Celebrate 40 Years of the
Welwyn Hatfield YMCA

INTRODUCTION

Any major milestone anniversary creates a natural opportunity to reflect on past achievements as well as pointing forward to the years ahead. As we celebrate 40 years of the Welwyn Hatfield YMCA we have taken time to do just that.

The aim of this booklet is to take you on a journey through the first 40 years of our history through the eyes of some of the people involved. Our building
used to be a TB Hospice and then a maternity hospital, some of our staff and residents first encounter with the premises was the day they were born!

During the last 4 decades the resident population has shifted from housing mainly young professionals and Polytechnic students, to today’s residents who come from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. Despite our name the Young Men’s Christian Association we seek to house the young and not so young and women as well as men. This booklet includes stories from the early days when there were strictly no men allowed on the ladies floor to the first female resident allowed to live on the men’s corridor.

Parents whose children have benefited from our childcare facilities have shared their experiences. We also learn about what it is like to work here. More recently we have expanded our partnership with members from the local community. This includes those using our IT Suite, young people attending YMCA Training courses and members of the Hornbeams group, who as well as using our facilities are in the process of setting up an on site community café.

OPENING OF THE HOSTEL 1967

Welwyn Hatfield YMCA was the first YMCA to be built as a mixed hostel. Before the days of permissive society there was very strict segregation of the sexes, with the women confined to the ladies floor. It was strictly out of bounds for raunchy young men.

One day it came to the attention of the first General
Secretary, Frank Buck, that a man had been seen on the ladies corridor. So he posted a notice,
“Men are NOT ALLOWED on the women’s floor”
This however, did not deter the more enterprising men, who had found that the beds were much more comfortable than the floor!

KENYA KIT

A group of 5 staff and 5 residents visited various Kenyan YMCA’s in April 2005. With the help of the Shiraku family, a football tournament was organised amongst local teams. However many of the teams taking part didn’t have their own kit or the money to
buy a winner’s trophy.

We worked with Derrick Williams from Kit Aid, (Three Valleys Water, Hatfield) who run a scheme donating second hand football kits to developing countries from local league and school teams. Hitchin Town FC donated a full kit as well as gloves and new
balls. Kenya Airways generously waved the excess baggage charges which allowed the kits to be transported.

The Eight Bells pub in Hatfield had a collection raising the money for a trophy and Shoesmiths in St Albans engraved the “Abachero Community Challenge Cup”. The football tournament was an immediate success and forms part of our partnership with various YMCA projects across Kenya. We are continuing our links with YMCA’s in Kenya and Frank is planning another trip in November 2006. The group of ten will be made up of residents and staff from across the association. We will be working in Kilifi which is just north of Mombassa.

The project we will be undertaking is to repair a small school which is used to educate young mothers who missed out on schooling. We will be replacing the roof, repairing widow frames and then painting the school. We will be employing local skilled labour to help. Because of the heat we will be starting early
stopping mid day then working again in the early evening, temperature will be high 80’s with humidity near 80% as well.

SHAUN’S STORY

I can’t recall much about the first few days in January 1974 that I spent at Peartree Lane. Coming from a small Island (the Isle of Man), Welwyn Garden City seemed so incredibly urban and the YMCA was fantastically cosmopolitan, with people from all over
the world. I was there because I was classified as a foreign student at Hatfield Polytechnic, where I was doing an Accounting Foundation course.

It was a brilliant half way house after leaving home, everything thrown in, even friends! Frank Buck and his family were living on site and he was assisted by Jim Porter. The room was a decent size, it got cleaned and the bed linen changed once a week, half
board during the week and full board at week ends.

OK the facilities had to be shared, but all for £7.50 a week, I think. My earliest memory was talking to a guy called Andy the first night I was there, can’t remember his surname now, and feeling hurt when he burst into laughter. Turned out he wasn’t used to the Manx accent and thought my name was Bum.

The one name I can’t forget is the most important one. Half way through the summer of 1974 a vision walked up the path with her parents one Sunday while we were all having tea in the dining room. I don’t think Chris Goakes realised the effect she
had on those of the 70+ blokes that were there. She was very popular.

We didn’t hit it off straight away, but by October we
were an item and by January 1975 we moved into lodgings with Angela Pile and went from strength to strength. We got married and lived happily ever after with two kids arriving along the way.

