The purpose is primarily to have a good time with other members while putting something back into the huts we all use and enjoy throughout the year. It is a great opportunity to meet and chat with existing members and other aspirants.

The precise detail of joining instructions and routines will vary from hut to hut and reflect circumstances applying to the jobs but here is a broad indication of what will happen.

Hut fees are not payable for 2 days in exchange for the work but you will need to pay for any further days.

The main day for work is Saturday although some outside jobs may be weather dependant or need to be completed to allow full use of the hut.

Saturday is catered apart from breakfast which you will need to bring but please no lengthy cooked breakfasts because the kitchen is the hardest room to clean comprehensively and an early start is needed.

There will be a short Risk Assessment brief at the start or the evening before and we will ask you to sign that you have attended this and understood the briefing.

You will need to move all your personal stuff out to your transport on the Saturday morning before we start to clear the decks in the hut for cleaning. By all means leave perishables in the fridges but you will need to allow enough space for the catering so only bring what you need for the weekend – there is only so much space for 4 pint milk cartons!

Cleaning materials, protective gloves, paint brushes, paint etc will be provided but if you want to bring your own tools for gardening, electrical work, DIY etc then please do so. Don’t leave them behind though – wardens happily give orphan tools a permanent home. Wear old clothing or bring overalls.

You must let the warden know if you are vegetarian or have a food intolerance by email well in advance of your visit – supplies have to be bought in and taken to the hut before the weekend. Vegetarian options can only be provided with advance notice. “