From the same bit of paper, so woefully out of date
Started on 25th March, 1946, in an old school building in Arbour Square, Stepney, East London, by the then Rector of Stepney Parish Church, REv. D. H. Booth, MBE, Ma., for children and young people, irrespective of class, creed or colour.
By 1968 the old school building was in bad condition, but the Centre was able to move into it's present premises, St. Faith's Hall, in Shandy Street, Stepney, after spending £ 14,500 on renovating and refurnishing the building.
In addition to the usual Youth Club activities, Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies meet on the premises, which are also used at weekends for social functions.
The Club Leader is Mrs. Pat Arnold, the deputy is Ray Singh, and there are sevral volunteer assistants, including the local Beat Policeman.
Since 1971 Mr Leslie Charteris has been presidnet of the Arbour Youth Centre, and the Honorary Secretary of the Saint Club is Vice-President.
The Centre normally opens for club sessions Sunday to Thursday evenings. It opens at mid-day for youngsters from two local schools and there is usually some holiday project organised for school holidat periods.
This project, owing to its popularity in 1977 and 1978, has remained boating and canoeing instruction on the nearby Regents Canal. In addition a narrow boat has been bought with teh object of arranging outings for small groups. Usually 150 - 200 youngsters take part.
During the year the Centre's average monthly attendance figures are 1000.
To cater for all these activities requires a large income. Each year since the Ian Ogilvy Saint series on T.V. the club has received a cheque for £ 1,000 from the Saint Club towards its expenses.
Owing to rulings by the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Inner London Education Authority our popular boxing section could not be accomodated in the Shandy Street premises, and set up as a seperate Arbour Youth Boxing Club nearby in Stepney Green. One of its stars has achieve international fame and turned professional - Charlie Maggri. He held his wedding reception in the Arbour Youth Centre, became World Champion in March '83.
