FORMER members of a youth club are invited to a reunion later this month as part of the countdown to its centenary.
The reunion at the Bradby Club for Young People, which claims to be one of the oldest of its kind in the country, is part of the club’s two-year celebration of its 2019 centenary milestone.
Past and present members, trustees, board members, youth workers, volunteers, friends and helpers are all welcome – as is anyone who would like to be involved in the club’s future.
Club leader John Robertson said: “I am extremely proud to be a part of the history of this amazing organisation and the longstanding reputation it has within Rugby.
“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the reunion and hearing their tales of times gone and the positive impact that Bradby has had on so many lives.
“As we celebrate our past history I can’t help but look to the future and the opportunities we have right now to create our own lasting impact and benefit to the current young people who use the centre.
“I hope that through the Centenary Appeal we will continue to improve facilities and opportunities for young people, and in years to come they too will be present at a reunion telling their own tales of success and fondness for a youth club that will continue to mean more and more to the Rugby community.”
The club’s trustees have traced October 1919 as being the likeliest date for the first meeting of the club, then known as ‘A Club for the Boys of Union Street’.
It was founded by Rugby School masters Rev E F Bonhote and Godfrey Fox Bradby to give less-advantaged youngsters a positive start in life.
By 1958 it had become Bradby Boys’ Club, as it was known until the 1990s when the fact that plenty of girls attended was recognised with a name-change to Bradby Club.
The club now runs services and activities including youth club sessions, a substance misuse service, a safer relationships and sexual health service, support for young carers and young parents, a boxing academy and gym facilities.
A programme of anniversary events throughout 2018 and 2019 aims to build a fund to sustain crucial youth-worker posts, improve the clubhouse kitchen, and improve the ball-court to open up new opportunities for sport.
The club has set a fundraising target of £200,000 – £1,000 for each year of its history, and £1,000 for each year of the next 100.
Youth worker Rebecca Thomas said: “Everyone who is part of this unique and remarkable history is welcome to the reunion. Come and meet other people who have been involved in the club, share stories and find out what is happening at the club now, as well as the exciting plans for the future.
“We look forward to seeing you all there, and hearing some of the amazing stories you have about your time at the Bradby Club.”
The reunion, including a barbecue and bar, takes place at the club’s East Union Street clubhouse on Friday August 31 from 5.30-9-30pm. Call 01788 544344 for tickets (£12.50 each).
