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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: GeoffB on 22:46:21, 28/08/17

Title: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: GeoffB on 22:46:21, 28/08/17
There must be other people here who remember the Countrywide Holidays Association? My first walking holiday in the Lakes was just after finishing school in 1971, when I stayed for two weeks at Stanley Ghyll House in Eskdale. It was a great set-up, with full board and lodging and a programme of guided walks of three different categories, from easy stroll to strenuous summit walks. Some walks started from the house, but most commenced with a minibus trip to Wasdale Head or Brotherilkeld. In the evenings there were quizzes, dancing, and so on. Good clean, old-fashioned fun which nobody seems to be interested in these days. The following summer I spent a couple of weeks at Forest Side Guest House in Grasmere, with the same, familiar CHA set-up. I subsequently left the country to live abroad and only had a couple of short visits to the Lakeland Fells between then and 2013. In the meantime, of course, the CHA had ceased to exist (I'm not sure when that finally happened). I guess the whole set-up was too old-fashioned and people these days just want to drive to a location, walk for a few hours and then drive home again? I have passed Stanley Ghyll House (now called the Stanley Hotel), a couple of times since and looked wistfully in through the windows, reviving old memories. In 2013 I actually stayed at Forest Side. In those days it was still a reasonably-priced place to stay, and I was intrigued to see that the old carpet with the CHA logo on it was still on the floor in the “annex”, which contained the most reasonably priced (not en-suite) rooms. Otherwise the house was very much as I remembered it, with wainscotted walls, huge fireplaces and old, comfortable furniture. Maybe a little run-down, but perfectly acceptable accommodation, and in those days probably the only place in Grasmere where you could get a room for less than £50 a night. While I was there the manager informed me that the place was going to be closed for renovations at the end of the season, and sure enough, for at least a couple of years it was completely off the market, with articles in the local press featuring som entrepreneur who had bought it and was planning to turn it into a “country house hotel”, with luxury en-suite rooms and gourmet dining. For a long time I suspected that he had bitten off more than he could chew and the whole project had collapsed, but eventually that is precisely what it became, with rooms from £199 and dinner consisting of a tiny piece of meat in the centre of a huge plate, accompanied by half a dozen peas and a sprig of water-cress. I don’t know what kind of accommodation the average British fell walker is used to these days, but I’d hazard a guess that not many stay at this place. Having said that, I suspect not many stay in Grasmere. I certainly wouldn’t, as it’s become nothing more than a Beatrix Potter theme park where bus-loads of Japanese tourists wander from one overpriced souvenir shop to another, and the last thing that enters their minds is to look up and notice the fells around them. There’s not a real pub in the place, either. It’s sad really, especially from the point of view of somebody who remembers Grasmere – and Forest Side, in the 1970s. All I can say is, thank goodness there are still places like Wasdale Head. But what a pity there are no longer places like the CHA guest houses.  :(
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Pura Vida on 08:06:38, 30/08/17
Hi,
I believe that Glaramara in Borrowdale was a CHA house. It is still operating as an Outdoor centre and Wedding Venue. Still available for B&B.


Two of the Staff started their own Walking/Guiding business. Walkwise.

Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: GeoffB on 14:08:47, 30/08/17
Hi,
I believe that Glaramara in Borrowdale was a CHA house. It is still operating as an Outdoor centre and Wedding Venue. Still available for B&B.


Yes, that's right, it was. I'm sure there was at least one other CHA guest house in the Lakes (Ambleside?). The CHA also had several other houses in other parts of the country, notably the Peak District and I think near Dartmoor.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Lakeland Lorry on 18:30:52, 31/08/17
Wasn't CHA the fore-runner to HF Holidays?  The HF Holidays format today is exactly the same as you described.   They have about 16 houses in the UK and offer full board with 3 guided walks a day and evening activities.


https://www.hfholidays.co.uk



Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: GeoffB on 19:23:55, 31/08/17
Wasn't CHA the fore-runner to HF Holidays?  The HF Holidays format today is exactly the same as you described.   They have about 16 houses in the UK and offer full board with 3 guided walks a day and evening activities.


