The History of the YMC Hut at Coniston
Club Cottage
Early in 1966 the YMC tenancy of the Ilkley Hut came to an end, the owners at Highfield House needing it for their own use. The YMC had put it to good use for nearly 12½ years.
Many wonderful days were spent at the hut, especially in winter in front of the large open coal fire. The hut had two double bunks for anyone wishing to stay the weekend. Not everyone in the sixties had transport, it was a case of the tram to lIke and a flog up the hill.
Jack Wilson was hut warden at this time.
An attempt was made in 1966 to purchase a hut at Glenridding, Patterdale: the offer was not accepted.
In 1967 the lease of the Dale Bottom Hut ended, the owner requiring it for his own use. Also in 1967 two properties in the Yorkshire Dales were investigated. The one at Langcliffe near Settle was considered seriously, but eventually was turned down by the club in 1969. Two properties in the Lake District were considered as possible club huts.
We heard in October 1970 that the Karabiner Club were relinquishing the lease on the property known as Irish Row in the Coppermines Valley at Coniston because the roof had been flipped off in a storm — ending up on the hillside behind.
Pete Callam and Bev Barratt drove up to look at the premises and were impressed with the potential. Bev then wrote to the Lonsdale Estate to enquire about purchase. In January 1971 Bren Jones went up to cast a professional builder's eye over the premises.
At the 1971 AGM, Ron Elliot, Ernest Shepherd and William Todd were elected trustees in anticipation of the purchase of the hut.
Towards the end of 1971 the YMC's offer for two adjacent cottages was accepted.
At the 1972 AGM the club constitution was revised to include a rule concerning trustees for the hut. This was distributed with the June news sheet.
By the April of 1972, permission had been received from the Department of the Environment to proceed with the purchase of the hut without prejudice to any offer of a grant they might make. A meeting between the YMC secretary, Bev Barratt, and the Engineer of North Lonsdale RDC cleared the problems regarding planning permission, alterations, sewage disposal, etc. The YMC committee agreed on the revised layout of the property and a detailed application for grant aid was submitted on that basis.
The Conveyance for the hut was finally signed by the Trustees on 5 October 1972.
- Cost of the purchase:
- £1000 for the cottage with roof.
- £250 for the cottage without roof.
A sound investment!
Work on the hut was led with enthusiasm by Bren Jones, the roof being replaced by a local contractor in November 1972. Bren spent a great deal of time organising the work on the hut, seeing to delivery of materials and general supervision.
During this period of dilapidation the hut was in regular use, with 30 people some weekends.
A ‘Building Co-operative’ of sorts was formed in order to obtain trade discounts on materials. Alan Swithenbank as YMC Treasurer and ‘Company Secretary’ was charged with the task of convincing suppliers of our credit worthiness without being able to provide trade references.
A grant from the Sports Council was negotiated to supplement our own resources.
During the summer of 1973 the essential work on the hut was completed. The June news sheet recorded an appreciation of the tremendous amount of work done by twenty or so members who had given up nearly a year of weekends (and petrol — travelling at their own expense) to provide the club with a superb hut.
On 27 October the YMC hut at Irish Row, Coppermines, Coniston was officially opened. There was a large attendance of members at the evening's celebration in the hut.
A very welcome crate of ale was kindly donated by the landlord of the ‘Sun’ in appreciation to our members for his vastly increased turnover.
The Electricity Board brought power to the Coppermines Valley, and electricity was installed in the hut in spring of 1975.
Mains water was installed in the cottage replacing the original unreliable supply from the beck which runs down the hillside alongside the cottages.
Refurbishment of the decor and minor repairs is an ongoing routine, and, thanks to the well attended work meets and forward planning by the hut committee, the chores become ever easier to fulfil.
Major improvements to provide better facilities and comfort are, as of 1991/1992 to be undertaken by professional tradesman, thus putting less demand on the time of members who have so generously given their skills and labour in the past. They may now get out on the hill.
The cottages are indeed a great asset for the club, a real home from home. Although one wonders, when alone in the hut at night, if the creaks and groans you hear from the rafters are our own friendly ghost, or the echo of Bren's voice urging the workers on.
From The YMC Journal 1992
A Decade Later
Work on the hut has continued since the above article was written. As mentioned some of the major refurbishment work has been carried out by professionals leaving the more mundane maintenance jobs to those attending work meets. The work carried out has included:
- Double Glazing has been installed in all windows.
- Installation of a Calor Gas tank behind the hut to replace the free standing gas bottles formerly stored in front of the premises.
- Installation of new wash rooms in all 3 dormitories. This included new showers and a redesign of the toilets and wash rooms.
- Refurbishment of both kitchens. A redesign and replacement of all the old units in both the main and members sections. Microwave ovens have now been installed to supplement the gas ovens and hobs.
- A gas stove in the sitting room. This has replaced the solid fuel stove which was burn out by over enthusiastic use by outside parties. The solid fuel stove had itself replaced an open coal fire.
- A new coal bunker.
- April 2001: The land in front and to the rear of the hut was purchased.