What does HF mean?
For some strange reason there is a common misconception that Glasgow HF is some kind of religious group, possibly due the word fellowship in our name. These days the word fellowship is synonymous with religion, but when the club was formed it also meant friendship and comradeship. Our club as it is today has no religious or political affiliations of any kind.
Glasgow HF Outdoor Club was formed by local walkers in co-operation with the Rev T A Leonard, in Shettleston in 1917. The Rev Leonard was the driving force behind three major outdoors groups in the late 19th/ early 20th century.
He helped form the Co-Operative Holidays Association which was set up in 1893, to encourage participation in, and enjoyment of, the outdoors. This was followed by the Holiday Fellowship in 1913, which had similar aims to the CHA. He was also involved in setting up groups to gain better access rights for walkers and these became the basis of The Ramblers Association.
Over the years much of this has changed. Holiday Fellowship is now HF Holidays.
Our club, although independent, remains affiliated to HF Holidays. We advertise their company in our club programme, and they advertise our club by distributing our programme through their holiday locations.
Links:
Co-Operative Holidays Association