Following purchase from the YHA by the owner of Youlgreave Youth Hostel. these two hostels are now looking for friendly wardens to allow them to be opened up to individual hostellers once more.
At the moment both these iconic hostels are only available for exclusive hire as their new owner sources the perfect members of staff to operate them once more to individual hostellers.
Colin Trigg, owner of Youlgreave Youth Hostel, plans to open to the hostels to families and individuals as well as groups. Hiring out private rooms initially but also willing to try beds in dorms if there’s a demand.
Colin says “In both hostels I want to offer a bed, good quality simple food and an activity in a beautiful relaxing area. Facilitate existing cyclists and walkers obviously, but also offering guided and self-guided bike rides and walks.”
Colin is prepared to invest in providing the right environment for managers to operate in. Clun Mill has a manager’s flat on the top floor and at Dalby Forest, he is prepared to sacrifice rooms and beds (reducing the capacity to 18) in order to accommodate dedicated managers.
In Colin’s own words “I believe that hostels operate best with a manager on site. The Visitors’ Book at Dalby Forest is full of praise for Jenny, the former warden, and it reminded me how important it is to offer a friendly greeting from someone with knowledge of the area.”
Colin is looking for just right people, or ideally two people at both hostels. His top objective is to find people who can provide an exceptional friendly service. Cleaning and cooking are required, but the real opportunities arise for someone who would enjoy leading rides and walks. Or perhaps be qualified to take classes in nordic walking, yoga or similar activities. Maybe someone who can do a bit of bike maintenance, but definitely people with a love of nature and the outdoors.
Does this sound like you? Do you fancy taking up the challenge? A change of lifestyle perhaps? You could become part of lots of people’s best memories, as you facilitate their outdoor adventures and their warm and welcoming evenings. Be part of stories in the making, of outdoor challenges achieved, and peace and relaxation found.
A knowledge of catering would be useful, as well as an understanding of the best social aspects of hostelling. Colin anticipates that Clun Mill Youth Hostel and Dalby Forest Youth Hostel will provide breakfasts and evening meals to guests. Possibly opening to the general public for food too, like the bakery and cafe at Youlgreave Youth Hostel.
Colin is also looking for a chef at Youlgreave Youth Hostel (ideally with outdoor interests too). There is a small flat available and the successful applicant would have the opportunity of working as part of the Fountain View Bakery team and helping to take that business forward.
So if you are a lover of outdoor activities and the countryside, ideally with experience of the hospitality trade, and you think you would like to apply, send a message to Colin Trigg’s Email.
If you live close to Clun Mill Youth Hostel or Dalby Forest Youth Hostel keep your ears to the ground for Open Days, a chance to look around and see the potential of the hostels as a workplace.
Independent businesses in the Independent Hostels network and Partners Hostels in the YHA network, Youlgreave, Clun Mill and Dalby Forest hostels are already in the best hostel networks in the UK. Colin would like to spread the news even wider by employing someone to help with marketing the 3 hostels, their lovely locations and the unique form of hostel hospitality. Apply here if you are interested.
