My father, Frank Wright, became Assistant General Secretary of CHA in perhaps 1938. He subsequently became General Secretary in 1949, taking over from Donald Shilton, ( a stand up guy). During WW2 the CHA, (or, perhaps, the HQ), took on the running of accommodation camps of workers who were involved in the production of war materials. I remember going to ‘Little London’, near Warrington, to a wonderful concert, at which stars of the radio, ( no TV then), enthralled the audience.
As nobbut a lad, I was enamoured of holidays in Loughbrig Brow , Forest Side, Glaramara, Eskdale, Rhu, Kinfauns Castle, Hope, Whitby, Bolton Abbey - anyone remember that?, and many others.
As a result of my experiences in the ‘hospitality industry’ - even though ‘twas at a fairly low key level - I’ve forged a successful career in that area.
What does slightly annoy me, is that - I believe - by the time my father retired the 36 guest houses owned by the CHA were all held Freehold! Since then the CHA has gone to hell in a handcart.
Was in Forest Side recently: stunning place; can’t blame the new owners, (similarar to Fowey), but, oh dear, it ain’t the same as afore.
C’est la vie, I suppose..