April 01, 2006
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Please can you help us to rediscover our history!
And whilst our history is reasonably well known since we’ve been in our present home (1969) our history prior to this time is pretty sketchy.
Please can you help us?
In this our centenary year, we are collating information for a historical booklet that we are putting together, and are hoping that some of you out there may have some interesting stories, memories or photographs that you would be prepared to share with us.
Hopefully, the following may jog your memory……………………
In 1906 a group of young men got together and met in a small house in South Street, Romford and set about forming a local branch of the YMCA. After the First World War the YMCA reopened as the Red Triangle Club, meetings were held on a Sunday night in a Romford Methodist Church and membership soon reached 300. Then came the Second World War and in 1945 the Romford Masonic hall in Western Road became our home. In 1960 we moved again to Main Road Romford, to a former vicarage, with accommodation for 18 people, where we resided until 1969 and moved to our current premises in Rush Green Road.
So can you or anyone you know fill some of the gaps for us? If you can we would love to hear from you.
Please write to: Nicolette Middleton
YMCA Romford YMCA
Rush Green Road
RM7 0PH
Posted by Webmaster at 03:22 PM
Romford YMCA – 1906 - 2006
Romfords best kept secret, we really are. Ask most people in the surrounding areas if they know what goes on here and most don’t have a clue. A huge grey uninspiring tower, straddling the boroughs of Havering, and Barking and Dagenham to many its become almost invisible. From time to time, a resident may land themselves in trouble, their address will be published and the publicity that results is instant and less than desirable. Promoting our good work through the media, is not so easy. Sadly, in this society homelessness is not a sexy topic.
Here we accommodate up to 150 people in our hostel from every type of background. probationers, homeless, vulnerable youths and adults, temporary workers, students, as well as troubled youngsters who may no longer have the support of their families.
Every resident here is assigned a support worker, who if necessary will help them, to gain the life skills needed to get them into employment, get them used to independent living, coaching them in social skills, tackling ‘issues’ that they have with society, the importance of respect, and earning it. Issues that most of us deal with on a daily basis and take for granted, for some are far from easy, a typical example of this would be picking up the phone to enquire about benefits. Problems with low self esteem and anger management issues are classic examples of what our support workers face on a daily basis with our residents.
Support is given in a number of ways, courses and workshops as you would expect, but it not just about searching the job ads or writing cv’s, its about helping people to care about themselves, letting them know that people care for them, their opinions and their actions.
Many of our residents regain their confidence and enthusiasm for life by taking part in one of our outdoor pursuit weekends, for others its just about being in a ‘safe’ environment. We truly believe that informal education is the key to the development of young people.
We strive for all residents to be accepting of one another and to celebrate cultural diversity ,and all enjoy themed celebration evenings (our next one is in April with a Nigerian flavour).
Many people in the area do not believe that we have a problem with the homeless, and of course they are right, because Romford YMCA is right here invisible in the background providing a bed and support to those who need it.
Posted by Webmaster at 03:13 PM
Families, getting fit, having fun!
During the Easter break, Roy Nixon opened up a number of fitness classes to include children, the response was incredible!
The energy and the enthusiasm was amazing, no couch potatoes here! No examples of obesity or sedentary behaviour either. As a Mum of two myself, it was great to be able to enjoy my usual circuit class with my girls (6 & 9) and I can tell you, that the class ran as it normally would with just a few adjustments made to cater for the younger children.
We all had a fabulous time together and all of the children said that they cannot wait to come back again. Thanks Roy !!
Roy also runs a family power box class on Sunday Mornings 11-12am,
And a family Rpm class ????????????????
Lucy (6) puts Roy through his paces!
Posted by Webmaster at 02:55 PM