About Us

Leeds CHA Rambling & Social Club was formerly part of the Countrywide Holidays Association which is a national organisation set up to encourage participation in, and enjoyment of, the countryside. Leeds CHA was established in 1898 and we currently have over 300 members. Despite our size we remain a friendly club and welcome any new members wishing to come along and join us for walks and get a taste of what our club has to offer. We cater for all levels of fitness and often run several walks each week that vary in distance and difficulty.

We publish all our walks and events well in advance to give our members the chance to plan ahead. Our syllabus is published every 6 months and a copy is available on our web site by selecting the month you wish to view from the syllabus page. The syllabus page also details relevant information on the meeting places and travel for the walks and social events. 

The membership fees are detailed below and if you wish to get in contact with us to discuss joining our club or coming along on one of our walks, please go to the contact us page where you will find full details of the relevant person to contact by post or via e-mail.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
(Annual - due 1st April)

Single Member........................................£4.00
Joint Members (at same address)...............£6.00
Family Membership Supplement..................£1.00

The prompt payment of your subscription will be appreciated. Please send S.A.E. if you require a receipt by return of post.

Non-members may attend up to three events before joining the club, but on any occasion where numbers are limited, members shall have priority at all times.

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History of the Countrywide Holidays Association
The birth of Countrywide Holidays Association (CHA) was in the small mill town of Colne in north east Lancashire when Rev T A Leonard took a party of 30 young men on holiday to Ambleside in the Lake District, and to Caernarfon the following year. In January 1897 in the drawing room of the Manchester YMCA, the draft constitution of the Association was drawn up. Later, a small company was founded and the Association became a legal entity, with the title The Co-operative Association. In its early days, there was much linkage between CHA and the National Home Reading Union. With familiarity and affection, CHA was adopted as the official name of the Association and in 1964, the name was changed to the Countrywide Holidays Association - keeping the same initials. The first CHA property was acquired in 1896 - Abbey House in Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast. There followed rapid growth, buying more properties around Britain, including Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man, and also leasing centres abroad early last century. Such did CHA flourish that a Head Office was established in Manchester in 1908. By 1936, 30,837 guest weeks were enjoyed at 37 centres at home and abroad. During the last century, many centres came and went, in accordance with customer demand and changing social and economic trends. The companionship and love of the outdoors formed a bond between holidaymakers. Indeed, the initials CHA became anachronisms for Catch A Husband Association, as many couples first met on walking holidays, sharing a common interest! CHA Houseparties became a famous and popular feature of the CHA - walking outdoors during the day and entertainment indoors during the evenings with a host/hostess.

Then at the turn of this century, in 1999, the commercial holiday operation known as Countrywide Holidays became operated under licence by Shearings Holidays Ltd. This has given a very wide destination base for holidays around the country, with improved accommodation facilities and the availability of coach transport. The philosophy of the Association has remained much the same since its inauguration:

• appreciation of the countryside and heritage

• provision of a sociable atmosphere and companionship

• promotion of holidays which emphasise enjoyment of, and not damage to, the countryside

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