youth hostels, the history, people and ideas behind them
Photo courtesy YHA Archive In their early days youth hostel beds were sometimes appalling. People paid a shilling a night, and slept in a bed that could be cold, hard, noisy, and made of anything that came to hand. But that was because youth hostels offered more than a cheap bed. The hostel at Holmfirth... Continue Reading →
In 1961 a small group of youth hostel members went east, aiming to promote youth hostels, travel, and better relations between east and west. They went along the overland route to India, later known as the hippie trail but they were not hippies. They were more earnest. They had official backing and they were a... Continue Reading →
So, "what's next." Now that I've finished Open to All, a few people have asked what I plan next and this is a kind of answer. I've been looking around, visiting archives, reading books, mulling options. I've been to the Cadbury Research Library, reading old records again. I've been down to London, to the Friends... Continue Reading →
Change troubles all organisations. David Cameron tried to change the conservatives. He went to Greenland, promised a newer kinder conservative government. Jeremy Corbyn wants to change the labour party. He claims a different style as a party leader, a softer, more authentic and honest approach to politics. Both men have found how difficult it is... Continue Reading →
Arriving at a youth hostel, you enter an international world. Despite being rooted in a local place you're likely to meet someone from another country whenever you stay in a youth hostel. Youth hostels are a part of an international movement for freedom and travel and I hope they will remain a little immune from... Continue Reading →
SIMPLY HOSTELS 