The Yorkshire Dales Watersports Partnership and other users of Grimwith Reservoir (the largest reservoir in Yorkshire) have been in a predicament - the use of the water was under serious threat!

The temporary planning permission for use of the water and existing club facilities, which consisted of porta-cabins and containers, was about to expire in October 2007. (This has now been extended - but we had to start building a proper Boathouse in 2008). This temporary permission will not be renewed and without this we will lose the right to sail on the water.

This would affect all members of the Dales Water Sports Partnership which include

• Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club - a Registered Charity ,
• GYBE - an organisation who give youngsters (many from deprived backgrounds), the opportunity to sail and windsurf
• Bewerly Park Outdoor Education Centre - who provide RYA training courses to both youngsters and adults.

The right to use the water for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing in the future can only be gained by building a permanent clubhouse and work on this started in November 2008.

We are very pleased to be able to say that we raised sufficient funds to undertake this project and the new building was opened for use in September 2009. This has not been easy or cheap as the water is situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The build cost has been elevated due to planning restrictions placed upon us from being based in the National Park and as a result the structure needs to be built out of traditional materials ( i.e. local stone) to blend into the local environment. Consequently around £700k was needed to build the new clubhouse facilities.

All members of the partnership are most grateful to the several benefactors who have so generously contributed enough money to pay for the building - but this includes a mortgage for around 1/3rd. of the total required.  We also require funds to allow us to furnish and fit out the new building.  If you feel you can help us to either complete the project to the same standard as the building, or support us with the repayments and assist us in our aim of introducing youth to watersports, please donate using the secure online donation link below. All donations, no matter how small are gratefully received!

Please note that every penny of your donation goes directly to the appeal, there are no deductions for fees. In fact, if you can confirm that you are a UK taxpayer, we will get 128% of the value you donate because we can reclaim the tax you have paid (Even after the rate of income tax is reduced to 20% in April 2008!).

by Ben Rayner