The 1990's got off to a flying start with a Jubilee Reunion. Fathers sons,
uncles and cousins spanning the generations of membership came from far and wide
to celebrate 50 years of the club.
When most other clubs were struggling
to make ends meet, Hunslet after a full and comprehensive survey
bravely embarked on a positive programmed of improvement and development.
Over a five year period the work carried
out included:
- Replacement gymnasium ceiling
- Installation of UPVC windows
- Floodlighting and resurfacing two outdoor play areas
- New showers and charging facilities
- Roof repairs
- External and internal re-decoration
- Extensive landscaping
At a total cost of £152,000 facilities had been extended and
the club restored to a present day centre of excellence.
A feature of the clubs own efforts was
a series of very successful businessmen's dinners boxing shows with
celebrity guests - Frankie Vaughan, Bill Owen, Alan Minter, John
Conteh and Ian St John. Efforts by members and helpers and parents
funded the purchase of a new 15 seater mini bus.
All of this development went side by
side with the gradual transformation of Hunslet from an area of
erosion to one of village green influence - pleasant housing federation
and council dwellings, accommodation for the elderly and cultivated
open space.
There
was new buoyancy, and environment, which gave focus to club activities
for those with special needs-, continued work with over forty children
of the traveling fraternity; membership referrals from Barnados;
and a special weekly club for autistic children.
Voluntary
workers set about a series of carefully planned life skills sessions
using videos and visiting experts to encourage discussions on drug
misuse, racism, sexism, unemployment and interview techniques.
All this was in line with recommendations of successive youth service
reports and ministerial conferences.
New
housing, a returning population to the district, resulted in a full
thriving membership.
A junior
club now well established reflects a trend towards lower age groups
in clubs and perhaps the younger families in the neighbourhood.
Fun
and spontaneity remain key factors at the club with Self programming
trips abroad; a computer workshop; specialized training at the NABC
Centre Glenborrowdale; team building exercises for staff; women's
keep fit and a developing programmed for girls signaled the clubs
strength and purpose in the modern era.
The
title Hunslet Boys Club, no longer adequately described the clubs
function and the name was changed to the Hunslet Club for Boys and
Girls.