Woking YMCA Registered Charity No: 296836, Helping young people build a future

Welcome to Woking YMCA's News and Events page. Here we have posted our latest news and announcements and our latest press coverage.

Delegates from USA New York, Iceland and UK enjoyed Terry’s motivational training workshop!!

Surrey High Sheriff visits Ypod

Surrey High Sheriff Sally Varah attended Woking YMCAs Ypod monthly leadership
and vision evening on 28 July.

Here the Surrey High Sheriff is presenting award certificates to the Woking YMCA
team at their monthly leadership and vision evening.

Sally shared some very powerfull stories and lessons on leadership she had
learned from life and those around her.

Terry, the CEO, said "I am really encouraged by the unique way Sally is so
compassionate and active for the needs of the most vulnerable and needy in
Surrey". He added "We are delighted to be working so closely with her, and with the lessons she has shared with our incredible team of leaders."

Wolsey Place donate to Ypod

ENDEMOL UK is a market leader in digital media and also encorporates ENDEMOL GAMING and DIGITAL STUDIOS - which specialize in digital content. In addition, the UK group has a 25% stake in digital entertainment producer and distributor MoMedia International Ltd and a 40% stake in Pure Grass Films.

The UK group's credits include factual entertainment series GOK'S FASHION
FIX (CHANNEL 4); READY STEADY COOK (BBC TWO) SUPERSIZE VS. SUPERSKINNY
(CHANNEL 4); and COLEEN'S REAL WOMEN (ITV2); hit game shows THE KIDS ARE ALL
RIGHT (BBC ONE); DEAL OR NO DEAL (CHANNEL 4); GOLDEN BALLS (ITV1) 1 VS 100
(BBC ONE); and reality blockbuster BIG BROTHER (CHANNEL 4; E4); and comedy
series 8 OUT OF 10 CATS (CHANNEL 4); WOULD I LIE TO YOU? (BBC ONE); and
CHARLIE BROOKER'S SCREEN WIPE (BBC FOUR; BBC TWO) THE WALL (BBC THREE);

The company is also behind a growing portfolio www.endemoluk.com

Tony has a great heart and respect for the work that the YMCA does with the
YMCA across the nation.
Terry said “it is so great to be working in partnership with Woolsey place
not only developing the commercial aspect and green aspect of Woking town
centre but also reaching out holistically to the whole of the community in
particular the marginalised young people of Woking". “This is helping
vision of helping build a strong leaders, a strong community and strong
families, we are really grateful to Wolsey place "………………….he also commented
this money will help support the work that is giving young people, hope,
faith and vision that they are special and have a unique gifting and
purpose, this in turn helps them with leadership and responsibility. We can’t
just keep attacking the negative.
Woolsey place are looking to become fully fledged corporate sponsors with
Woking YMCA the next financial year!
If you wish to become a corporate sponsor of Woking YMCA please contact us
for further details and benefits. info@wokingymca.org.uk

This is Tony Parrott the operations manager from Wolsey place in Woking kindly donating £250 to Woking YMCA via the chief executive officer Terry
Eckersley in July 2008, that they received as a location free for the
filming of zombies outside Sony in www.wolseyplace.co.uk.

This kind donation
came from zeppotron Part of the HUGE Media company Endemol ENDEMOL UK is one
of the largest independent production companies in Britain and annually
produces over 6,000 hours of output. It incorporates a number of productions
brands including BRIGHTER PICTURES, CHEETAH TELEVISION, INITIAL and
ZEPPOTRON. These four specialise in a broad range of genres including
comedy, game shows, entertainment, specialist factual and scripted series.

Ypod Young Parents Group in the Press

Woking Review, week ending Feb 23 2008

New group is a winner for young mums

Ypod lends its support

By Suzy Talbot

A GROUP of mums and their babies get together for support and some social time every Thursday.

The sessions have been the brainchild of Hannah Robinson, information officer for the Ypod centre in Woking, and Sara Brownsea.

Sara went to a young parents group in Sheerwater but it was only for people up to 22 years old.

She felt she still needed support and, at the same time, Hannah was looking to set up a support group for parents in the centre of Woking.

Hannah said: “Sara felt she was really missing out by not having the support group because 22 is still young and setting up a group like this was something I always wanted to do.”

The mums, currently aged from 16 to 22, meet up every Thursday from 12.30 to 2.30pm at the Ypod in Chobham Road.

Since being established in October, the group has gone form strength to strength and last Thursday the mums and their children celebrated Valentine’s Day.

Value

Sara had brought each mum a present and a red rose and each child received a toy.

Hannah said: “It may sound like a small thing but it really is at the core of why we started.

“We wanted to put value on the young people we work with.”

Hannah in now hoping to move the group on a step and has applied for funding to extend its activities.

If the funding is successful it will be used to pay the parents to learn a skill, to take part in activities and to provide a crèche.

Hannah added: “We want to be able to offer young people something extra and give them the skills to earn money in jobs they can fit around their childcare.”

Charlotte Thompson lives in Goldsworth Park and goes there with her two-and-a-half year old daughter, Ayesha.

The 20-year-old said: “I have been coming along since it started because I wanted to socialize with people in the same situation.

“It’s good for the kids to have other kids to play with as well.”

If the funds come through, Charlotte wants to enrol on a nail technician course and would like to see groups similar to the Ypod one established in other areas.

Hannah said: “This has been a massive success at the YMCA and it is highlighted as a fantastic project that we have run.”

