It has been another successful year for Skiddaw House. Business reached 1490 over nights. These are the best figures the House has achieved surpassing the best year under the old system. Britain’s only mountain hut is being discovered and Martin and Marie’s fantastic hospitality is being recognized.

BUILDING PROGRESS

Work was done in the spring to cure the bulge in the front of the house and to stabilize the floor of Wagtail, which had an alarming “bounce”. This has now been completed and safety is assured. With much volunteer and professional labour, a new woodshed has been constructed. This will provide dry fuel for the house, ensuring more efficient usage  of valuable resources. Plans are afoot to complete the repair of the roof and the installation of an environmentally friendly solar system. This work is scheduled for March 2010.
 
VOLUNTEER LABOUR

Under the continued leadership of John Martin from Carlisle, volunteers have contributed enormously to the improvement and maintanence of the House. Again the contribution of useful labour has been over 800 people hours of unpaid input.  The list is long. One of the obvious improvements is the repair of the boundary wall at the front of the property. A considerable amount of time and expertise has contributed to that project. As previously mentioned there was great volunteer input into the provision of the woodshed and its contents. Work has been carried out to improve and maintain the copse that provides a vital habitat to the flora and fauna of the area and thus enhancing the local environment. Other unseen and less glamorous work has been carried out on the drainage system and continuing damp prevention. The Foundation would like to thank John for his fantastic leadership. Indeed the Foundation is hugely grateful for the wonderful and generous contribution that our volunteers have provided. If anyone would like to contribute their time, enthusiasm and expertise please do not hesitate in getting in touch with Skiddaw House.
 
COMMUNICATIONS  

One of the most important unseen improvements is an online capability. It is now possible to book online either via the YHA website at www.yha.org.uk or via email at skiddawhouse@yahoo.co.uk. This improvement is also seen as an essential safety feature for all those who live and stay at Skiddaw House.

EDUCATION

Heather Crompton has done sterling work in promoting Skiddaw House within Cumbrian schools. Hundreds of school children have benefited from the Skiddaw House experience. Repeat visits have been made by the American School in London giving their pupils a view of England that they can take with them in their world wide adventures. Skiddaw House offers youngsters a wonderful and unique opportunity at what is a very modest cost. If you are looking for an opportunity in giving youngsters a fascinating experience then please do not hesitate in contacting us.

THE FUTURE

We can only have a future if Skiddaw House is used by walkers and cyclists. However if you are interested in ornithology or even in star gazing, then Skiddaw House offers some wonderful opportunities. The busier the House is the more assured its future will be. We have plans to continually improve the House and make the Skiddaw House Experience a very memorable one for all concerned. However like all charitable organisations, the Skiddaw House Foundation needs financial support to fulfill its obligations. If you would be willing to donate to Skiddaw House please do not hesitate in contacting us. The Foundation would like to thank our landlord John Waugh and his family for their continuing generous support of the House and the Foundation over the last year.