The former Polbrean Hotel prior to restoration by the National Trust

New Youth Hostel Opens at Lizard Point                      by Marilyn Liddicoat

The most southerly youth hostel in England and Wales opened early in April at The Polbrean, a classic Victorian villa, which has formed an intrinsic part of the Lizard landscape and heritage since it was built by Thomas Hart, a local artist, in the mid-nineteenth century.

The opening of the youth hostel at The Polbrean marks the completion of a major partnership restoration project between the National Trust and the National Youth Hostels Association (England and Wales). The project illustrates a similarity of vision shared by both organisations. A key objective for the Trust lay in finding a sustainable use for the Polbrean whilst protecting it as an important element of the Lizard landscape. The YHA was seeking to expand its accommodation network in the region, particularly along the 630 mile South West Coast Path.

As a 32 bed self-catering hostel, the Polbrean will provide basic but comfortable accommodation for visitors at an affordable price. By extending the visitor season, and encouraging holidaymakers to make use of local shops and amenities, it will help support the local economy and provide employment opportunities.

The Polbrean offers disabled visitors and their carers or families two specially designed rooms on the ground floor with spectacular sea views. The hostel will also act as the base for a wide variety of educational activities, allowing schools and other groups to take full advantage of its unique location and excellent facilities.

The National Trust is most grateful to both the Heritage Lottery Fund, which provided more than half the total cost of the restoration project and an important legacy from Mrs Cicely Mary Lyon. Generous assistance was also received from the Tanner Trust, Viscountess Boyd Charitable Trust and the YHA.

Question:

What do you call a Frenchman wearing sandals walking across the beach?

Answer:

Phillipe Phloppe