The group runs every Thursday from 12.30 to 2.30pm for parents up to the age of 26, with or without their children.

Lunch is provided and transport costs are covered. For further details call the Ypod on 01483 757160.

DJ Mark Hill @ the Ypod

Woking Review, week ending February 23, 2008

Mark kicks off world tour at the Ypod

by Suzie Talbot

ONE half of a top-selling DJ double act will be starting his world tour in the town.

Mark Hill is best known for hits, including Rewind and Moving Too Fast, as part of The Artful Dodger in the 90s. During that time he nurtured Craig David and produced his Born To Do It album.

After marrying and having a daughter, he has not been in the charts recently but is preparing a comeback with a world tour that will begin in Woking.

Mark said: “I had a family and settled down but missed the buzz of DJ-ing.

“DJ-ing is a great way of assessing your music’s impact on the consumers because you get instant feedback.

“I’ve been to Woking a couple of times and I like it, plus I’m good friends with Terry, the chief executive officer of the Ypod, and I admire what he does.”

The idea for a comeback tour took shape last year when Mark started to broadcast a radio show over the internet.

Now each of the shows, which will include trips to Israel, Germany, Austria and South Africa, will be broadcast over the internet with live chat forums.

Mark is also in talks with MTV and Bebo to televise the tour and he will have a film crew travelling with him.

But his main aim for the tour is to engage with youngsters who would like to become DJs but are too young to use the clubs that traditionally play dance music.

Mark said: “The whole idea behind the tour is to utilize the new technology and I hope people will get the idea of doing it themselves.

“A lot of young people don’t get the chance to show their work because they’re under 18 so I want to encourage them to perform over the internet, as we will be doing.”

He wants to expand this idea into creating youth festivals for dance music and is keen to work with Ypod in setting it up when his tour is finished.

Part of Mark’s plans to make his music more accessible to under-18s came about because he had a family. His wife is due to give birth to their second daughter within the next month.

He said: “Having a family has certainly changed my work ethic and the way I spend my time.

“I don’t want my kids to be excluded from my work when they become teenagers.”

Mark will be at the Ypod in Chobham Road, Woking, on Thursday February 28 from 6 to 8pm.

He will be taking a question and answer session from 5 to 6pm for anyone who is hoping to produce music or DJ.

Entry is free but tickets must be obtained in advance on 01483 757160. The session will also be broadcast at www.markhill.dj.

Why Talk Counselling in Woking Magazine

The Woking Magazine, Spring 2008

A listening ear

Many young people find it difficult to talk to adults, some don’t trust them and others feel older people just don’t understand. This is what prompted Woking YMCA to launch a new, confidential counselling service called ‘WhY Talk’.

Based in the Ypod Centre on Chobham Road, Why Talk opened in September last year and since then the service has helped a number of young people. “We are here to help all young people, regardless of gender, religious belief, cultural background or sexual orientation” said WhY Talk Co-ordinator Wally Fahrer, who has been counselling young people for over 35 years.

For confidentiality reasons Wally cannot discuss individual cases, but he explained: “A typical case would be a young person in their mid-teens experiencing difficulties at home, due to their parents marital breakdown. Because they have no one to talk to, they can become withdrawn at school and grades can suffer. They are usually referred to us by a school teacher.

“The stresses on young people are greater now than ever before, and we see a lot of young people suffering the effects of a broken family. It is extremely sad.”

Why Talk offers a free, confidential service, where young people aged between 14 and 18 years old can talk to professionally trained counsellors in a comfortable and safe environment about the problems they are facing. Wally continued: “All of our counsellors work on a voluntary basis, giving up their spare time to help young people.”

The service became possible thanks to funding from the YMCA and grants form various sources.

Asked what motivates Wally, he replied: “It’s connecting with people at a critical time in their lives. I experienced the loss of loved ones when I was a young person, which has given me an understanding of what young people go through. Sometimes it takes more courage to admit you have a problem and get help, than to hide the problem and cope on your own.”

Although it’s hard to shout about the success stories, Wally explained: “Young people who do seek help have commented that they no longer feel isolated and are able to enjoy life again. It’s important for a young person to be free to seek help and not feel that they have to be strong enough to handle it themselves. We’re always here to help.”

Mark "The Artful Dodger" Hill Djing live at the Ypod 28th Feb

We are delighted to announce that Mark Hill AKA The Artful Dodger will be Djing live at the Ypod from 6-8pm.

Mark Hill co-founded Artful Dodger in the late Nineties writing hit tracks such as ‘Rewind’, ‘Woman Trouble’ and ‘Moving Too Fast’. He nurtured the young CRAIG DAVID, writing and producing Craig’s hit Album, the massive multi-award winning and critically acclaimed ‘Born To Do It’. He is the winner of 4 Ivor Novello awards for song writing and numerous awards for production. He has had over 20 UK Top 20 hits, 2 number 1’s and amassed over 15 million sales worldwide. Now a resident in Ibiza and the UK with his family, Mark is back in the studio producing “club bangers” for the masses!

Entry to the event is completely free and for any ‘up-and-coming’ producers, DJs and musicians there will be a free 60 minute question and answer session at the Ypod from 5.00-6.00pm before Mark performs.

Mark will be broadcasting both performances through over the internet his on-line radio station to a huge following of fans from all over the world.

For more information about the events please contact Paul at Woking YMCA on 01483 757160 or paul.langtree@wokingymca.org.uk. For more information about the internet broadcasts go to www.markhill.dj.

