PRESS RELEASE-Ypod Centre-Partnership and consultancy opitomised 05
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What do The Mayor of Woking, Sheerwater and Maybury Youth Council, a local singer songwriter Anna Neale, Collective Music Ltd, a Board representative Pam Robertson and staff and volunteers-Simon Bellord, Andrew Hardiman and Terry Eckersley from YMCA have in common?
They all gathered in the Mayors parlour to celebrate the new naming of the Woking YMCA Centre- The Ypod! This innovative name came to pass after high levels of consultancy with Sheerwater and Maybury Youth Council. This was about the provision and name of the soon opening centre. Rosie aged 15 came up with the name and was presented with a prize from the Mayor and rising local singer songwriter Anna Neale- Rosie who herself is a rising talent won a DVD to enhance her singing gift and also some one on one lessons with Anna who have a download number 1 in the USA.
Everyone else who took part in the consultation and naming quiz where given a selection of CDs! These CDs were kindly donated by local music business www.collective.mu in Woking.
The Mayor encouraged the local youth in there involvement and encouraged more involvement and leadership from them. After the ceremony the party atmosphere continued with Anna Neale performing her latest release ‘Can You Read Me’ due 27th March - with much applause from everyone there. Woking born Anna Neale has performed her unique acoustic rock with gutsy soul delivery across the UK, USA and Ireland. Her playful performances and quirky lyrics have attracted the attention of an increasing number of fans with her live, TV and radio performances. Anna’s US appearances resulted in her track ‘All For Nothing’ topping the NEMO Starbucks download charts across the whole of New England in September 2005. She will be touring to support her single release in the UK this year and will be performing at the new Ypod centre when it opens.
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www.annaneale.net
Anna herself who used to attend the local youth meetings and started her career there commented, “...Its so exciting for me to be involved in such a pioneering, state of the art centre of excellence for young people…I can’t wait for the Ypod to open and get involved.” Lynne Nunnerley who leads the Youth Council was visibly very proud of her group and their achievements. Terry affirmed and honoured Lynne for all her support and exceptional professionalism and hard work.
Woking YMCA CEO Terry Eckersley paid tribute to the level of partnership working and honoured everyone involved for the excellence, professionalism, hard work and support. “It’s a great name - It's user friendly - it's twenty first century - it's creative and it's being owned, named and empowered by local Youth Service and more importantly young people…it's what the YMCA is all about. Leadership, creativity and responsibility.”
The YPod centre - initiated and designed by the young people of Woking - for the young people of Woking. Dreaming big dreams and taking small steps. The YMCA is a leading Christian charity committed to supporting all young people, particularly in times of need. We welcome people of all faiths and of none. The YMCA reaches out to over 1 million young people each year, working with them at every stage of their lives and offering support when and where they need it most. Our vision is for all young people to have a place where they belong, a voice that is listened to and opportunities - throughout life's journey - to realise their God-given potential. We are due to open a state of the art youth development centre in Hollywood House next spring 2006. A cutting edge contemporary centre of excellence and leadership including:
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Music Gigs and performing arts
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Recording studio and music production
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Advice, Information and guidance
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Sports opporpunities
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Chill out
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Internet and IT
Our work Founded 160 years ago, the YMCA in England builds on a long history of providing a place for young people to find acceptance, community and activity.
If you want to donate to, volunteer or get involved in any way please contact Terry on 01483 710588.
Woking YMCA Board Member Honoured with MBE Dec 05
Dr John Thomas who came to the UK in 1957 to study engineering and been honoured with MBE for his selfless service to the youths.
Dr John Thomas was awarded the MBE on 31 December 2005 for the voluntary services to young people. Dr John Thomas retired fully in 2000 after 40 years of teaching service as professor of engineering from the University of Surrey. An exclusie interview to www.ukmalayalee.com.
We have understood that you were being honoured with the award of MBE for your services to young people. Could you please shed some light on this? As a qualified badminton coach of the badminton Association of England I was running adult education classes for badminton. In 1978 I was approached by the Guildford and District badminton league to take on the role of the badminton coaching for young people on behalf of the badmington league. I ran a coaching course as the chief coach for young people on behalf of the badminton league, on a voluntary basis, between the ages of 8 and 16 on Saturday mornings continuously for 21 years. Up to 80 children were involved on each of the mornings. This developed the skills of children and gave an alternative to assembling on the street corners.
