As most of you are aware, after much debate and heart searching by club members, it was decided at our AGM in October 2018 not to renew our long-expired lease for Bryn Golau, our club cottage. So it was with mixed emotions that our first trip of January 2019 was also our final official meet to Bryn Golau, the light on the hill.
On Saturday, everyone enjoyed a day out in various locations in the area before gathering at the Red Lion pub. It was once again an opportunity to experience the finest Mid-Wales hills and countryside in unusually good weather for January.
Dave and Rob trekked up to a cloudy Cadir Idris summit; Mike and Jo ticked off Waun-oer; Ash & Kieran went via ferratering in Blaenau Ffestiniog’s mines; Gareth did an almighty circuit from the hut to Measglase and back; Adrian did a run from the hut round to Cwm Cywarch and back; Boris sought the wilderness of Foel Benddin (the really steep one behind the hut!) and Helen did a walk up Briedden Hill before finding everyone in the pub. Mick Hall, his son and wife also popped in for a brief final visit too. As usual we were welcomed as locals at the Red Lion, followed by warmth and laughter with friends gathered around the hut fire with many memories discussed.
On Sunday morning everyone helped do some tidying, clearing and carrying. A lot of stuff was brought down from the hut to go to new homes, to be taken to other clubs or for disposal and the spare gas cylinders taken away. It was a heavy heartfelt departure mixed with relief, as the maintenance list would otherwise be ever-growing.
So our goodbye trip to our club cottage, Bryn Golau was another enjoyable weekend and we left with more happy (and sad) memories. Although we have finally shut the door for one last time, the cottage is and always will be an integral part of our club history. So many of the members, past and present, have brilliant memories of meets that have been held there. We can only marvel at the tenacity and hard work that was put in by all those who built the hut, including the Hall family, Richard V., Flash and all their colleagues. We are also forever thankful to all of those who helped maintain and promote the cottage throughout the years for the benefit of all the members.
Our feelings are best summarized by Jo;
‘I would also like to thank everyone who has been involved with the hut over the past 40 years who have given their time, a huge amount of effort, money, as well as blood, sweat and tears – especially those who designed and re-built it and those who have put in the hours so we have had opportunities for many adventures, happy times, stag and hen parties and plenty of fun’.
So, farewell Bryn Golau, you will always have a special place in the hearts of the SYHA and SMC members and a dedicated place in our club history. Thanks for all the great times!