An article in the Shropshire Star marks hostelling’s one hundredth anniversary with stories of hostels past and present. Various former hostellers get misty eyed about the days of “metal bunk beds, itchy blankets and wardens who enforce compulsory chores.” How idyllic it must have been:
There was absolutely no bad or suspect behaviour of any sort. Everyone was self-sufficient and individually motivated. The fee to stay was a couple of shillings only and the place was a clean and tidy home from home.
However, they also take a look at the hostels of today, and seem pleasantly surprised by a visit to Coalport YH:
Where is the 6am wake-up call and the bleary-eyed breakfast making? Why are there as many mature ramblers as there are exuberant youths?
These days it is run not by a warden but by a manageress by the name of Cath Young. Like many YHAs, the one at Coalport has undergone a transformation and after being closed for five months it now has en suite bathrooms, wi-fi internet access in the rooms, state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and even family rooms.
Despite this, the youth hostel ethos remains the same today as it was when the movement was established 100 years ago.
“In many ways it has not changed,” says Cath.
“The curtains are a bit snazzier and it’s got central heating but at the core its principles are the same.”
Amen to that, Cath.
The bunkhouse at All Stretton is also described in glowing terms, and a map shows all six hostels located in the county. After the pasting delivered by The Times last month it’s good to see a return to positive coverage of youth hostels. Who knows, it might even attract a few new members to Telford & Shropshire Group.