Woking YMCA AGM

Woking YMCA had their AGM on Monday 12th November 2007. It was a fantastic evening with contributions from young people in the form of music and a presentation. Below are some photos from the night.

New Young Parents Group at the Ypod

A new group especially for young parents (up to 26 years old) is starting at the Ypod on Thursday 25th October 2007 from 12.30pm-2.30pm.

We want to encourage young parents to become all they can be. We will offer you support, friendship, social opportunities and activities and we also plan to offer courses shortly.

Please drop in and see us. The group which launches on Thursday 25th October, will run every Thursday from 12.30-2.30pm at the Ypod centre.

We hope to meet you soon.

Woking YMCA CEO attends Youth Justice Conference

Woking YMCA CEO attends Ministry of Justice youth conference. Woking YMCA CEO Terry Eckersley was invited to the Ministry of Justice youth conference to discuss the involvement of young people in government during the day he met former home secretary Jack Staw.

Woking YMCA Board Member Honoured with MBE

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.

Woking YMCA's 1st Anniversary Dinner

Woking YMCA's 1st Anniversary Dinner was held on the 28th September 2007 at the HG Wells Centre in Woking. We celebrated our amazing first year of operation and also honoured some community leaders from Woking who have made a big impact in Woking:

Ray Morgan - Woking Borough Council CEO
Chris Ingram - Woking Footbal Club Chairman
Jid Hussein - Woking and Maybury Sports Club

We also awarded special awards to 3 of our young people who have made an outstanding contribution to the Ypod - Callum Rodgers, Jacob Wilson and Melanie Atkinson.

The evening was a great success and we look forward to celebrating even greater achievements next year.

New Street Dance Class

A new street dance class for ages 14+ will take place at the Ypod every Tuesday from 5-6pm. It costs £3 per session. There is no need to book a place as it runs 1st come 1st served. It is taught by exprienced dancers and Ypod staff members Hannah and Cheryl. It is a fun and friendly class with no pressure involved! It's suitable for all ages including beginners. See dance page for more details! :)

Any questions? Call Hannah on 01483 757160 or email Hannah.robinson@wokingymca.org.uk

Come "Boppin" at the Ypod on Saturdays

Woking YMCA is delighted to announce the launch of our brand new dance classes on Saturdays for children and young people.

Boppin is all about having fun, enjoying dance and is suitable for all abilities. Here is our class timetable:

Baby Boppin      10-11am       3-5 years

Mini Boppin         11-12pm       6-8 years

Teenie Boppin     12-1pm         9-12 years

Bop                       9-10am       13 years +

Classes will start on Saturday September 8th 2007, but come down to the Ypod on Satrday 1st September between 10am-11.30am for our official launch morning. We will be welcoming the Mayor of Woking, the Woking Mascot "Stanley the Tiger", guest celebrities and the Woking Boppin team!

Cathie Cardy will be teaching the classes. Cathie comes to us with a wealth of experience in musical theatre. As a West End dancer she has appeared in shows such as "Chicago", "Fame", "Rat Pack" and "Fosse"

Boppin was founded by Chloe Bell in 2005 and now has two other schools in Hampshire.

For more info visit www.boppin.co.uk

What a caring bunch you are!

NOMINATIONS FLOODING IN FOR COMMUNITY HEROES AWARD

Stories of people who work selflessly for others have been flooding in the Community Hero Awards 2007, being run by the Woking Place Informer and Wolsey Place shopping centre.

The award, launched by the centre in 2006 to honour acknowledge unsung heroes in Woking, has had an overwhelming response this year.
The shortlist included Paula Chapman, nominated by Terry Eckersley from Woking’s YMCA and Anne O’Neill a fundraiser for many charities, including the Stroke Association and the Parkinson’s disease Society nominated by John Vears.

A spokeswoman for Wolsey Place said “With some of the nominations received, it is clear that this award touched the hearts of the local community and showed their appreciations for the nominees’ tireless work”.

The shortlisted finalists will be invited to the Wolsey Place Shopping centre for a special awards ceremony on Friday August 24 at 12.00pm.

The most outstanding community hero will then be decided upon by a panel of judges including Wolsey Place centre manager Richard Wheeler and Woking Mayor, Cllr Bryan Cross.

All finalists will go home with a certificate to commemorate the occasion and the winner will take the coveted Wolsey Place Community Hero Award 2007.

The winner will also receive a selection of prizes, including £5 Gift voucher from WH Smiths, a £25 voucher from F Hinds jewellers, a £20 token from Waterstones book shop and coffee for two at starbucks.

Woking YMCA gets a face lift

Woking YMCA was delighted to receive £10,000 from the Local Committee Fund to give the centre a face lift. The money was spent ina number of areas including new sofa's a new music system, amazing new stage lights, a plasma TV and various games and equipment. Thank you to Local Committee Fund our young people are loving their new look centre!

VIP date for Woking YMCA - Woking Informer

The chief executive of Woking YMCA’s Ypod Centre had an important date last week with the Queen and Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace.

Terry Eckersley and friend Jill Webb joined around 8,000 guests at the royal garden party for community workers in good weather and with some dainty food. Terry said: “The queen and Prince Philip went down one side greeting guests and Prince Charles and Camilla took another route. “At one stage I was standing only yards from the Queen, who was wearing a cream suit and hat”. He said guests were offered cucumber sandwiches, tiny salmon bagels, small rich chocolate cakes with HR on them and “some very posh ice-cream”. He said: “It was a really great honour to be among so many people who serve the community. There was a group of 26 women from Wales who had been working in the community for 40 years and a long serving guy from the Territorial Army who had been out in Iraq. “It is also an honour for the staff and volunteers of the YMCA to be acknowledged for what we have accomplished in the 12 months we have been open”. He said the Ypod team would be holding a VIP dinner on September 28 when the achievements would be outlined.