https://www.hfholidays.co.uk (https://www.hfholidays.co.uk)


Yes, that's right. Since posting I have found the website of Douglas Hope http://douglashope.co.uk/, who has done a lot of research and presents histories of both organisations. CHA was founded in 1891 by T.A. Leonard, a Congregational Church minister from Colne, Lancashire. In 1913, for somewhat obscure reasons, he resigned from the CHA, despite it being a thriving organisation, and founded the Holiday Fellowship, which seems to have been pretty much identical to CHA in all respects apart from the name. I hadn't actually searched for HF, so I hadn't seen that website. It looks as if HF Holidays runs (among other things) a set-up very much like the original CHA/HF one. So in fact, the concept is not, as I thought, unworkable in this day and age. HF Holidays seem to be carrying on the tradition, albeit as one element of a somewhat more diversified range of products. I notice also that CHA does still exist on as a business entity, and has the same address in Didsbury as in the 1970, but no assets or liabilities.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Lakeland Lorry on 20:45:33, 31/08/17
HF holidays are still very popular especially with the over 60s.  I know some people who have been going on HF hokidays for years.  Their holidays are great for people on their own as every is very friendly.   


I must read my book on the history of HF Holidays to find out why they split from the CHA.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: GeoffB on 21:42:35, 31/08/17

I must read my book on the history of HF Holidays to find out why they split from the CHA.


Yes, it's a bit of a mystery. Even Douglas Hope, who has clearly done a lot of research, doesn't mention any specific reason why Leonard should start up one organisation, get it running well and then leave it and start another, almost identical one, except to say that it was an attempt to form an organisation that was "truly working class".
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Alain BAUDRU on 17:46:30, 23/06/19
Dear Goeffrey !
I spent so many CHA holidays in Grasmere and Kinfauns castle, coming from Bordeaux in France.
From 1965 till 1975, I think...
Often looking for old friends having spent, as I did, wonderful holidays there.
A lot of simple people, great food, lovely walks and splendid evening.
And, of course, a lot of girl friends so pleased to have a french boy there !
Now, of course, I think the same as you do : it's a pity not to have any more this sort of holiday.
But when social holidays take place in mansion or casles, the cost became soon too high.
Moreover, people spend holidays more and more abroad (flight prices so low !) and social holidays are no more wanted.
I am so pleased to read you.
If this message reaches you and/or people like you, please write
Just like you I spent a few days at Forest Side when it became an hotel and I noticed too the floor with the CHA arms.
The owner told me it was there as a large quantity not used was stored in the house.
Sure you are sad not to carry on dancing at night, playing games, having fun with the hosts and hostesses, but so is life and all young people remember the good time they had when they were young.
I noticed secretary and host commenting your information as Ron. I think I met him one year at grasmere where I used to spend 5 weeks during the summer. How lovely were certains girls on the staff.
Awaiting your reply and as many souvenirs as you can.
I'm still surprised that this good time is not reported in a website "the old friends of the CHA" to which we owe so much...!!!
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: S4r4h on 09:33:57, 30/06/19
Morning! I’ve just found a wonderful photograph album at my late fathers house of a walking group at the CHA BORROWDALE CENTRE dated 1941..


I can’t bear to throw them away, and was just interested to see whether anyone knew of a website dedicated to the friends of CHA over the years that could document such photographs.  The photos appear to be taken by J C Flemons (Notts)


I know it’s a long shot but I’m trying!!
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: barewirewalker on 10:07:36, 30/06/19
Interesting read. I was fortunate to be offered a chance to do a walk leaders assessment with HF holidays, it was great fun and I learnt a lot about walking holidays old and new. Why they offered me the chance mystifies me because at the age I was I could hardly have been a long term prospect. Eternally grateful for a great few days being put through our paces in the Howgills.
I don't think I failed miserably, my tendency wander of the righteous way was noted.  :o
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: vghikers on 10:15:54, 30/06/19
Another CHA (http://www.manchesterchaclub.com/club-history) website, assuming it's the same crew, they have some old stuff there.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Pauline13a on 18:10:58, 20/08/19
We used to go on CHA holidays.  For a few years, my parents Jean and Bill Gaskill were hosts.  I know we stayed at Barmouth, Hindhead, Whitby and Cromer but now I’m walking the Wainwrights, and it set me thinking about the walks we did from our holidays in Ambleside and Stanley Ghyll House in Eskdale.  Is there an archive anywhere, or might anyone even remember?




Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: sunnydale on 16:23:19, 28/08/19
Gosh....I'm digging around in my memory banks now but I'm pretty sure I remember something about CHA. Am I even old enough?? :-\  Hmmm.....
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: J David Wright on 22:09:47, 06/10/19
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..
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: TJ on 07:32:55, 10/10/19
What happy memories CHA & HF holidays have for me - I was brought up on them - every year we went to a different place in the UK - my favourite was Kinfauns Castle up in Scotland, now a private home I believe.   I got sunstroke on the Isle of Wight in '76 at Freshwater Bay and loved the rolling sands up at Alnmouth.  What a wonder way to see our lovely countryside - I especially remember in the evenings after dinner there were activities such as country dancing and every Thursday night there was a concert in which you could perform your party piece.   The walks were always so beautifully organised, even in the rain which was quite often as I remember, and I loved the packed lunches.  I don't do much walking now as I have a knee injury but I'm sure all that fresh air and exercise in my youth stood me in good stead!  Tullia
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Colin Rawles on 12:27:50, 21/02/20
I was introduced to CHA and HF holidays by my now departed mother, May Rawles and enjoyed my first CHA holiday at Forestside and subsequent HF holiday at Derwent Bank in the mid 70's. I think my mother had shares in CHA or HF. She was also a walking leader and Hostess in the organisation. Playing the piano and organising Barn dancing etc. She was very adventurous and travelled in the UK and overseas in Austria and Switzerland at a time when few travelled to walk overseas.
I had some fabulous holidays at the these grand old houses. Have met many friends through the organisation. Met my first girlfriend during a holiday at Forestside.
My mother always said that after the 2nd world war there was a great rush to enjoy life, freedom and the great outdoors and CHA was at the forefront during this period, particularly in the Lake district when it became a National Park in 1951, through pressure from the various walking organisations.
I sometimes get mixed up over which houses were CHA or HF as the format was very similar. My favourite centres were Forestside Grasmere, Borrowdale, Derwent Bank, Hope and Arran. I loved the walking, the table tennis and it has left me with a life long love of hill walking and the outdoors.

Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Terry of Yorkshire on 21:08:00, 12/03/20
Pauline13a, you would have loved the week CHA had in the 1990s, Start point was either Glaramara Borrowdale, Forest side Grasmere, Loughrigg brow Ambleside and Stanley Ghyll House Eskdale, while you did a local walk, then the moving day walk to the next house, but "Mountain Goat" collected your bags and took them onto next house, so you could walk Stanley Ghyll to Glaramara via Scafell but only needing to carry your day sack.

The story I heard about T.A. Leonard and CHA / HF story was, that he felt CHA was becoming to soft, so set up HF, which to us working at CHA in late 90s, considering that by then HF had mostly ensuite and only a few CHA had ensuite.

Anyone stayed at Loughrigg Brow remember seen the Badgers coming to dinner after the guests, had, had dinner, or having Rice Pudding as a extra Pudding, think Abbey House Whitby was the last One doing this.

I Remember One lady of the Scottish Country Dancing ( Leeds Branch) told me One night, "You know the difference between CHA and HF? and why you had to change companies", No I replied, "Well" she said with a twinkle in her eye, "CHA means Catch Husband Association, then once you have done that, you have to go on HF holidays, because Husband Found".

