Barbara Smith obituary

The death of my friend and colleague Barbara Smith, after a long illness, aged 65, brings to an end a record of service to the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) lasting nearly five decades.Barbara was still in her teens when she first became involved with the YHA in Yorkshire, at the Dewsbury and Batley local group and the West Riding Regional Group. At that time, West Riding was one of 16 groups, almost entirely unaided by paid staff, that were responsible for running youth hostels in their geographical region. Barbara took on a commitment few would contemplate today. She eventually became a trustee on the YHA national executive committee (now the board of trustees), on which she was appointed assistant treasurer and later vice-chair in recognition of her talents and hard work.Barbara was an active volunteer: she managed a programme in the north of England for smaller youth hostels; and was chair of the Friends of Slaidburn, a group that supported a small hostel in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.Barbara was born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. She was a bright grammar school pupil who had a clear idea of what she wanted to do in life, and showed the determination to achieve her aims ? even if that meant adopting an unconventional path.She pursued her great interest in languages not through academia, but by working as a secretary with responsibility for international contacts in the local woollen industry, learning shorthand and typing in the process. She completed courses with the Institute of Linguists, initially in French and then in German, earning the equivalent of a degree. Barbara would later lecture in languages at Dewsbury College (now part of Kirklees College) ? she spoke French, German, Spanish and Italian fluently ? but continued to make handicrafts and particularly enjoyed working with wool.Barbara brought a quiet competence to her work, a determination to see tasks followed through and completed thoroughly. In meetings, she contributed less frequently, yet more effectively, than most: she would usually get right to the heart of the issue, often displaying an original and relevant point of view. Never showy, she was content to see a job well done, and never sought the limelight for her many achievements.She is survived by her husband, Ian, whom she met through the YHA, and son, Andrew.Hostelsguardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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