August 2004, and for the hostel to re-open in May 2005.

To join the support group, or for more information, you can contact the hostel manager, Richard Murton (01799) 523117 saffron@yha.org.uk.

Chelmsford YHA Group has been supporting Saffron Walden hostel for several years, working to improve and maintain the hostel garden. Our next visit will be on Saturday 13^th September.

Please send any comments on these pages to Dave Plummer

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		CYHA News The Monthly Newsletter of Chelmsford YHA Local Group August 2003

		Summer's Here I don't think there can be any doubt that summer is definitely here. Our trip to Blaxhall was an absolute scorcher, even out by the coast. Our walk from Waterbeach to Ely was so hot we were forced to spend an hour in the pub en route rehydrating ourselves, and from what I can gather the Youlgreave trip was much the same. Along with hot weather this is also the season for exotic foreign holidays (please see the jealousy-inducing postcard from Marion and James in the grand Tetons). I trust everyone is stocking up with wonderful slide images of their hols to help see us through the long winter months ahead! Double congratulations this month with Dave and Jane tying the knot and Lynn and Paul bumping up our membership numbers with the safe arrival of little Katie Jayne (see below for details). Dave and I are off on our hols next week. I'm sure none of you will be having any fun while we're not here - I'd hate to miss out on anything! See you soon. Ali A Snake in the Grass Our walk back from Snape Maltings to Blaxhall hostel resulted in an interesting encounter with some local wildlife. In the middle of the road, begging to be run over, was a beautiful grey snake, about 40cm long, with distinctive yellow patches at the neck. After much discussion we decided it wasn't an adder, but weren't quite confident enough in our diagnosis to try picking it up. Luck for us! This native grass snake may not have poisonous, but apparently can defend itself by emitting a foul smelling pong. A few pokes with John's walking pole sent it slithering back to the safety of the grass verge. Sutton Hoo Ship Burial The highlight of our Suffolk weekend was a visit to Sutton Hoo. The burial place of the ancient kings of East Anglia, Sutton Hoo now sports a fabulous interpretive centre and a very nice cafe. We started with a look at the displays of magnificent dark ages craftwork, gathered from all over the post-roman world. Next we wandered out into the blazing sunlight for a guided tour of the mounds themselves. Here we heard that most of the mounds had been looted in the 15th and 16th centuries and that it was only by lucky chance that the treasures of two of the mounds had been preserved - otherwise we might never have known what was buried on the Hoo above the Deben. Bonzer Barbie A sunny July Wednesday saw eight dedicated gardeners tripping over to Saffron Walden YH with our trowels unfurled. A little light weeding and pruning helped work up an appetite for a truly magnificent meat fest, courtesy of Dave "hot coals" Plummer. Several succulent sausages later we were pulling out the last few weeds as the sun went down. Splendid end to a wonderful evening. Postcard from Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Dear CYHA, James and I are halfway through our tour. We are currently in Jackson, in the Tetons with some truly beautiful scenery. Walked around Jenny Lake yesterday, and today I persuaded James to come horse riding in the forest. We are now heading into town to enjoy the 4th July celebrations! Before heading to the desert. Weather holding out so far! Marion & James Congratulations to Jane Lawrence and Dave Stearns were married at All Saints' Church, Melbourn on 19th July. Most of us were away in the Peak District at the time, but we drank a toast to Dave and Jane on the hillside at lunchtime (cider supplied by Ian of course). Jane drove Dave off in her beautiful new Morgan with ribbons attached (no room for a chauffeur!) and she explained that their vow to share everything didn't include the car!! Dave is departing for New Zealand shortly, and Jane hopes to follow soon. We wish the good luck in their new lives down under. Congratulations Lynn & Paul are proud to announce the birth of their baby daughter Katherine Jayne Hawkins. Born Wednesday 9th July 00:11hrs, weighing 6lbs, 3½ ounces. The Fen Rivers Way from Waterbeach to Ely On the hottest July day since last time it was really hot, eight brave adventurers set out on an epic trek across the baking expanse of the fenlands. With Ian's bottle of wine and box of strawberries our only luxury, we strode on following the mighty River Cam and the River Great Ouse. Fighting our way through stinging nettles and dodging threatening bulls, eventually we spied our ultimate goal, Ely Cathedral, shimmering mirage-like