YHAgroup.org.uk

No, it’s not a reprise of the old 24-hour drinks license story, but the fears of some of the inhabitants of Easdale, faced by the prospect of a youth hostel opening on their island.

According to a story in the Press & Journal, there are plans afoot to open a 30-bed hostel on the mile-long island of Easdale, the smallest inhabited island in the Inner Hebrides (though not a SYHA hostel, as far as I can tell). The island has some B&Bs and holiday cottages, but nowhere else for visitors to stay if, for example, they want to take part in the World Stone Skimming Championships.

The plan has been welcomed by local businesses, but not by residents like Tina Jordan who believe it would undermine the business of existing holiday cottages and cause noise nuisance through “alcohol-fuelled activity”.

I can’t say I’ve found hostels to be hotbeds of alcohol-crazed rowdiness. After a day out on the hills, most of us don’t have the energy even if we had the inclination. Could it be that what Ms Jordan is really afraid of is – crivens! – poor people.

If everyone on the island is as welcoming as she is, I’m not sure I want to go there anyway.

In an effort, no doubt, to attract more cash-strapped scots through their doors, SYHA have produced a funky new TV ad:

Something I find interesting is that they brand themselves as “Hostelling Scotland” rather than anything to do with youth hostels. Is this a new thing?

Personally, I think it’s a good idea and reflects the age profile of the people you meet in hostels better than the Y word does. Maybe we can come up with something similar south of the border.

BBC News’ online Magazine has published a short slideshow in honour of the youth hostel movement’s “100 years of bunk beds and washing up”. There’s some interesting pictures of hostelling days gone by, as well as shots of Manchester (looking rather grim) and National Forest to show the hostels of today.

There are some great grounds at YHA Brecon, a courtyard garden, vegetable patch, campfire area and plenty of places for wildlife.  Join up this weekend and help clear up and plan for the year ahead. They’ll be clearing beds and overgrown paths.

The weekend is open to all, but you will need to be relatively fit and healthy.  Families with children over 14 years are also welcome.  Groups of volunteers are also welcome, from colleges, youth groups or universities.

Accommodation for volunteers will be provided free of charge at YHA Brecon.  Please bring food to self-cater for breakfasts or lunches or you can book meals through the Hostel.  A group meal may be arranged for Saturday evening – TBC

Please bring old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or worn.  Please also bring waterproof kit and walking boots or wellies in case the weather is wet.  All the tasks will be outside, so be prepared to face the weather – rain or shine!If you have any gardening tools, like shears, secateurs, forks, spades or gloves, please bring them along too.  Spare tools and gloves will be available.

For more information please contact the Volunteering team on 01629 592562 or email getinvolvedwales@yha.org.uk or download the registration form and post it to Matlock.

Coed Y Brenin is one of the UK’s premier mountain bike parks.  Set amid the lush forests near to Dolgellau in deepest Wales, the park offers a variety of riding from beginners to experts. Bring the family, your mates or come by yourself for a fun weekend of real mountain biking.

Open to everybody. Families, individuals or groups – there is something for everyone at Coed y Brenin from advanced tracks to gentle beginners loops.  More information about this package will be available by January 2009.

Bikes can be hired from Coed y Brenin bike shop at the visitor centre. The trails are free to ride. Please bring appropriate clothing for biking, including a helmet and small rucsac to carry lunch/drink/tools.

For more information contact YHA Kings directly on 0845 371 9327 or email kings@yha.org.uk.

Open again after a major refurbishment programme, come and see how the hostel’s improved and chat about ways to support YHA.