Surprised, at an address in Didsbury, because when Shearing bought the company, staff were offered jobs at Miry Lane Wigan and for a time an office as well, think after a couple of years, I believe the CHA got an office within Ramblers Association Head Office.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: SteamyTea on 08:48:43, 13/03/20
I Remember One lady of the Scottish Country Dancing ( Leeds Branch) told me One night, "You know the difference between CHA and HF? and why you had to change companies", No I replied, "Well" she said with a twinkle in her eye, "CHA means Catch Husband Association, then once you have done that, you have to go on HF holidays, because Husband Found".
I still don't know what most of these abbreviation stand for.  Has anyone put up a list.
There are 78 entries for CHA in the thefreedictionary.com, I don't think that it is the Caribbean Hotel Association.
HF has 85, shall I stick to Hip Fracture?
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Jac on 10:06:21, 13/03/20
I still don't know what most of these abbreviation stand for. 

Suggest you refer to the OP
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Terry of Yorkshire on 22:35:20, 14/03/20
Suggest you refer to the OP
CHA was originally Cooperative Holiday Association  that changed to Countrywide Holiday Association
HF Holiday Fellowship
Please ignore what the current owner of Stanley Ghyll House has on her "History page", the CHA she writes about (before TA Leonard took it), is actually a Housing Company in London, although the rest home for rail workers also workers from Barrow in Furness Steel work for R&R is right, I was also told the story about at lower ground level, the owner borrowed some rail from the "Ratty", by the time, the Ratty found out track was missing and discovered it was at Stanley Ghyll, several layers of Stanley Ghyll had been built on top of the rails. As well as the Gentleman on the first page, there is a "History of CHA" 100 years ? book, which lists all the Houses maybe on eBay
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: WanderingAgnes on 21:48:52, 31/05/20
I grew up on CHA and HF holidays too. I remember at least one holiday at Fowey, another at Grasmere (where I discovered a 'secret garden'), and others at Eskdale and Borrowdale. The evenings were always good fun, but as a kid I particularly loved the 'pick your own packed lunch' and afternoon tea at the weekends. As an older teen, my parents palmed me off on the outdoor pursuits course at Stanley Ghyll one year, whilst they went walking. Despite my initial protests, I had a fantastic time kayaking, climbing and gorge walking, amonst other things, and made some lifelong friends. I kept going back to those places in the Lakes for many years as an adult. Wish there was something similar now. Such a great way to travel solo, meet like-minded people and enjoy what The Lakes is really about.
Title: Re:Agnes so pleased to read you
Post by: Alain BAUDRU on 16:45:37, 01/06/20
Hello Agnes !
Yes a CHA holidays was very special. Wonderful places, fun, friends and especialy as we were young : boy/girl friends. Some of them friends during a long time. The hosts and hostesses took care of us and managed walks, entertainment at night and dancing. I learned there English and Scottish dances. It's a lot of emotion when arriving at Grasmere or Kinfauns, at 17 years old, with your heavy suitcase, just falling from the coach. Always a very warm welcome. Half people were of the same age and I discovered friday night parties. Today nothing very bad... Walks of all 3 levels were all wonderful. In fact (soon 73), I still regret this good (old) time and I'm surprised not to meet here more CHA holiday makers. Nowaday, I attended holidays with HF, but we are quit far from the atmosphere of the CHA. A lot of rather old people as the young ones have holidays abroad an not very often enjoy and know places where we went. In all these comments places like Borrowdale, Grasmere, Fowey... are missing to us. Hope you'll tell me where your "secret garden was at Grasmere. I was to visit Grasmere this year again and decided to spend a night and a meal at Forest Side 4 or 5 stars hotel. I know it's no more the same but I was so happy there. A lot of friend and lovely girlfriends so happy to meet a french boy. I enjoyed it even if it was funny for me who did not think to merit such an importance. All the best for you Agnes and tell me more about your CHA holidays...
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: WanderingAgnes on 14:14:32, 05/06/20
Hello Alain.