In 1978 I was appointed as the Vice-Chairman on the Board of Management of the YMCA Indian Student hostel in London, which provided residential accommodation for students coming from India to UK for higher studies.
In 1978 I have joined the Board of Trustees of the Woking YMCA and for some years taking on the responsibilities as the Treasurer and Chairman.
During eight years between 1992 and 2000 I was the chairman of the South East Region of YMCAs. The region consisted of the counties of Surrey, Sussex and Kent. For all these contributions of well over 30 years the National Council of YMCAs of England had conferred on me the "Gold Order of Red Triangle", the highest and most rare honour that is given for ervice with grat distinction. The MBE was awarded on December 31, 2005 for the voluntary services to young people as outlined above.
Could you please tell us about the awards ceremony. Who were all present during the occasion? The invetiture was by Prince Charles on 26 May 2006 at Buckingham Palace. I was accompanied by my wife Molly Thomas, my son Roy Thomas and my daughter Dr Angell Cox.
Where are you settled here and a brief about your family? From 1971 I am resident in Guildford, Surrey. My wife has retired after several years as a lecturer inMathematics at Godalming Sixth Form College and enjoying leisure activities and some voluntary charitable work. My children were born and brought up in the UK. My son is working in a leading investment bank as an IT specialist while his wife is a practicing dentist. They have a son Ronan ans a daughter Rhia. My daughter works as an actuary in a leading financial institution and amrried to a University Professor. They ahve a young son James.
Where are you from Kerala and what were the circumstances leading you to settle in the UK? My hometown is Tiruvalla in Kerala. My house name is Parelpeedicail. I came to UK in 1957 to study engineering and in 1960 I obtained a first class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of London. After a few months of Industrial training I obtained a small fellowship to pursue towards a PhD degree at what is now the University of Surrey as a research fellow. My intention was to return to India after the completion of the Phd degree. A year into my research I was offered a permanent post as academic staff at the university. Although I completed the PhD the permanent job as well as the opportunity to pursue my research interest, which was my hobby, kept me in the UK and eventually reached a point of no return. In 1957 when I arrived in UK I wasinstrumental in starting a monthly church services according to Mar Thomas rites held at the Indian YMCA in London for Malayalees. Membership was very transient. We were dependent on priests passing through UK on their way to or returning from USA. I continued to conduct the service until 1970 whenever the priests were not available. Hence I am the only founding lay member of the Mar Thoma Church now in London. From 1970 onwards regular churches were established.
To be successful in life what is that an immigrant needs to be aware of? To be successful an immigrant had to be super efficient and productive as compared with tose other compatriots. My success was due to the hard work and the long hours of the day I put into my research and using every opportunity available to learn and equip myself with new skills
Dr John Thomas, Honorary Secretary of Woking YMCA, received an MBE in the New Year Honours list 05
The prestigious award recognises Dr Thomas's work with the YMCA in the southeast of England and for services to young people. Dr John Thomas, MBE
Resident in Guildford, Surrey, Dr Thomas has been a volunteer at Woking and Guildford YMCAs for more than 20 years. He is now honorary secretary of Woking YMCA, and Treasurer and Trustee of the YMCA South East Region. Dr Thomas played a vital role in bringing to life the dormant Woking YMCA, leading a team of three board members that re-established it.
Les Taylor, Chair of Woking YMCA, said: 'He has helped on the financial side of things and liaised with Woking Borough Council for funding for a new building in the town. "John's tenacity and dedication to the YMCA and the needs of young people have been instrumental in the YMCA's rebirth in Woking."
New youth centre 05
 Woking YMCA will open a state of the art youth development centre in spring 2006. The centre will include extensive performing arts facilities, sports equipment and training opportunities for young people.
Terry Eckersley, Chief Executive of Woking YMCA, said of Dr John Thomas: "...as well as working so exceptionally well within the YMCA and community, he is a wonderful role model and ambassador for life and the YMCA. His warmth, resolve and commitment shine through this impeccable man."
Pete Brayne, Chief Executive of Guildford YMCA, added: "He is a hard working and generous man who has dedicated a lot of time to the YMCA."
