RURAL COMMUNITIES IN LINCOLNSHIRE
North & South Somercotes
Youth Club
In 1969, a group of villagers, including Headmaster Jack Jones, Conis Parker, and Kath Humberstone, started a club for young people, one night a week, in the Con Club, (now the Village Hall). Kath volunteered to run the club, as the appointed leader never turned up. Gerry Davey then became the first paid leader, and he remembers complaints from neighbours about members running along the ridge tiles of the roof!
In 1971, the club moved to the present building on the Birkbeck site. RAF North Cotes donated a full size billiard table, and members also played darts and table tennis. In summer, the club was able to use the school swimming pool. Members brought their own records, (Mungo Jerry and Slade), to play on the music centre. "We spent a lot of time", recalls Chris Jones, "hanging around, in a civilised manner, but some of the girls organised activities". Lorraine Dowlman made papier-mâché animal heads for the carnival float. Unfortunately, it rained heavily on carnival day, providing 'lovely weather' for Chris Jones, and Colin Bishell, in their soggy duck outfits.
Membership increased, and the club now opened two nights. Gerry and his family, spent one week of their annual holiday each year, taking members to Wales, and on the canal long boats.
Bryn Clark took over in 1975. At this time the club had a very successful football team, which later formed Marsh Rovers. The team continued to hold meetings in the Youth Club building, until they were old enough to meet in the Bay Horse! Club members, Melanie and Kelly Drewery organised a junior club. They did the paper work, and planned the activities. On the first night, 95 eleven to fourteen year olds turned up! Despite its success, County withdrew funding and the junior club closed.
The club has survived, thanks to a succession of dedicated leaders, such as Gordon Ellerby, and Fiona Ellerby, who worked there for 18years, and management committees, which in recent years, have included elected member's representatives. Wendy Hobson has now been leader for 8 years, and is assisted by Sheena Scherdell and Nick Jobson. Patrick Prince is Area Youth Worker, based at Mablethorpe. The club is open 3 nights per week, Monday and Wednesday for Seniors, Tuesday for Starter club, age 11 to 14, and has the use of the Birkbeck Hall on 2 nights. Although the building remains the same, it has been decorated by members, and todays activities are many, and varied. These include quiz, video and food nights, football, pool, crafts, and discussions on personal and social issues, such as bullying, and substance mis-use. There is a new computer, and a Nintendo, snacks and drinks can be purchased, and members bring in their CDs to play on the music centre.
The management committee is actively working towards the replacement of the old building. This is a priority for the beginning of the new millennium, in order to provide adequate facilities for the young people of North and South Somercotes, and the surrounding area.
In 1971, the club moved to the present building on the Birkbeck site. RAF North Cotes donated a full size billiard table, and members also played darts and table tennis. In summer, the club was able to use the school swimming pool. Members brought their own records, (Mungo Jerry and Slade), to play on the music centre. "We spent a lot of time", recalls Chris Jones, "hanging around, in a civilised manner, but some of the girls organised activities". Lorraine Dowlman made papier-
Membership increased, and the club now opened two nights. Gerry and his family, spent one week of their annual holiday each year, taking members to Wales, and on the canal long boats.
Bryn Clark took over in 1975. At this time the club had a very successful football team, which later formed Marsh Rovers. The team continued to hold meetings in the Youth Club building, until they were old enough to meet in the Bay Horse! Club members, Melanie and Kelly Drewery organised a junior club. They did the paper work, and planned the activities. On the first night, 95 eleven to fourteen year olds turned up! Despite its success, County withdrew funding and the junior club closed.
The club has survived, thanks to a succession of dedicated leaders, such as Gordon Ellerby, and Fiona Ellerby, who worked there for 18years, and management committees, which in recent years, have included elected member's representatives. Wendy Hobson has now been leader for 8 years, and is assisted by Sheena Scherdell and Nick Jobson. Patrick Prince is Area Youth Worker, based at Mablethorpe. The club is open 3 nights per week, Monday and Wednesday for Seniors, Tuesday for Starter club, age 11 to 14, and has the use of the Birkbeck Hall on 2 nights. Although the building remains the same, it has been decorated by members, and todays activities are many, and varied. These include quiz, video and food nights, football, pool, crafts, and discussions on personal and social issues, such as bullying, and substance mis-
The management committee is actively working towards the replacement of the old building. This is a priority for the beginning of the new millennium, in order to provide adequate facilities for the young people of North and South Somercotes, and the surrounding area.