Are you still going on HF holidays now? I didn't realise they were still running. I've just had a look and will have to join one in future.  O0 I think I need to visit the legendary location at Glen Coe that several people have mentioned here, and Monk Coniston too. I grew up on family holidays to CHA/HF/YHA as my parents were both keen walkers, which is how they met. I too have very fond memories of these, of the friendly people we met, the beautiful locations and the fun and games in the evenings. Maybe this is too 'old-fashoined' for people nowadays, but I'm sure there must be others out there who have these fond memories too. Holidays to typical tourist traps, lazing around on the beach in front of a twenty storey hotel, just aren't my thing!
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Singing_Ginger on 20:23:53, 08/07/20
I grew up on CHA and HF holidays too. I remember at least one holiday at Fowey, another at Grasmere (where I discovered a 'secret garden'), and others at Eskdale and Borrowdale. The evenings were always good fun, but as a kid I particularly loved the 'pick your own packed lunch' and afternoon tea at the weekends. As an older teen, my parents palmed me off on the outdoor pursuits course at Stanley Ghyll one year, whilst they went walking. Despite my initial protests, I had a fantastic time kayaking, climbing and gorge walking, amonst other things, and made some lifelong friends.
I took part in a couple of those outdoor pursuits weeks as a teen too. One at Stanley Ghyll in '83 and then Llanfairfechan in' 84. Both run by Pegasus I believe.
I'd been going to CHA since I was a baby. We alternated between Eskdale and Filey when I was small but got more adventurous over time. I have great memories of Christmas at both Kinfauns and Glaramara.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Ann Harris on 12:52:22, 29/11/20
In 1963 me and my husband went walking in Scotland. We stayed at the CHA (then it was known as the Cooperative Holidays Association), this was at Onich in the Western Highlands. We had to travel overnight in a coach to Glasgow. We caught another coach from there at about 8.45 am which took us to Onich. Each day we went climbing different mountains. They had rules, one was you had to be in bed by 11pm. You had to have the correct footwear and clothing. One of the rules was LUNCH AND TEA RUCKSACKS - on excursion days the MEN are expected to share the responsibility of carrying the tea and lunch rucksacks.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: windyrigg on 08:53:49, 30/11/20
I hope the women washed up?  O0
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Pauline13a on 10:36:32, 30/11/20
Hello everyone, I’m enjoying these posts, bringing back lots of long-lost memories!
I’m still wondering if anyone can recall any of the schedules of walks - we went up Silver How a few weeks ago and I’m sure that was the Sunday walk from the Grasmere house when my parents were there for Christmas in 1984 - we drive up for the day to join them. Surely Loughrigg was the Sunday walk from Ambleside 🤔
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Ian L on 22:07:31, 13/12/20
I first had a CHA holiday in 1962, and until the late seventies HF and CHA were the principal choice From 1966 for 4 years I was a Res.Sec at various centres, Kinfauns. Ambleside and the short season lets at Aviemore.
I have the happiest memories of these times, and I enjoyed Frank Wright's sons comments. He had the most recognisable signature.,although it bore no relationship to his actual name.
It's sad that type of holiday has largely died and although HF still exists they have abandoned the word Fellowship as it is too "old fashioned" Perhaps this vital system can be resurrected in a form acceptable to our current sensibilities
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Roger K on 10:37:53, 03/01/21
I started going on CHA (Cooperative Holidays Association then Countrywide Holidays Association, often called "Catching Husbands Association" or similar, in 1958 visiting Barton on Sea: My Parents had met at the CHA in Westward Ho and my elder cousin was a "Secretary" for the CHA whilst at University so I was sort of caught up in that organisation. Indeed I went CHA for many years until 1995 (July at Porlock). I enjoyed UK and European holidays with the CHA and served on the General Committee (GC) of the CHA just before it finally ceased trading as an entity itself (it was "taken over" by Shearings). I also went away with the HF-Holiday Fellowship now officially called HF Holidays with the nickname of "Husbands Found". I served as both a "Host" and also as a "Secretary" (they collected the money and led the walks) and used to lecture for the HF as well as attending their AGM's regularly and, indeed, arranging one of their London ones. Indeed the understanding is that TA Leonard felt that the CHA had gone too soft and founded the HF. Whilst I was on the CHA GC we were discussing a amalgamation or merger with the HF, which I supported but, alas, David Parrott said that he would never be involved with a body who had Peter Brassey as their General Secretary and eventually the idea went away. CHA collapsed, from bad financial management a few years later.