on the horizon. "Can't be far now!", but for another 5 miles the cathedral continued to grow imperceptibly on sky-line until we reached the fabled city. Our journey was broken only by the oasis of The Fish and Duck pub. Sited on the confluence of three rivers, the Cam, Old West and Ely Ouse, the riverside terrace provided a wonderful place to relax in the shade with a much-needed drink. Thanks to Ian for giving us a guided tour of Ely and the cathedral, magnificent in the evening sunlight. And of course since Ian knows everyone who works on the railways, we were entertained to a cup of tea at the station manager's office! Dave P A Weekend at the Co-op Our weekend at Youlgreave near Bakewell in the Peak District was very good, nice hostel, fine weather, good walks, an excess of pubs and teashops... all the elements of a classic YHA weekend. Youlgreave hostel is an impressive building, the 19th century Co-operative Stores, still advertising "Groceries and Provisions, Draperies and Clothing" in the window. The dining room was decorated with period artefacts, old fashioned scales, faded cereal packets and tins (We were tempted to take down a 1930s toaster since there wasn't one in the members' kitchen) Andy B was the hero of the weekend, spending Sunday morning taking Brigitte to the hospital to have burns on her hands attended to - she came back bandaged like a mummy, but was still able to walk with us in the afternoon. Dave J is rapidly recovering his fitness; his doctor told him to do a little more each day, so having walked 8 miles on Saturday and 9 on Sunday we reckon he'll be walking to John O'Groats before the end of the year. Dave P The Saffron Walden Hostel Appeal History The Youth Hostel in Saffron Walden is one of the oldest collections of buildings in this historic market town. It comprises a medieval merchants house and store, the remains of a medieval hall house, and some 16th century cottages, together with a wagonway which leads through to the garden where once stood brewery buildings and stable. In the crook of the building is the 18^th century house of the brewer. Shortcomings The building is fragile and was deteriorating until a restoration programme started in 1994. This has ensured the physical integrity of the building, but internally it remains way behind contemporary YHA standards. Rooms lack privacy, it is a long trek to the washroom and toilet, heating is inadequate and several fine historic rooms are put to inappropriate use. The staff quarters are similarly poor with a great deal of wasted space. Solutions A plan has been drawn up which creates an entirely new managers flat in the barn. This releases areas for remodelling to provide more smaller rooms with en suite or adjoining facilities. Better use would be made of characterful rooms, and along with the renewal of wiring and other services the building will become more environmentally efficient and cheaper to run and maintain. The plan includes facilities for the disabled such as wheelchair access, tactile signage, hearing loops, and handrails. Plans and Costs An architect has drawn up plans with a provisional cost of £400,000. About £40,000 of this would qualify for building heritage grant. The YHA reserves were severely damaged following Foot and Mouth, and with commitments to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and other demands, the YHA does not have the funds to fully fund the work at Saffron Walden. The Vision Saffron Walden is a jewel of a town in attractive countryside within easy reach of London, Stansted Airport and major road and rail links. The aim is to provide good quality family accommodation and budget dormitory places with the experience of staying in a breathtaking building at the heart of a picturesque town. The hostel will also be used for local meetings and community events, and as a centre for sustainable tourism including cycling, walking and enjoyment of the countryside. Support Group YHA East of England Regional Group are trying to establish an active group of volunteers in support of the Saffron Walden Appeal. Key volunteering tasks include publicising the appeal, organising fundraising events and initiatives, researching history of the building and town, prepare displays for fundraising and interpretation, and practical work such as gardening, decoration and soft furnishing. The objective is to start fundraising in September 2003, to allow building work to start in August 2004, and for the hostel to re-open in May 2005. To join the support group, or for more information, you can contact the hostel manager, Richard Murton (01799) 523117 saffron@yha.org.uk. Chelmsford YHA Group has been supporting Saffron Walden hostel for several years, working to improve and maintain the hostel garden. Our next visit will be on Saturday 13^th September.
Please send any comments on these pages to Dave Plummer