The CHA (& HF) 1956 – 1973
Notes by John P Bolton Secretary at Bray 1958 and Onich 1964 & 65, and General Committee Member c1966-73
These were rival similar organisations, CHA based in Manchester & HF (Holiday Fellowship) in London with guest houses throughout UK. They also offered overseas holiday destinations using block-booked hotels Both were set up in early c 1900 by same man T A Leonard to offer holidays to Lancashire mill workers, but with a wide client base by 1950s. They also supported a large number of local walking groups, often joint CHA/HF. During my time CHA had an identity crisis and changed from the original Cooperative Holidays Association (because it was confused by the public with the retail organisation) to The C.H.A., as on my 1964 Life Membership card; but only briefly, because of complaints from the Chest & Heart Association; to the Countrywide Holidays Association as a better alternative than the Countryside Holidays Association, the only other viable name that would retain the initials.
The guest–houses were mainly substantial c 1900 properties with some couple & family rooms, but also dormitory accommodation. Glaramara in the Lake District was purpose built in the 1930s. Many were only open for the summer months. The properties were managed by a formidable team of experienced manageresses supported by young catering staff, and an often very young Secretary who collected outstanding payments, organised transport with local bus companies, and led the A Walks. Detailed route instructions were provided, but there was little other training, & none in first aid ! The evening activities were organised by a Host & Hostess who also led B & C Walks for the less energetic.
The property portfolio was still expanding in the 1960s, the Fowey house being added, coincidentally already carrying the CHA logo on its rain-water heads – the initials of the original owner.
In the 1960s the organisation was run very efficiently from a large house in Fallowfield Manchester by the ‘Secretary’ Frank Wright (often frank but always right), and his secretary Sonja Goodie, and a committee of about six, elected at annual conferences in various parts of the country – in my time: Edinburgh, Newcastle Wolverhampton, York .
Unfortunately the greater flexibility provided by car ownership & the availability of cheap foreign holidays, led to a declining market for these communal holidays, which together with the cost of required upgrading of the properties led to the closure of the CHA in 2002 . The HF soldiers on but with a more flexible operational system.
JPB 04.2021