HF, even today, is very similar to the old CHA and the thoughts and aims from TAL still exist. When this pandemic has gone may I suggest a visit to the HF website to see what they can offer. I am now 78 and my further than a mile walking days are over, but, hopefully, they will bring back their "Special Interest" or "Activity Holidays" again.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Dean108 on 03:50:14, 18/01/21
Hello, did anyone go to Baron Chase at Barton on Sea. I used to work for the CHA there in the late 1980’s and would love to find old photos of the place. It was an incredible building but is no longer around, alas. Cheers Dean
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Monica4727 on 20:43:30, 23/02/21
Wow, I’ve only just seen this post from 2017. Yes! I went to Stanley Ghyll house as a 14 y.o. ...in the 1960s. my dad had died very suddenly and mum took the 3 of us on this walking holiday. I have a photo somewhere of me sitting outside plotting the days route. I absolutely loved it!! We always went to the seaside with Dad and mum but that would have been too sad. We also went to Derbyshire the next year . I’d love a similar holiday now but I just say, I became a competent mountain climber, a very competent rock climber and I’m still exceptionally fit and made my career writing about fitness in a national Sunday newspaper. It all started at the CHA!
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Carole E on 10:01:29, 01/03/21




Just looking through an old photo album, my first photo was of a Mr Knowles at Abbeville CHA in Cromer, he had his owl, Solomon on his shoulder, had another baby owl,Snowy, who lived in his room, but he took Solly out on walks, and had us kids looking for dead mice for Solly's lunch.This would be in the late 50's.
My family *(the Cleasbys) went on lots of CHA holidays, and had wonderful times.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: John Bolton on 15:44:29, 08/04/21
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
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: John Bolton on 09:17:14, 13/04/21
Further to my post of 08/04/21,
I find that I have Centre Programme leaflets for Ambleside 1956, Kinfauns 1957, Bray 1957 & 1958, Onich 1959, where I led A plus groups for two years, and an undated leaflet for Zermatt.
I also have a comb-bound full set of leaflets for 1971 - fifty years ago, and group photographs of Bray guests for late June to early August 1958. 
all of which could be scanned if of interest.  JPB
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Pauline13a on 11:45:44, 13/04/21
Hi there
I was completing the Wainwrights last year and I was sure I’d done some of the walks many years before, on CHA holidays in Eskdale mid 60’s, Ambleside 1974, Grasmere Christmas 1984. I wonder how much the programmes might have changed?  In any case I’d still be interested in what you have from 1971.
We also went as a family to Cromer, Hindhead and Whitby, and my parents Jean and Bill Gaskill hosted at other centres.
Best wishes
Pauline Gaskill
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: rachaelk on 22:15:18, 09/05/21
Hi,


Lovely to hear the word 'CHA' mentioned again! I have very fond memories of CHA holidays with my family in the 70s. At first I was a reluctant participant... I can remember pleading with my parents to take us to Butlins instead! But, once there, it was a thoroughly pleasurable experience; meeting folks from all over the world, and taking part in all the fun and activities in the evening. Does anyone remember the packed lunches - 'mountaineers' or 'ordinary'? Always excited to discover what was in your lunchpack (seem to recall 'Kendal Mint Cake' was a regular feature)! A few people have mentioned Fowey, and Westward Ho... does anyone remember 'Rhu' in Scotland? And I think there we stayed at a wonderful location at Perranporth in Cornwall. I remember the houses being beautiful, grand, sometimes windy buildings, with the obligatory table tennis room! Innocent, happy days!


I live near Manchester, and I think the head office was located in Didsbury, quite near the building locals call 'the Toastrack'.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: JasonCarroll on 01:44:04, 13/05/21
Hi Everyone,
Well I was Assistant Managet at Forestside between 1991 and 1992then made Manager just before Christmas 1992.
Lovely memories of Forestside as all the staff used to live in.
The carpet was a very special carpet and cost a fortune!   The refurbishment was carried out by Sonia Goodie and lots of Parker Knoll furniture.
I was only 21 at the time and remember the staff and guests with great fondness.


