One of Britain's oldest purpose-built youth hostels has been saved from closure by two elderly Bucks Quakers.
The historic Jordans Hostel was originally built by Quaker Friends in 1932, just two years after the founding of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
It was then leased to the YHA in 1933, but was close to closure when two friends stepped in, taking the keys and the franchise.
The enterprising duo, Douglas Butterfield, 78, and Ann Floyd, 81, run the hostel which sleeps 18 in the small village near Beaconsfield.
Douglas said: "Because the building is small and homely and the very first in England and Wales to have been built in the spirit of the early youth hostelling movement, it was clear that no one else was going to take on the franchise so we decided to take up the challenge ourselves.
“And we thought it would be a great idea to invite any former hostellers who have fond memories of staying at Jordans in their younger days to get in touch and come and stay with us again and bring their families too"
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Ann added: "Jordans has been providing a golden opportunity for firstly young people and later those of all ages to enjoy some time and space in a wonderful wooded and rural environment for almost one hundred years and we thought it would be a tragedy if it were to come to an end.”
Manager Nicola Lowe said when the hostel first opened on a wooded hillside above the Quaker Meeting House, hostellers were only allowed to arrive on foot or by cycling.
It had only been open to group bookings in recent times.
She said: “But now we are open to all, and single travellers will find a homely community environment in which to cook a meal and chat with fellow hostelers."
A Youth Hostel Association spokesperson said the Quakers were very much involved with the movement’s foundation and guiding principles, so they were delighted that Douglas and Ann had decided to take on the franchise.
The organisation had decided to franchise out a number of properties as part of a new direction strategy having suffered a cash meltdown after Covid, but are now back on an even financial keel.
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