In 1940 Hunslet was home to thousands
of workers who filled the busy factories of South Leeds. There were
few facilities for recreation for the young before they joined the
services. In the early days during the war and just after, Hunslet
was the most heavily industrialized district of South Leeds
Mills, chemical works and factories
all contributed to the war effort and to the grime of cobbled streets
and back-to-back houses They were dark days of dusk till dawn blackouts,
air raid sirens, searchlights and reinforced cellars conditions
were often grim, times were hard, family resources were as limited
as personal aspirations.
The war was disrupting community and
family life, dads were at war and Mums were out at work. This subsequently
weakened parental controls; anti social behaviour was becoming
a problem in the area. The police stated, "The lads are not
really bad but they have nowhere to go to release their surplus
energies."
This
depressing social climate, inspired Dr. Wyllie and a small group
of people to provide something both organized and welcoming, but
separate from the tensions of home, school and work. The Hunslet
Boys Club. With few material resources, funding or equipment the
group relied on the help and good will of the people of Hunslet.
They aimed to give boys, many of whom worked long hours in factories,
opportunities to enjoy recreation activities, warmth and comradeship.
The low level of physical fitness identified
by the poor condition of conscripts to the armed forces. Spurred
the clubs motto into being "FITNESS FOR LIFE" in the hopes
of promoting physical and mental well being.
In an early bombing raid the Air Raid Communications Centre at Leeds
Town Hall was put out of action. Boys and young men were temporarily
employed as firewatchers and messengers between first aid and air
raid warden posts. One such establishment, the first aid/decontamination
center on Waterloo Road, was in the charge of Dr Wyllie. It became
the focal point for wider activity, as a handful of lads became
the nucleus of the first Boys Club membership.
With
financial backing from local sources the old school opposite the
Strand cinema, Jack Lane, was secured and an ambitious refurbishment
programmed was commenced. Over time the activities developed from
ferocious games of handball, with coke scuttles for goals, to indoor
games competitions, swimming galas and weekly table-tennis tournaments.
A pre-service
cadet force became prominent with regular evening drilling and frequent
church parades. Hunslet Library donated 100 books and magazines
to start the clubs own library. Monday evening film shows and Sunday
morning gardening sessions were started at the clubs own allotment.
In
addition to doing things and learning new skills the club was clearly
offering a sense of belonging. It was somewhere young people could
meet and make friends on dark nights and it kept them out of trouble.
In 1944 the Education Act secured youth service as an integral part
of the education service. The war ended. Street parties were held.
Street lighting re-appeared. The club Cadet Force had given way
to the clubs own Boys Brigade Company. The school leaving age was
raised to 15. The highest birth rate for 26 years was recorded,
becoming known as the post war baby boom.
By 1945 the Club was housing weekly cabaret and dances and was offering
members a first opportunity to venture beyond their own locality
with a camping trip to Grassington it was a huge success and a valuable
experience in communal living. Grassington became the forerunner
to a great traditional annual camp, which visited places like Hall
Farm, Danes Dyke and Bridlington. It gave members a first sight
of the sea.
It was becoming apparent that the Club
needed new premises to cope with an
ever expanding programme and to allow for a membership of 300.
It was a very proud day when the Lord Mayor of Leeds opened the
new club premises on Waterloo road. At the same time the club achieved full
membership of the National Association of boys clubs. The lord Mayor
of
Leeds Lieutenant Colonel Tetley was later to become the clubs president
in 1946.
New
premises were at first rented and later purchased. It was a return
to
the former Methodist Chapel on Waterloo road, which had housed the
wartime
first aid centre where the club had originated. It was outstanding
progress
marked by Royal approbation when on 5th July 1948 HRH the Duke of
Gloucester
(president of the NABC) performed the official opening ceremony. In
its
first ten years the club had earned itself an outstanding reputation
and won
the affection and support of the people and employers of Hunslet.
Members
were proud of their club and used it to the full