The house was  a difficult house to run and always wanted to fight back!   Forestside was also the first property to have ensuite!!  can you believe it and the first property to have a bar/table licence. I always remmber the guests buying a bottle of wine and then marking the bottle for us to store lol!


Christmas was always very special and we all took pride in decorating the house for pre christmas celebrations and then christmas was with us!!
In 1992 can you beliee the GA's only got 85 pound a week and live in lol.....


I wish at the time I had also collected the yearly CHA accommodation and walking magazine. Have tried over the years to buy memoribilia on line.


In 1993 I moved to Abbeyville in Cromer, and although a "Basic" house loved it and so close to the sea.  I was then promoted to take on the newly refurbished Moorgate House in Hope. I left in late 1994 to come back in 1999 to close down Abbeyhouse in Whiby.


I will CHA or Countrywide Holidays (Leading the way for walkers)  (Do you remember that strap line??) was still around but sadly CHA changed too little and too late to stop the rot and had too many costly to un houses.  There were 19 when I started.


I went on to run venues for the Council, in 2007 went to work in Sefton as Head of Civic & Mayoral Services and then in April 2013 went to work for the Royal British Legion, before emigrating to Australia in November 2014.
I am now 51 and am starting to track down some CHA history. Please feel free to get in touch.  So many characters (Managers, Staff and guests) who are sadly no longer with us and so many stories lost.


Jason Carroll
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: JasonCarroll on 01:45:37, 13/05/21
Hi,


Lovely to hear the word 'CHA' mentioned again! I have very fond memories of CHA holidays with my family in the 70s. At first I was a reluctant participant... I can remember pleading with my parents to take us to Butlins instead! But, once there, it was a thoroughly pleasurable experience; meeting folks from all over the world, and taking part in all the fun and activities in the evening. Does anyone remember the packed lunches - 'mountaineers' or 'ordinary'? Always excited to discover what was in your lunchpack (seem to recall 'Kendal Mint Cake' was a regular feature)! A few people have mentioned Fowey, and Westward Ho... does anyone remember 'Rhu' in Scotland? And I think there we stayed at a wonderful location at Perranporth in Cornwall. I remember the houses being beautiful, grand, sometimes windy buildings, with the obligatory table tennis room! Innocent, happy days!


I live near Manchester, and I think the head office was located in Didsbury, quite near the building locals call 'the Toastrack'.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: JasonCarroll on 01:47:43, 13/05/21
As a Manager I still hate the smell of kendal mint cake lol! and "fly pie"  Currant slab...


Perrenporth  was sadly closed as the dining room rafters were close to collapse and the Property Managers at Head Office decided it had to be sold as there was no money in the pot to do repairs.


Still standing to this day!
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: JasonCarroll on 07:59:09, 15/05/21
Hi Everyone!
I have been inspired as an ex CHA Centre/House Manager to put together a new facebook page!
I hope we can add pictures and memories from all over the world.

Just look for Countrywide Holiday Association


(Sorry this forum will not allow me to post the link)
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Linda c on 21:08:28, 17/06/21
I had been wondering whether there was any history written about CHA and HF holidays, and found this forum.
My sister and I went with our parents to a different centre every year from when I was 7, in 1954. I remember travelling by bus with my mum to CHA Head Office in Didsbury every year on New Year’s Day, when booking opened, to make sure we could get in for our chosen fortnight.
I’m sure those holidays instilled in me a great love of walking, and of the beautiful places in the UK. And
I learned to play table tennis!
And as teenagers we didn’t have to stay with our parents all the time, so enjoyed the company of others of the same age.
Looking back, they were wonderful experiences!


