2010 is YHA’s 80th anniversary – an exciting chance to celebrate 80 years of increasing opportunities for all, and particularly young people, to explore the countryside, the cultural life of towns and cities, and the world.
The theme for the year will be “Reaching out and enhancing the lives of more young people”, aligning the celebration with our vision, mission and business plan.
A whole range of exciting events are being planned, and celebrations kicked off on 13th December 2009 with an event in Liverpool - the obvious choice for the start of celebrations as it was in Liverpool, on December 12th 1929, agreement was reached to form the British Youth Hostels Association. The first hostel opened within a year at Pennant Hall near Llanrwst. Guests at the event included Liverpool’s Lord Mayor and long standing members of YHA from the area.
YHA will use the year to raise its profile, to promote YHA to young people and to increase young people’s involvement in YHA. Other events being planned include the launch of a book on the past 80 years of YHA, a follow up to the highly successful “The Spirit of YHA” published earlier this year.
An appeal to raise funds for our small hostels, at the heart of much the organisation does, will also be launched.