The Queen holds three garden parties a year with around 8,000 guests at each. At a typical garden party, 27,000 cups of tea and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed, served by 400 waiting staff.

Woking YMCA's Annual Dinner - 28th September 2007

Woking YMCA are delighted to announce our first anniversairy dinner celebration on 28th September 2007 at the HG Wells centre in Woking. During the evening there will be a 3 course dinner and we wil be honoring 3 people who have made an outstanding impact on the community of Woking, one of these is confirmed as Ray Morgan, CEO of Woking Borough Council. More details and how to buy tickets will follow shortly.

Woking YMCA at Woking Mela

Woking YMCA participated in the recent Woking Mela at the woking Mosque. It was a great day and we extend a big thank you to everyone involved in organising the event.

Tenant AGM Success

Tackling anti-social behaviour in a positive way and building sustainable communities were top of the agenda at the annual meeting of Woking Borough Council’s Tenant and Leaseholder Forum. The meeting at the YMCA Ypod was attended by more than 40 council tenants and leaseholders, councillors, council officers and representatives other agencies. Lynette Shanks, neighbourhood inspector for Woking, and Terry Eckersley, chief executive officer of the YMCA Ypod, were guest speakers. They highlighted ways in which the police, the Ypod, the council and other agencies are working together to build better communities and create opportunities for young people to channel their energies positively and creatively. The success of the event confirmed the results of the recent tenant satisfaction survey which showed satisfaction levels with the council as a landlord had risen 4%, with 80% of tenants satisfied.

Prince Charles Visits Woking

Prince Charles will be visiting Woking next week to find out about the borough council’s work to tackle climate change. During the visit, on Friday March 23, he will be shown the site of one of the borough’s green initiatives and launch a major exhibition on the subject by business in the Community in the Peacocks’ shopping centre. He will spend more than three hours in the town, beginning his visit by viewing the Albion Square canopy being built outside Woking Railway Station. The steel and glass canopy stretching from the station entrance to Albion House is equipped with cells which will collect solar energy to light the canopy. He will take part in a seminar involving representatives from seven councils with Beacon status for sustainable energy and key national and local business people, which will include a presentation by Woking Borough Council. Finally, he will watch a film at the Ambassadors cinema for a special viewing of Al Gore’s Oscar winning film, An Inconvenient Truth, which highlights the effect that climate change, could have on the earth. Tim Keeping, Peacocks centre manager said, “We are honoured to be welcoming the Prince of Wales to our centre to open the exhibition.” The exhibition will be displayed outside Marks & Spencer and will remain in the centre until April 13. Cllr Sue Smith, leader of the executive said: “We are looking forward to showcasing some of our important sustainable energy initiatives and welcoming Business in the Community to the borough to launch their exhibition. “Woking Council is one of the leading authorities on climate change and we hope that this very special visit will encourage local businesses to think about the way they conduct themselves and move towards more sustainable business methods.”

Soccer Kids at Woking YMCA starts 16th July 2007

Woking YMCA is delighted to announce "Soccer Kids". Soccer Kids is a new and exciting Soccer programme which incorporates fun, games and basic soccer skills. It is for children aged between 3 and 5 and will take place between 9am-10am and 1.30pm-2.30pm every Monday and Wednesday. It costs £4 per session. To book please visit the Ypod or call 01483 757160.

Please see the link on the left hand side under Children's Activities for more information.

The True Apprentice

Terry Eckersley, chief executive of Woking YMCA, has written a guide to becoming a 'True Apprentice' of Jesus - now available as an e-book.Inspired by a passage in Matthew chapter 10 verses 39 to 42, Terry has written a booklet in the style of the hit BBC show The Apprentice.Terry said: 'I was reading the passage in The Message version of the Bible - which is a new translation in every day English.'And this verse leapt out at me: 'The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a True Apprentice.

You're hired!
The True Apprentice e-book describes the steps you can take to become a 'faithful follower' of Jesus.It is intended to be used as a private bible study, for devotions or quiet times, as notes for church small groups or cell groups, or as the basis for a sermon.I'm a huge fan of The Apprentice and I thought it would be a great way to bring Jesus' message to a modern audience. Divided into six sections, The True Apprentice offers practical advice, entertaining and moving stories and illustrations, bible references, quotes, and a series of challenging questions to end each section.

The e-book is available as to download from The True Apprentice website here: www.thetrueapprentice.com

Word on the Web: inspiration in your inbox: The True Apprentice is being serialised by the Church Army's Word on the Web service, which sends out free daily bible reading notes by email.The True Apprentice series will run from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 June - just after The Apprentice BBC series finished its run on TV.Each day will feature a bible passage with an extract from The True Apprentice to offer daily inspiration and reflection.