 Dr Thomas's dedication has already been recognised by the YMCA, he was awarded the prestigious Gold Order of the Red Triangle. The Gold Order recognises volunteers that have given more than 20 years' service to the YMCA, making a positive impact at local, regional and national levels in the movement. Along with Dr Thomas, the New Year Honours list included awards for Welsh singer Tom Jones, veteran entertainer Bruce Forsyth, broadcaster Peter Snow and chef Gordon Ramsay.
The Beatles became members of Woking YMCA in 1963; we are hoping that Sir Paul Mc Cartney will respond to our invite for them to keep a promise they made at a Woking Herald interview that they would come back one day!!!
“The Woking YMCA has a huge musical heritage helping both the Beatles and the Jam along the way” The Jam, at the height of their worldwide appeal, play a fund raising gig at the Woking YMCA 15th February - 1980
http://www.thejam.org/on_this_day/feb.htm
http://www.thejam.org/That's%20Entertainment/as_i_recall_peter_rudkin.htm
Press Release! 05
It was encouraging to meet the Mayor and President of the YMCA this morning. He has a YMCA history- the YMCA provided an opportunity for a young person to grow and develop and helped shape a future leader. Cllr Ian Johnson maximized sporting and international travel opportunities in his formative years and speaks with fondness of his experiences. The YMCA President was recently celebrating 150 years of the YMCA European alliance in London with Woking YMCA Chairman, Secretary and CEO at St Paul’s and meeting the YMCA National President and recently appointed Archbishop of York John Sentanu. This is what the new YMCA venture will be about- helping to help steer and mentor the enormous potential of the young people of Woking in the right direction- we are talking about influencing future leaders and the very fabric of our society. We too are building great international relations and there are possibilities with the New York YMCA on the horizon.
We want your views!!! 05
Service User Involvement:
Three agencies met recently to discuss ways of involving young people in the new Woking YMCA. A state of the art facility is due to open spring 2006. This was the first meeting to develop a strategy of involving local young people. Plans are already underway and building work started in Chobham Road. A state of the art youth development centre needs the views of local young people. The need has been recognized for a large stage area, music facility, chill out areas, café bar- “What style shall we do this? What programmes do young people want?” comments Terry Eckersley.
David Blake Surrey County Council, Chris Beck Surrey Youth Offending Team and Sam Morris Connexions all are keen to involve young people in the process of setting up this project.
Sam Morris is going to help collate views from local ambassador groups in schools and through connexions PAs he is also going to invite Terry along to a forum.
Chris Beck expressed the need for a clear vision of the project to be presented to young people and would like to involve young people in all three stages of development. He is keen to also involve young people in the making of a promotional DVD - he is keen to keep the cool factor that young people will respond to not a beige project designed by old wrinklies!
David Blake, the Youth Development Officer for SCC in Woking, and also pioneering the Youth Development Service’s newly opened Woking Youth Arts Centre (WYAC) in Knaphill, is excited and encouraged by the enhancement factor of both projects. “The opportunity to develop links with the YMCA, and for us to work together to involve and support young people is a very exciting prospect.” David is in the processes of inviting Terry to the next Youth Council to explore how they can help in canvassing needs and views from their peers across the borough.
Terry Eckersley CEO Woking YMCA said “It is vitally important to seek young people’s views on what they want in Woking. We are seeking to involve young local people from even before the opening of the project. We will be seeking views via questionnaires and inviting young people to brain storming sessions at our new centre”. We believe in young people and want to help release the great gifting, creativity, leadership and potential in the young people of Woking”
Simon Bellord YMCA Fundraising and Standards Executive said;
"The young people of Woking are in the process of developing something very special for themselves at the heart of their town. It’s a great privilege to be able to offer my help in this venture. It will be a way for them to have access to great facilities to express themselves or just hang out on their own terms. The YMCA is an established international organization, but Woking is unique, nowhere else has a mix quite like it and this makes it exciting."
Woking News and Mail 8th September 2005
Drama and sports for youth at YMCA centre
Terry Eckersley, the new Chief Executive of the YMCA in Woking, with the plans for the £750,000 centre. By Phillip Skelton:
Work has begun on a £750,000 state of the arts youth and drama facility in Woking town centre. Builders started this week to convert Hollywood House in Chobham Road into a youth facilities centre which will be managed by Woking YMCA. The centre, which Woking borough council has funded by £700,000, will have a drop in area with sofas, a plasma screen TV and an IT area open to the public. A drama hall and stage will provide equipment and space for performing arts workshops and shows and DJ facilities will be available.
