Wasdale New Year

Tuesday 27 December 2011 –

Tuesday 3 January 2012

Wastwater Youth Hostel, Cumbria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come and celebrate the New Year in community!
We have sole use of Wastwater Youth Hostel, a lovely old National Trust building, with its lawns running down to the shores of the lake in one of the less-visited parts of Cumbria.

Norman Mackenzie, George Pearce and Peter Geering are organisers for this popular GMW. Our job is to enable the week to happen, welcome you and keep things running smoothly.  To do so we’ll keep the familiar structure for an ECC week – three group gatherings (one to say hello, one mid-week to find out how everyone is getting on and one to say goodbye), and base groups that meet every day and a heart circle for those who want it.  The rest of what happens will be for everyone attending to organise. So – we invite you to contribute your energy, creativity and ideas to help make the journey into 2012 memorable and gay!

Being in the heart of such spectacular countryside it is not surprising that this event attracts so many keen walkers. There are many fantastic walks organised each year. Short walks for those seeking exercise and a change from the confines of city-life to the more adventurous and challenging treks suitable for the seasoned, experienced walkers.  Remember that whatever level of walk you feel comfortable doing it is very important to bring decent boots, warm clothing and waterproofs if you intend to go out on the hills and mountains.

Though most people take advantage of the local scenery, Wasdale isn’t just for walkers.  You don’t have to be so energetic in order to enjoy the event. You may just want to relax indoors with a book, play games, sit up late gossiping, make new friends, talk seriously, don coats and hats for a short winter stroll, share hugs and laughter – and most of all have fun with other gay men. There will be scope both to run and attend activities and workshops. In past years these have included dancing, singing, meditation, massage, story-reading, knitting, early-morning jogging, a cabaret soiree – and of course the New Year celebration.

We have 32 places available, and sleeping will be in shared bunk bedroom accommodation of between four and fourteen beds.
The average cost per head of running the week is £320, and as usual we have a sliding scale of charges according to your income.  This price includes full board with great vegetarian food, and a special celebration on New Year’s Eve. For people on very low income or with additional costs there will be a limited number of bursaries available. If you wish to apply for a bursary (which could include help with travel costs) please send a letter or email with your booking form explaining how much you can afford to pay. Applications will be referred to the ECC treasurer to ensure funds are available.

We will also reserve 10 spaces for first time attendees at an ECC event until 1st November, after which all places will become available to anyone on the waiting list. In previous years the bookings filled up very quickly and people are already asking for places. The building can present some physical challenges. There have been issues in the past and we would advise that if you have concerns or queries about this please contact Norman Mackenzie.
 Please be aware that the Youth Hostel is in a beautiful but isolated spot.  The nearest shops are about 10 minutes drive away.

Please send a completed booking form with deposit of 25% of what you will be paying (see costs below) to Peter Geering.  Confirmations will be sent by e-mail unless you don’t have an e-mail address, in which case please send an SAE with your application.

Cost

Breakeven cost is £320

Concessionary rate (for people living at benefit level) £165
Low income (up to £19,999) £320
Average income (£20,000 – £29,999) £385
High income (£30,000 or more) £450

Contact Details

Booking enquiries and paper booking forms to
Peter Geering 22 Ashdale, Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT23 4QP
Tel 01372 459014 / 07854 169954 before 9pm | E-mail p.geering@tiscali.co.uk

For building access queries contact
Norman Mackenzie
Tel 07748 837106 / 0207 272 8793
 | E-mail storminorm@blueyonder.co.uk

George Pearce
Tel 07884 496222 | E-mail georgeinnorwich@live.co.uk

To complete an electronic booking form please go to this page.