YMCA England chair, Regional chair & Regional Exec visit Woking YMCA

Woking YMCA were delighted to welcome the Chair of YMCA England David Bedford, the Regional Chair and the Regional Execuative Officer on the 27th June 2007. Our visitors enjoyed a tour of our brand new building and heard about all our activities and programme. They met our E2E trainer, Jackie and some of our E2E leaners

Brining out the best in our youth

The Woking Ypod welcomed a special visitor on Friday when Shadow Home Secretary for the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg dropped by during a trip to the town. Terry Eckersley, chief executive of the Ypod and Woking Liberal Democrats, including group leader Cllr Sue Smith, greeted the MP for Sheffield Hallam on a tour of the youth facility. The Ypod was officially opened in September and was made possible after a £750,000 grant from Woking Borough Council. Mr Clegg asked Terry about the facility in Chobham Road and its opening hours. Mr Clegg said it was important to preserve such a place for youngsters today, so they would be less likely to get into trouble in their later teenage years. He was given a tour of the conference room, where the youth council holds its meetings and of a main mirrored room with a stage, which is used for gigs and dance lessons by other members of the community. He also visited the state-of-the-art recording studio, a very popular feature at the Ypod which can be used by up and coming bands from across the borough. Regular members Jacob Wilson, Damian Handoll and Callum Radgers spoke to the MP, while testing his skills at the pool table. Callum, 12, said: “I follow politics like there is no tomorrow. I’m not a fan of Tony Blair but I like the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives”. Mr Clegg said: “You have to give young people things to bring out the best in them. “My vision is to keep the young people who I have met here today as positive as possible. We need more places like this in the UK to keep children motivated”. Jacob Wilson, 13 from Woking said: “I really like coming to the Ypod it’s fun. Normally after school I would probably go home but now I can come here, it’s something else to do rather than watching TV and I get to meet new people”. CJ Farrow, 20, from Sheerwater, who volunteers at the centre, said: “From a professional point of view it is great coming into a large organisation at a local level and being able to help with a project with young people aged 11 to 22”. There are also proposals to develop the second floor of the building into a multi use sports hall in the future. For more information about the Ypod, simply call in for a visit or got to www.wokingymca.org.uk.

Crowds turn out to witness

About 700 people took part in an Act of Witness in Woking town centre on Good Friday during which several people read verses from the Bible in their own languages. The event, organised by Churches Together in Woking, began with a procession around the town, led by the Almac, Bisley Brass and Salvation Army bands and joined by Woking Mayor, Cllr John Kingsbury. Churches taking part had red banners or flags and individual churches made red paper chains with messages on them. The chains were joined together during the service and draped on the wooden cross during a service in Town Square. A large crowd watched dramatic performances and listened to readings from the scriptures read by people from other countries. Young people asked questions about the events of Good Friday, which were answered by the Rev Johnny Blair, Vicar of St Paul’s Church, Woking, who led the service. For the first time, five churches covering the South Woking area joined forces for pocessions with crosses, followed by a short service and free hot cross buns for participants and onlookers. The processions, each with one person carrying a wooden cross, started at three separate points and culminated at New Life Church in Kingfield for a service in the car park, which included a dramatised reading for the events of Good Friday. Other churches taking part were St Marks, St Peters, All Souls and Vineyard. The Rev Ian Tweedie-Smith, Vicar of St Marks, Westfield said: “We had an excellent turnout with all five churches in the area represented. “We certainly hope to repeat the event next year”.

A sign of the times

A Sign of the times - There is no excuse for failing to spot Woking YMCA now that it is finally hoisted up a sign on its building in Chobham Road. The Ypod Centre, which opened its doors last year, is based in converted offices and the bland exterior gives no hint of the buzz of activity going on inside. Now, a purpose-made sign, which lights up in the dark, has highlighted the drop-in centre in Hollywood House, which opened its doors in Junes last year, followed by a civic launch in September. Its catchy name was the idea of a 15-year-old girl from Sheer water who won a competition to choose an appropriate title. The two storey conversion, founded with a £750,000 grant from Woking Council with added help from youth organisation Surrey Connexions, boasts a large main hall and stage for live music events and discos, an IT suite, recording studio, café and ‘chill out’ area, as well as administration offices. Plans are being worked out for the upper floor to be fitted out as a multi-use sports hall. But staff and volunteers are not just focused on fun and games, as youngsters can also find advice, support and information when they call in and courses are also run for them. Chief executive Terry Eckersley said: “It’s great that we finally have our sign up. We are pleased because sometimes people have not been able to find us and already we are discovering it makes it easier for them. “We are now very busy. We had 150 young people at a gig night recently and up to 60 people come to the centre on regular drop-in evenings, when they can use all the facilities. We also run dance classes and give employment advice. “The sign brings us into the 21st century, reaching out to demystify the aims of the YMCA. We still have our Christian roots but welcome young people of all faiths and none”. Woking YMCA and the Maybury Sports Club are holding a pool tournament from 6pm-9pm on Monday at the Ypod Centre. Entry costs £2 and forms are available at the Ypod Centre. The centre is open from 4pm every weekday except Wednesday, continuing until 9pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday and until 8pm on Tuesday.

Shoppers make presents felt

Generous shoppers in Woking’s Wolsey Place shopping centre donated more than 100 presents to youngsters for their Christmas party at the Ypod YMCA Centre in Woking. The centre launched a Thinking of others appeal to customers to buy an extra present while shopping before Christmas and drop off the gift at the YMCA stand on two Saturdays last month. The sackful of presents was delivered to the Ypod on December 19 by Wolsey Place operations manager Tony Parrott. Wolsey Place centre manager Richard Wheeler said: “The YMCA operates to serve the community of Woking and does a brilliant job. “As well as offering practical advice to the homeless. They give a safe place for young people to meet, explore their creative skills and reach their full potential.” Terry Eckersley, chief executive of Woking YMCA, said: “We couldn’t have done this without the kindness of Wolsey Place shoppers. “I know our young people want the community to know how grateful they are”.