STEVEN RATHBONE FROM HORNBEAMS

Steven has been attending Hornbeams for a long time. Hornbeams, a Welwyn based group who work with adults with a variety of learning disabilities, have been using the YMCA as a base since February 2006, Steven thinks that coming here is brilliant, he enjoys talking to staff and residents.

Steven comes to the YMCA three days a week. He has also benefited from sessions in the IT Suite from April 2004, he mainly looks at the Internet, one of his favourite websites is google.earth.com which has a lot of aerial photography from all around the world.

He has been really into computers since he was a child, he has developed his own website. He also attends IT college sessions on Friday mornings here.
Steven belongs to a group which offers support to sufferers of Williams Syndrome, which held it’s AGM here in Oct 2006. This rare condition caused by abnormal chromosomes effects mental and physical health, including muscle weakness, mild growth
deficiency, hoarse voice and mild learning difficulties.

Steven is has had a lot of different jobs in the past including working at the Oxfam charity shop, a tea shop and he is currently working at the St Johns of God garden centre at Digswell. He cares for the plants, he feels he is good with customers and enjoys helping them in the shop to look for particular plants.

In his spare time Steven belongs to an organisation called POhWER they seek to offer counselling and support to people in stressful situations. Steven is a trustee and the membership secretary. Steven was keen to stress that we are still human just like
everyone else.

CHRIS’ STORY

In the summer of 1974, I left school and moved from my home town of Birmingham to Welwyn Garden City. My employers, SK & F had a number of rooms allocated at the YMCA, as did other local firms and colleges.

When I arrived I was surprised to find that, of the 80 rooms, 70 were occupied by men and only 10 by women (in a separate corridor of course!). I was welcomed by Frank Buck, who showed me and my parents to my room and said I could “get undressed –
I mean unpacked” – a story my mother still tells to this day, so she must have believed it was safe to leave her daughter.

I found the YM a true home form home. We were fed well by cheery Olive and her colleagues, roast dinner on Sunday and always a choice of toast with sardines, beans or cheese for Sunday tea (or all 3 in my case).

The tuck shop run by Jim Porter every evening did brisk business. We had a TV room, woe betide
anyone who switched on the light, a games room and a lounge. Everyone was friendly and all trips to the pub, cinema, the Frythe– Unilever social club with half price drinks, and Campus West disco were thrown open to anyone who wanted to go.

I kissed a few frogs along the way but finally found my prince in October of that year. The romance began when I was invited to use Shaun’s stereo to play my copy of Killer Queen. This was, of course, breaking the rules of no members of the opposite sex in rooms, but I don’t think we were the only ones! We look back on our days at the YM with much affection. I was only there for 6 months, Shaun for a year, but it remains for us a very nostalgic memory.

CHRISTINE NOVELLI

I lived at the YMCA between December 1986 and September 1987. I moved to the area from Dorset to take up a position with Smith Kline and French (as it was then), taking up one of their sponsored rooms. Knowing absolutely no-one, I quickly made friends, by joining the "pub-squad" with the recently joined Mike
Fairbeard and a host of other residents.

It was a great way to get to know others, and I remember that first evening going to the Fountain! When I came, the girls were only housed in the "girls corridor", and this was all full. My claim to fame is that I was the first girl to move into the "boys corridor"-room 1, right next door to the manager! I think setting a precedent to mixed corridors! I think myself very fortunate to have been in the YMCA.

It was a very quickly home from home for me and a great place to make friends. Thanks very much!!!

YMCA TRAINING

E2E (Entry to Employment)

Terri was referred by Connexions, when we met her Terri had very low self esteem, was quite quiet and unsure of her career path. Terri had a rocky home life and her father left when she was a child. Her mother’s boyfriend moved in and Terri’s relationship with him was very up and down.

Later Terri’s mum left and she was left living with her step dad, this relationship improved and he was very supportive of her joining E2E. Terri settled well into the E2E programme developing an interest in Childcare after some intensive career guidance. Terri
attended all the Personal Development training sessions and through team building activities developed her confidence and self esteem.

Terri wanted to improve her employability chances
and was offered the opportunity to do this through Key Skills. Whilst she attended some Key Sessions Training Sessions Terri had varying levels of interest and soon stopped coming. After a meeting with her Key Worker Terri decided she would like to try a Childcare placement in the hope this would improve her motivation and morale. Terri completed a very successful 2 week work placement and came back very positive and focused on her personal goals.

