Pioneer Christian (Interdenominational) Youth Hostel.

A Memory of Sinderhope.

The newly named Pioneer Christian Youth Hostel, (open to all faiths) was situated 197O in the flat (apartment) accommodation basement of the old Methodist Church. The hostel was served by newly installed propane gas supply, the money was raised by volunteers and friends of the hostel.. A generous peppercorn annual rent of ten pounds, was authorized by the then local Sinderhope methodist minister who was extremely supportive to a countryside youth hostel idea. Various young people and their fathers * converted this then disused area into a *countryside *youth *hostel used by various, north east churches, youth organization, Scouts and deprived children. A greater challenge was, just where do we buy good bunk beds for the hostel.? A David Armstrong and Derek Smith (both Newcastle upon Tyne Railway Police Cadet Officers), and youth leaders, solved the problem,, they spotted a newspaper advert for iron bunkbeds and were able to travel and buy, a number of Ex * Raf bunk beds, for fifty pounds, from a yorkshire *auction and transported them to the hostel.. The hostel was a excellent countryside base for horse riding, rambling, grass skiing, canoeing, fishing and countryside treasure hunts and even swimming at a small local waterfall. The aforesaid treasure hunts were extremely popular both with adults and young people and proved a resounding success. The Hostel was overall , a great positive , very enjoyable success, and mainly used by children and young people from the Newcastle upon Tyne area and greater Tyneside in general. Mr and Mrs Martin.....who ran the nearby little post office were also extremely helpful in the purchase of any needed extra food provisions., as was a Mr and Mrs Hewitson, from a local farm where miilk and eggs could be purchased.
My best memories of Sinderhope area were the hostel songs around a winter open coal fire, also the stunning Allendale (Northumberland) countryside and and tickling riverbank stationary trout in the local river., also the rare sighting of two otters playing near the small sinderhope (post office) bridge. lovely olde world Allendale town and the overall companionship meeting different people from all walks of life.. David Armstrong.

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