Dance crews in battle at Ypod

Woking’s young, hip and trendy descended on the Ypod Centre last week to show off their breakdancing moves at a Dance Battle. The event saw teams of youngsters from across the south battling it out on the dance floor before breakdancing extravaganza Life of a B-Boy touched down at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre on Tuesday. Organised by the Woking Dance Festival, the visitors at the end of the battle were Brighton and Hove-based break dance crew New Moves comprising Rhys Mobsby, Denzel Daniels, Miss Rhodes, Roxanne Bryant and Miss Mayhem who wowed the judges with their styles. The first of its kind for Woking, the event also saw performances from the home-grown talent of the Karen Clarke Dance School who competed against the cream of the crop in a series of knock out rounds. Organiser Rachel Deadman said the event was a resounding success. She added: “It was an awesome event and the atmosphere remained supportive and friendly for the whole evening. “All of the youngsters, although they were competing against each other, showed one another so much respect. “There are a lot of excellent street dance groups around the South East, it was wonderful for groups to come from as far as Caterham and Brighton to take part”. Many of the dancers rounded their evening off at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre where Woking’s very own self-professed “B-Boy” Chimp Chilla AKA Rob Pourtney was making some killer moves in his hip-hop show Life of a B-Boy. The Chimp performed alongside two other members of this internationally-acclaimed dance crew Funkstylerz, Mouse and Steady, proving their skills extend much further than the ability to think up interesting sobriquets.

On the E2E path to a brighter future

The Entry to Employment scheme aims to give young people the skills they will need for a secure future. Rob Brown visits the Ypod to see what’s on offer. A New scheme is helping the dreams of Woking’s teenagers become a reality and paying them for the privilege. The E2E Entry to Employment project steers youths on a path to further education or employment by offering training and opportunities to learn new skills. Spearheaded by national youth and crime reduction charity Narco and based at the YMCA’s state-of-the-art Ypod centre in Chobham Road, the scheme is aiming to set teenagers on the straight and narrow. But the straight and narrow means anything but boring. Arts, photography and media courses, tailored work placements and high-tech equipment combine with a weekly incentive of up to £30 to keep learners on the right path. The Ypod’s professional standard digital music studio surely enough to make the mouth of any hip hop young thing water is fuelling the dreams of Shane Bryant, 17, of one day breaking into the record industry. Ivor Hartney from Maybury was also reaping the rewards of E2E and looking forward to the future. The 20 year old said: “The art is great fun and the music is very good as well. The facilities are awesome, it’s like a professional studio and some of the stuff you can do sounds as professional as hit songs. That’s very cool. “I think the course has given me quite a good chance for the future. I would like to own my own design business so the art has obviously really helped. The trainer, Marina has been a big help because she’s an artist”. Marina Cobra is the visual artist in residence at the Ypod. She explained her role as she helped course member Robin Gunderman, 17, with his artwork. Her course aims to teach youngsters literacy and numeracy through art and help them understand the principles, history and techniques of visual art through trips to galleries and street art exhibitions. “We engage them with a goal and it’s great to see them understanding the art and talking about their work together,” she said. We teach them how to research what they need to know about the artists and understand shape, proportions, balance and the mediums of art. It is really rewarding to see them succeed.” Course trainer Emily Taylor said: “E2E is very much about young people making the most of the opportunities available to them. The course is not exclusive to, but perhaps more for people who didn’t have the most positive experience of education. But it’s open to everybody really. “They can come along, gain qualifications, get on courses for music, arts, citizenship, cooking and team building. All these things contribute to nationally recognised qualifications and build their key skills. “Each learner should be prepared to complete a work placement because that is invaluable experience especially when it’s in a core area of their choice. “We have had marvellous success with E2E. It’s a great opportunity for young people to do something positive for their future.” The course runs from Tuesday to Thursday between 9.30am and 3.30pm. Lunch is provided call the Ypod on 01483 757160 or Nacro on 01784 492192 to find out more about joining E2E.

Woking YMCA takes young people to Germany

In August 2006, Youth workers from the Ypod took 8 young people on an international exchange trip to Rastatt, Germany. The town of Woking is twinned with Rastatt in Germany and Fano in Italy and every year the council organises a youth environmental exchange between the 3 countries where agroup of young people from each town visit each other for a week of activities. This year it was Germany's turn to host the event, planning and providing a week for of activities combining environmental conservation work and social activities.

Project particpant Ashley said:

"The Germany trip was such great fun and i would love to go again. The people were so nice, crazy and the food was nice too. All i can say is this, it cost £150 to go! I don't think there ever could be a holiday that was this good anywhere for £150. it was a blast and worth every penny. We (I) learnt so much German and Italian it was great. I am really sad that it has finished and can't wait till next year so we can have more crazy fun!"

Darren gave this feedback:

"Its me Super Squirell-Darren; Hi, , it's been a week since we've been back now and I wish I was back out there already!Its was so clean and tidy out there, and everyone we was with was so friendly. We was also kept very busy for the whole time we was out there, with spare time in the evenings. It was a great experience for me as I've never done anything like this before plus I've never been abroad before, so it was all good experiences. I'll definetely be there next year for when the Germans and Italians come down to Woking."

