youth hostels, the history, people and ideas behind them
S.P.B. Mais was another prolific writer and promoter of walking and travel. Like Morton, Mais was a journalist, and had also worked on the Daily Express newspaper, as a book reviewer and leader writer. Mais claimed to have walked over most of England. He wanted people to stuff their pockets with maps, “to wander about... Continue Reading →
Since 2020 the government’s Culture Recovery Fund has awarded more than £2 million to support YHA’s recovery from the impact of Covid. The funding marks the widespread support for youth hostels and their importance to communities. Government support for youth hostels is not new. Amidst increasing concern for the health of the nation with war... Continue Reading →
Three cyclists set off from Glasgow in October, recreating the journey taken by three sisters in 1936. Along the way the sisters encountered friendliness and hospitality, met and made new friends, had punctures and accidents, and the sun burned them until they were red as lobsters. Many others took similar journeys and some, like Mary... Continue Reading →
Barclay Baron, first chairman of the Youth Hostels Association (YHA), in his later years recalled that YHA could not have chosen a more difficult time to start than 1930. His reflection of the beginning of youth hostels seems reasonable. We have an impression of the years that followed, up to the second world war, as... Continue Reading →
"Each member is required to carry out hostel duties as directed by the warden"* What do you remember about youth hostel chores? Washing up or dusting down? The daily chore was the centre piece of staying in a hostel from 1930 until at least the 1980s. Everyone swept, mopped, polished, scrubbed, or did any one... Continue Reading →
SIMPLY HOSTELS 