The Tom Bell hostel seems to be getting a major makeover this year with the changing of single glazed windows to more modern uPVC double glazed units that will keep the building warmer and be easier to maintain.
The new windows give a fantastic view across the valley, and for looking out at the rabbits, birds and other wildlife in the field.
The requirement for more and more car parking spaces seems to continually grow. We have spent time creating a new car parking area adjacent to the gated entrance to the main field. Unfortunately, this cannot be used until the road surfacing contractors complete their tarmac laying, so as to avoid loosening the area that took a very long weekend for the group of block pavers..
We have changed the telephone system at Hebden Hey, and can now offer WIFI Internet Access. The signal can be picked up in both hostels, and around the car park/bungalow/hut area, but not as far out as the campsites. You will receive the access password with your booking information.
The day saw almost 70 members of Lloyds Banking Group staff come to Hebden Hey and split into teams to tackle various tasks arund the site.
During the day, teams built new fire pit areas on several of the campsites, straightened up and made stable the stepping stones across the river.
Improved the obstacle course seen here in a photograph of the burried tunnels, and also extended the garden areas around the car park.
Thanks again to all those that turned up and helped for making a great improvement to the appearance of the centre.
After many nights sleeping on the old matresses, they were getting a little thin and uncomfortable. he new waterproofed matresses are much more comfortable and afford a better nights sleep.
After 26 years it is time to replace the kitchen units in the Tom Bell hostel...
out with the old chipboard cupboards that had seen better days, and we have installed stainless steel units throughout with twin larger sinks and plenty of open shelves so you can see where all your supplies are.
For previous visitors, we have relocated the central heating and hot water boiler into the drying room, giving more room in the kitchen and keeping the drying room permanently aired.
The main field in front of the two hostel buildings is used for many activities, and as such gets a lot of use. We have managed to excavate a new area to the east end of the site (past the campfire circle) giving a 60m long multi-purpose activity area. Over the next few months we will be working on this field to bring it into use for pioneering, shooting and archery, as well as the new crate stacking area that just needs a little more levelling before we can open it for use.
This year's annual shooting and archery day was opened to Scouts as well as Explorers, There were the usual bases of target air rifle and archery shooting, as well as additional bases for shooting balloons on hay-bales, and long range air rifle range as last year. This year we added a base to shoot as many rich tea biscuits with 10 shots from a gas powered revolver - seemingly the best base of the event.
March : New Pens & Pencils now for saleSeven different colours of pens - one to match any of your moods, the perfect present for a special loved one, or to take home to parents to let them know how good a time you had at Hebden Hey.