There are plans for a sports hall marked for five a side football, badminton and basketball. Professional and accredited schemes designed to equip young people with qualifications and skills will be run by qualified adults. Terry Eckersley, Chief Executive of the YMCA in Woking, has taken the lead in developing the scheme. He has 15 years experience at the YMCA and is a published singer songwriter and a published author on youth services. He said: “We want to meet needs in terms of youth work. “The centre will be a key resource and provide facilities for young people in Woking. “I am getting to know agencies and youth workers in Woking and networking with all aspects of the community and the aim is to work with them in the strategic development of the centre. “When the centre is finished in the spring of 2006 we will be able to offer training and development opportunities as well as performing arts and sports to the public. There will be chance for young people to practise DJ skills and also music production. There will be people visiting and there is no reason why people like the Artful Dodger and other popular music artists I have worked with coming in to work with young people. We want to develop a variety of facilities and make them accessible to all.
“Our aim at the YMCA is not compete with other youth services in the area but to complement them. There is a need for this resource in Woking.” Members of the public are invited to view the presentation on the vision of the YMCA in Woking at the organisations annual meeting at 8pm on Tuesday at Christ Church, Woking. Ian Draper, of the borough council said:” We are delighted to be working with the YMCA on this project and have worked with them to design the interior.
WOKING REVIEW Week ending Jan 04
RELAUNCH OF YMCA-by Kelly Hackman. Centre will give youngsters a safe place to meet
A youth drop in centre to mark the re-launch of the YMCA is being planned for Woking town centre, giving young people a safe place to get together. The centre would take up the first and second floors of Hollywood House in Chobam Road. These floors have been vacant for around 17 years.
The premises have been provided by Woking Borough Council along with allocation of £750,000 in funds agreed last March- to cover the cost of setting up the facility.
Surrey County Councils Local Committee for Woking also has allocated funding to the project. The project started five years ago with a group of people aged 18 to 25, who decided youngsters in Woking needed a safe place to hang out that would be free of alcohol and drugs. The group began to build up a network of support to help make the dream a reality and two years ago the YMCA became the umbrella organisation to take the project, named ReGen forward.
The aim of the project is to provide a safe and positive environment, offering young people an alternative to gathering in the streets, pubs, restraints and clubs of the town centre. Helen Keelty vice chairman of Woking YMCA has been involved in the project from the early stages. She explained that the facilities would be open to teenagers up to the age of 19 and would be inclusive of any gender, race or faith.
The facilities proposed include a café and various entertainment, advice and counselling facilities. Some space would also be available for hiring out and a snack shop style bar would sell pre packaged food, sweets and cold drinks.
Leisure and entertainment facilities would include a table football, pool and video games as well as video screens. A computer and IT and internet access would be provided and there would be a music system and the possibility of providing space for young bands to play their music in a sound proofed area. The YMCA, which has been dormant in Woking for some time, is using this as its re-launch project and has had a fresh influx of members. There are currently around 14 members on the management board to help the project along. On Tuesday a planning application came before Woking Borough Councils planning committee for the change of use of the premises to be granted in order for the project to go ahead.
The officer’s report said: “This is a commendable project which could help address some of the concerns about anti-social behaviour in the town centre.” In discussing the merits of the application, Cllr Neville Hinks said:” I am more than happy to see the premises being put to a very good use. It has my full approval.” Cllr Ian Eastwood said:” This is something that has been long needed in this town and I am really glad to see it.” “I thank the YMCA for taking this on. I think it will be a great asset to the borough.” Councillors voted unanimously to agree to the change of use of Hollywood House. The council will remain the leaseholder but responsibility for running costs and upkeep of the centre will lay pass to the YMCA.
Woking Review –Week ending Apr 04
A PLACE TO MEET-by Lisa Porter. Youth Café and advice centre for Woking
Young people in Woking are to get a new town centre venue where they can meet up with their friends. The YMCA ReGen project got the go ahead after lengthy debate by the executive committee of Woking Borough Council last Thursday, April 3.
The aim of the project is to develop and run a youth café and information and advice centre for young people in Hollywood House, Church Street East.
The projects vision is to bring regeneration into the lives of young people in the borough and provide a safe environment for youths to relax with friends, where they can also receive support, information and advice.
In addition it will promote and deliver a programme of activities and opportunities through relational youth work.
