The Journey: 90th anniversary
Hello and welcome to this 90th anniversary issue of The Journey. In 1930, the collective will of a group of far-sighted men and women brought YHA to life. At the heart of their plans was an organisation that would bring adventure and opportunity into the lives of those who needed it most. It’s an ethos we still stand by – and today more than ever. We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved over the past nine decades, and we’re doubly determined to make the next chapter of our story a powerful force for good. In these pages you’ll find memories, hope, inspiration and a positive outline for the future. Happy reading!
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Articles for this edition of The Journey
Founding figures
The official opening of Maeshafn youth hostel on 4th July 1931. Tom Fairclough, Rev HH Symonds and Berta Gough are all present. From the beginning, YHA has always been a grassroots organisation. Its formation came about thanks to people all over the country – of...
Grand designs
Our hostels span several centuries of different design trends. The 150-plus hostels in our network are united in terms of their values, their purpose and their spirit of welcome. But they differ from each other in countless ways. From Swiss-style chalets and former...
Carry on stamping
Guests have been collecting stamps at YHA hostels for more than 80 years – and the tradition continues. Everyone loves the chance to reflect on where they’ve been. It was back in 1939 when the first YHA hostel stamps were issued, and they quickly became a point of...
A letter to YHA supporters
Our 90th anniversary year has been very different to the year we imagined, writes Chief Executive James Blake. The challenges are more significant than ever, but our mission has never been more important. YHA is a national charity determined to stay at the...
Your memories
From our longest-serving members to our youngest school groups, we always love receiving your letters and emails. Here's a recent selection. Dear YHA, Seventy years ago, in September 1949, my mother and godmother set off on a cycling adventure of Cornwall. They...
Walking side by side
Seventy-five years on, their smiles are still contagious. This hale and hearty group of YHA members are pictured in around 1945, engaged in the simple act of enjoying the outdoors. The support of our members has always been integral to everything we stand for as a...