Our Legacy
The Beamsley Project Charitable Trust was founded by members of the Beamsley Methodist Church congregation, who wanted the chapel to remain a place of welcome and community after its closure. Their vision was simple yet powerful: to create a lasting space where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, could experience the peace and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
From the very beginning, accessibility and inclusivity have been at the heart of the Project. The building was carefully adapted to ensure that people with disabilities, families, schools, and community groups all have the chance to rest, explore, and discover this special corner of the Dales.
Today, a dedicated group of Trustees and volunteers continues to uphold that vision. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed the Project since its founding, making memories and forging connections that span generations. By preserving the heritage of the chapel and safeguarding its mission for the future, the Trust ensures that Beamsley remains not just a place to stay—but a place where community, history, and nature come together for all to share.
Meet the people behind the scenes
Our Patron
The Duke of Devonshire is the esteemed patron of the Beamsley Project Charitable Trust, bringing a wealth of experience and commitment to the organisation’s mission. As a prominent figure in the region, he has a deep-rooted connection to the local community and a genuine passion for enhancing the lives of those in rural areas. His support not only raises the profile of the Trust but also inspires others to contribute to its vital work. Through his patronage, the Duke plays a crucial role in promoting initiatives that foster social welfare, education, and environmental sustainability, making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families in the Bolton Abbey area.
Our Trustees
My name is Lynda. Once I say “hello,” people seem to know I am Welsh. I was born and brought up in the valleys of South Wales, though I’ve lived in England all my adult life. My family of children and grandchildren are now scattered up and down the country and wider, so I travel- and love playing with the children and exploring new areas. I like embroidering pictures and swimming in my spare time, and most of all I am enthusiastic about walking. One of my delights has been to walk coast to coast through Wales, England, and Scotland. My work has been in primary school teaching first and then mainly as a counsellor in health care settings. It has been a huge learning experience. I never cease to be amazed at the capacity of the human spirit to respond to what life can throw. My faith has been challenged and has grown through those experiences.I have known about Beamsley since its early beginnings, but was nudged some years ago to get involved as a trustee. We work as a team with our different backgrounds and experiences, aiming to bring opportunity for families and groups to enjoy some fun, or relaxation here in our beautiful setting. To know that the young people have had an adventure, and that they and their families or carers have gone home happy, is a very good feeling for us all.
My name is Josephine. I was born in North London in Southgate in 1943. Family and Church life are very important to me as was my working life in the NHS for over 20 years. I worked in Bromley Primary Care Trust for Learning Disabilities as a Manager which was challenging, heart-rendering and a very rewarding experience. Since my retirement in 2006 I have been involved with 2 charities for Learning Disabilities. The Beamsley Project - to provide holiday accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales and CTI 2000 - hands on running term time and holiday projects. Both these charities involve different aspects of work but allow me to use my previous wealth of experience to help support them. I was introduced to Beamsley by a former Trustee when I moved to Yorkshire from Kent in 2006, after he found out my previous career and knowledge. I feel I have a lot of experience to offer/ support The Beamsley Project due to my background history. I am truly passionate about my involvement with learning disabilities and disabled people as we can learn so much from them as individuals and offer them practical skills for life which we often take for granted.In addition to my support as Trustee I am also an active member of The Friends of the Beamsley Project who work throughout the year to raise funds to support the Beamsley Bursary and refurbishment requirements. I will always be committed in my involvement with the Project, as I feel I still have more to offer and look forward to finding new ways to expand ensuring our service is always available to everyone and improve the holiday experience for all our guests.
My Name is David, I am a married man approaching 3 score years and ten! Father of 2 and Grandfather of 4. Northerner supporting Sunderland through thin and thinner! Peace, justice, fairness and equality. A Christian supporting Christian values where everyone matters. A retired building society executive specialising in Customer Service and Figures. Beamsley provides a wonderful, caring, and specialised venue within the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for those who are less able. As Trustee/Treasurer and word-spreader!!
I am a retired teacher of deaf/blind children with multiple disabilities and the mother of 5, one of whom became disabled following a serious brain haemorrhage in his teens. I also run a Riding for the Disabled Group and teach riding twice a week. For about 20 years I have been running holidays for disabled riders and am the National lead for organising riding holidays with the Riding for the Disabled Association. This is how I have come to know the Beamsley Project, having stayed in the Centre and Cottage many times. My role as a trustee at Beamsley is to advise on needs for disabled holiday makers and always keep them in the front of our plans, to find suitable local activities and accessible places of interest and where possible to get the opinions of those visiting regarding their particular needs.
Hello, I'm Mike, A family man, married with 2 Sons and 4 Grandsons. I have worked for Rolls- Royce Aero Engines for 50+ years and currently work 2 days a week as a Technician at Ilkley Grammar School. About 12 years ago I was privileged to be invited by friends from St Andrew's Church, Skipton to become a Trustee of the Beamsley Project Charitable Trust. I accepted the position, as I felt I wanted to use the experience gained during my 78 years, to improve the quality of life for children who are less fortunate than my own and who deserve better. I enjoy focusing on the maintenance and development of our self-catering accommodation. Every project has accessibility and inclusion at its core and I enjoy ensuring we keep up to date and provide the facilities that our guest need and benefit from. I find this role very satisfying.
Hi, Im Diane. I have spent over 45 years teaching music, 35 of these working in special schools and community centres enabling children and adults with additional needs to make their own music.
I started my teaching career in the 80s as a mainstream secondary school music teacher. In the 90s, due to first-hand experience with a member of my family becoming severely disabled, I became interested in exploring ways of making music accessible to people with physical disabilities and joined the Drake Music Project. They explore ways of using music technology to enable people with physical difficulties to make their own music.
In 1996 I joined Leeds Music Service as a peripatetic music teacher for children with additional needs, working across the city in special schools and units. As part of their management team, I was the Inclusive Music Team Leader and I was able to develop their work in this area. I was also chair of the Leeds Schools Music Association who ran the annual schools’ concerts at Leeds Town Hall.
Alongside this job I volunteered as a trustee of the regional charity YAMSEN. This charity provides inclusive musical activities for children and adults with learning difficulties across the Yorkshire region. I run their annual multisensory days which are designed for children with: profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), learning difficulties, and autism. I support the YAMSEN children and adult choirs and their communication group for autistic children.
I first visited the Beamsley project in 2013 staying in the cottage with a member of my family who was a wheelchair user. We so enjoyed the stay that the next year I brought the mainstream Leeds Youth Choir, which I conducted, to stay for a residential weekend. They so loved it that we came back every year. This gave me first-hand experience of the centre’s facilities and how they enable groups to share activities together and explore the beautiful surrounding countryside.
This experience led me to apply become a trustee. I have now retired from the music service but continue to volunteer with YAMSEN and I hope to be able to give this role time and energy, utilising my experiences of management, networking and teaching children and adults with additional needs. My other interests include gardening, renovating houses, crafting (crochet, Knitting Embroidery etc) and walking in the countryside especially the Dales.
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