The project would be primarily aimed at those between 11 and 18 but could involve those up to the age of 25. It is estimated that 100 young people, 95 per cent of whom will be under 20, will use the services provided each week.
Woking Borough council’s executive director, Ray Morgan said: “The project would fulfil a need to provide facilities for young people previously recognised by the council and make best use of the remaining lease at Hollywood House.”
The executive had deferred the consideration of the project on March 13 as members had expressed concern at the financial implications of the report.
It was considered that an in depth review of the additional information, including the business plan, was required.
However on Thursday the executive resolved to give its support to the project.
Councillors also agreed a budget provision of £750,000, to be financed from the Investment Programme, for the first floor of Hollywood House and consequential works including initial revenues support of £30,000 for the set-up costs.
Councillor Barry Pope said: “We should go ahead and fund it. It is a lot of money but then we’re trying to address concerns. “Young people in Woking should have their needs addressed and it’s about time we got serious about it. I think it’s a good project.”
“Its time to bite the bullet and make an investment in their future, said Cllr Rosie Sharpley. Cllr Rosemary Johnson added: “When I knock on doors people want more done for the youth of today.”
Joining hundreds of other young people from some 60 countries, a group of young people from Surrey attended the YMCA Festival Europe in the beautiful city of Prague. The Festival ran from 3-9 August 08, and Surrey vinvolved employees Esther Nash (Woking YMCA) and Nadine Cullum (Redhill & Reigate YMCA) took 5 young volunteers to join over 6,500 young people – James Donaghy , Sean Flint, Sarah Garner, Josefina Bonsundy Nromba, and Eleanor Palmer.
The Festival, the second of its kind, was held in Prague’s city park, packed with entertainment to suit all ages and enough water to provide hours of water fights! The week’s programme centred around the theme of “Real Life”, celebrating the YMCA global movement, and included numerous activities. Stages hosted many shows and bands – including UK band 4Kornez and The Artful Dodger – talents from representatives from YMCAs around the world, musicians and singers doing many a-tune (including the inevitable YMCA song and actions)! Optional workshops included henna painting, decorating bags and T-shirts, dance tents, relaxation areas with massage tables and hammocks for the sleepy; exhibitions of efforts from YMCAs around the world; community action topics and informative lessons in how to understand young people better.
The Surrey group also attended Terry Eckersley’s inspiring workshop on “The Young Apprentice.” Terry, CEO of Woking YMCA, spoke about developing individual life skills based on Biblical truths, and encouraged small group discussions to create a sense of openness and learning from the participants. Some of the questions were themed around what dreams do the young people have for their life; do they realise that God has a purpose for them; as well as asking how they could better help meet the needs of others.
Esther Nash, who works on the YMCA’s vinvolved youth project said, “It was a great experience for all involved – staff and young people alike. When combining under a common cause and sharing experiences with 6,500 young people from many countries – whether listening to bands, involved in activities, or meeting other people – things like this provide fun ways to build connections with others. Cultural diversity is powerful, and I was encouraged to see that whatever our context and walk of life, we can have a good time and be empowered to achieve great things in our communities as young people.”
Whilst enjoying the variety that the festival had to offer, young people were given the opportunity to absorb Prague’s music and art culture – from beautiful historic architecture, to crossing the famous Charles Bridge, climbing the hill to the castle and checking out some of the countless number of art galleries – there was always much to see!
During the course of Festival, the group were able to volunteer helping with refreshments in the hot heat, and art student, Sean Flint, used his talent to draw portraits. The group raised £200 each to go on the trip through sports challenges, portrait painting and DJing.
Weller to Champion YMCA
Woking born 'Modfather' Paul Weller has given his support to a charity in his home town. He has become patron of YMCA. Weller was born in Sheerwater and formed the jam after meeting his band mates at Sheerwater Secondary school, now Bishop David Brown School. Chief executive officer at the centre. Terry Eckersley, said: "Our partnership with Paul heralds a new season for the Woking YMCA and would like to thank him publicly and welcome him on board." Fundraising co-ordinator Joshua Richeimer, added: "The office is ecstatic. Paul is really something special. "He was more than willing to be appointed the patron and we hope we will have a firm relationship with him. "We have wonderful people that run the YMCA and we believe that Paul will champion our cause". The Woking YMCA is one of 140 in the UK serving young people with the hope of turning their lives around. It is run from the purpose-built centre, the YPod, in Chobham Road. 
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