The money was raised
and building of the new club commenced - it was to have a main hall
and stage, gymnasium, activity and craft rooms, the Kirby chapel,
changing rooms and storage space, girls lounge and facilities, a
quiet study room as well as a lounge/common room. Outside was a
floodlit play area with access to playing fields. And a caretaker's
flat
provided security for the premises.
It was announced that HRH the Duchess
of Kent would perform the official opening ceremony on the evening
of 18th May 1971
During the mid seventies there
was plenty happening. The Yorkshire Association of Boys Clubs was
thriving, its activity programmed partly geared to national events
setting a hectic pace. The NABC hundred-mile canoe test is the largest
in Europe it involves a flotilla of 350 canoes paddling the river
Severn or river Wye. It was a firm target following the acquisition
of the fibreglass canoe moulds. This offered the most satisfying
experience for young members to take a project from start to finish
starting with raw materials, fashioning the structure, testing the
canoe, training and testing oneself in the ultimate canoeing expedition.
The club had always been a place where boys could find their space, compete, win,
fail, learn and grow. Times were changing and now girls began to come to the club too.
At first as guests on dance nights and then for special interest groups in fashion,
make up and cooking. Girls soon took up the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh awards
in which fourteen girls achieved bronze awards in the first year.