She went on to a long term work placement in
Childcare and has nearly completed her Key Skills.
Terri has also achieved a Paediatric First Aid Certificate and is coming close to completing her NVQ Level Two Training. Terri hoped to gain employment within her work placement as a Play Worker.

Sarah Robinson
NB Name has been changed to preserve confidently

A LONG STANDING RESIDENT

Stuart Wilshaw has been a resident of the Hostel for the last 13 and half years, Stuart is shortly moving into his own bungalow, so this was a good time to ask him to reminisce over his time here. Although Stuart is currently our longest staying resident he
remembers someone who lived here for 16 years.

Stuart came here after experiencing the ups and downs of life, working part time at the local College meant he fell into rent arrears and was evicted.
When Stuart came there was a large student population from the then Hatfield Polytechnic, with a smaller group of workers mainly from Roche, Smith C and Xerox. Stuart liked it then as the students were good at policing themselves the unwritten rule was
quiet after 10:30pm on a week night.

When Stuart first arrived there was only Hostel One, later Hostel Two and Three were built, the latter is now used by YMCA Training. Stuart has lived through Chief Executives and many other changes in the life of the hostel. In his earlier days there was no overnight security, resident duty officers were used to ‘police’ the hostel, this didn’t always work and meant a lot of ‘undesirable’ types were allowed in.

Later these were replaced by security, secure door entry and the creation of a proper reception area,
things at the Hostel improved as security was enhanced. There have been plenty of happy memories too. One of the best times Stuart can remember is the first Christmas he was here, it was the first Christmas that the Hostel remained open, before 1983 the Hostel was closed and residents were relocated to
Watford YMCA for the holiday period.

As Stuart was working it was impossible for him to commute so the then Chief Executive agreed to keep the hostel open. His first Christmas there was only about a dozen residents staying for the festive period, they helped out with Christmas dinner preparations, made their own breakfasts, it felt more like a home then.

IT SUITE USERS

Viv Williamson, Learning Forum Coordinator for Hertsmere, St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield. Viv says “The Welwyn Hatfield Learning Forum is proud to be a partner of the YMCA, and all our members would like to congratulate the staff of the YMCA on its 40th anniversary.“

“We use the IT Suite for adult classes because the YMCA is right in the heart of the community, and the local people know they are safe there.”

Rita Huston says “I wish to thank the YMCA for their support of the IT @ 50 class that runs on Wednesdays. The YMCA allows the use of their IT Suite so that we may learn more about the day-today
use of computers, none of this would be possible without the continued support of the YMCA.” Rita attends the IT @ 50 sessions run by outside tutor David Collinson, who seeks to give 50+ members of the local community a basic introduction to IT, MS Word, the Internet and email.

The IT Suite is also used by residents and members of the local community who have free access to the Internet, email and a wide range of free courses, which include Microsoft office, web design and digital photography. Users can also benefit from help with job search and creating their own CV’s and job application letters.

FROM RESIDENT TO MANAGER

Greg Smith first came here in September 1998 as in his own words, “A man in suitcase” arriving with just a case and $60. He had wanted to live in the Philippines but after some time there things didn’t work out, so he came home to friends in the local area.

After a couple of years here the Maintenance Manager left and Greg was asked to take over the position in September 2000. Greg was given staff accommodation on the premises. Greg has seen a number of changes since his time here, “The YMCA has changed for the better in every way.” This includes the standard of accommodation and the level of the service the staff are now able to offer, the Support Team are an important addition to the staff.

In the days before we had Support Staff residents would often open up to maintenance staff that never happens now. A major difference has been the increase in security, with overnight support, CCTV and a secure door entry system, which Greg was key in implementing.

Having experienced life on the other side has given Greg has a more sensitive approach to dealing with maintenance issues concerning residents. One of the things Greg enjoys about working in the Hostel is
seeing the gradual transformation of new residents from guys arriving withdrawn, in ‘a bit of state’ within a few months gaining confidence with a smile on their face.

NEIL KIRBY

Current Chairman of the Board

When we moved to Welwyn Garden City over ten years ago, we knew no one here. As working parents we needed to find childcare for our (soon to be) two children. We looked at the nurseries locally and the YMCA stood out above the others.

