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Relaunch for the scandal-hit YMCA... and they want your help

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Published Date:
12 March 2010
BOSSES at Halifax's trouble-hit YMCA have appealed for public support to help them make a fresh start.
The charity has seen a declining number of people in the wake of various scandals over the years.

In 2008, former chief executive Angus Henderson – who has since died – was found guilty of child porn charges, five months after employees were filmed "bowling" with live ferrets in a bizarre game of skittles.

But now the charity hopes to entice supporters back and has launched a £150,000 campaign to refurbish its historic Marlborough Hall.

Board member Pam Jackson said: "Obviously the YMCA's reputation went downhill and a lot of people pulled away.

"It's sad but there is still the opportunity to turn it around if we can gain everyone's support. It could be a fantastic building for the community.

"What happened is in the past. We are now in 2010 and having a fresh start. We want the community to support us and want to get people involved in using the building."

The branch has launched a 12-week campaign to raise funds for essential repairs.

Disabled access to the front has been made a priority but bosses also hope to revamp the kitchen.

Mrs Jackson added: "I would like us to turn it around completely and use it for a whole range of activities – from community groups to fund-raising and events such as dinner dances or exhibitions. It's a charity and the YMCA is there for everybody."

Current users include Halifax Street Angels, The Basement Project, Youth-Works, Alcoholics Anonymous and daily roller skating sessions.

Secretary Cyril Love said: "The building is used by around 47,000 people a year and home to 26 projects, some of which help the most vulnerable in our community. We desperately need to raise this money."

The first event will be a ladies' day tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to 4pm, which will include beauty treatments, stalls and a fashion show.

Facts
  • The Crossley Street building, Grade II* listed, was originally Halifax Mechanics' Institute, built in 1857.

  • The concert hall can hold 700.

  • It later became the Gem, Halifax's first cinema.

  • During World War Two, the hall was used as a canteen for the forces.

  • It became the YMCA headquarters in 1948

  • In September 1965, it was damaged by a serious fire.

    • Page 1 of 1

    • Last Updated: 12 March 2010 10:44 AM
    • Source: Evening Courier Main
    • Location: Halifax
     
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    1

    HXMD,

    12/03/2010 16:57:08
    Title of article - Relaunch for the scandal-hit YMCA... and they want your help
    Not once do they say how we can help!!
    2

    MaidenMad,

    A New Frontier 12/03/2010 17:51:16
    The services that are currently on offer seem a dangerous combination; alcoholics anonymous & roller skating (for children). May be this charity needs to look at its aims and decide what it’s priorities are. I have attended children’s parties held at this venue, as a parent, and there always seems to be all kinds of “dodgy” characters hanging about inside/outside of the building.
    No one would doubt that the building is worth maintaining/improving, but with the past revelations are the YMCA the right people for the job? Personally, I’d stay well away!
    3

    bm4260,

    Elland 12/03/2010 21:13:04
    #2 MaidenMad - sadly what you have said above is the product of the last 10 -15 years of protecting children from a none existent invisible threat that in the past few years has been turned into what social scientists would term a Moral Panic - the fact is many of the people you find dodgy are members of families themselves being down on your luck does not make you dodgy, except of course in and old fashioned police state - but is that where we are with this issue from the view of the rest of the world!
    4

    Parsley,

    Halifax 12/03/2010 21:54:52
    Shut the place permanently.
    5

    LFCRED,

    13/03/2010 06:02:35
    Dont forget the druggies who go down the alleyway, shoot-up & then go back in !!!!
    6

    The Man Who Knows Everything,

    13/03/2010 10:16:21
    Perhaps they could relaunch the centre with a music concert; if only there was a song they could sing...
    7

    clive of savile park,

    savile park 13/03/2010 14:02:30
    *** "and they want your help" ... the article does not say what sort of help they require
    8

    Beentheredonethatworntheteeshirt,

    Halifax 13/03/2010 16:37:15
    Shame about the YMCA - it had a great youth club in the late sixties. Packed out for the great discos, street lined with motorbikes.
    Halcyon days.
    9

    New Pete ,

    Lincs 13/03/2010 17:46:11
    #8 I assume they must have improved the sound system after I was in in 1965 as the one they had was rubbish. Plenty speakers but no treble or bass and my 1972 Luxor stereo (35 watts per channel) is louder. I only went the once and hadn't the heart to go again as I like loud music (still do).
    10

    Aunti Spam,

    20/03/2010 15:12:12
    The courier are stupid putting headlines like this ! its not the first or last time they kill an article with a headline.
    #2. MaidenMad what a sad view of the world you have. You watch and listen to too much news ! I have attended AA and the Basement Project there in the past BUT have not gone to any childrens parties - so are you more dodgy than I ? I am also a parent! Having said that, are the YMCA right for running the building? NO! - they don't have a clue! Maybe some of the people who are complaining about cutting down cherry trees in the car park over the road could persuade the developer to take over the building instead of building a new one?
    #5 There are no druggies down the alleyway. Last time I looked there were 3 nice old ladies going to stich and craft.
    #7 Clive your so right, again the Courier are not helping are they?
    #8 Been there - I am certain that if the street was full of motorbikes now due to people attending, there would only be more complaints!
    #9 Pete, they went the other way by the sounds of it, its all bass now, teens seem to like it that way.
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