Wasdale New Year

The event

The beautiful winter landscape at one of the most stunning, tucked-away locations in Britain, roaring fires, an idyllic venue, delicious vegetarian food, and most importantly the company of lovely men... it all adds up to an amazing experience of seeing out 2017 and welcoming in the New Year. So whether you are looking for a magical and different way to spend your New Year, or are returning for more Wasdale wonders - come and join us in the Lake District for a week of ECC sparkle!

The organisers

Edwin

John

Brian

Once again, your organisers for the week are Edwin Henshaw, John Jameson-Davis and Brian Ó hÚrdail.  We've all been involved with quite a few ECC events over the years and look forward to spending time with you! We are always well looked after by Bob Shaw, the YHA hostel manager and his team, not forgetting his two collie dogs.

What to expect

The stunning Wasdale landscape attracts keen walkers and ramblers, and there are spectacular walks for all abilities.  Short walks for those seeking exercise or maybe just a little stroll (to the local or the tea rooms)... more intrepid and challenging mountainous hikes suitable for the more weathered, experienced walkers… and also those who want to try it out. You’ll definitely need suitable boots and warm waterproof clothing if you're planning to go out on the high fells. More on this in the joining instructions we’ll be sending to everyone attending. Though most people take advantage of the local scenery, Wasdale isn’t just for walkers. It may be you want to spend time relaxing indoors in front of the fire, be cosy with a book, play games, sit up late chatting, make new friends, talk seriously, share hugs and laughter, and have fun with other men who love men. There will be plenty of scope both to facilitate and participate in activities and workshops - it all depends what those attending decide to bring and contribute. In recent years it’s included dancing, singing, quizzes, meditation, massage, touch, yoga and Pilates, story-reading, graphology, drawing and knitting, a cabaret soiree... and of course a New Year celebration. We’ll have a decent music system and an excellent keyboard - so if you play, please bring along some music.

Essential information

Access: The building can present some physical challenges for people with mobility difficulties. If you have concerns or queries please contact Edwin before booking. email: ************@********.*** or phone on *** **** ****.

Alcohol: Wasdale Youth Hostel has a licensed bar selling local ales as well as a selection of wines and spirits. Licensing laws don’t allow  visitors to bring or consume alcohol that has been bought elsewhere, and we ask that you respect this.

Nearest shops: In Gosforth village about a 10-minute drive away. Please be aware that the Youth Hostel is in a beautiful but isolated spot.

Places: 30 places will be available on the week, and we’ll reserve a proportion for first-time attenders until 1st October.  Places can fill up very quickly, so book soon!

Wasdale Hall

Accommodation and facilities

Sleeping accommodation is in shared rooms with bunk beds and shared shower/toilet facilities. All the bedrooms are on the first floor and access is by means of a wide staircase, but it may present problems for those with mobility issues. Please check with Edwin  before booking if you feel this may be the case.
www.yha.org.uk

Food and dietary requirements

A varied vegetarian menu is on offer, with a choice of dishes at all meals. There will be a cooked English vegetarian breakfast, and a special meal on New Year’s Eve. It is usually possible to provide for special diets if we know your requirements in advance. Please let us know when you book.

Support

Meeting and living with a group of up to 30 others can seem daunting, so you will be invited to join a base group of four to six men, which meets for an hour usually before the evening meal each day.  This allows everyone to get to know a small group better, share thoughts and feelings about the week, and support each other when needed.  There will also be a heart circle running each day for those who prefer it to a base group, and possibly a reflective heart circle on New Year’s Eve open to all.

The organisers are also there to answer any queries you may have during the week. 

Travel to Wasdale

The nearest rail station is Seascale, seven miles away. We are usually able to collect you from the station on arrival, but it may be necessary to share a taxi if lifts cannot be provided.  There is often a somewhat reduced rail service to Seascale during the Christmas/New Year period. We'll monitor the situation and if necessary it may be possible to organise a minibus from Lancaster / Barrow / Carlisle with the cost shared by everyone travelling. We will update you of this once rail bookings have started for these dates.

NB: If using Google Maps or a satnav, the CA20 1ET postcode brings you to Nether Wasdale, about 2 miles from the youth hostel. Full joining instructions will be sent out a few weeks before the event.