The Charity
Gearstones Lodge is a registered charity based in Mirfield. It was formed when the residents of Mirfield purchased, by public subscription, Gearstones Lodge buildings and grounds which are situated in the Three Peaks Area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, some 60 miles from the charity base.
The lodge and attached cottage are used to provide residential accommodation, for all sections of the community, who wish to participate in a whole range of outdoor sporting activities available at natural venues throughout the Dales.
In addition, optional support packages are provided, incorporating catering and skilled sports instructors operating under licence approved by the regulatory body to activity and safety legislation. Away from Urban and city environment groups can enjoy canoeing, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, walking and orienteering. First Aid support and instructions are available as an integral part of activity safety.
Whilst large groups, small groups and families throughout England use the facilities, our main catchment area is Yorkshire and Humberside, in particular Kirklees, Calderdale, Wakefield, Bradford and Leeds.
Headed by four longstanding Trustees, the Charity is administered by a 20 strong Management Committee, elected at an Annual general [public] meeting, and is representative of a wide section of the community it seeks to serve. Our “Friends of Gearstones” group provide additional support to groups and in maintenance and refurbishment of premises and facilities.
Five elected official, Chairman, secretary, Treasurer, Manager and Booking Secretary have a responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organisation. Management Committee incorporate four sub committee, Corporate & Fundraising, Building, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunity who deal with relevant matters.
The Charity has no paid employees, all management and support being volunteers.
We are a "stand alone" organisation, income being received from use bookings, donations, grants and fundraising efforts.
Whilst the lodge caters for large groups of up to 40 persons the cottage provides for small groups or families and are independent of each other. Their use is exclusive to booking groups and not available as a “walk in” hostel.
Participation in sports activities is by far the main attraction for visitors but use is becoming more varied and now includes family gatherings, study groups, bell ringers practice weekends, princes Trust training, photography, ski club, instructor training and reunions.
Management are ever mindful of our Constitution, Aims & objectives and endeavour to maintain charges at levels which are affordable to all, actively encouraging minority groups, families, the disadvantaged and persons with a disability.
We are currently midway through a ten-year development plan to improve facilities and refurbish premises. Since 1992 we have achieved major improvements each year with still some considerable way to go. The majority of the work carried out by skilled volunteer tradesmen, using local contractors where appropriate. This ensures that we achieve “value for money” out of our limited financial resources. Renewed efforts are made each year to secure additional funding to finance our development programme and each year we make a little more progress.
