Spiers Bank House is a residential centre within Cropton Forest (part of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park). It includes self-catering accommodation for 26 people in a mixture of small dormitories and double rooms. Since 1983, the property has been managed by Spiers Bank House Trust, a registered charity (Reg: No 513890), which allows groups of young people – accompanied by qualified adults – to have the opportunity to stay in the centre, using it as a base to safely explore and enjoy the countryside.
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Although Spiers Bank House Trust is an independent charity, they work on behalf of Driffield School and the local community (who organise the groups of young people and plan the educational purpose/content of their visit). They also make the Centre available to other local groups or societies who can make the most of the opportunities it offers; in the past, a range of groups have made use of the centre, including: Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Kings Mill School, local scout and guides groups, Driffield Striders and Scarborough Mountain Rescue.
Since its first use in 1966, the Centre has undergone many transformations from its original basic small lodge to its current site of 2 well-equipped, centrally-heated residential buildings, together with a separate cookhouse. The centre can accommodate a total of 26 students and adults within a variety of dormitories and bedrooms, all equipped with modern bathrooms and toilets. The purpose-built cookhouse has 3 cooking stations, twin ovens and seating space for 30 adults.
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This has all been accomplished by the sustained efforts of volunteer groups (made up of students, parents, teachers and friends) all well-supported by local businesses. The maintenance is paid for by income from nominal charges to students, fundraising events and contributions from local philanthropic groups (such as the Driffield School Association, Driffield Lions, Driffield Rotary Club and the Horace Taylor Trust). Developments carried out in the past (such as new double-glazed windows, oil and gas central heating and showers, a new bridge across Hartoft Beck and a new cookhouse) have all been accomplished within the overriding aim to keep the cost of the visits to students to a minimum, as not to exempt anyone from being able to take part in a visit.
The trust operates on a very limited budget (typically the annual income is less than £10,000) and, whenever possible, uses volunteer labour to help at our regular Maintenance Working Days. Our hope is to continue to renovate and develop Spiers Bank House to ensure that it remains an outstanding facility for our community.
Spiers Bank House is a wonderful facility and is available to serve the community. If, as a company or organisation in Driffield, you would like to help with the development of Spiers Bank House (through sponsorship or donations) or if you are interested in the hire of the facility, please contact Mr Andrews via katy.morrison@driffieldschool.org.uk