In August 2007 the Germans and Italians will be visiting us here in Woking. If you are between 16-20 and would like to participate please contact Sarah Henderson at Woking Borough Council sarah.henderson@woking.gov.uk

Civic members applaud centre

Terry Chimes opening YMCA
recording studio with local
band Aspex.

THE YPOD Centre in Woking was given a civic seal of approval when it was officially opened at a huge gathering. Woking Council officers, councillors,Surrey's Lord Lieutenant Sarah Goad and mayors from surrounding boroughs joined the celebrations, at the YMCA's drop-in venue, in Chobham Road, on Wednesday last week. The former offices near the town centre have been converted into two floors to provide a safe where teenagers, up to the age of 19, can meet after school hours and at some weekends. They have the use of a 'chill-out' area, cafe, recording studio and IT room and advise and information are on hand. A second floor is earmarked for a multi-use sports hall, but has yet to be equipped. During the evening the audience saw images on the huge screen of activities taken place by members during the summer including joining a conservation group in Woking's twin town Rastatt in Germany with other nationalities. Woking Mayor John Kingsbury cut a ribbon around the stafe to declare the centre open, saying the £750,000 grant from the council for the conversion had been well spent. He said he and others had visited the YMCA Plantation Cafe, in Guildford, during 2003 and been impressed by what they saw. He said: "we came back to Woking thinking that if it worked in Guildford it could work here". He said: "This will be a lasting testimony to the support of the council, officers and YMCA Trustees. "It is an act of faith in young people". Youth worker at St Johns Church, Woking, Paul Wagtree, recalled that the idea of a meeting place in the town centre came from youngsters themselves in the mid 90's. He said: "Ten years on, it is really exciting to be here and see it and know young people can come here and use it". YMCA chief executive Terry Eckersley stressed that the name implied the organisation was for young Christian men, but was open to all young people of any faith or no faith. He said: "When I first came to Woking I had to do a lot of workon demystifying the YMCA. It is genuinely multi-cultural". During the evening a trophy was presented to members of Woking and Maybury Sports Club for their football teams.

Stars turn out for the opening of Ypod!

Herbie Armstrong, former member of Van Morrison’s band, and Terry Chimes, drummer with The Clash and Black Sabbath, will attend the new youth centre launch. The opening night on 29 June will feature live music by some of Surrey’s best young bands, free food, refreshments and entertainment. The invite-only celebration will bring together celebrities, local dignitaries, young people and representative from nearby youth organisations. Terry Eckersley, Chief Executive, said: "It promises to be a fantastic evening for the community and young people. We are very proud of the Ypod and know it will have a big impact on the lives of young people in the area."

A safe place

The Ypod will offer young people in Woking a safe place to hang out after school and at weekends, and also learn new skills and get advice. Drama and music will be two of the main activities at the centre, which boasts a professional recording studio, Ytunes, and a huge hall and stage for music and performing arts. Woking YMCA has a long history of links with performing arts and music. The Beatles became members of the YMCA in 1963. And on 15 February 1980, at the height of their popularity, local boy Paul Weller and his band the Jam played a fundraising gig for the charity.

Giving young people a voice

Woking YMCA is keen to make sure that young people are involved in making decisions about what happens at the centre. In 2005 they ran a competition for young people to name the new facilities. Rosie, 15, from Sheerwater and Maybury Youth Council, came up with the winning name. The Ypod Youth Council meets regularly to input the opinions of young people into the running of its programmes and facilities.

Woking YMCA has formed partnerships with Woking Borough Council, Surrey County Council, Surrey Youth Offending Team and Woking Connexions. In collaboration with these agencies, the youth centre will offer young people advice on housing and homelessness, alcohol, drugs and substance misuse, and help them to find and keep jobs.

A Centre of Excellence

Woking YMCA aims for Ypod to be a centre of excellence in the town. It will work principally with young people up to the age of 19 and will be open after school on Mondays and Fridays and on Saturdays from the beginning of July. Entry is free but for some events, such as live music in the evenings, there will be a small fee.

Due to open at the end of June 2006, the Ypod in Woking will be a youth drop in centre, giving young people a safe place to get together. The centre takes up the first and second floors of Hollywood House in Chobam Road in the centre of Woking. These floors have been vacant for around 17 years.

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, then 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, restaurants and clubs of the town centre. The facilities will be open to teenagers up to the age of 19 and would be inclusive of any gender, race or faith. The centre will offer a youth café, recording studio, Internet access and a comprehensive information and advice service. It 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. It will be open after school hours and during some weekends. Entry to the building will be free on most occasions although there may be a small entry fee for gig nights and special events. Professional and accredited schemes designed to equip young people with qualifications and skills will be run by qualified adults. Phase two of the building work includes plans for a sports hall marked for five a side football, which will be located on the second floor. The premises have been provided by Woking Borough Council along with allocation of £750,000 in funds to cover the cost of setting up the facility. The council will remain the leaseholder but responsibility for running costs and upkeep of the centre will lay pass to the YMCA. Surrey County Councils Local Committee for Woking also has allocated funding to the project.

Get down to the Ypod! Soon!

Young people in the Borough have only a few weeks to wait before they can start using the Ypod, a brand new state-of-the-art youth development centre in the heart of Woking.
The new YMCA building - renamed the Ypod by local teenager Rosie - is located in Chobham Road and will be officially opened at the end of June. The Ypod will host a special presentation to which local members of the community will be invited to take a look at the new facilities.