By the way, does anyone remember a CHA or HF centre in Lynmouth?
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Ernie Savage on 17:20:44, 10/07/21
My father's family were very keen members of the CHA. I first went on a CHA holiday on my own, to Creag Mhor, Onich in 1968. The highlights of the fortnight for me were Beinn Nibheis, but a more difficult route than the usual tourist path and Aonach Eagach. The most memorable character in the party was Albert.
I also have stayed at Stanley Ghyll in Eskdale, a family centre, Loughrigg Brow in Ambleside, Forest Side in Grasmere, Glaramara in Borrowdale, Ackworth House in Filey and Holcombe Hall in Dawlish.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: webntweb on 21:55:44, 13/01/22
Hi, from 1961 to 1966 I was an apprentice compositor at William Morris Press in Northenden, south Manchester. We typeset and printed annually the individual CHA brochures. I used to read them from cover to cover.I never did go on a CHA holiday but I think the brochures were probably a big part of my starting to walk canal towpaths (which were generally in a pretty poor state in those days - sometimes having to wade through mud where the path had collapsed into the canal). Never did do any serious walking but have spent a lot of my time canal boating - quite often walking for miles along the towpath while somebody else steered the boat.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Robin Rigby on 19:01:55, 05/08/22
Find this site so difficult to manoeuvre around as there are too many questions to answer before and after joining.
Such a shame
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Robin Rigby on 18:06:25, 07/08/22
Lots of cha holidays. First one 1949,last one 1973
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Robin Rigby on 19:05:01, 07/08/22
Hi, from 1961 to 1966 I was an apprentice compositor at William Morris Press in Northenden, south Manchester. We typeset and printed annually the individual CHA brochures. I used to read them from cover to cover.I never did go on a CHA holiday but I think the brochures were probably a big part of my starting to walk canal towpaths (which were generally in a pretty poor state in those days - sometimes having to wade through mud where the path had collapsed into the canal). Never did do any serious walking but have spent a lot of my time canal boating - quite often walking for miles along the towpath while somebody else steered the boat.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Rara on 20:52:49, 26/03/23
My family went on both CHA and HF holidays in the 1970s/1980s. My brother and I were often the only children, but we loved it. Memories include: choosing 5 out of 7 items for packed lunches in a white paper bag, A, B and C walks, evening entertainment like tea dances and talent competitions, days 'off', lots of sunshine and old hotels.  I remember we went to Perranporth, Fowey, Aberystwyth and Swanage. They were cheap holidays but we had a lot of fun.
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: fernman on 22:00:38, 26/03/23

Find this site so difficult to manoeuvre around as there are too many questions to answer before and after joining. Such a shame


 
 ??? ?? There are no questions to answer after joining. You register with an email address, user name and a password, you don't have to fill in any other details if you don't want to (from what I remember, it was a while ago).
 
After this, if you want to post a reply, start a new topic or look at the Hikers Bar you need do nothing more than log in with your user name and password.
TBH I have the site bookmarked and I read the topics a few times a day without bothering about logging in.

 
Re. canal towpaths, the gravelly ones from when I used to be an angler are now all tarmacked, you'd have a job getting your rod rests in now!

 
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Rara on 09:29:49, 25/05/23
Yes I remember the HF centre or CHA centre at Lynmouth, Linda C.
I went there as well as the others I've mentioned in a previous post, with my dear parents and brother in the early 1980s..possibly late 70s.
It was a big old hotel. I remember listening to Dolly Parton Jolene on the radio as we got ready for a walk.
I did the coastal footpath round there a couple of years ago and tried to work out which building it was. I had a cold drink at a cafe there in what could have been the hotel garden once upon a time.
I loved those days.

Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: Strider on 14:31:55, 25/05/23
Yes I remember the HF centre or CHA centre at Lynmouth, Linda C.
I went there as well as the others I've mentioned in a previous post, with my dear parents and brother in the early 1980s..possibly late 70s.
It was a big old hotel. I remember listening to Dolly Parton Jolene on the radio as we got ready for a walk.
I did the coastal footpath round there a couple of years ago and tried to work out which building it was. I had a cold drink at a cafe there in what could have been the hotel garden once upon a time.
I loved those days.

Where do you do your walking now Rara?
Title: Re: CHA memories, anybody?
Post by: twoshedsjdn on 12:20:13, 30/12/23
I remember CHA holidays in the late 1970s, early 1980s with my parents and brothers. We stayed at Forest Side, Grasmere and a couple of others that I can't recall. I absolutely loved them, the walks were great and the people were fun. Good to see other people's reminiscences too. 🙂