What stood out to us, was that people cared. We felt that the staff genuinely cared for the children, it was more than a job. That’s something that I’ve seen in all the staff here at the Y, in the nursery, the after school clubs and the support workers for residents.

I was therefore pleased to join the Children’s Work Committee as a parent, and two years on became a Trustee, helping to oversee the work of the Association. Then two years ago, I was asked to become Chair of the Board. It was an opportunity to put something back, to offer direction and any support or assistance I can to the staff.

As you’ll see in this booklet, this YMCA has helped literally thousands of people over the years since it opened. With the support of the Trustees, staff and wider community I sure that many, many more will benefit in the years to come.

CURRENT RESIDENT

Sam was forced to leave home following years of physical abuse by his father and other problems at home. As things got worse, Sam decided that he could not endure home life any longer and applied to come to the YMCA and has been living here for over a year. Since moving out, things at home have improved some what.

Sam has settled well into life at the hostel. He said that “his door is open for anyone who wanted to pop in for a chat”, which helped him to get to know and make friends with other residents. Sam has been involved in the Personal Development Programme
at the YMCA, which aims to help individuals to develop their team building skills and to gain greater self confidence through team work and a variety of activities which includes climbing, high ropes, sailing, gorge walking and canoeing.

Sam has also taken part of a trip to the outdoor centre at Wiston Lodge, YMCA Scotland, where he learnt to conquer his fear of heights and developed his map reading skills. He also attended the YMCA National Assembly earlier this year, where he enjoyed learning about the wider work of the YMCA and
meeting a wide range of people at a large conference.

Sam is a very helpful member of the hostel and often volunteers his time to help out in a variety of ways, including assisting a member of Support Staff to lead Anger Management workshops for fellow residents. He is currently studying a correspondence course in
ancient history.

Sam plans to stay at the YMCA for as long as he needs to benefit from the support on offer here, which should allow him the time and space to get back on his feet in a supportive environment.

Name has been changed to preserve confidentiality

JANET ROBERTS

Janet’s first introduction to the YMCA building was being born here! That was back in days when it was a maternity hospital. In fact Janet and her mother have a long history with the site, having clocked up just over of a half century of years working in the House Keeping Department. Jean completed 33 years when
she retired in July 2004.

Janet has worked here for 19 years, originally doing kitchen and laundry relief work, then someone left creating an opportunity for her to stay. Now she works full time, working in Hostel Two and in a variety of tasks to help with the general upkeep of the place.

What Janet really enjoys is the chance to meet all sorts of individuals, as with all our staff Janet is involved in the lives of some of the residents as the YMCA seek to provide more than just a roof over the residents heads.

Janet is also increasingly getting involved with life at the YMCA by taking part in Wing Chun self defence sessions. Another big thing for Janet was joining the recent trip to Kenya, where a group from across the Association helped in the building of a workshop for abandoned young mothers to learn a trade to
support themselves. The highlight of the trip for Janet was meeting the local children, who were very responsive to the group.

She also really enjoyed dancing with the local women to celebrate a successful end of the project.

KERRIE EPHGRAVE

Staff Member and Mum to Emily

When returning to work after having Emily I was very nervous about childcare as it had caused a few problems for me before and it was my only doubt about returning to work.

My first visit around the nursery was fantastic; all the children I saw were busy and happy and the staff the same. My first impression and my “women’s intuition” told me that this was a happy and fulfilling nursery for any child.

After securing the position of Office Manager at the YMCA, a year later, Emily started in the Nursery, aged 8 months old. She had a settling in period with her key worker and she took to nursery like a duck to water.

Emily has now started school and her teachers are very impressed by her “want” to learn and how well she is doing. I feel that the foundations to Emily’s education started when she was 8 months old, right through to when she started school and all thanks to the YMCA.

JULIET BERNARD

Parent of boys in the After School Club

Our children have been looked after by the YMCA since they were babies. Without their help and care we wouldn’t be able to balance our careers and family life.

The quality of the staff is consistently excellent, the environment is safe and stimulating, and it is well run.
As our boys have grown, we have grown, we have been delighted that the services have grown with us, from nursery to after school club and holiday schemes.

Our YMCA has helped us to bring up happy, socially adjusted children.

You can also download the full brochure in PDF format here