The centre, which has received £750,000 of funding from Woking Borough Council, will offer a youth café, recording studio, Internet access and a comprehensive information and advice service. It will be open after school hours and during some weekends; offering young people a safe environment in which they can chill out with their friends. Entry to thebuilding will be free on most occasions although there may be a small entry fee for gig nights and special events.

Speaking about the Ypod, Terry Eckersley from Woking YMCA, said: “We are keen to create a safe, relevant, user-friendly centre where young people can feel at home and focus on developing different areas of their lives. We are committed to making the centre a success and are looking forward to welcoming young people through the doors.”

Fancy going on an adventure this summer?

Are you aged between 16 and 20 years and looking for an adventure this summer? If so, Woking Borough Council may have an exciting proposition for you.

During August, the Council (and the Ypod) will be taking around 10 young people on an exchange trip to its twin town in Rastatt, Germany to give them the opportunity participate in nature conservation work and enjoy a whole host of social activities.

The conservation trip is just over a week long and costs only £150, which includes flights, accommodation, food and all social activities. (There will be some bursarys available from the YMCA if finance is an issue- don’t let it be!) All participants will have an opportunity to meet new friends, brush up on their german language skills, learn about practical conservation and enjoy a range of fun activities including a trip to Europa Park – one of Germany’s top theme parks.

Nicola Parsons, Woking Borough Council’s Services for Young People Co-ordinator, said: “The conservation trips are always excellent fun and provide a great opportunity for young people to travel in a safe environment where they can learn new skills and meet new friends. It really is a fantastic adventure at an affordable price. I would strongly encourage any young person who is interested, to get in touch and do something different this summer.”

The trip will take place from Saturday 12 August to Monday 21 August and there is a discount for gold Passport to Leisure holders. The young people will be accompanied by qualified youth workers and a member of Woking’s YMCA organisation.

For more information about the conservation camp, please contact Nicola Parsons, on 01483 743669 or email nicola.parsons@woking.gov.uk.

Simon Bellord Honoured by Woking Rotary

BECAUSE OF HIS OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE COMMUNITY, SIMON HAS BEEN MADE WOKING COMMUNITY MAN OF THE YEAR!

A man who has helped re-launch the YMCA as the Ypod Centre in Woking has been made Community Man of the Year.

The honour was given to Simon Bellord by the Rotary Club of Woking in recognition of his outstanding voluntary service. Simon, 46, of Coniston Road, Old Woking, has lived in the town for 19 years and was working in IT with Phillips Petroleum, heading the customer services team, when he decided to study for a degree.

He gained his BA in politics, philosophy and history in 2005, having worked during his studies on an internet research project for young people educated other than at school. He has lectured in IT Key skills and worked extensively for the charity CAFOD, visiting schools and youth groups to discuss development and fair trade in developing countries. His latest voluntary project has been the Ypod centre now being constructed in Chobham Road, Woking, where a recording studio, chill-out area, coffee bar, information and support will be available for young people when it opens later this year. Simon has been the right-hand man of Ypod chief executive Terry Eckersley, working in fundraising and standards. The father of three who describes himself as a 'househusband' is also standing in the borough elections as Conservative candidate for Mayford and Sutton Green. Simon will be presented with his award by Rotarians on Friday May 19 at Hoebridge Golf Centre.

SIMON, WHO HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANT IN HELPING RE-LAUNCH WOKING YMCA IN THE FORM OF THE YPOD CENTRE, HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN A CERTIFICATE FROM SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL FOR EXCELLENCE IN HIS SUPPORT OF THE EVERY CHILD MATTERS AGENDA.

AN OUTSTANDING HUSBAND AND FATHER OF THREE, SIMON IS ALSO STANDING FOR LOCAL ELECTION TO WOKING BOROUGH COUNCIL, AND IS ALREADY MAKING A HUGE COMMUNITY IMPACT! www.woking.gov.uk

FUNDING FOR YOUTH COUNCIL

Woking Ypod are really pleased to be awarded a grant from www.surreycvys.org.uk to help with the continued success of its Youth Council. Money will be spent to further the cause of Young People services and Issues in Woking.

Ashley Collins - A member of Ypod Youth Council with Award.

Ashley has also been doing a placement with Woking YMCA as part of his studies and personal development. Ashley who also been recently involved in International Youthwork has been specialising with Flying colours in Health and Social Care related Issues and Multi Media expression.

Simon Bellord

Simon Bellord our Fundraising specialist is really excited to further the cause of the Ypod Youth Council. Thanks are given to www.surreycvys.org.uk for supporting the Ypod in this capacity and all the great work they do in Surrey for Youth Provision.

WBC COUNCIL OFFICIALS INSPECT YPOD

Darren and Ian are really pleased with the progress being made on the building which is now coming to completion. The building is looking to be open from end of May 2006! Watch this space!

Darren inspecting the state of the art internet and IT centre area and high tech flooring system.
www.woking.gov.uk

Our stylish cafe bar area: Coffee, Juice Bar, New York Bagels etc! It will also have wireless internet access!

PRESS RELEASE-YPOD CENTRE-PARTNERSHIP AND CONSULTANCY EPITOMISED

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.

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:

Music Gigs and performing arts
Recording studio and music production
Advice, Information and guidance
Sports opporpunities
Chill out
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.

Dr John Thomas, Honorary Secretary of Woking YMCA, received an MBE in the New Year Honours list

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

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!

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!!!

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 January 31, 2004

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 April 12 2003

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.”

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